Introduction to the Solar System

Introduction to the Solar System

• The solar system includes a star, planets, asteroids, and comets
• Earth's predictable phenomena, like seasons and eclipses, are due to the relative positions of the sun, Earth, and the moon
• The objective of the lesson is to understand the history of the solar model and the components of the solar system.
• Success criteria include contrasting geocentric and heliocentric models, and identifying solar system components.

History of the Solar System

• Initially, the geocentric model, where Earth was the center, was created by the Greeks and further developed by Ptolemy
• Ptolemy was an Egyptian astronomer
• Geo- refers to Earth, and -centric refers to the center
• Later, Aristarchus (3rd century) proposed the heliocentric model (Sun-centered), but it was refuted
• In 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus proposed the heliocentric model once again. Sufficient evidence supported his claim and it was accepted.

Evidence for Heliocentrism

• Key evidence supporting the heliocentric model, which allowed Copernicus' theory to be accepted, was that it involved fewer assumptions and explained the retrograde motion of planets.
• Retrograde motion means the apparent backward movement of planets
• Other evidence includes the shapes of Venus (light reflection and position), the moons of Jupiter (natural satellites), and the sunsets on Mars (angular size of the sun).
  • The angular size of the sun shows that increased distance from the Sun decreases the observed size.

Heliocentric vs. Geocentric Model

• Initially, evidence supporting the geocentric model included stellar parallax (movement of celestial bodies due to position).

• However, distance alters stellar parallax, making the moon appear to follow you at night, because it's too far away to show an apparent shift.

• The heliocentric model is correct because it also uses the concepts of shape of Venus, Moons of Jupiter, sunsets on Mars as proofs of the correctness.

Components of the Solar System

• Our solar system has 8 planets, 1 dwarf planet, an asteroid belt, and comets.
• The planets in order from the sun outward are:
  • Mercury
  • Venus
  • Earth
  • Mars
  • Jupiter
  • Saturn
  • Uranus
  • Neptune
  • Pluto

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of the solar system, including its components like planets, asteroids, and comets. It also covers historical models such as the geocentric and heliocentric theories. Understand the significance of celestial phenomena and the evolution of our knowledge about the solar system.