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Introduction to Essay Writing on Solar System on Vedantu

An essay is a piece of writing where an author expresses in detail all the information on a particular topic. An essay differs from other writing because it is more structured and it provides the author with their own perspective. In this particular essay, we shall know in detail about the solar system. Use this essay as a reference essay and try writing an essay on the solar system.

Let us begin our learning!

Essay on Solar System

The solar system consists of the sun, eight planets, and sixty-seven satellites of the planets, and a large number of small bodies (comets and asteroids). Earlier, Pluto was considered the smallest planet but now Pluto is not recognized anymore as a planet. The inner solar system comprises Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune form the outer solar system. These four planets are massive in size; hence they are called Giant Planets. Each planet revolves around the sun in its own orbits at its own speed.

Let us explore all the celestial bodies present in the Solar system.

The Sun was born 4.6 billions of years ago and it was formed from a giant rotating cloud of gasses and dust known as solar Nebula. The sun is the biggest star present at the center of the solar system. It is a self-luminous sphere of gasses. Its gravitational force holds the entire solar system. It has a radius of 695,508 kilometers and is 150 million kilometers away from Earth.

Mercury is the smallest and closest planet to the sun. It is also called Swift planet because it completes its revolution in 88 earth days. Its diameter is only one third of Earth but its density is about the same. The temperature of this planet is as high as 450 degrees Celsius in the mornings and nights are freezing cold. The surface of this planet is filled with craters, mountains and valleys.

Venus is the second closest planet to the sun and the hottest. Venus is the brightest planet and hence called the morning star. Venus is named after the Roman Goddess of love and beauty. Venus completes one revolution around the sun in 255 earth days. Venus spins clockwise on its orbits unlike other planets. Its surface is covered with clouds, craters, mountains and lava plains.

The third planet in the solar system is Earth. This is the only planet that sustains life. It is called the Blue planet because 70% of the earth's surface is covered with water. Earth takes 365 days to complete one revolution around the sun. This planet has only one natural satellite, the Moon.

The fourth planet from the sun in the solar system is Mars. It appears as a red-orange ball because of the presence of iron oxide and so it is called the Red planet. It is the second smallest planet after Mercury. Mars is named after the Roman God of war. Its surface is covered with volcanoes, craters all over.

Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. Jupiter is rich in hydrogen and helium gas and so it is also called a Gas Giant planet. Jupiter takes 4333 earth days to complete one revolution around the sun. This planet has 79 satellites. Jupiter has four rings.

Saturn is the least dense planet in the solar system. It is the second-largest planet. Saturn can float in water because it is made up of gasses like helium. The beautiful rings around the planet are made up of bits of ice, rock, and dust. Saturn revolves very slowly around the sun. This planet is named after the Roman God of agriculture and wealth.

Uranus is the coldest planet in the solar system. It takes 84 earth years to complete one revolution around the sun. Uranus is called an ice giant planet because its layer is made of ice and hydrogen, helium and methane. Uranus looks blue in color because of the presence of methane. Uranus has 27 satellites.

Neptune is the eighth and the farthest planet from the sun in the solar system. Neptune is named after the Roman God of the sea. Its atmosphere is made up of hydrogen, helium and methane and the presence of methane gives the color blue to the planet. It takes 165 earth years to complete one revolution. Neptune has 6 rings.

Comets and Asteroids:

Comets and Asteroids are the small celestial bodies that rotate around the sun. Asteroids are made up of rocks, metals and water. Comets are made up of frozen ammonia, methane and small amounts of rocky material.

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FAQs on Solar System Essay

1. How many planets are there in the solar system?

There are eight planets in the solar system.

2. Is the sun a planet or star?

The sun is a big star located at the centre of the solar system.

3. Which planet sustains life?

The Earth planet sustains life.

4. Which is the coldest planet in the solar system?

Uranus is the coldest planet in the solar system.

