Solar System Overview

Introduction

• Our solar system is one of over 500 known in the Milky Way galaxy.
• Formed ~4.5 billion years ago from a collapsing cloud of interstellar gas and dust.
• Located in the Milky Way's Orion star cluster.
• Only 15% of stars in the galaxy host planetary systems.

The Sun

• The central star around which the planets revolve.

Planets

Terrestrial Planets

• Made of rocky material; solid surfaces, few/no moons, no ring systems, relatively small.
• Mercury: Smallest, closest to the sun, shortest orbit (~3 Earth months).
• Venus: Hottest planet (up to 867°F), thick CO2 atmosphere, extensive lava flows.
• Earth: Known for water systems; only known environment sustaining life.
• Mars: Might have supported life ~3.7 billion years ago; had watery surface and moist atmosphere.

Jovian Planets

• Divided into Gas Giants (Jupiter, Saturn) and Ice Giants (Uranus, Neptune).
• Gas Giants: Mostly helium and hydrogen.
  • Jupiter: Largest planet in the solar system.
  • Saturn: Second largest, with signature wide rings.
• Ice Giants: Contain rock, ice, and a mixture of water, methane, and ammonia.
  • Uranus: Rotates on its side.
  • Neptune: Outermost and one of the coldest planets.

Other Celestial Objects

Asteroid Belt

• Located between Terrestrial planets and Jovian planets.
• Contains remnants from the solar system's formation.
• Includes objects from dust particles to dwarf planet Ceres.

Kuiper Belt

• Lies beyond the Jovian planets; contains icy debris.
• Home to dwarf planets like Pluto.
• Birthplace of many comets.

Oort Cloud

• Vast, spherical collection of icy debris.
• Considered the edge of the solar system.

Conclusion

• The solar system's unique configuration makes it a special place to call home.