The Solar System and its Discovery

THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND ITS DISCOVERY

Read the article on the Solar System and then answer the following questions:-

1. Name the nine planets in our Solar System.

2. Draw a rough diagram of the orbits of the planets in the Solar System with the Sun at the centre. label the diagram to show the "ecliptic plane".

3. What are the two main differences between the "asteroids" and the "comets" in our Solar System?

4. What is the original meaning of the word "planet"? Why were the planets given this name?

5. Which planet name is given from

a. the goddess of love?
b. the god of war?
c. the king of the gods?

6. What is really happening when you see a "shooting star"?

7. The invention of which instrument enabled astronomers to make all their major discoveries?

8. On which planets have automated space probes landed?

9. Which planets have been surveyed by spacecraft?

10. Which planet has not yet been visited nor surveyed?

11. What is the name of Pluto's moon?

12. List six major differences between the "terrestrial" planets and the "jovian" planets.