Earth ScienceEarth Science

An overview of theAn overview of the

Solar SystemSolar System

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DefinitonDefinitonThe family of celestial bodies grouped The family of celestial bodies grouped

around the (our) sun.around the (our) sun.

MembersMembersMajor: The Sun and the Planets and their Major: The Sun and the Planets and their

satellitessatellites

Minor: Comets, Asteroids/Planetoids, Minor: Comets, Asteroids/Planetoids, Meteors, Meteorites, MeteoroidsMeteors, Meteorites, Meteoroids

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Properties of the Solar SystemProperties of the Solar System1. The orbits of all the planets are almost 1. The orbits of all the planets are almost

in the same plane. This means that the in the same plane. This means that the solar system is flat.solar system is flat.

2. The planetary orbits are nearly circular. 2. The planetary orbits are nearly circular. The elliptical orbits depart only slightly The elliptical orbits depart only slightly from being a perfect circle.from being a perfect circle.

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Properties of the Solar SystemProperties of the Solar System3. The orbits of the planets are nearly in 3. The orbits of the planets are nearly in

the same plane as the rotation of the sun.the same plane as the rotation of the sun.

4. The planets rotate in the same direction 4. The planets rotate in the same direction as they revolve around the sun, with the as they revolve around the sun, with the exception of Venus and Uranus.exception of Venus and Uranus.

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Properties of the Solar SystemProperties of the Solar System5. The distances of the planets from the 5. The distances of the planets from the

sun can be expressed in a simple sun can be expressed in a simple relationship called relationship called BODE’S LAWBODE’S LAW named named after the German astronomer Johann after the German astronomer Johann Bode (1747 – 1826). Bode (1747 – 1826). The calculated distances (using Bode’s Law) The calculated distances (using Bode’s Law)

and the observed distances of the planets and the observed distances of the planets from the sun are almost the same with the from the sun are almost the same with the exception of Neptune and Pluto.exception of Neptune and Pluto.

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Properties of the Solar SystemProperties of the Solar System6. The satellite systems of Jupiter and 6. The satellite systems of Jupiter and

Saturn are nearly identical in their Saturn are nearly identical in their arrangements with the solar system. The arrangements with the solar system. The distances of the satellites from the planets distances of the satellites from the planets follow the Bode’s Law.follow the Bode’s Law.

7. The satellites and planets contain 7. The satellites and planets contain almost all the rotational motions of the almost all the rotational motions of the solar system.solar system.

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The SunThe Sun

The sun is the The sun is the biggest, brightest, and biggest, brightest, and hottest object in the hottest object in the solar system.solar system.

The sun is an The sun is an ordinary star.ordinary star.

The sun is made of The sun is made of about 70% hydrogen about 70% hydrogen and 28% helium.and 28% helium.

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Some Info on the SunSome Info on the SunDiameter: 1,140,000 kmDiameter: 1,140,000 kmVolume: take in a million earths ++Volume: take in a million earths ++Period of Rotation: Equatorial - 25 daysPeriod of Rotation: Equatorial - 25 days

Polar - 33 daysPolar - 33 daysSun’s Interior:Sun’s Interior:

Helium CoreHelium CoreRadiative ZoneRadiative ZoneConvective EnvelopConvective Envelop

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Some Info on the SunSome Info on the SunSun’s Atmosphere:Sun’s Atmosphere:

CoronaCoronaChromosphereChromospherePhotospherePhotosphere

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Some Facts on PlanetsSome Facts on Planets1. All the planets revolve around the sun in 1. All the planets revolve around the sun in

a counterclockwise direction as viewed a counterclockwise direction as viewed from Polaris. From an inside view, the from Polaris. From an inside view, the direction of revolution is west to east.direction of revolution is west to east.

2. All the planets, except for Uranus, 2. All the planets, except for Uranus, rotate in a counterclockwise direction as rotate in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from Polaris.viewed from Polaris.

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Some Facts on PlanetsSome Facts on Planets3. The orbits of all the planets are ellipses, 3. The orbits of all the planets are ellipses,

with the sun at one of the foci.with the sun at one of the foci.

