Take a trip Take a trip around the around the

Solar SystemSolar System

Baker’s Baker’s GuideGuide

to the to the

Solar SystemSolar System

What’s in our Solar System?What’s in our Solar System?

1 Sun1 Sun

8 Planets ( 170 Moons)8 Planets ( 170 Moons)

5 Dwarf Planets5 Dwarf Planets

1 Asteroid Belt1 Asteroid Belt

Various Various

CometsComets

MeteoroidsMeteoroids

AsteroidsAsteroids

Left over debris (Kuiper Left over debris (Kuiper Belt)Belt)

Before we start exploring,Before we start exploring, let’s talk about distances let’s talk about distances

The distances The distances between most between most objects in space objects in space are huge, and mind are huge, and mind boggling.boggling.Because of the Because of the vast distances in vast distances in space we use 2 space we use 2 measurements.measurements.

Astronomical UnitAstronomical Unit

When we talk about distances When we talk about distances inside the solar system: inside the solar system: –Astronomical UnitAstronomical Unit (AU) : distance (AU) : distance

between the Earth & the sun or 93 between the Earth & the sun or 93 million miles.million miles.

Need to know terms:Need to know terms:

Revolution: how long it takes a Revolution: how long it takes a planet to go around the sun. planet to go around the sun.

RotationRotation: how long it takes a : how long it takes a planet to turn once on its axisplanet to turn once on its axis..

Light YearLight Year

Light YearLight Year: : the distance the distance light travels in light travels in one year or 6 one year or 6 trillion milestrillion miles

Trivia: The Sun is so far away that light from the sun takes 8 minutes to reach the Earth, at LIGHT SPEED.

Let’s Take a TourLet’s Take a Tour

First Stop…First Stop…

MercuryMercury

MercuryMercury

Mercury is the innermost Mercury is the innermost planet, & it is a little planet, & it is a little bigger than our moon. bigger than our moon. It is 0.387 AU from the It is 0.387 AU from the sun or 23 million miles!sun or 23 million miles!We know very little about We know very little about the planet. Two the planet. Two spacecraft have visited. spacecraft have visited. – 1975 Mariner 10 flew by 1975 Mariner 10 flew by

three times. three times. – The latest mission to The latest mission to

Mercury is the Mercury is the MESSENGER mission. It MESSENGER mission. It will begin orbiting Mercury will begin orbiting Mercury in 2011. in 2011.

Picture from NASA Messenger Mission

Mercury Fast FactsMercury Fast Facts

Rotation = 58.65 daysRotation = 58.65 daysRevolution = .24 yearsRevolution = .24 yearsSurface is covered with craters.Surface is covered with craters.It’s interior is similar to Earth, It’s interior is similar to Earth, but has a large core, thin but has a large core, thin mantle & brittle crust.mantle & brittle crust.Temperature Range – Most Temperature Range – Most extreme of any planet -334extreme of any planet -334F to F to 840840FF– The side that faces the sun extremely The side that faces the sun extremely

hot, side that faces away from sun hot, side that faces away from sun extremely cold.extremely cold.

Very thin atmosphere that is constantly being destroyed the solar wind.

Why is it named Mercury?Why is it named Mercury?

In Roman mythology In Roman mythology MercuryMercury is the god of is the god of commerce, travel and commerce, travel and thievery, the Roman thievery, the Roman counterpart of the Greek counterpart of the Greek god god HermesHermes, the , the messenger of the Gods. messenger of the Gods.

The planet probably The planet probably received this name received this name because it moves so because it moves so quickly across the sky. quickly across the sky.

Let us travel 39 million miles Let us travel 39 million miles or .33 AUs and learn aboutor .33 AUs and learn about

Venus Venus

VenusVenus

Venus is known as Earth’s Venus is known as Earth’s twin because they are twin because they are similar in size, and is similar in size, and is closest to the Earth.closest to the Earth.

Venus is known as the Venus is known as the morning, or evening star morning, or evening star because it is usually the because it is usually the first “star” that can be first “star” that can be seen in the evening and seen in the evening and the last to be seen in the the last to be seen in the evening.evening.

Venus Fast FactsVenus Fast FactsRotation = 243 Earth DaysRotation = 243 Earth Days

Revolution = Revolution = 224.7 Earth days224.7 Earth days– What does this mean for Venusians? Well, a What does this mean for Venusians? Well, a

day on Venus is longer than its year!day on Venus is longer than its year!

