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Chapter 20. The Universe. 20-1. What is earth’s place in the universe?. The Universe. Astronomy is the study of space and the objects in it. Earth is part of the Milky Way Galaxy. A galaxy is a huge grouping of stars. There are three types of galaxies; spiral, elliptical, and irregular.
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Chapter 20 The Universe
20-1 • What is earth’s place in the universe?
The Universe • Astronomy is the study of space and the objects in it. • Earth is part of the Milky Way Galaxy. • A galaxy is a huge grouping of stars. • There are three types of galaxies; spiral, elliptical, and irregular.
The Planets • The Sun and the bodies around it make up our solar system. • An asteroid is a small body of rock and metal that orbits the Sun. • Comets are small icy bodies that orbit the Sun. • Mars is covered with red dust and has strong winds that blow the dust. • Jupiter has the strongest force of gravity.
The Planets (continued) • An astronomical unit is the average distance of Earth and Sun. AU’s are used to measure distances in space. • Venus is very different from Earth because it has thick clouds and an atmosphere of carbon dioxide. • Planets orbit the Sun because of the Sun’s force of gravity on them.
Why Planets Differ • A planet’s size affects how strong the gravity is at its surface. • The planet’s atmosphere and distance from the sun determine why planets differ. • The Sun and Inner Planets Video