Exploring the Planets
Learning Objective
I can describe the major features of planets in our solar system.
Key Concepts
Our solar system formed about 4.5 billion years ago from a collapsing cloud of interstellar gas and dust, resulting in a swirling disc of material called a solar nebula.
The planets are divided into two categories based on composition: Terrestrial planets, which are rocky, and Jovian planets, which are gas and ice giants.
The asteroid belt, a disc of rocky objects, lies between the Terrestrial and Jovian planets, while the icy Kuiper Belt, home to dwarf planets like Pluto, lies much further out.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 3 practice questions to reinforce learning.
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1. Describe two major differences between Terrestrial and Jovian planets.
2. Which planet is known for rotating on its side?
3. Explain the significance of the asteroid belt and the Kuiper Belt in our solar system.
Educational Video
Solar System 101 | National Geographic
National Geographic