Components of Space Universe l All of space

Components of Space

Universe l All of space that includes many galaxies

Galaxy A system of stars mixed with gas and dust. l We are part of the Milky Way Galaxy, which is a spiral galaxy. l The next closest galaxy is called Andromeda. l l There approximately 200 billion stars in our galaxy.

Solar System l The solar system includes the sun and all the bodies that orbit around it.

Planet l A spherical body that orbits around the sun and has its own gravity

Put the following in order from largest to smallest: Solar System Universe Galaxy Solar System Planet

Inner Planets l These are known as terrestrial planets because they are dense and rocky l Mercury l Venus l Earth l Mars

Asteroid & Asteroid Belt l l Asteroid – A large rock which is smaller than a planet and orbits the sun Asteroid Belt – asteroids that revolve around the sun between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter

Outer Planets l These are known as the gas giants because they are very large and mostly made of gas l Jupiter l Saturn l Uranus l Neptune

Dwarf Planet - Pluto l Pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet because it is very small

Solar System Diagram

Moon A naturally occurring satellite orbiting around a planet l Some planets have more than 1 moon l

A massive ball of luminous gas that are held together by their own gravity l A star creates its own light l The life cycle of a star is determined by its mass. l Star

Constellation l A group of stars that form a pattern in the sky

Comet l An icy body that releases gas or dust and has a long oval orbit

Meteoroids & Meteorites l Meteoroid – a chunk of rock or dust that usually comes from comets or asteroids l l Meteor – a meteoroid that enters Earth’s atmosphere and completely burns Meteorite – a small rock that lands on earth from space

Additional Links l l l http: //www. kidsastronomy. co m/solar_system. htm http: //science. nationalgeogra phic. com/science/space/sola r-system http: //www. nasm. si. edu/rese arch/ceps/etp. htm

Ticket Out Which planets are terrestrial and which planets are gas planets?