4. All the planets shine because they 4. All the planets shine because they reflect sunlight.reflect sunlight.

5. All the planets have the shape of oblate 5. All the planets have the shape of oblate spheroids.spheroids.

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MercuryMercury

Mercury is solid and Mercury is solid and is covered with is covered with craters.craters.

Mercury has almost Mercury has almost no atmosphere.no atmosphere.

Mercury is the eighth Mercury is the eighth largest planet.largest planet.

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MERCURYMERCURY The innermost and smallest planetThe innermost and smallest planet

Has a very high temperature and a very low Has a very high temperature and a very low

gravitygravity

Is seen as an evening star just after sunset, Is seen as an evening star just after sunset,

and as a morning star just before dawnand as a morning star just before dawn

Period of Rotation: 59 daysPeriod of Rotation: 59 days

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VenusVenus

Venus is the sixth Venus is the sixth largest planet. It’s largest planet. It’s about three-fourths about three-fourths the size of earth.the size of earth.

The surface is rocky The surface is rocky and very hot. The and very hot. The atmosphere atmosphere completely hides the completely hides the surface and traps the surface and traps the heat.heat.

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VENUSVENUSOnce considered as Earth’s twin due to Once considered as Earth’s twin due to

similarity in mass, size, and having an similarity in mass, size, and having an atmosphereatmosphere

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Findings of the PIONEER ProbeFindings of the PIONEER ProbeVenus is quite roundVenus is quite roundHas a much smoother surface than Earth Has a much smoother surface than Earth

(as revealed by VENERA also).(as revealed by VENERA also).No bulging at the equator and no flattening No bulging at the equator and no flattening

at the polesat the polesRetrograde rotation (i.e. east to west Retrograde rotation (i.e. east to west

direction or clockwise) versus that of Earth direction or clockwise) versus that of Earth which is prograde (i.e. west to east which is prograde (i.e. west to east direction or counterclockwise)direction or counterclockwise)

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Findings of the PIONEER ProbeFindings of the PIONEER ProbeHas no moon or natural satellite; no water.Has no moon or natural satellite; no water. Is a very hot planet (compared to Earth Is a very hot planet (compared to Earth

and Mercury) due to its nearness to the and Mercury) due to its nearness to the sun and the Green House Effect due to its sun and the Green House Effect due to its very thick atmosphere mostly clouds of very thick atmosphere mostly clouds of sulfuric acid and carbon dioxide.sulfuric acid and carbon dioxide.

Due to the thickness of its atmosphere, it Due to the thickness of its atmosphere, it is sometimes referred to as the is sometimes referred to as the “VEILED PLANET.”

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VENUSVENUSOther surface features:Other surface features:

APHRODITE TERRAAPHRODITE TERRA – the largest continent – the largest continent on the surfaceon the surface

ESTHAR TERRA ESTHAR TERRA – a volcano on the surfaceEVE EVE – name of the crater on the surfaceM. LOMOSOV M. LOMOSOV - - discovered that Venus has

an atmosphere which is about 48 – 58 km thick.

Period of Rotation: 243 daysPeriod of Rotation: 243 days

Period of Revolution: 225 daysPeriod of Revolution: 225 days

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EarthEarth

Earth is the fifth largest planet and the third from Earth is the fifth largest planet and the third from the sun.the sun.

Liquid covers 71 percent of the Earth’s surface.Liquid covers 71 percent of the Earth’s surface. The Earth has one moon.The Earth has one moon.

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MoonMoon

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MarsMars

Mars is the fourth Mars is the fourth planet from the sun.planet from the sun.

Mars has a thin Mars has a thin atmosphere that atmosphere that contains mostly contains mostly carbon dioxide.carbon dioxide.

Mars has two small Mars has two small moons.moons.

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MARSMARSHas a thin atmosphereHas a thin atmosphereVIKING space probe reveals the ff:VIKING space probe reveals the ff:

Soil … contains peroxideSoil … contains peroxideAtmosphere … CO, COAtmosphere … CO, CO22, N, Ar, O, O, N, Ar, O, O33, Kr, Xe, , Kr, Xe,

clouds and fogsclouds and fogsNo liquid water … water in other forms in No liquid water … water in other forms in

atmosphere and beneath the surfaceatmosphere and beneath the surfaceFrozen carbon dioxide … found in thin mist Frozen carbon dioxide … found in thin mist

atmosphere and polar caps.atmosphere and polar caps.

