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All large
bodies in the
solar system
orbit in the
same
direction and
in nearly the
same plane
Eight major
planets with
nearly circular
orbits
Pluto (dwarf
planet) is
smaller than the
major planets
and has a more
elliptical orbit
Classificaction/Event
Planet Count
1550
1781
Discovery of Uranus
11
1845
Discovery of Astrea
12
1846
Discovery of Neptune
13+
1851
1930
Discovery of Pluto
1978
Discovery of Charon
9?
9?
9?
2006
Comparative Planetology
Common materials
Metals (mostly Iron)
7.9 g/cm3
Rock (mostly Basalt)
3.3 g/cm3
Carbon & hydrogen ices 0.4-1.5 g/cm3
(volatiles)
H and He gases
<<0.01 g/cm3
Thought Question
Planet Mars has a bulk density of 3.9 g/cm3
What materials is it made of ?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Terrestrials vs Jovians
Rocky
worlds are
close to the Sun.
Jupiter largest
gas giant world
Ice Worlds