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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

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How many planets are in the Solar System?

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There are eight recognized planets in the Solar System: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

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What is a rocky planet?

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A rocky planet, also known as a terrestrial planet, is a planet that has a solid surface made of rock and metal. Examples include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

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What is a gas giant?

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A gas giant is a large planet that is not primarily composed of solid matter. They have thick atmospheres and are mostly made of hydrogen and helium. Examples include Jupiter and Saturn.

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What are dwarf planets?

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Dwarf planets are celestial bodies that orbit the Sun and are similar to planets but do not clear their orbital path of other debris. Examples include Pluto, Ceres, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris.

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What is the closest planet to the Sun?

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Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

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Which planet is known as the Red Planet?

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Mars is known as the Red Planet due to its reddish appearance, which is caused by iron oxide (rust) on its surface.

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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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

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What is an asteroid?

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An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

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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.