Standard 8
SC.8.E.5.3
Distinguish the hierarchical relationships between planets and other astronomical bodies relative to solar system, galaxy, and universe, including distance, size, and composition.
Distinguish the hierarchical relationships between planets and other astronomical bodies relative to solar system, galaxy, and universe, including distance, size, and composition.
Standard Summary
This standard asks us to order objects in space in a hierarchical fashion based on relationship, size, distance from one another and composition.
This standard asks us to order objects in space in a hierarchical fashion based on relationship, size, distance from one another and composition.
Vocabulary
Hover your mouse over each picture to read the definitions for each of these objects.
Quick Notes
- The universe holds all matter
- A single galaxy contains billions of solar systems, rouge planets (planets which have been knocked out of their solar system), black holes and dust
- A solar system contains either one or two stars (binary system) and usually planets, moons, asteroids, meteors and other space debris like dust
- Large distances in space are measured using lightyears; the distance light travels in 1 Earth year.
- Smaller distances, like those within a solar system, are measured using Astronautical Units (AU); the distance in km from Earth to the Sun.
- Most of the universe is taken up by empty space (no matter). Distances between planets, solar systems and galaxies are immensely vast.