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MARSMARSMARINER 9 which orbited Mars revealed:MARINER 9 which orbited Mars revealed:Mar’s surface is heavily cratered in some Mar’s surface is heavily cratered in some

parts with ridges.parts with ridges.Bright circular plains and deserts in the Bright circular plains and deserts in the

remaining parts.remaining parts.Craters are shallow with very flat bottoms.Craters are shallow with very flat bottoms.Canals are actually chains of dark-floored Canals are actually chains of dark-floored

craters.craters.Plains are result of the leveling effect of Plains are result of the leveling effect of

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Moons of MarsMoons of Mars

Phobos (irregular in Phobos (irregular in shape)shape)

Deimos (believed to be a Deimos (believed to be a captured asteroid)captured asteroid)

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MARSMARS In the 1890’s, Percival Lowel, a US In the 1890’s, Percival Lowel, a US

astronomer, built an observatory at astronomer, built an observatory at Flagstaff, Arizona to specially observe Flagstaff, Arizona to specially observe Mars and its surfaceMars and its surface

OLYMPUS MONSOLYMPUS MONS – a volcano on Mars; – a volcano on Mars; the largest in the solar systemthe largest in the solar system

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MARSMARS Is a red planet due to the presence of Is a red planet due to the presence of

Carbon suboxide, Carbon suboxide, a foul smelling a foul smelling compound which when struck by ultra-compound which when struck by ultra-violet light imparts an orange or reddish-violet light imparts an orange or reddish-brown color. brown color.

The bright pink sky of Mars is due to the The bright pink sky of Mars is due to the effect of the scattering of light when effect of the scattering of light when radiation hit dust particles.radiation hit dust particles.

The red dust of Mars is due to Iron (III) The red dust of Mars is due to Iron (III) oxide or rust.oxide or rust.

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MARSMARSExhibits changes in seasons due to its Exhibits changes in seasons due to its

angle of inclination of 25 degrees. angle of inclination of 25 degrees. The great ellipticity causes more unequal The great ellipticity causes more unequal

heating of the northern and southern heating of the northern and southern hemispheres.hemispheres.

Period of Rotation: 1.37 daysPeriod of Rotation: 1.37 daysPeriod of Revolution: 1.88 yearsPeriod of Revolution: 1.88 years

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JupiterJupiter

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JUPITERJUPITERThe largest planet with a diameter 11x of The largest planet with a diameter 11x of

Earth and a mass 2.5x that of all planets Earth and a mass 2.5x that of all planets put together.put together.

Rotates in less than 10 hrs. (2.4x faster Rotates in less than 10 hrs. (2.4x faster than Earth). The fast rotation causes the than Earth). The fast rotation causes the equator to bulge and its poles to flatten equator to bulge and its poles to flatten more than any other planets.more than any other planets.

Period of Rotation: 9.55 hoursPeriod of Rotation: 9.55 hoursPeriod of Revolution: 12 yearsPeriod of Revolution: 12 years

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JUPITERJUPITERSurface is marked with light and dark Surface is marked with light and dark

bands, and spots, streaks, plumes, swirls, bands, and spots, streaks, plumes, swirls, loops and irregular patches. These are loops and irregular patches. These are caused by high wind speeds and powerful caused by high wind speeds and powerful Coriolis ForceCoriolis Force..

ZonesZones – light bands; varies from white to – light bands; varies from white to pale yellow in color and are regions of pale yellow in color and are regions of rising gases.rising gases.

BeltsBelts – darks bands in various shades of – darks bands in various shades of reddish brown and are regions of reddish brown and are regions of descending gases.descending gases.

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JUPITERJUPITERColoration of band is due to ammonium Coloration of band is due to ammonium

compounds and the organic and inorganic compounds and the organic and inorganic compounds present in the atmosphere.compounds present in the atmosphere.

The atmosphere contains Hydrogen, The atmosphere contains Hydrogen, Helium, Methane, and Ammonia.Helium, Methane, and Ammonia.