Surface is covered with 1600 volcanoes, Surface is covered with 1600 volcanoes, mountains, canyons & valleys. 65% of its mountains, canyons & valleys. 65% of its surface is covered with smooth plains.surface is covered with smooth plains.

Venus Facts Continued…Venus Facts Continued…

It is difficult to study, It is difficult to study, because of its because of its atmosphere.atmosphere.– Venus is covered in thick, Venus is covered in thick,

dense clouds of sulfuric dense clouds of sulfuric acid (this is the same acid acid (this is the same acid that you can find in that you can find in battery acid).battery acid).

– It’s atmosphere is heavy, It’s atmosphere is heavy, 90 times heavier than Earth’s.

Average Temperature : 855FInterior similar to Earth

Why is it named Venus?Why is it named Venus?

Venus (Greek: Aphrodite) is the Venus (Greek: Aphrodite) is the goddess of love and beauty. goddess of love and beauty. The planet is so named The planet is so named probably because it is the probably because it is the brightest of the planets known brightest of the planets known to the ancients. to the ancients. (With a few exceptions, the (With a few exceptions, the surface features on Venus are surface features on Venus are named for female figures.)named for female figures.) For example: One of the For example: One of the highland plains in named highland plains in named Aphrodite Terra, and a Aphrodite Terra, and a mountain is named Frejya mountain is named Frejya Montes. Montes.

Let us travel 25 million miles or .28 AUs and Let us travel 25 million miles or .28 AUs and learn aboutlearn about

EarthEarth

EarthEarth

Third planet from the Third planet from the sun.sun.THE ONLY PLANET THE ONLY PLANET KNOWN TO KNOWN TO SUPPORT LIFE!SUPPORT LIFE!It It was not until the time of Copernicus (the sixteenth century) that it was understood that the Earth is just another planet..

Earth Fast FactsEarth Fast Facts

Rotation = Rotation = 23.93 hours 23.93 hours

Revolution = 365.26 daysRevolution = 365.26 days (Notice the .26 days, (Notice the .26 days,

we have an extra day every 4 years to we have an extra day every 4 years to compensate or a Leap Year)compensate or a Leap Year)

71% of Earth’s surface is 71% of Earth’s surface is covered in Water. Earth is covered in Water. Earth is the only planet in the solar the only planet in the solar system that has LIQUID system that has LIQUID water.water.

Temperature Range : -Temperature Range : -128128 F to 136 F to 136 F F

SatellitesSatellites

The Earth has one The Earth has one moon.moon.The diameter of the The diameter of the moon is about one moon is about one quarter of the quarter of the diameter of the Earth.diameter of the Earth.It is the only It is the only astronomical object astronomical object other than Earth that other than Earth that humans have stepped humans have stepped foot on.foot on.Called Luna by the Called Luna by the Romans or Selene by Romans or Selene by Greeks.Greeks.

Image credit: Lunar and Planetary Institute

Why is it named Earth?Why is it named Earth?

Earth is the only planet whose English name does Earth is the only planet whose English name does not derive from Greek/Roman mythology.not derive from Greek/Roman mythology.

Name comes from the Old English word: Name comes from the Old English word: eortheeorthe which meant ground or soil.which meant ground or soil.Many cultures have named EarthMany cultures have named Earth– Romans: Tellas – goddess of the EarthRomans: Tellas – goddess of the Earth– Greek : Gaia or Mother Earth (Terra Mater)Greek : Gaia or Mother Earth (Terra Mater)

Let us travel 35 million miles or .52 AUs and Let us travel 35 million miles or .52 AUs and learn aboutlearn about

MarsMars

MarsMars

Mars is known as the red Mars is known as the red planet. planet. This is because the soil This is because the soil has oxidized or rusted. has oxidized or rusted. It is half the size of Earth.It is half the size of Earth.U of A is leading the U of A is leading the Phoenix Mission to MarsPhoenix Mission to MarsASU has instruments on ASU has instruments on both Mars rover and is both Mars rover and is home to the Mars Space home to the Mars Space Flight Facility Flight Facility

Mars Fast FactsMars Fast Facts

Rotation: 24.6 hoursRotation: 24.6 hours

Revolution: 1.88 Revolution: 1.88

yearsyears

Atmosphere: Atmosphere:

Thinner than Earth by Thinner than Earth by

99%. 99%.