5. How to write well on any topic?

It is very important for the students to learn to write on their own. To write a good essay students should follow the following steps - 

Try to understand the topic you want to write about 

Read from multiple sources to get an idea of the topic 

Prepare a structure that is what all you want to cover in your writing 

Note down all the important points according to your structure 

Arrange the collected information in the pre-decided structure 

Remember to keep your readers engaged in your essay

Try to use idea and words which doesn't hurt anyone's emotions

Start writing and with time you would get better in the process

 You can also send us your essays or writing which will be evaluated by the faculty.

6. What should be the structure on which an essay can be written?

Like every writing, an essay also has three parts that are the introduction, body, and conclusion. Keep the introduction very interesting, get the attention of your reader by starting with a short story then gradually introduce your topic through that story. Secondly, make the audience aware of the keywords of the topic. In the body, write in detail about the topic like state the historical, economical, social, environmental, cultural factors of your topic. And then conclude your essay by summarizing the key message and the takeaways of the essay. Try to practice with this framework and in due course of time, you will be able to write an excellent essay. Also, try to read from some great essays.

7. What is the process of planet formation called?

The process by which planets are formed is called planetesimals. In the process, the clouds of gasses came together due to gravitational differences . The area of more clouds had higher gravitation and thus attracted more clouds towards them. The ball of clouds takes a round shape through the process of accretion.  

Read the article on Solar systems on the website of Vedantu.

8. What are terrestrial and jovian planets?

Terrestrial planets are planets closer to the Sun, it is also called inner planets. These planets are also called Earth-like planets as their features are similar to the Earth. It includes four planets which are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Whereas jovian planets are the outer planets which are farther from the Sun. They are also called Jupiter-like planets as they share features similar to Jupiter. It includes Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

9. Can we draw diagrams in an essay? 

Some diagrammatic representation in an essay can be done. However, it is recommended that we should avoid drawing diagrams in an essay as it breaks the flow of the writing. Read some good essays to improve your writing style.

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Essay On Solar System and Planets | Solar System and Planets Essay for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by Prasanna

Essay On Solar System and Planets:  Essay On Solar System and Planets: Our solar system consists of eight planets and the various satellites associated with it. There were nine planets before, but pluto was derecognised as a planet. In this essay on solar systems and planets, we will be talking about each planet and its properties and unique facts. We have the sun around which all the eight planets revolve. An informative and comprehensive essay on solar systems and planets will be provided below.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Solar System and Planets for Students and Kids in English

We have provided 600-word long essay on solar system and planets and a short essay on solar system and planets with a word limit of 200. These essays can be used by school students and children for project works, assignments, holidays homework, test, exam, quiz and essay writing competition.

Long Essay On Solar System And Planets 500 Words in English

Find below a long essay on solar system and planets with a word limit of 600 is helpful for students of classes 7,8,9 and 10.

The universe consists of more than 500 solar systems as of now or as of our limited knowledge on the universe. Our solar system is present inside the Milkyway galaxy.  The Milkyway galaxy is called so because the Romans named it as they found the earth’s skyline at night to resemble that of a band and a patch of milk. The solar system is the most important part of our Milkyway galaxy. According to experts and astronomers, the solar system is the only planetary body in the universe that supports life. And earth, a part of the solar system, is the only planet that supports life in the universe. But this can easily be false since man has not discovered all the aspects of our universe.

Solar systems consist of eight planets, which are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Pluto was also a planet but it was derecognized a few years ago because of its size. The main criteria for being a planet are it should orbit around the sun, it should have sufficient mass to assume hydrostatic equilibrium and it should have a clearly defined neighborhood around its orbit. Pluto failed in the second criterion. But Pluto is known as a dwarf planet. All these decisions of naming, recognizing and derecognizing of planetary objects are taken by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Basically, IAU is an international body that consists of astronomers and scientists all across the world with the main objective and goal of promoting and safeguarding the astronomical sciences in every sphere, through collective international cooperation.

