Solar System Key Terms

Front

What is the Solar System?

Back

The Sun together with the group of planets and other celestial bodies that are held by gravitational attraction and revolve around the Sun.

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What is a Planet?

Back

Any of the large celestial bodies that revolve around the Sun in the solar system.

Front

What is the Sun?

Back

The star that is the central body of the solar system, around which the planets revolve and from which they receive light and heat.

Front

Which planet do we live on?

Back

Earth, the planet that is third in order from the sun.

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What is the Atmosphere?

Back

The layer of gas surrounding planet Earth that is held in place by gravity and composed of a limited number of elements, primarily nitrogen and oxygen.

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What is a Celestial Body?

Back

Any natural object outside of Earth's atmosphere, including stars, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.

Front

What is a Star?

Back

A massive, luminous sphere of plasma held together by gravity, which produces light and heat through nuclear fusion.

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What is a Moon?

Back

A natural satellite that orbits a planet, such as Earth's Moon.

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What is an Asteroid?

Back

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

Front

What is a Comet?

Back

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