Telescopic Astronomy, Solar System

Topic 11: Exploring the Solar System
Specification
Point Necessary Understanding

11.1 Use data about the names and relative location of bodies in the Solar system

11.2 Understand the structure of comets

11.3 Understand the orbits of short-period comets

11.4 Understand the orbit of long-period comets

11.5 Understand the location and nature of the Kuiper Belt

11.6 Understand principal characteristics of the planets in the solar system
Understand the main theories for the formation and current position of the giant gas
11.7
planets
11.8 Use information about the size of the Solar System

,11.1 Use data about the names and relative locations of bodies in the Solar System




[1]




Our solar system in comprised of 8
planets.

,11.1 Use data about the names and relative locations of bodies in the Solar System




Within the solar system, there are 10
dwarf planet candidates.



Asteroid Belt

Ceres



[2]

[1]


Orcus Scattered D
Pluto
Salacia in trans
Haumea Gonggong Neptunia
Quaoar Eris
Makemake [3]

[5]
Kuiper Belt [4]

, 11.1 Use data about the names and relative locations of bodies in the Solar System




Aside from planets and dwarf planet
there are asteroids, meteoroids, and
also comets within the solar system


These objects are classified in differe
terminologies, including ‘Trans-
Neptunian Objects (TNOs) - dwarf
planets – that move in and orbit pas
Neptune.
[1]