Planets & Celestial Bodies Flashcards
What are the inner planets of our solar system?
Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
What characteristics do inner planets share?
They have thin atmospheres, solid surfaces, few or no moons, and no rings.
Name the outer planets and their distinguishing features.
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune; they have thick atmospheres, no solid surfaces, and many moons and rings.
What is the asteroid belt, and where is it located?
The asteroid belt is a ring-shaped region containing many rocky bodies, located between the inner and outer planets.
How do comets differ from asteroids?
Comets are icy, dusty bodies that form tails when near the sun, while asteroids are primarily rocky.
What causes the seasons on Earth?
The tilt of Earth’s axis as it orbits the sun causes different parts of Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight.
How does the tilt of Earth’s axis affect climate?
The tilt results in seasonal changes in temperature and daylight.
What happens during summer in the Northern Hemisphere?
The Northern Hemisphere points toward the sun, receiving more direct sunlight.
Why do the Northern and Southern Hemispheres have opposite seasons?
When one hemisphere tilts toward the sun, the other tilts away, leading to opposite seasonal effects.
How does the amount of sunlight received vary between the equator and the poles?
The equator receives the most direct sunlight year-round, while the poles receive the least, resulting in warmer equatorial climates and colder polar climates.
