Solar System Overview

Front

What are the inner planets?

Back

The inner planets are small, rocky planets that are closer to the sun. They include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

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What is the law of universal gravitation?

Back

The law of universal gravitation states that every object in the universe attracts every other object with a force that depends on their masses and the distance between them.

Front

What is gravity?

Back

Gravity is the force that controls the motion of all objects in the universe. It is determined by the mass of the objects and the distance between them.

Front

What are meteoroids?

Back

Meteoroids are pieces of rock and dust in space that are smaller than asteroids. They can be made of rock, metal, or both.

Front

Which planet is known as the ice giant and is the most distant from the sun?

Back

Neptune is known as the ice giant and is the most distant planet from the sun. It has rings and 13 moons.

Front

What are the outer planets?

Back

The outer planets are large, gas giants that are farther from the sun. They include Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Front

What is an astronomical unit (AU)?

Back

An astronomical unit (AU) is a standard unit of measurement used in astronomy, equal to the average distance from the Earth to the Sun, approximately 93 million miles or 150 million kilometers.

Front

What is a comet?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between a meteoroid and a meteorite?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rock or particle in space, while a meteorite is a meteoroid that has entered the Earth's atmosphere and landed on its surface.

Front

What is the solar system?

Back

The solar system is a collection of celestial bodies, including the sun, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids, that are bound by gravity.