CBSE Class 6 Geography: The Earth in the Solar System

Earth's Shape and Position

• The shape of the Earth is described as an oblate spheroid.
• The Earth is positioned at an average distance of about 149.6 million kilometers from the Sun.

Solar System and Celestial Bodies

• The source of heat and light for the solar system is the Sun.
• Celestial bodies are objects in the universe, including stars, planets, and galaxies.
• Stars are distinguished from other celestial bodies by their ability to emit their own light.

Constellations and Navigation

• Ursa Major is a constellation that contains the North Star, also called Polaris.
• The North Star is a fixed point in the sky used for navigation.

Planetary Characteristics

• Venus is considered Earth's twin due to its similar size and mass.

Latitude and Longitude

• The position of the North Pole is at 90° latitude.
• Meridians of longitude are drawn from the geographic poles.
• The distance between meridians of longitude is measured in degrees.
• Latitude measures location north or south of the Equator on a globe or map.
• Longitude measures location east or west of the Prime Meridian at Greenwich.

Globe and Celestial Sphere

• A model globe of the celestial sphere is called an armillary sphere.
• The axis is fixed through the globe in a tilted manner.

Stellar Phenomena

• A night filled with tiny shining objects, some bright and others dim, is called a starry night.
• The unique feature that distinguishes the Earth from other planets in the solar system is its atmosphere, which supports life.