Each planet present in the solar systems revolves around the sun inside their own orbits at their own speed. This is an essential criterion to be declared as a planet in the solar system.

Each of the planets that we mentioned has its own characteristics, which is given below

Characteristics of the Planets in the Solar System

  • Mercury: Mercury also knows as the swift planet, is the smallest, hottest and the closet planet to the sun in the solar system. The temperature on Mercury can go as high as 450-degree Celcius on normal days but the nights are freezing cold. Mercury completes one revolution in 88 earth days. With a diameter of 4878 kilometers and a distance of 35 million miles from the sun, mercury is the fastest planet in the solar system
  • Venus: Venus also called as a morning star, is the second closet planet to the sun in the solar system. With a distance of 67 million miles from the sun, Venus completes one complete revolution around the sun in 255 earth days. It is also known as the hottest planet in the solar system. On bright days, Venus is visible through the naked eye because it also one of the brightest planets
  • Earth: The third planet in the solar system is the only known planet in the whole universe which can sustain life. Nicknamed as the blue planet, Earth completes one revolution around the sun in 365 earth days and is at a distance of 93 million miles from the sun. With a diameter of 12760 kilometres, the earth is covered with two-thirds of water on its surface. The presence of water and oxygen is what makes earth sustain life.
  • Mars: Also known as the red planet is the fourth planet from the sun. It is called a red planet because of the presence of iron oxide on the Martian surface which gives it the red tinge.  With a distance of 142 million miles from the sun, Mars completes one full revolution around the sun in 687 earth days. It is considered to be a cold planet and has certain physical and geographical features that are similar to the earth. It is most likely to be the next home for human beings after the Earth
  • Jupiter: Nick-named as the giant planet of the solar system is fourth in line from the Sun and is the biggest known planet soo far. With a huge diameter of 139,822 kilometers and a distance of 484 million miles from the sun, Jupiter takes almost 4333 earth days to complete one revolution around the sun. Jupiter is known to have 79 natural satellites revolving around it. It also has great red spots and cloud bands surrounding the planet.
  • Saturn: Known as the ringed planet, because of the numerous rings around it, which are made up of ice particles. Saturn is at a distance of 887 million miles from the sun and takes 10,759 earth days to complete one complete revolution around the sun. It has 62 natural satellites composed of ice
  • Uranus: Uranus is the second largest planet with a diameter of 51,120 kilometers and takes 30,687 earth days to complete one revolution. It is also the coldest planet in the solar system
  • Neptune: The last planet in the line is Neptune also called a big blue planet. It is 2.8 billion miles away from the sun and takes 60,190 earth days to complete one revolution.

Solar System and Planets Essay

Short Essay On Solar System and Planets 200 Words in English

Find below a short essay on solar system and planets with a word limit of 200 is helpful for students of classes 1,2,3,4,5 and 6.

Our solar system is made up of eight planets, which are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Each of these planets has unique characteristics and properties. Pluto is known as a dwarf planet which as at the farthest distance from the sun.

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun at a distance of 35 million miles from the sun. It is nicknamed as the swift planet. The second in line is the Venus, also knows as the morning star, is the brightest planet in the solar system which can be seen by human beings from earth. The third in line is Earth, known as the blue planet, which is the only known planet in the universe that supports life. The fourth in line is the Jupiter which is the biggest planet in the solar system with a diameter of 139,822 kilometres. The fifth in line is the Saturn known to be the ice planet of our solar system is at a distance of 887 million miles from the sun. The sixth in line is the Uranus which is the 2nd largest planet and is full of methane in its atmosphere. The last planet in the solar system is Neptune which is at a distance of 4.5 billion kilometres from the sun and has helium, hydrogen, ammonia and methane in its atmosphere.

