Nov22Objects in Our Solar System

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What is a comet?

Back

A comet is an icy object that, when passing close to the Sun, heats up and begins to release gases, forming a glowing coma and sometimes a tail.

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What are the four terrestrial planets in our solar system?

Back

The four terrestrial planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. They are rocky, have a solid surface, and are closer to the Sun.

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What is the Kuiper Belt?

Back

The Kuiper Belt is a region of the solar system that begins just past Neptune's orbit and extends outward, containing many small icy bodies.

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What are asteroids primarily made of?

Back

Asteroids are primarily made of rock.

Front

What shape are the orbits of the major planets in the solar system?

Back

The orbits of the major planets are mostly elliptical in shape.

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What is the difference between a meteor and a meteoroid?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic body in outer space, while a meteor is the streak of light produced when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up.

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What is the main characteristic of gas giants?

Back

Gas giants, like Jupiter and Saturn, are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium and do not have a well-defined solid surface.

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What is the asteroid belt?

Back

The asteroid belt is a region located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, where many asteroids are found.

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What defines a planet?

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A planet is a celestial body that orbits a star, is spherical in shape, and has cleared its orbit of other debris.

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What is the significance of the Sun in our solar system?

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The Sun is the central star of our solar system, providing light and heat that sustain life on Earth.