Temperature:Temperature:

-200-200F to 32F to 32 F F

Mars’ SurfaceMars’ SurfaceDry & RockyDry & RockyPermanent Ice Caps at both PolesPermanent Ice Caps at both PolesHas tremendous dust storms that Has tremendous dust storms that sometimes cover the entire planet.sometimes cover the entire planet.Has many interesting features:Has many interesting features:– Olympus Mons, an extinct volcano, which Olympus Mons, an extinct volcano, which

rises 75,000 ft above the surrounding plains rises 75,000 ft above the surrounding plains and is the highest known peak in the Solar and is the highest known peak in the Solar System. (By comparison, Mt. Everest is System. (By comparison, Mt. Everest is only only 29,029 FT) 29,029 FT)

– Valles Marineris is a giant canyon that runs Valles Marineris is a giant canyon that runs about 2,500 miles (LA to NYC is 2700 about 2,500 miles (LA to NYC is 2700 miles!) across the surface of the planet and miles!) across the surface of the planet and reaches depths or 4 miles (for comparison, reaches depths or 4 miles (for comparison, the Grand Canyon is not more than 1 mile the Grand Canyon is not more than 1 mile deep). deep).

Mar’s SatellitesMar’s Satellites

Mars has two small Mars has two small moons.moons.Phobos, which means Phobos, which means fear.fear.Deimos, which means Deimos, which means panic.panic.They were probably They were probably asteroids that were asteroids that were pulled into orbit pulled into orbit around Mars. around Mars.

Why is it named Mars?Why is it named Mars?

Mars (Greek: Ares) is the Mars (Greek: Ares) is the god of War. The planet god of War. The planet probably got this name probably got this name due to its red color (blood due to its red color (blood = red)= red)

Mars is sometimes Mars is sometimes referred to as the Red referred to as the Red Planet. Planet.

The name of the month The name of the month March derives from Mars.March derives from Mars.

We have now left theWe have now left theInner PlanetsInner Planets

Planets are closer together in the inner solar system than in Planets are closer together in the inner solar system than in the outer solar system. the outer solar system. The four inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.The four inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.They are called the “Terrestrial” planets because they all They are called the “Terrestrial” planets because they all have rock y crusts and dense mantles & core. have rock y crusts and dense mantles & core. In many ways they are like our own planet Earth. In many ways they are like our own planet Earth. The term The term TerrestrialTerrestrial comes from the word comes from the word terra,terra, the Latin the Latin word for Earth.word for Earth.

Let us travel 400 million miles or 3.68 AUs Let us travel 400 million miles or 3.68 AUs and learn aboutand learn about

JupiterJupiter

Oh No…. Oh No…. We’ve hit an asteroid field!We’ve hit an asteroid field!

More than 100,000 asteroids lie More than 100,000 asteroids lie in a belt between Mars and in a belt between Mars and Jupiter. Jupiter.

These asteroids lie in a location These asteroids lie in a location in the solar system where there in the solar system where there seems to be a jump in the seems to be a jump in the spacing between the planets. spacing between the planets.

Scientists think that this debris Scientists think that this debris may be the remains of an early may be the remains of an early planet, which broke up early in planet, which broke up early in the solar system. Several the solar system. Several thousand of the largest asteroids thousand of the largest asteroids in this belt have been given in this belt have been given names. names.

JupiterJupiter

Jupiter is the 4Jupiter is the 4thth brightest brightest object in the night sky.object in the night sky.It is the 5It is the 5thth and largest and largest planet.planet.Ancients referred to Ancients referred to Jupiter as the wandering Jupiter as the wandering star. star. It has been visited by six It has been visited by six spacecraft and is spacecraft and is frequently photographed frequently photographed by the Hubble Telescope.by the Hubble Telescope.

Jupiter Fast FactsJupiter Fast FactsRotation: Rotation: 9.8 hours9.8 hours

Revolution: 12 yearsRevolution: 12 years

Surface: Does not have Surface: Does not have a solid surface, the a solid surface, the atmosphere just get atmosphere just get denser the farther you denser the farther you go.go.

Temperature:Temperature: -101-101F at Cloud topsF at Cloud tops

Jupiter’s AtmosphereJupiter’s Atmosphere

Jupiter is a giant ball of gas & liquid.

The planet’s “surface” is composed of dense red, brown, yellow, and white clouds. The clouds are arranged in light-colored areas called zones and darker regions called belts that circle the planet parallel to the equator.

