Front

What did early astronomers believe about the universe?

Back

They believed Earth was the center of the universe and all other heavenly bodies orbited around it.

Front

What is the center of our solar system?

Back

the sun

Front

How many planets are in our solar system?

Back

8 planets

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Front

Which 4 planets are considered terrestrial (land) planets?

Back

Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars

Front

Which 4 planets are called gas giants?

Back

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune

Front

What is unique about Mercury?

Back

Its closest to the sun

Its small with lots of crater

It looks like our moon

Its the smallest planet

It has a very thin atmosphere

Front

What are the characteristics of Venus?

Back

2nd from the sun

Size and mass similar to Earth

It has a blanket of clouds that traps thermal energy

High surface temperatures

Front

What characteristics of Earth make it ideal for life?

Back

Its atmosphere,

the presence of liquid water,

Its distance from the sun

Front

What is Mars known for?

Back

4th from the sun,

called the red planet,

thin atmosphere,

has canyons and riverbeds,

half the size of Earth

Front

What are the features of Jupiter?

Back

5th from the sun,

largest planet,

gas giant,

has no solid surface,

its colored cloud patterns are caused by enormous storms