Astronomy flashcard 2

Front

How many planets are in the solar system?

Back

There are 8 planets in the solar system.

Front

How old is the Earth?

Back

The Earth is about 4.6 billion years old.

Front

What is the belt of icy bodies that exists outside of Neptune's orbit called?

Back

The Kuiper Belt.

Front

What does the rotation of a planet dictate?

Back

The rotation of a planet dictates the length of the planet's days and nights.

Front

What are the outer planets, including Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune, commonly called?

Back

They are called Gas Giants.

Front

What is the closest planet to the Sun?

Back

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.

Front

What is the largest planet in our solar system?

Back

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system.

Front

What is the main component of the Sun?

Back

The Sun is primarily composed of hydrogen.

Front

What is the term for a planet's path around the Sun?

Back

An orbit.

Front

What are the two types of planets in our solar system?

Back

Terrestrial planets and Gas Giants.