PLANETS CLUE CARDS

Front

• -A giant star at the center of the solar system.

• -Gives light, heat, and gravity to keep planets in orbit.

• -Composed mostly of hydrogen and helium.

• -Explodes energy in solar flares.

• -Astronomers observe it using space telescopes.

Back

Sun

Front

• -Closest inner planet to the Sun.

• -Has no atmosphere—surface marked by meteorite impacts.

• -Average temperature swings drastically.

• -Orbit is the fastest around the Sun.

• -No moon, no ring.

Back

Mercury

Front

• -Inner planet with a thick, toxic atmosphere.

• -Surface hot enough to melt lead—average temperature over 460°C!

• -Often called Earth's "sister", but very different in property.

• -Astronomers and space missions study it to discover its secrets.

Back

Venus

Front

• -Only planet known to support mankind and life.

• -Has water, a breathable atmosphere, and protective magnetic field.

• -Explored using space shuttles, spaceships, and probes.

• -Home to scientists, astronauts, and invention.

• -Surrounded by satellites used to monitor and observe Earth.

Back

Earth

Front

• -The "Red Planet" due to iron dust on its surface.

• -Target of many space missions and probes.

• -Possible past water—scientists try to prove signs of life.

• -Has dust storms, two small moons, and large volcanoes.

• -Humans hope to launch a mission to land there and return safely.

Back

Mars

Front

• -Largest planet, a giant with over 75 moons.

• -Famous for the Great Red Spot, a giant storm.

• -Has faint rings and strong gravity.

• -Composed mostly of gas—doesn't have a solid surface.

• -Astronomical object observed by space telescopes and probes.

Back

Jupiter

Front

• -Known for its bright rings made of ice and dust.

• -A gas giant with dozens of moons.

• -Orbit is farther from the Sun—average temperature is very cold.

• -Astronomers still wonder about its internal composition.

• -Explored by the Cassini space mission.

Back

Saturn

Front

• -An outer planet that rotates sideways.

• -Has a faint ring system and methane in its atmosphere.

• -Very cold—far distance from the Sun.

• -Discovered by telescope—barely visible to the eye.

• -Observed during flyby space missions.

Back

Uranus

Front

• -Outer planet and farthest from the Sun.

• -Strong winds and dark storms on its surface.

• -Composed mostly of gas and ice.

• -Discovered through mathematical observation before it was seen.

• -Travel to Neptune takes many years—one of the farthest explorations.

Back

Neptune