An Introduction to the Solar System: An Overview

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An Introduction to the Solar System An Overview
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Scale Models
A. Sizes of Planets and Sun
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Scale Models
B. Orbit Sizes
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Scale Models
C. Orbital Inclinations
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Common Characteristics of the Planets

• All revolve eastward
• Most rotate eastward
• (save Venus, Uranus, and Pluto)
• All lie near the ecliptic

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Origin of the Solar System

• . Nebular Hypothesis

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Origin of the Solar System

• . Collision of a star with the Sun

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Examples of Objects in the Solar System

• Planets

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Examples of Objects in the Solar System

• Moons

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Miranda
Enceladus
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Examples of Objects in the Solar System

• Asteroids

Ida and Dactyl
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Examples of Objects in the Solar System

• Comets

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Comet Hyakutake
Comet West
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Examples of Objects in the Solar System

• Meteors and Meteorites

The Martian Meteorite