10 Lines On Solar System and Planets Essay

  • The Solar system consists of 8 planets and one Sun
  • The 8 planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune
  • For a planetary body to be called a planet, it needs to fulfil the criteria given by IAU (International Astronomical Union)
  • Internation Astronomical Union is responsible for discovering, naming and taking care of the science of astronomy in the world
  • There are more than 500 solar systems in the universe.
  • Each planet has its own properties and characteristics
  • Earth is the only known planet to support life
  • Jupiter is the biggest planet in the solar system
  • Mercury is the smallest known planet
  • Sun is not a planet but is considered as a star.

Essay About Solar System and Planets Essay

FAQ’s on Essay On Solar System and Planets

Question 1. How many planets are there?

Answer: There are 8 planets

Question 2. Is the sun a star or a planet?

Answer: Sun is a star located at the centre of our solar system

Question 3. What is the most Earth-like planet?

Answer: Kepler-452b is the most Earth-like planet in the universe

Question 4. What is the difference between a galaxy and a universe?

Answer: Galaxy is a cluster of stars while the universe consists of planets and celestial bodies.

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Essay on Solar System for School Students

solar system essay for class 8

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  • Dec 23, 2023

Essay on Solar System

Essay on Solar System: Our solar system consists of one Sun and eight (formerly nine) planets. These eight planets are gravitationally bound by the Sun on their orbits. Apart from these eight planets, there are more than 210 known planetary satellites, asteroids, comets, and other icy bodies that are assembled in the Solar system. 

The first four planets are called terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) the two gas planets (Jupiter and Saturn), and the other remaining ones are ice giants (Neptune and Uranus.)

Table of Contents

  • 2 Inner Planets (Terrestrial Planets):
  • 3 Outer Planets (Gas Giants)
  • 5 FAQs 

Learn about the smallest planet in our solar system

The Sun is the primary source of light and energy and is about 93 million miles from the Earth. It is the only star in our solar system and one of the more than 100 billion stars in the Milky Way. The surface of the Sun is about 5,500 degrees Celsius (10,000 degrees Fahrenheit) hot and the temperature reaches 15 million Celsius (27 million Fahrenheit). 

In terms of age and size, the Sun is 4.5 billion years old, composed of hydrogen and helium with a diameter of about 865,000 miles which is approximately 1.4 million kilometres. 

Inner Planets (Terrestrial Planets):

The planets that are made of rocks and metals are known as Inner Planets or Terrestrial Planets. These planets are comparatively small in size compared to the other outer planets. The description of these four planets is as follows:

1. Mercury—The Swift Planet

Mercury is the swiftest planet in our solar system which completes an orbit around the Sun in just 88 Earth days. Its proximity to the Sun contributes to extreme temperature variations, from scorching highs to freezing lows. 

With minimal atmosphere, Mercury lacks the protective blanket found on the Earth, exposing its surface to harsh solar radiation. 

2. Venus—The Evening Star or Morning Star

Venus, which is often referred to as the evening star or morning star, depends on its position relative to the Sun. When Venus is trailing the Sun, it is the evening star, visible after the sunset. Conversely, when ahead of the Sun, it is the morning star, appearing before sunrise. 

This dual identity arises from Venus´s orbit, positioning it closer to the Sun than Earth and causing varied visibility during different parts of the orbital journey. 

3. Earth—Blue Planet

The home planet to all living things is Earth. It is the only planet that is known for the existence of life. 

The surface of the Earth is made up of the crust, the core, and the mantle. It is a giant rocky planet with a circumference of about 40,075 kilometers; 71 percent or ¾ th of the Earth is covered with oceans and seas. A large area covered with water makes this planet a Blue Planet. 

4. Mars—Red Planet

The fourth planet of the solar system, Mars, is the most explored planet by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA.) The reason behind so many missions or research for Mars is to hope for the existence of extraterrestrial life on the planet. 

Apart from the possibility of life on Mars, the planet is also known for its presence of iron oxide that turns the planet reddish in appearance. 

Want to know more about our Planet Earth? Read Essay on Earth for more information.

