Unit 4 - The Solar System Flashcards
a star together with planets revolving around it
solar system
inner four, made of rock and metal
terrestrial planets
the path that a planet takes around its sun
orbit
the movement of a planet around its axis
rotation
the first man to accurately describe our solar system
Copernicus
the imaginary rod through the center of a planet
axis
from Greek, meaning “wandering”
planet
outer four, made of hydrogen and helium
gaseous planets
from Latin, meaning “weight” or “heaviness”
gravity
the movement of the planets around the sun
revolution
It’s atmosphere traps hear, causing a greenhouse effect
Venus
It contains the most violent weather in the solar system.
Saturn
The tilt of this planet’s axis causes four seasons
Earth
Its color appears red because of iron in the soil
Mars
This planet was discovered by mathematical calculation
Neptune
It is the largest planet in our solar system.
Jupiter
It rotates on its side like a rolling ball
Uranus
It is the most distant planet that can be seen without a telescope.
Saturn
This planet has no moons, rings, or atmosphere.
Mercury
This planet and Venus are the only two that rotate counterclockwise.
Uranus
It is sometimes called the “Morning Star” or “Evening Star.”
Venus
This planet’s most prominent feature is the Great Red Spot.
Jupiter
Calorie Basin, the largest crater, is located here.
Mercury
This planet is home to Olympus Mons
Mars
It’s surface is covered mostly with water.
Earth
an object revolving around a planet
moon