The The Great Red SpotGreat Red Spot is the most prominent is the most prominent feature, with a length of 30,000 km, a feature, with a length of 30,000 km, a width of 12,000 km and a height of 8 – 10 width of 12,000 km and a height of 8 – 10 km; located along the south tropical zone km; located along the south tropical zone known as the “hurricane belt.”; has been known as the “hurricane belt.”; has been seen for 300 yrs; a huge and violent storm.seen for 300 yrs; a huge and violent storm.

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Jupiter’s Red SpotJupiter’s Red Spot

The Great Red Spot, The Great Red Spot, a huge storm of a huge storm of swirling gas that has swirling gas that has lasted for hundreds of lasted for hundreds of years.years.

Jupiter does not have Jupiter does not have a solid surface. The a solid surface. The planet is a ball of planet is a ball of liquid surrounded by liquid surrounded by gas.gas.

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JUPITERJUPITER Interior is believed to be made of a solid Interior is believed to be made of a solid

iron-silicate core, an inner layer of liquid iron-silicate core, an inner layer of liquid metallic hydrogen, and an outer layer of metallic hydrogen, and an outer layer of liquid molecular hydrogen. The inner layer liquid molecular hydrogen. The inner layer of hydrogen is believed to be the main of hydrogen is believed to be the main source of Jupiter’s large and powerful source of Jupiter’s large and powerful magnetic field. Convection currents within magnetic field. Convection currents within are deflected by rotation, generating are deflected by rotation, generating electric current and giving rise to a electric current and giving rise to a magnetic field. Strong magnetic field magnetic field. Strong magnetic field gives off strong radio signals into space.gives off strong radio signals into space.

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JUPITERJUPITERJupiter’s magnetic field is about 20 to 30 Jupiter’s magnetic field is about 20 to 30

times stronger and larger than that of the times stronger and larger than that of the Earth.Earth.

Has a thin ring believed to come from Has a thin ring believed to come from volcanic eruptions in one of its natural volcanic eruptions in one of its natural satellites named Io.satellites named Io.

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Moons of JupiterMoons of Jupiter

Jupiter has four large Galilean moons, Jupiter has four large Galilean moons, twelve smaller named moons and twenty-twelve smaller named moons and twenty-three more recently discovered but not three more recently discovered but not named moons.named moons.

We’ll take a look at the four large Galilean We’ll take a look at the four large Galilean moons which were first observed by moons which were first observed by Galileo in 1610.Galileo in 1610.

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IoIo

Io is the fifth moon of Io is the fifth moon of Jupiter. It’s the third Jupiter. It’s the third largest of Jupiter’s largest of Jupiter’s moons.moons.

Io has hundreds of Io has hundreds of volcanic calderas. volcanic calderas. Some of the volcanoes Some of the volcanoes are active.are active.

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IOIODiameter: 3,130 kmDiameter: 3,130 kmCircles Jupiter at an average distance of Circles Jupiter at an average distance of

421,600 km421,600 kmProbable Structure: sulfur and sulfur Probable Structure: sulfur and sulfur

dioxide crust, molten silicate interior, and dioxide crust, molten silicate interior, and possible solid core.possible solid core.

The surface is the youngest known in the The surface is the youngest known in the solar system.solar system.

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EuropaEuropa Europa is the sixth of Europa is the sixth of

Jupiter’s moons and is Jupiter’s moons and is the fourth largest.the fourth largest.

It is slightly smaller than It is slightly smaller than the Earth’s moon.the Earth’s moon.

The surface strongly The surface strongly resembles images of sea resembles images of sea ice on Earth. There may ice on Earth. There may be a liquid water sea be a liquid water sea under the crust.under the crust.

Europa is one of the five Europa is one of the five known moons in the solar known moons in the solar system to have an system to have an atmosphere.atmosphere.

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EUROPAEUROPADiameter: 3,130 kmDiameter: 3,130 kmCircles Jupiter at an average distance of Circles Jupiter at an average distance of

670,900 km670,900 kmProbable Structure: ice crust, silicate Probable Structure: ice crust, silicate

interior and possible solid coreinterior and possible solid core Is rocky, but most is covered with frozen Is rocky, but most is covered with frozen

waterwater

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GanymedeGanymede

Ganymede is the Ganymede is the seventh and largest of seventh and largest of Jupiter’s known Jupiter’s known satellites.satellites.

Ganymede has Ganymede has extensive cratering extensive cratering and an icy crust.and an icy crust.

