1. Introduction to the Solar System The bright star Antares embedded in dust and gases
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3. The Formation of the Solar System Our solar system began as a rotating gas cloud or nebula that collapsed toward its center under the influence of gravity. A condensation formed at the center, which is called a protostar. A flattened disk of matter surrounded the protostar, which begtan to shine and become a star, our sun.
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8. Common Properties of Planet Orbits in Our Solar System As viewed from above, all of the planets orbit the Sun in a counterclockwise direction. The planets orbit in nearly the same plane (ecliptic). All planets except Pluto have an orbital inclination of less than 7°.
32. Two Basic Groups of Planets TERRESTRIAL (earth-like) Small size, low Mass Higher density Mostly rock Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars JOVIAN (Jupiter-like) Large size, massive Low density Mostly gas Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
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38. Classification Table Planet Rocky or Gas? Small or Giant? Inner or Outer? Inferior or Superior? Classical or Modern? Mercury R S I I C Venus R S I I C Earth R S I N/A ? Mars R S I S C Jupiter G G O S C Saturn G G O S C Uranus G G O S M Neptune G G O S M Pluto ? S O S M
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Hinweis der Redaktion
The orbital inclination is the angle between a planet’s orbit and the ecliptic.