The Solar Family

In the solar family we will discuss about the different stars and planets and their position, revolution and attraction of the Sun, the Moon and the earth.

All celestial bodies are moving objects of the universe. Large numbers of galaxies constitute this universe. A galaxy is a collection of millions of stars. The Sun is a medium sized star belongs to a galaxy named the Milky Way. The Sun is also revolving round the center of this galaxy with all its family members of the solar system.

If we look at the clear sky of a new moon night, we will find several thousand dots of light which are either twinkling or glowing steadily. These are the stars, planets and their satellites, which are called celestial bodies in general sense. Among the stars the Sun, is the nearest to the Earth. Like all stars the Sun has its own light. All the eight planets including the Earth and the three dwarf planets revolve round the Sun along their respective and specific paths, known as orbits. The movement of these bodies round the Sun is known as revolution. Certain small celestial bodies are often found to revolve round the planets along specific orbits. These smaller bodies are called satellites of the planets. The Moon, our nearest neighbor in the sky is the only satellite of the Earth. The planets, revolving round the Sun with their satellites, constitute the solar system.

The Sun is the head of the family. Other members of the family are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

Diameter: 

The Sun is 1,392,000 km.

The Earth is 12,100 km.

The Moon is 3476 km.

Distance: 

The Sun from the Earth is 1,49,600,000 km.

The Moon from the Earth is 3,84,400 km.

Revolution:

The Earth round the Sun is 365 days and 6 hours (approx.)

The Moon round the Earth is 29 days 12 hours and 44 minutes (approx.)

If we look at the above mentioned space facts we will find that the Moon is about 400 times smaller than the Sun. But have we ever thought why both the Sun and the Moon appear to be of equal in size from the Earth? This is because the distance between the Sun and Earth is about 400 times more than that of between the Moon and the Earth or in other words the Moon is 400 times closer to the Earth.

Fifth Grade

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