Solar System Formation

Front

What is a nebula?

Back

A nebula is a cloud of dust and gas in space, often the birthplace of stars.

Front

What event led to the formation of our solar system?

Back

Our solar system began when an ancient star exploded around 5 billion years ago.

Front

What is the primary fuel for the sun's energy?

Back

The fusion of hydrogen atoms into helium.

Front

What process leads to the formation of planets from dust and gas?

Back

Accretion of particles in the solar nebula.

Front

What is the term for the young version of planets?

Back

Planetesimals.

Front

What is the Big Bang?

Back

The Big Bang is the event that marks the beginning of the universe, occurring about 13.8 billion years ago.

Front

What is solar wind?

Back

Solar wind is a stream of charged particles released from the upper atmosphere of the sun.

Front

What is the difference between a nebula and a galaxy?

Back

A nebula is a cloud of gas and dust, while a galaxy is a massive system containing billions of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter.

Front

What role does gravity play in the formation of the solar system?

Back

Gravity pulls together gas and dust in the solar nebula, leading to the formation of planets and other celestial bodies.

Front

What is a protostar?

Back

A protostar is a young star that is still in the process of forming from a collapsing cloud of gas and dust.