Outer Planets (Gas Giants)

5. Jupiter—King of Planets

Jupiter is the first planet of our solar system in the category of outer planets, also known as gas giants. According to NASA, the U.S. government agency, the planet’s size is more than twice that of all other planets combined. 

Except for Jupiter’s size, the solar system’s first outer planet is made up of leftover gases from the formation of the Sun. 

6. Saturn—Ringed Planet

The sixth planet from the Sun is Saturn. It is also known as the ringed planet and the second-largest solar system planet. 

The three distinctive features that make Saturn different from other planets are its huge 145 moons, visibility from the Earth with the naked eye, and the seven main rings named D, C, B, A, F, G, and E from the outward side of the planet. 

7. Uranus—Ice Giant

The seventh planet from the Sun, Uranus, is one of the two ice giants in the list of the outer solar system. The planet is featured with the third largest diameter which makes the planet the third largest in the solar system. 

Other than massive size, Uranus is made up of three dense icy materials, methane, ammonia, and water – above all a small rocky core. 

8. Neptune—Blue Giant

The third largest and eighth planet of the solar system is Neptune. According to NASA, the farthest planet from the Sun is more than 17 times Earth’s size and nearly 58 times the dimensions of Earth’s volume. 

The cool blue planet, due to the absorption of infrared light by the planet’s Methane atmosphere, comprises a core with the capacity to pick up a lot of gas, making Neptune impossible for the existence of life. 

Also Read: Essay on Space Exploration

Our Solar system is incomplete without the Moon, a planetary large natural object that travels around the Earth. However, the Moon does not make its light but it reflects the light of the sunlight. 

The total number of moons in our Solar system is 290, out of which one Moon belongs to Earth, two to Mars, 27 to Uranus, 95 to Jupiter, 146 to Saturn, 5 to dwarf planet Pluto, and 14 to Neptune.

The solar system consists of the Sun, terrestrial planets, gas giants, Earth’s Moon, celestial bodies , and various other objects. The unique formation and dynamics continue to amaze scientists offering a glimpse into the vastness and beauty of our cosmic neighbourhood. 

Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC in 6 Months?

Ans: The Nebular Theory, which states that the solar system is made up of interstellar clouds of dust and gas, is the best theory for the solar system.

Ans: Arybhatta, the mathematician and astronomer was the first to discover that the Earth revolves around the Sun. 

Ans: There is only one solar system in the universe. 

Ans: Our solar system consists of only stars and we know it as The Sun. 

Ans: The size of the solar system is almost 12 trillion miles, nearly 2 light years. 

Related Articles: 

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Essay on Solar System

The universe is a vast and mysterious place, and at the heart of it lies our solar system—a captivating and wondrous collection of celestial bodies. In this essay, we will explore the incredible beauty and fascinating science of our solar system, revealing why it continues to be a source of wonder and inspiration.

The Sun: Our Radiant Star

At the center of our solar system shines the Sun, a blazing ball of hot gases. It provides us with warmth, light, and the energy needed for life on Earth. Did you know that the Sun is so massive that it makes up 99.86% of the solar system’s total mass? That’s an astounding statistic!

The Planets: Our Cosmic Companions

Our solar system is home to eight planets, each with its unique characteristics. The four inner planets—Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars—are rocky and terrestrial. The four outer planets—Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—are giant gas planets. Jupiter, the largest, is even larger than all the other planets combined!

Earth: Our Precious Home

Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only one known to support life. Its diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to vast oceans, provide habitats for countless species, including us humans. It’s crucial that we take good care of our planet to ensure a healthy future for all.

The Moon: Earth’s Faithful Companion

Earth is not alone in its journey around the Sun; it has a loyal companion—the Moon. The Moon’s gravitational pull creates tides, and its surface is marked by craters, mountains, and plains. Human beings have even set foot on the Moon during the Apollo missions!

Asteroids and Comets: Cosmic Wanderers

Beyond the planets, our solar system is teeming with smaller objects like asteroids and comets. Asteroids are rocky remnants from the early solar system, while comets are icy bodies that release beautiful tails when they approach the Sun. Studying these objects helps us understand the solar system’s history.

