8.1.1 The Solar System

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

  • Terrestrial planets
  • Gas giants
• What is the position of Mercury in relation to the Sun?

  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 temperature variations does Mercury experience?

  Extreme temperature variations
• What is the position of Venus in relation to the Sun?

  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 phenomenon causes Venus to be extremely hot?

  A runaway greenhouse effect
• What is the position of Earth in relation to the Sun?

  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
• Why is Earth's temperature considered moderate?


  Due to the atmosphere and distance from the Sun
• What is the position of Mars in relation to the Sun?

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

  About 6,779 kilometers
• What notable features does Mars have on its surface?

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

  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 largest moon in the Solar System?

  Ganymede
• What is the position of Saturn in relation to the Sun?

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

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

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

  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 relation to the Sun?

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

  About 49,244 kilometers
• What is notable about Neptune's surface?

  It is known for its strong winds and Great Dark Spot
• What are the four recognized dwarf planets in the Solar System?

  • Pluto
  • Eris
  • Haumea
  • Makemake
• What is the position of Pluto in relation to the Solar System?

  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 in relation to the Solar System?

  Also in the scattered disk region