Its best known feature is probably the Great Red Spot, a storm larger than Earth

RingsRings

Jupiter has three, Jupiter has three, dark rings which dark rings which consist of fine consist of fine rocks. rocks.

Jupiter’s SatellitesJupiter’s Satellites

Jupiter has 63 known Jupiter has 63 known satellites.satellites.

Jupiter's moons are Jupiter's moons are named for other figures named for other figures in the life of Jupiter in the life of Jupiter (Zeus) -mostly his (Zeus) -mostly his numerous girlfriends.numerous girlfriends.

Galilean MoonsGalilean Moons

Jupiter’s four largest moons Jupiter’s four largest moons are known as the Galilean are known as the Galilean Moons. Moons. They were discovered by They were discovered by Galileo in 1610 and was a key Galileo in 1610 and was a key piece of evidence that proved piece of evidence that proved the Earth was not the center the Earth was not the center of the universe.of the universe.Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, are among the most Callisto, are among the most interesting of all solar system interesting of all solar system moons, particularly Io, with its moons, particularly Io, with its active volcanism, and Europa active volcanism, and Europa with the possibility of a water with the possibility of a water environment friendly to life.environment friendly to life.

How did Jupiter get its name? How did Jupiter get its name?

Jupiter (a.k.a. Jove; Jupiter (a.k.a. Jove; Greek Zeus) was Greek Zeus) was the King of the the King of the Gods, the ruler of Gods, the ruler of Olympus and the Olympus and the patron of the patron of the Roman state.Roman state.

Zeus was the son Zeus was the son of Cronus (Saturn).of Cronus (Saturn).

Let us travel 158 million miles or 4.33 AUs Let us travel 158 million miles or 4.33 AUs and learn aboutand learn about

SaturnSaturn

SaturnSaturn

Saturn is the sixth Saturn is the sixth planet from the planet from the Sun and the Sun and the second largest.second largest.

Saturn is visible Saturn is visible without using a without using a telescope, but a telescope, but a low-power low-power telescope is telescope is needed to see its needed to see its rings.rings.

Saturn Fast FactsSaturn Fast Facts

Rotation: Rotation: 10.67 hours10.67 hoursRevolution:Revolution:29.5 years29.5 years

Surface: Does not have a solid surface, but Surface: Does not have a solid surface, but could float in water because it is mostly could float in water because it is mostly made of gas.made of gas.

Temperature: Cloud Tops -274Temperature: Cloud Tops -274 F F

Saturn’s atmosphereSaturn’s atmosphere

Like Jupiter, it’s Like Jupiter, it’s atmosphere has atmosphere has bands of swirling gas bands of swirling gas and wind.and wind.

It frequently has It frequently has storms that are similar storms that are similar to Jupiter’s Great Red to Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, but unlike it they Spot, but unlike it they form and dissolve.form and dissolve.

Picture from the European Space Agency

RingsRingsIt has four main groups of rings and three fainter, narrower ring groups. These groups are separated by gaps called divisions. . Each of these ring groups are Each of these ring groups are mad of thousands of smaller rings.mad of thousands of smaller rings.They are made mostly of ice chunks (and some rock) that range in size from the size of a fingernail to the size of a car.Although they are 25,000km in diameter, they are very thin, only a km or so from top to bottom. (Less than ½ a mile.)

Saturn’s satellitesSaturn’s satellites

Saturn has 54 named Saturn has 54 named moons. moons. Saturn’s moons are named after the Greek mythological creatures called Titans which are primordial, giant gods.However, because they ran out of names related to Titans, they began naming the moons after Norse, Gaelic, and Inuit gods.

Saturn’s satellitesSaturn’s satellites

The Cassini space The Cassini space mission has mission has discovered some discovered some exciting facts about exciting facts about some of Saturn’s some of Saturn’s moons.moons.Titan, the largest Titan, the largest moon, has a thick moon, has a thick atmosphere and atmosphere and rivers & lakes of liquid rivers & lakes of liquid methane.methane.

More MoonsMore Moons

Iapetus has two sides of remarkably different brightness. Rhea may have its own faint rings. A giant crater on Mimas makes it look like the "Death Star" from the Star Wars.Hyperion is shaped like a garbage can. Prometheus and Pandora are called the "shepherd moons" because they herd particles into Saturn's "F ring

Saturn MythSaturn Myth

In Roman mythology, In Roman mythology, Saturn is the god of Saturn is the god of agriculture, justice, and agriculture, justice, and strength.strength.

