8.1.2 The Formation of the Sun

• What is the center of the Solar System?

  The Sun
• What is the primary composition of the Sun?

  Mostly hydrogen (about 74%) and helium (about 24%)
• What is the diameter of the Sun?

  About 1.4 million kilometers
• What is the surface temperature of the Sun?

  Approximately 5,500°C
• What is the core temperature of the Sun?

  Around 15 million°C
• What role does the Sun play in the Solar System?

  It acts as the gravitational center and energy source
• How does the Sun generate energy?

  Through nuclear fusion, converting hydrogen into helium
• How many planets are in the Solar System?

  Eight planets
• What are the two categories of planets in the Solar System?

  • Terrestrial planets
  • Gas giants
• What is the position of Mercury in the Solar System?

  Closest to the Sun
• What is the diameter of Mercury?

  About 4,880 kilometers
• What is the surface of Mercury like?

  Rocky, with many craters
• What is unique about the temperature of Mercury?

  It has extreme temperature variations
• What is the position of Venus in the Solar System?

  Second planet from the Sun
• What is the diameter of Venus?

  About 12,104 kilometers
• What is the surface of Venus like?

  Covered by thick clouds of carbon dioxide and extremely hot
• What is the position of Earth in the Solar System?

  Third planet from the Sun
• What is the diameter of Earth?

  About 12,742 kilometers
• What does the surface of Earth include?

  Land, water, and atmosphere with diverse ecosystems
• What is the temperature of Earth like?

  Moderate due to the atmosphere and distance from the Sun
• What is the position of Mars in the Solar System?

  Fourth planet from the Sun
• What is the diameter of Mars?

  About 6,779 kilometers
• What is the surface of Mars like?

  Rocky with the largest volcano (Olympus Mons) and canyon (Valles Marineris)
• What is the position of Jupiter in the Solar System?

  Fifth planet from the Sun
• What is the diameter of Jupiter?

  About 139,820 kilometers
• What is the surface of Jupiter like?

  Gaseous with a strong magnetic field and many moons
• What is the position of Saturn in the Solar System?

  Sixth planet from the Sun
• What is the diameter of Saturn?

  About 116,460 kilometers
• What is unique about Saturn's surface?

  It has a prominent ring system made of ice and rock particles
• What is the position of Uranus in the Solar System?

  Seventh planet from the Sun
• What is the diameter of Uranus?

  About 50,724 kilometers
• What is unique about Uranus's tilt?

  It causes extreme seasonal changes
• What is the position of Neptune in the Solar System?

  Eighth planet from the Sun
• What is the diameter of Neptune?

  About 49,244 kilometers
• What is the surface of Neptune known for?

  Strong winds and the Great Dark Spot
• What is the position of Pluto?

  Located in the Kuiper Belt
• What is the diameter of Pluto?

  About 2,377 kilometers
• What is the surface of Pluto like?

  Icy, with a thin atmosphere
• What is the position of Eris?

  Also in the scattered disk region
• What is the diameter of Eris?

  About 2,326 kilometers