Space Exploration: Unraveling Mysteries

Humans have always been curious about the solar system, and our desire to explore it has led to amazing discoveries. Space missions like Voyager, Hubble, and Mars rovers have provided us with breathtaking images and invaluable information about distant planets, stars, and galaxies.

The Solar System’s Mysteries

Despite our advances in space exploration, there is still much we don’t know about the solar system. Mysteries abound, from the potential existence of a ninth planet beyond Neptune to the origin of life on Earth. Scientists continue to conduct research and missions to uncover these secrets.

Conclusion of Essay on Solar System

In conclusion, the solar system is a source of wonder and inspiration for people of all ages. It reminds us of our small place in the vast universe and the beauty and complexity of the cosmos. From the blazing Sun to the distant reaches of space, there is always something new and exciting to discover.

As we gaze up at the night sky, let us remember the remarkable journey of exploration and discovery that has brought us closer to understanding the solar system’s wonders. Let us also recognize the importance of protecting our own planet, Earth, and preserving the beauty of the solar system for future generations. In doing so, we honor the legacy of those who have ventured into the cosmos and continue to inspire future generations of explorers. The solar system, our cosmic neighborhood, beckons us to explore, learn, and marvel at the wonders of the universe.

Also Check: List of 500+ Topics for Writing Essay

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solar system essay for class 8

How Our Solar System Formed

The birth of the sun, the birth of the planets, conditions on earth, earth’s moon, pluto and beyond, for further discussion.

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Solar System Essay in English For School Students

Unlock the secrets of our solar system with our comprehensive Solar System essay on its formation, structure, and fascinating celestial bodies.

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November 1, 2023

Solar System Essay

Table of Contents

The solar system essay is a remarkable and awe-inspiring essay about encompassing the Sun and its eight major planets, their moons, countless asteroids, and a myriad of comets. At its center is the Sun – a blazing ball of nuclear fusion that sustains life on Earth and all other celestial bodies nearby. Orbiting this source of energy are diverse planets, each with unique characteristics and mysteries waiting to be unraveled. From Mercury’s scorching inferno to Neptune’s icy desolation, our system showcases a wide range of environments.

Our home planet, Earth, stands out as the only known place in the universe where life thrives – making it particularly intriguing to both scientists and philosophers alike. The natural satellites of these planets – such as Earth’s Moon, Ganymede, and Titan – provide valuable insights into their parent bodies’ history and geology. In addition to these planets and their moons, the solar system also hosts numerous asteroids and comets which have played significant roles in shaping Earth’s past through impact events. Studying this vast system not only expands our understanding of the cosmos but also offers the potential for answers about the origin of life and habitable worlds beyond our own. As we continue exploring this wonderous celestial arrangement, it

It is a large celestial body that revolves in a fixed orbit around the Sun. It doesn’t have its lights and uses sunlight to reflect light. Because planets are closer to us, they don’t twinkle as stars. Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars remain in the inner solar system, while Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are in the outer solar system.

Our Solar System

There are eight planets are divided into two groups: inner planets and outer planets. Inner planets, including Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, are more minor and closer to the Sun. The remaining four planets – Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune – are much larger and often called Giant planets.

Our Solar System

The most minor planet in our solar system is Mercury, which is also closest to the Sun. Mercury’s geological features include lobed ridges and impact craters. Mercury has a very high surface temperature due to its proximity to the Sun. It can reach temperatures of 450 degrees Celsius during the daytime, but at night, Mercury is cold. Mercury’s diameter is 4,878 kilometres, and it lacks a natural satellite.

As well as being the hottest planet in our solar system, Venus has a toxic atmosphere always traps heat. Venus is also the brightest planet and can be seen from the ground. Venus has the same iron core as Earth and has a thick silicate layer surrounding it. The Venus planet has a diameter of 12,104 km and is similar to Mars. Astronomers have seen evidence of internal geological activity. As with Mars, Venus does not have any natural satellites like Earth.