His Greek counterpart His Greek counterpart was Cronus and was the was Cronus and was the son of Uranus and the son of Uranus and the father of Zeus (Jupiter). father of Zeus (Jupiter).

Saturn is the root of the Saturn is the root of the English word "Saturday"English word "Saturday"

It is a whopping 19.19 AU’s away from It is a whopping 19.19 AU’s away from Earth! That is 1.7 BILLION MILES!Earth! That is 1.7 BILLION MILES!

UranusUranus

UranusUranus

11stst, let’s get one thing , let’s get one thing straight…the straight…the pronunciation! It is notpronunciation! It is not– "your anus""your anus"– "urine us“"urine us“

Avoid Avoid embarrassment & embarrassment & giggles, pronounce giggles, pronounce it correctly as it correctly as Your in us.Your in us.

UranusUranus

Uranus is the seventh planet from the sun in our solar system.Uranus' blue color is caused Uranus' blue color is caused by the methane (CHby the methane (CH44) in its ) in its atmosphere; this molecule atmosphere; this molecule absorbs red light.absorbs red light.It rotates on its side and so half the time one pole is toward the sun and then the other making each of the four seasons last about 20 years.Uranus rotates backwards! (Clockwise!)

Uranus Fast FactsUranus Fast Facts

Rotation: Rotation: 17.24 hours

Revolution: Revolution: 84 years

Surface: Does not have a Surface: Does not have a solid surface. Has a core of solid surface. Has a core of methane ice surrounded by methane ice surrounded by hydrogen & helium.hydrogen & helium.Atmosphere: 83% hydrogen, Atmosphere: 83% hydrogen, 15% helium and 2% 15% helium and 2% methane. Like Saturn & methane. Like Saturn & Jupiter have bands of clouds Jupiter have bands of clouds that rotate around.that rotate around.Temperature: Temperature: At cloud tops At cloud tops -328-328oo F F

Uranus RingsUranus Rings

Uranus has a Uranus has a complicated ring complicated ring system. system.

It is made of 10 major It is made of 10 major rings, which are rings, which are surrounded by belts surrounded by belts of fine dust.of fine dust.

Uranus SatellitesUranus SatellitesUranus’s moon deviate from the Greek/Roman Uranus’s moon deviate from the Greek/Roman nomenclature. Instead all the moons are named nomenclature. Instead all the moons are named after characters in plays by Shakespeare & Pope.after characters in plays by Shakespeare & Pope.It has 27 named moons.It has 27 named moons.Tatiana is the largest of its moons, and is named Tatiana is the largest of its moons, and is named after the Fairy Queen in a after the Fairy Queen in a Midsummer’s Night Midsummer’s Night Dream.Dream.

Uranus MythUranus Myth

William Hershel discovered William Hershel discovered the planet in 1781. He the planet in 1781. He wanted to name it after his wanted to name it after his patron & king, King George patron & king, King George III. III. The name he wanted was The name he wanted was the the Georgium SidusGeorgium Sidus" (the " (the Georgian Planet)Georgian Planet)But, another astronomer But, another astronomer suggested in 1850, and in suggested in 1850, and in order to conform to the order to conform to the Roman/Greek Roman/Greek nomenclature theme, that it nomenclature theme, that it was to be named Uranus.was to be named Uranus.

My Planet, Georgium Sidus!

Uranus MythUranus Myth

Uranus is the ancient Greek Uranus is the ancient Greek deity of the Heavens, the deity of the Heavens, the earliest supreme god. earliest supreme god.

Uranus was the son and Uranus was the son and mate of Gaia the father of mate of Gaia the father of Cronus (Saturn) and of the Cronus (Saturn) and of the Cyclopes and Titans Cyclopes and Titans (predecessors of the (predecessors of the Olympian gods).Olympian gods).

It is a whopping 30.07 AU’s away from It is a whopping 30.07 AU’s away from Earth! That is 2.82 BILLION MILES! Earth! That is 2.82 BILLION MILES!

It took the Voyager Spacecraft 12 YEARS to It took the Voyager Spacecraft 12 YEARS to reach it!reach it!

