Solar System and Space Exploration

Front

What are the four planets that orbit closest to the Sun?

Back

The four planets closest to the Sun are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. They are known for having a rocky and terrestrial surface.

Front

Why do planets in our solar system orbit the Sun?

Back

Planets orbit the Sun because it is the celestial body with the greatest mass, which creates a strong gravitational pull.

Front

What is an advantage of using space telescopes over Earthbound telescopes?

Back

Space telescopes provide clearer images because they do not have to look through Earth's atmosphere.

Front

What are comets believed to be formed from?

Back

Many scientists believe comets are formed in the Kuiper Belt, a region beyond Neptune filled with icy bodies.

Front

What is a satellite?

Back

A satellite is a naturally made or artificially made celestial object that orbits a planet.

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 and helium.

Front

What is the asteroid belt?

Back

The asteroid belt is a region between Mars and Jupiter where many small rocky bodies orbit the Sun.

Front

What is a light year?

Back

A light year is the distance that light travels in one year, approximately 5.88 trillion miles.

Front

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

Back

A planet orbits the Sun and has cleared its orbit of other debris, while a dwarf planet has not cleared its orbit.