Lecture Notes on the Solar System

Overview of the Milky Way

• The Milky Way is our galaxy.
• Our Solar System is located within the Milky Way.

Our Solar System

• Main Source of Light: The Sun is the primary light source for all planets in the Solar System.
• Number of Planets: There are 8 major planets in our Solar System.

The Eight Planets

1. Mercury

   • Closest planet to the Sun.
   • A year on Mercury is 88 days.
   • Visible from Earth in 2016.

2. Venus

   • Second planet from the Sun.
   • Hottest planet due to high carbon dioxide levels that trap heat.

3. Earth

   • Unique planet with suitable conditions for life (climate, landforms, water).
   • Has one natural satellite: the Moon.

4. Mars

   • Known as the 'Red Planet' due to its reddish appearance.
   • Home to large dust storms that can last for months.

5. Jupiter

   • Largest planet in the Solar System.
   • Has 4 moons.
   • Shortest day of all planets at about 9 hours 55 minutes.

6. Saturn

   • Has about 150 frozen moons, with Titan being the largest.
   • Famous for its beautiful rings made of dust and ice.

7. Uranus

   • Extremely cold, with temperatures around -224°C.
   • Takes about 84 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun; experiences 42 years of sunlight followed by 42 years of darkness.

8. Neptune

   • Completes an orbit around the Sun in about 165 Earth years.
   • Known as the 'Ice Giant' and has about 14 moons.

Dwarf Planets in the Solar System

• There are 5 recognized dwarf planets:
  • Ceres
  • Pluto
  • Eris
  • Haumea
  • Makemake

Additional Fun Fact

• Jupiter's moon Ganymede has more water than Earth.

Conclusion

• The lecture covered a lot of information about the Solar System.
• Next session will include more fun facts!