NeptuneNeptune

NeptuneNeptune

Neptune is the eighth Neptune is the eighth planet from the sun in our planet from the sun in our solar system.solar system.Neptune cannot be seen Neptune cannot be seen using the eyes alone. using the eyes alone. Neptune was the first Neptune was the first planet whose existence planet whose existence was predicted was predicted mathematically.mathematically.Neptune's blue color is Neptune's blue color is caused by the methane caused by the methane (CH(CH44) in its atmosphere; ) in its atmosphere; this molecule absorbs red this molecule absorbs red light.light.

Neptune Fast FactsNeptune Fast Facts

Rotation: 17.24 hours

Revolution: 165 years

Surface: Similar to Uranus

Atmosphere: Neptune's atmosphere shows a striped pattern of clouds. This cloud pattern is very similar to that of Jupiter and Saturn.

Neptune even has a Great Dark Spot similar to Jupiter's Great Red Spot.

Temperature: Cloud Tops -346o F

Neptune’s RingsNeptune’s Rings

Neptune also has 4 main Neptune also has 4 main ringsrings. .

One of the rings appears One of the rings appears to have a curious twisted to have a curious twisted structure.structure.

Instead of being Instead of being composed of ice, they are composed of ice, they are composed of dust & composed of dust & rocks, making them dark rocks, making them dark because they do not because they do not reflect light as well.reflect light as well.

Neptune’s MoonsNeptune’s Moons

Neptune has 13 moons, 8 Neptune has 13 moons, 8 of which have been given of which have been given names. names. The two largest moons of The two largest moons of Neptune are Triton and Neptune are Triton and Nereid. Nereid. Triton is the Roman name Triton is the Roman name for Poseidon (Neptune) son, for Poseidon (Neptune) son, and Nereid the name for and Nereid the name for mermaids, thus keeping mermaids, thus keeping with the oceanic theme.with the oceanic theme.All the moons are named All the moons are named after oceanic characters in after oceanic characters in Greek mythology.Greek mythology.

Why is it called Neptune?Why is it called Neptune?

In Roman In Roman mythology mythology Neptune (Greek: Neptune (Greek: Poseidon) was Poseidon) was the god of the the god of the Sea, and Sea, and earthquakes.earthquakes.

We have just left the Gas We have just left the Gas Giants behind!Giants behind!

The outer solar The outer solar system (the system (the planets beyond planets beyond Mars) are called Mars) are called the Gas Giants.the Gas Giants.These planets are These planets are HUGE! HUGE! Jupiter alone is Jupiter alone is 318 times bigger 318 times bigger than our Earth!than our Earth!

Wait a minute…what about Wait a minute…what about Pluto????Pluto????

Dwarf planets, Planetoids, and Dwarf planets, Planetoids, and one stricken planet.one stricken planet.

Why is Pluto not a planet?Why is Pluto not a planet?

In 2006, the IAU created definitions of both what In 2006, the IAU created definitions of both what a planet is and isn’t. Those space objects that a planet is and isn’t. Those space objects that weren’t a planet but weren’t moons or asteroids weren’t a planet but weren’t moons or asteroids were given a new definition, dwarf planet.were given a new definition, dwarf planet.

– Both planets and dwarf planets orbit the Sun, Both planets and dwarf planets orbit the Sun, notnot other planets other planets (in which case we call them moons). (in which case we call them moons).

– Both must be large enough that their own gravity pulls them into Both must be large enough that their own gravity pulls them into the shapes of spheres; this rules out numerous smaller bodies the shapes of spheres; this rules out numerous smaller bodies like most asteroids, many of which have irregular shapes. like most asteroids, many of which have irregular shapes.

– Planets clear smaller objects out of their orbits by sucking the Planets clear smaller objects out of their orbits by sucking the small bodies into themselves or flinging them out of orbit. Dwarf small bodies into themselves or flinging them out of orbit. Dwarf planets, with their weaker gravities, are planets, with their weaker gravities, are unableunable to clear out their to clear out their orbits. orbits.

Dwarf PlanetsDwarf Planets

There are five dwarf There are five dwarf planets:planets:– PlutoPluto– CeresCeres– ErisEris– MakemakeMakemake– HaumeaHaumea

Let’s put our solar system in Let’s put our solar system in perspective….perspective….

Antares is the 15th brightest star in the sky. It is more than 1000 light years away.

BibliographyBibliography

Nine Planets Nine Planets

Windows to the UniverseWindows to the Universe

NASA World BookNASA World Book