Solar System Study Guide

Ch. 20Solar System Study GuideHow is the solar system arranged? What do we call that model?It is arranged with the sun in the center and all the planets revolving around it.

SUN CENTERED

CALLED HELIOCENTRIC MODELLayerLocation in Suns InteriorWhat it is like/what happens thereCoreMiddle layerConvection currents move the hot gases aroundInner LayerNuclear Fusion Creates EnergyRadiation ZoneSo dense it takes 100,000 yrs to get throughConvection ZoneOuter LayerHow do convection currents work in the convection zone?Hot gases rise up from the radiation zone towards the surface,Then they cool andthe cool gases sinkback toward the radiation zone

LayerLocation in AtmosphereWhat happensWhen can it be seenPhotosphereAlmost always seenGives the sun its COLOROuter part of atmosphereInner LayerGives off LIGHTChromosphereMiddle LayerBeginning and end of eclipseCoronaCrown that extends into spaceDuring total eclipseFeature of the sunWhats happeningWhat it causesSunspotProminences/Solar FlaresThe huge reddish loops of gas that link sunspots togetherSolar FlaresSolar FlareContinuous stream of high energy particles released into space by coronaDark area that are cooler than other areasProminenceEruptions on the suns surfaceMagnetic storms, aurorasSolar WindAURORAS What are the inner planets in order?MercuryVenusEarthMarsWhat are characteristics of the inner planets?TerrestrialSmall and denseRocky surfaceClose to the sunFew or no moonsNo RingsWhy is earth unique in our solar system?Earth is the only planet with liquid water and LIFEWhat are the outer planets in order?JupiterSaturnUranusNeptuneWhat are characteristics of the OUTER planets?Gas GiantsVery largeMade of gas (Gaseous)No Solid SurfaceMany MoonsRingsIs Pluto more similar to Saturn or Earth? Why?Pluto is more similar to Earth because it is small, dense, solid, has few moons and no rings.Do bigger or smaller planets have more moons? Why?Bigger planets have more moons because they have a stronger gravityWhat are comets made of?loose collection of ice, dust, and small rocky particles whose orbit is long and narrow ellipses.What is the difference between a meteoroid, meteor, and a meteorite?Object Where its locatedWhat is happeningMeteoroidMeteor

Meteorite

They all start as a chunk of rock or dustIn SpaceFloatingIn Earths AtmosphereBurning up and making a streak of light On Earths SurfaceHit Earths SurfaceWhere are most asteroids found?Asteroid belt (between Mars & Jupiter)