During the Earth’s lifetime, life is possible because it is covered two-thirds with water. The atmosphere on Earth, which is rich in nitrogen and oxygen, makes it an ideal place for various flora and fauna to survive. Earth has a diameter of 12,760 km and one natural satellite, the moon. 

Often referred to as the Red Planet, Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun. This planet is cold and has similar geological features to Earth.This is the only reason why it has captured the interest of astronomers like no other planet. An ice cap has been discovered on this planet. 

Jupiter has a strong magnetic field and is primarily made up of helium and hydrogen. It also has a Great Red Spot and cloud bands. This giant storm is believed to have raged here for hundreds of years. There are 79 natural satellites on Jupiter, which is much more than there are on Earth and Mars combined. Jupiter has a diameter of 139,822 km.

As the sixth planet from the Sun, Saturn is also known for its ring system, composed primarily of ice and rock particles. Saturn’s atmosphere is quite like Jupiter’s because it is mostly made up of hydrogen and helium. Saturn has a diameter of 120,500 km and has 62 natural satellites, most of which are made up of ice. Saturn has fewer satellites than Jupiter.

The seventh planet from the Sun, Uranus, is the lightest. Uranus has a blue tint due to methane in its atmosphere. Its core is colder than the other giant planets, and it orbits on its side.

It is the coldest, Neptune is the largest and densest. Neptune has an atmosphere made up of helium, hydrogen, methane, and ammonia and has extremely strong winds. It is the only planet in our solar system that was discovered mathematically. Neptune has a diameter of 49,530 km and has 14 natural satellites, which is more than Earth or Mars combined.

Solar System Essay FAQs

Solar system essays examine the sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets of our celestial neighbourhood. They explore their characteristics, orbits, and the vastness of space.

The solar system is a collection of celestial bodies centred around the sun. It includes eight major planets, their moons, asteroids, comets, and other objects. The sun's gravity holds these bodies in orbit, creating a complex and fascinating cosmic neighbourhood.

Our solar system consists of the sun, a star at the centre, and various celestial objects orbiting it. This includes eight planets, their moons, asteroids, and comets. Earth, our home, is one of these planets and supports life as we know it.

The solar system comprises:

The sun is a massive star at the centre. Eight significant planets, including Earth, orbiting the sun. Numerous moons orbiting these planets. Asteroids are rocky objects, some of which are found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Comets are icy bodies that travel in elliptical orbits around the sun, occasionally becoming visible from Earth.

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  • Chapter 17: Stars And The Solar System

Stars and the Solar System Class 8 Notes - Chapter 17

According to the CBSE Syllabus 2023-24, this chapter has been removed from  NCERT Class 8 Science textbook .

The planets, the stars, the moon and other bodies in the sky are known as celestial bodies. Astronomy is a branch of science that studies celestial bodies and the associated phenomena. The change in the shape of the moon every day is one of the observations of celestial bodies that we can make. The day on which the whole disc of the moon is visible is known as the full moon day, while the day on which only a small portion of the moon is visible is known as the new moon day. Various shapes of the bright part of the moon seen during a month are known as the phases of the moon. The phases of the moon occur as we can only see the part of the moon that reflects the light of the Sun towards us.

Phases of the Moon

Moon and its different phases.

Phases of the moon

Understanding Phases of the Moon

Phases of the moon

For more information on the Mystery Moon, watch the below video

solar system essay for class 8

The Dark Side of the Moon

  • The part of the moon that always faces away from the Earth is called the dark side of the moon.
  • The moon’s time period for rotation on its axis and revolution around the earth is approximately the same. (≈ 27.3 days). Therefore an observer always sees the same face of the moon from Earth.

For more information on the Dark Side of the Moon, watch the below video

solar system essay for class 8

To know more about the Dark Side of The Moon, visit here .