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GANYMEDEGANYMEDEDiameter: 5,270 kmDiameter: 5,270 kmOrbit Jupiter at an average distance of Orbit Jupiter at an average distance of

1,070,000 km1,070,000 kmProbable Structure: ice crust, convecting Probable Structure: ice crust, convecting

water or soft ice mantle surrounding water or soft ice mantle surrounding silicate core.silicate core.

The largest moon of Jupiter and the The largest moon of Jupiter and the second largest in the solar system.second largest in the solar system.

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CallistoCallisto

Callisto is the eighth of Jupiter’s known satellites Callisto is the eighth of Jupiter’s known satellites and the second largest.and the second largest.

Callisto has the oldest, most cratered surface of Callisto has the oldest, most cratered surface of any body yet observed in the solar system.any body yet observed in the solar system.

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CALLISTOCALLISTODiameter: 4,850 kmDiameter: 4,850 kmOrbit Jupiter at an average distance of Orbit Jupiter at an average distance of

1,880,000 km1,880,000 kmProbable Structure: thick ice crust, Probable Structure: thick ice crust,

convecting water or soft ice mantle convecting water or soft ice mantle surrounding silicate coresurrounding silicate core

The oldest of Jupiter’s moon The oldest of Jupiter’s moon Has a highly cratered surfaceHas a highly cratered surface

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OTHER MOONS OF JUPITEROTHER MOONS OF JUPITER8 OUTER MOONS – are much smaller, 8 OUTER MOONS – are much smaller,

circle in retrograde direction of the inner, circle in retrograde direction of the inner, Galilean moons; orbits are inclined 25 – 28 Galilean moons; orbits are inclined 25 – 28 degrees from Jupiter’s equatorial plane; degrees from Jupiter’s equatorial plane; could have been asteroids captured by could have been asteroids captured by Jupiter’s gravitational field, or fragments of Jupiter’s gravitational field, or fragments of two larger satellites that collided with two larger satellites that collided with comets or asteroids.comets or asteroids.

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OTHER MOONS OF JUPITEROTHER MOONS OF JUPITER3 OTHER MOONS3 OTHER MOONS – were discovered – were discovered

during the during the Voyager 2Voyager 2 probe in 1979; are probe in 1979; are timy satellites found closest to Jupiter; timy satellites found closest to Jupiter; were named 1979 J1 or Adrastea, 1979 J2 were named 1979 J1 or Adrastea, 1979 J2 and 1979 Jand 1979 J

The rest of the moons of Jupiter were The rest of the moons of Jupiter were discovered by the Smithsonian discovered by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Society through their Astrophysical Society through their observatoryobservatory

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SaturnSaturn

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

Saturn is made of materials that are lighter than Saturn is made of materials that are lighter than water. If you could fit Saturn in a lake, it would water. If you could fit Saturn in a lake, it would float!float!

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Rings of SaturnRings of Saturn

Saturn’s rings are not Saturn’s rings are not solid; they are solid; they are composed of small composed of small countless particles.countless particles.

The rings are very The rings are very thin. Though they’re thin. Though they’re 250,000km or more in 250,000km or more in diameter, they’re less diameter, they’re less than one kilometer than one kilometer thick.thick.

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UranusUranus

Uranus is the third Uranus is the third largest planet and the largest planet and the seventh from the sun.seventh from the sun.

Uranus is one of the Uranus is one of the giant gas planets.giant gas planets.

Uranus is blue-green Uranus is blue-green because of the because of the methane in its methane in its atmosphere.atmosphere.

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NeptuneNeptune

Neptune is the fourth Neptune is the fourth largest planet and the largest planet and the eight from the sun.eight from the sun.

Because of the orbits, Because of the orbits, from 1979 to 1999, from 1979 to 1999, Neptune was the Neptune was the ninth planet.ninth planet.

Like Uranus, the Like Uranus, the methane gives methane gives Neptune its color.Neptune its color.

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PlutoPluto

Pluto in the past, was Pluto in the past, was the smallest planet the smallest planet and usually the and usually the farthest from the sun.farthest from the sun.

Pluto today has been Pluto today has been demoted and is no demoted and is no longer considered as longer considered as a major planet.a major planet.

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