Solar System

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What is the Solar System?

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The Solar System is a collection of celestial bodies, including the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets, that are bound by gravity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Front

What is a dwarf planet?

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A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the Sun and is similar to a planet but does not clear its orbital path of other debris. Examples include Pluto, Ceres, and Eris.

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Which planet is closest to the Sun?

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Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.

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What gas gives Uranus and Neptune their blue color?

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Methane gas causes Uranus and Neptune to appear blue.

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What are the terrestrial planets?

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The terrestrial planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, characterized by rocky surfaces.

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What is the largest planet in the Solar System?

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Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Front

What is the main component of the Sun?

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The Sun is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium.

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What are asteroids?

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Asteroids are small rocky bodies that orbit the Sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

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What is a comet?

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A comet is a small celestial body made of ice, dust, and rocky material that, when close to the Sun, develops a glowing coma and tail.

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What is the difference between a planet and a dwarf planet?

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A planet clears its orbit of other debris, while a dwarf planet does not.