Earth in the Solar System Quiz

Earth in the Solar System: A Journey Through the Cosmos

The sixth chapter of the NCERT Geography textbook, titled "Earth in the Solar System," transports us to the magnificent expanse of our cosmic neighborhood. We'll delve into the fascinating world of our solar system and the roles played by the planets, Earth's orbit, and the ever-changing seasons.

The Solar System

Consisting of the Sun and eight planets orbiting around it, the solar system is a dynamic galaxy of celestial bodies that surrounds our home planet, Earth. The Sun, a massive star at the center of our solar system, is the source of light and heat for all the planets, including Earth.

The Planets

The solar system includes planets, celestial bodies that orbit the Sun and are composed primarily of rock and gas. The eight planets in our solar system are, in order from the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Earth's Orbit

Earth's orbital motion around the Sun is a fundamental concept that explains our planet's yearly cycle, seasons, and the rising and setting of the Sun. This elliptical orbit is approximately 93 million miles long and takes about 365.25 days to complete one revolution.

Seasons

The seasons are a constant result of Earth's tilted axis and its orbit around the Sun. As Earth orbits, different parts of the planet receive varying levels of sunlight throughout the year, resulting in seasonal changes. These seasons are structured as follows:

• Spring (Vernal Equinox): During spring, the Sun's rays begin to warm the Earth's northern hemisphere, causing longer days and shorter nights. This season occurs as Earth's tilted axis moves towards the Sun.

• Summer (Solstice): During summer, the Sun's rays hit the Earth's northern hemisphere at its most direct angle, resulting in longer days and warmer temperatures. This season occurs when Earth's tilted axis is most aligned with the Sun.

• Autumn (Equinox): During autumn, the Sun's rays begin to warm the Earth's southern hemisphere, resulting in longer days and shorter nights. This season occurs as Earth's tilted axis moves away from the Sun.

• Winter (Solstice): During winter, the Sun's rays hit the Earth's southern hemisphere at its most indirect angle, resulting in shorter days and colder temperatures. This season occurs when Earth's tilted axis is most aligned away from the Sun.

In summary, the sixth chapter of the NCERT Geography textbook, "Earth in the Solar System," encapsulates our planet's place in the cosmos and its interactions with other celestial bodies. We've discussed the solar system, the planets, Earth's orbit, and the ever-changing seasons, all of which play essential roles in the functioning of our planet and our daily lives.