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Questions and Answers
What classification was given to Pluto after the meeting of the International Astronomical Union?
What is the shape of the Earth described as?
How far is the moon from the Earth?
How long does the moon take to complete an orbit around the Earth?
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What are the small pieces of rock that move around the sun called?
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What is a galaxy primarily composed of?
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Where are asteroids primarily found in the solar system?
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What is a human-made satellite designed for?
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What are celestial bodies that have their own heat and light called?
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Which constellation is known as the Big Bear?
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What is the North star also called?
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Which of the following is not a planet in our solar system?
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What is the primary source of heat and light for Earth?
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Which planet is referred to as Earth's twin?
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How many planets are there in our solar system?
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In which order does Mercury complete an orbit around the sun?
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Study Notes
Celestial Bodies
- Celestial bodies include the sun, moon, and objects shining in the night sky.
- Stars are large, hot bodies made of gases, emitting their own heat and light.
- The sun is classified as a star and serves as the primary heat and light source for the solar system.
- Patterns formed by stars in the night sky are called constellations; Ursa Major is a notable example.
Navigation and Planets
- In ancient times, the North Star (Pole Star) helped people determine directions.
- Planet is derived from the Greek word “Planetai,” meaning 'wanderers'; these celestial bodies do not emit their own light.
- Earth is a planet and shines in the sky due to sunlight reflection; it has one natural satellite, the moon.
The Solar System
- The solar system comprises the sun, eight planets, satellites, asteroids, and meteoroids, often referred to as a solar family.
- The sun is at the center, surrounded by planets—Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Memorization of Planetary Order
- An easy mnemonic to remember the order of planets: "MY VERY EFFICIENT MOTHER JUST SERVED US NUTS."
Planetary Characteristics
- Mercury, the closest planet to the sun, takes about 88 days to complete its orbit.
- Venus, similar in size and shape to Earth, is often called "Earth's twin."
- Pluto was reclassified as a 'dwarf planet' by the International Astronomical Union in 2006.
Earth’s Unique Features
- Earth is the third planet from the sun and the fifth largest by size.
- Its shape is described as a geoid, indicating a slightly flattened appearance at the poles.
- Earth's only satellite is the moon, which is about 3,84,400 km away and has a diameter one-quarter that of Earth.
Moon and Other Celestial Bodies
- The moon orbits Earth approximately every 27 days.
- Asteroids, small rocky bodies, are primarily located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
- Meteoroids are smaller rocks that may approach Earth, heating up and burning upon atmospheric entry, creating meteors.
Galactic Context
- The solar system exists within a galaxy, which is a massive system of billions of stars and cosmic dust.
- The universe contains millions of galaxies, contributing to its vastness and complexity.
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Description
Explore the fascinating lesson on celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars, in this quiz from Ojaank IAS Academy. Understand the characteristics of these cosmic entities and their role in our solar system. Test your knowledge and grasp essential concepts related to astronomy.
