It is essential for you to know:
Objects found in the solar system have characteristics based on surface features and
atmosphere (if there is one). These objects have movement, usually some type of orbit/revolution and possibly rotation also.
Rotation = Turning on an axis. For example, the Earth turns onces ever 24 hours causing night and day as it rotates on it's axis.
Revolution = one celestial object orbiting in an elliptical or circular path around another celestial object. For example, the Earth revolves around the Sun.
Planets
-May have a terrestrial or rocky surface or a gaseous surface. Gaseous planets are considerably larger than terrestrial planets. Planet may have rings. Some planets have a unique surface characteristic, for example color or an atmospheric storm. Movement of planets is based on revolution around the Sun and rotation on the planet’s axis.
Moons
-Are studied in relation to the planet they orbit. Not all planets have moons. Most are rocky bodies covered with craters, but some have unique characteristics. Movement of moons is based on revolution around their planets.
Asteroids
-Most asteroidsare rocky bodies that orbit in a region in the solar system known as the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They vary in
size and shape. Movement is based on their revolution around the Sun. Some asteroids outside the asteroid belt have orbits that cross Earth’s orbit; scientists monitor the positions of these asteroids.
Comets
-Have a main body or head (ices of water, methane and ammonia and dust) and a tail that emerges as the comet gets closer to the Sun during its orbit. The tail always points away from the Sun. Comets have unique long, narrow elliptical orbit.
Meteoroids
-Are chunks of rock that move about within the solar system. Location and movement result in the different terms:
Meteor
-The chunk of rock burns up in a planet’s atmosphere;
Meteorite
-When the chunk of rock strikes the surface of a planet or moon.
Objects found in the solar system have characteristics based on surface features and
atmosphere (if there is one). These objects have movement, usually some type of orbit/revolution and possibly rotation also.
Rotation = Turning on an axis. For example, the Earth turns onces ever 24 hours causing night and day as it rotates on it's axis.
Revolution = one celestial object orbiting in an elliptical or circular path around another celestial object. For example, the Earth revolves around the Sun.
Planets
-May have a terrestrial or rocky surface or a gaseous surface. Gaseous planets are considerably larger than terrestrial planets. Planet may have rings. Some planets have a unique surface characteristic, for example color or an atmospheric storm. Movement of planets is based on revolution around the Sun and rotation on the planet’s axis.
Moons
-Are studied in relation to the planet they orbit. Not all planets have moons. Most are rocky bodies covered with craters, but some have unique characteristics. Movement of moons is based on revolution around their planets.
Asteroids
-Most asteroidsare rocky bodies that orbit in a region in the solar system known as the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They vary in
size and shape. Movement is based on their revolution around the Sun. Some asteroids outside the asteroid belt have orbits that cross Earth’s orbit; scientists monitor the positions of these asteroids.
Comets
-Have a main body or head (ices of water, methane and ammonia and dust) and a tail that emerges as the comet gets closer to the Sun during its orbit. The tail always points away from the Sun. Comets have unique long, narrow elliptical orbit.
Meteoroids
-Are chunks of rock that move about within the solar system. Location and movement result in the different terms:
Meteor
-The chunk of rock burns up in a planet’s atmosphere;
Meteorite
-When the chunk of rock strikes the surface of a planet or moon.