Chapter 23- Our Solar System
What are the criteria that an object has to meet to be called a dwarf planet?
-orbits the sun -are rigid and can be nearly spherical -can share its orbit with other objects -are not satellites (moons)
What are the criteria that an object has to meet to be called a planet?
-orbits the sun -has a spherical shape -does not share the space of its orbit with any other object of significant size (other than moons)
How many moons does Mercury have?
0 (Mercury)
How many moons does Venus have?
0 (Venus)
Definition of a plant by the IAU (from notes)
1. it must orbit the sun 2. it must have a spherical shape 3. it most not share its orbit with any other object that its moons
How many moons does Mars have?
2, Phobos and Deimos
How many objects in our solar system are planets by defenition?
8 objects are planets: Mercer, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
What is a planet's path around the sun called?
An elliptical orbit
How does Venus rotate respectively to other objects in the solar system?
Backwards
What is Venus's atmosphere mostly composed of?
Carbon dioxide with smaller amounts of nitrogen and water vapor.
We can classify our planets based on what? (2 ways)
Composition and position
What is the third planet from the Sun?
Earth
What is the only planet not classified in the position category?
Earth (It is neither inferior nor superior)
What are the two groups/categories in the position classification?
Inferior planets and Superior planets
What is a moon?
It is a rocky object that orbits another body in our solar system.
What is the surface of mercury like?
It is a rocky surface plain that is smooth and relatively creator-free.
Where is the largest volcano in our solar system located, what's its name, and what's its size/type?
It is on Mars, it is called Olympus Mons, it is a shield volcano, and the base is larger than the state of Colorado and it is 3 times higher than Mount Everest.
Why would you not want to go to Venus?
It is very hot, has acid rain, it has very high atmospheric pressure (you will be crushed), and it does not have a magnetic field so everything from space will hit you including the sun's radiation.
What are the names of the Jovian Planets?
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune
What is the fourth planet from the Sun?
Mars
What is the closest planet to the Sun?
Mercury
What's planet in our solar system has the biggest nighttime vs. daytime difference?
Mercury
How large is Mercury's atmosphere and what is it made of?
Mercury's atmosphere is very thin and is constantly replaced by the solar wind. The gases in the atmosphere mostly consist of oxygen, sodium, and hydrogen.
What are the names of the terrestrial planets?
Mercury, Venus, Earth, in Mars.
How many times does Mercury rotate when it orbits around the Sun?
Only one and a half times for each full orbit
What are superior planets (definition) and what are their names?
Planets further from the Sun than Earth. They are Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
What are terrestrial planets? (Definition)
Planets that are about the same size and density as Earth (the 4 smaller planets in our solar system).
What are inferior planets (definition) and what are their names?
Planets that are closer to the Sun than Earth. Their names are Mercury and Venus.
What are Jovian Planets? (Definition)
Planets that are larger than Earth, have low densities and are made mostly of light Elements, gases, and ices. (also called gas giants)
Why is Pluto no longer considered a planet?
Pluto was reclassified by the IAU as a dwarf planet. (Also, it doesn't clear out its orbit)
What are moons, dwarf planets, and anything else that is not considered a planet called?
Small Solar System Bodies (SSSB)
What are the two groups/categories in the composition classification?
Terrestrial planets and Jovian planets
the farthest point from the sun called?
The Aphelion
What is the name of Earth's moon?
The Moon
the closest approach to the sun called?
The Perihelion
What does our solar system include?
The sun and the. objects its gravity holds around it (our 8 planets and dwarf planets).
Why can't Pluto and other dwarf planets clear out the objects in their orbit?
They cannot because they do not have enough mass (gravity).
Why don't Superior planets ever transit the Sun?
They don't get sun because they're never between us and the sun.
What is the hottest planet?
Venus
What is the second planet from the Sun?
Venus
Why can we not see Venus directly?
Venus is covered with thick clouds
What type of atmosphere does Mars have?
it has a thin dusty atmosphere Mostly composed of carbon dioxide with a little nitrogen and Trace Amounts of other gases
What are the ice caps on Mars made of?
solid carbon dioxide (dry ice)