What is a Planet?
A planet is a celestial body that orbits around a star and has enough mass for its gravity to shape it into a nearly round shape. Planets do not produce their own light but instead reflect the light of the star they orbit.
Characteristics of Planets:
- Orbit: Planets revolve around a star in a specific path called an orbit.
- Shape: Planets are nearly spherical in shape due to their gravitational forces.
- Cleared its orbit: A planet has cleared its neighboring region of other debris and celestial bodies.
The Eight Planets in our Solar System:
- Mercury: The closest planet to the Sun, it has a rocky surface and no atmosphere.
- Venus: Known for its thick atmosphere and extreme temperatures, it is often called Earth's "sister planet."
- Earth: The only planet known to support life, with a diverse range of ecosystems and a breathable atmosphere.
- Mars: Known as the "Red Planet" due to its iron oxide-rich surface, it has polar ice caps and evidence of liquid water in the past.
- Jupiter: The largest planet in the solar system, known for its massive storm, the Great Red Spot.
- Saturn: Recognizable by its prominent ring system made up of ice particles and dust.
- Uranus: It rotates on its side and is often referred to as an "ice giant."
- Neptune: The farthest planet from the Sun, with a deep blue color and strong winds.
Study Guide:
1. What is the definition of a planet?
A planet is a celestial body that orbits around a star and has enough mass for its gravity to shape it into a nearly round shape.
2. List three characteristics of planets.
3. Name the eight planets in our solar system and describe one unique feature of each.
- Mercury - The closest planet to the Sun with a rocky surface and no atmosphere.
- Venus - Known for its thick atmosphere and extreme temperatures, often called Earth's "sister planet."
- Earth - The only planet known to support life, with a diverse range of ecosystems and a breathable atmosphere.
- Mars - Known as the "Red Planet" with polar ice caps and evidence of liquid water in the past.
- Jupiter - The largest planet with a massive storm, the Great Red Spot.
- Saturn - Recognizable by its prominent ring system made up of ice particles and dust.
- Uranus - Rotates on its side and often referred to as an "ice giant."
- Neptune - The farthest planet from the Sun with a deep blue color and strong winds.
4. What is the key characteristic that distinguishes a planet from other celestial bodies?
A planet must have cleared its neighboring region of other debris and celestial bodies.
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