Download - Components of Space
Components of Space
UniverseAll of space that includes many galaxies
GalaxyA system of stars mixed with gas and
dust.We are part of the Milky Way Galaxy,
which is a spiral galaxy.The next closest galaxy is called
Andromeda.
There are approximately 200 billion stars in our galaxy.
Solar SystemThe solar system includes the sun and all
the bodies that orbit around it.
Planet
A spherical body that orbits around the sun and has its own gravity
Put the following in order from largest to smallest:
Solar System Universe Galaxy Planet
UniverseGalaxy
Solar System
Planet
Inner PlanetsThese are known as terrestrial planets
because they are dense and rockyMercuryVenusEarthMars
Asteroid & Asteroid Belt Asteroid – A large
rock which is smaller than a planet and orbits the sun
Asteroid Belt – asteroids that revolve around the sun between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter
Outer PlanetsThese are known as the gas giants
because they are very large and mostly made of gas
JupiterSaturnUranusNeptune
Dwarf Planet - Pluto
Pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet because it is very small
Solar System Diagram
Moon
A naturally occurring satellite orbiting around a planet
Some planets have more than 1 moon
StarA massive ball of
luminous gas that are held together by their own gravity
A star creates its own light
The life cycle of a star is determined by its mass.
Constellation
A group of stars that form a pattern in the sky
CometAn icy body that releases gas or dust and
has a long oval orbit
Meteoroids & Meteor & Meteorites
Meteoroid – a chunk of rock or dust that usually comes from comets or asteroids
Meteor – a meteoroid that enters Earth’s atmosphere and completely burns
Meteorite – a small rock that lands on earth from space
Additional Links
http://www.kidsastronomy.com/solar_system.htm
http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/solar-system
http://www.nasm.si.edu/research/ceps/etp/etp.htm
Ticket Out
Which planets are terrestrial and which planets are gas planets?