Surface of the Moon

  • The surface of the moon is barren and dusty and devoid of water. It has many large craters and high mountains.
  • The moon’s gravity is six times weaker than Earth’s gravity. It is so weak that it does not have any atmosphere. That is why we cannot hear on the surface of the moon.

To know more about Moon, visit here .

  • Stars are celestial bodies that emit their own light and heat. Our sun is an example of a star.
  • Although stars are always present in the sky but are only visible at night due to the absence of sunlight.
  • They appear as points as they are millions of kilometres away from us. Stars twinkle as their light gets refracted in our atmosphere.
  • The position of stars keeps changing as seen from the earth’s surface, apart from the Polestar, whose position is fixed.

For more information on Stars, watch the below video

solar system essay for class 8

To know more about Stars, visit here .

  • The Pole star (or Polaris) is one star whose position seems to be fixed. All other stars seem to move around the Pole Star.
  • It can be traced using the constellation Ursa Major.

Pole star

  • The distance travelled by light in one year is called a light year. It is a measure of distance for celestial objects.
  • Speed of light \(= 3 \times 10 8 m/s\)
  • 1 light year \(= 9.46 \times 10 12 km\)
  • The sun is 8 light minutes away from Earth.
  • The distance of Alpha Centauri is 4.3 light years away.

To know more about Light Year, visit here .

Constellations

  • A group of stars that form a recognisable shape in the night sky is called a constellation. They were devised by ancient men for navigation purposes.
  • Examples: Ursa Major (Great bear), Orion, Leo Major

Constellations

To know more about Constellations, visit here .

Introduction to the Solar System

Celestial objects.

– A naturally occurring physical object in the cosmos, outside Earth’s atmosphere, is called a celestial body. For example, Sun and moon

Solar system

The Solar System

  • The sun and all other planets and celestial bodies that revolve around it are together called a solar system. Our solar system has 8 planets and an asteroid belt. Pluto is considered a dwarf planet.
  • All planets in the solar system revolve around the sun in fixed orbits. Planets nearer to the sun revolve faster as compared to the planets away from the sun.

The Solar System

  • The sun is the nearest star to Earth. It is continuously emitting heat and light.
  • It is the main source of heat and light energy for all planets in our solar system.

The Planets

  • Planets are celestial bodies that do not emit heat or light of their own.
  • They revolve around a star in fixed paths called orbits, and the time it takes to go around the sun once is known as its period of revolution.
  • A planet also spins on its own axis, which is called a rotation.

Our Solar System

An orbit is a fixed path that a planet takes to revolve around the sun.

Orbital plane

  • Mercury is the nearest planet to the sun and also the smallest planet in our solar system.
  • It is usually hidden due to the sun’s glare but can be seen just before sunrise or after sunset.
  • Venus is the brightest planet in the night sky.
  • It is the closest planet to Earth.
  • Although not a star, it is called the morning star or evening star as it appears in the eastern sky before sunrise and in the western sky after sunset.
  • The Earth is the only habitable planet in our solar system. Life exists on Earth due to several optimal conditions, like the presence of the atmosphere and water and the right distance away from the sun.
  • The earth appears bluish-green from outer space as light from the landmass and water bodies gets reflected.

The earth

  • Earth has only one natural satellite: the Moon.
  • The earth’s axis of rotation is tilted, which causes seasonal variations.
  • Mars is the 4th planet from the sun. It is often referred to as the “Red Planet” because the reddish iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance.
  • Mars has two natural satellites.
  • Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. So big that it can accommodate 1300 planets like the Earth. However, it is only 318 times heavier than Earth.
  • Jupiter has at least 67 moons.
  • Jupiter has a big red spot which is a gigantic storm that has been swirling for many years and is twice as wide as Earth.
  • Asteroids are a large number of small celestial objects between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
  • They revolve around the sun too in their orbit.
  • Asteroids together form a belt.
  • Saturn is the second largest planet in our solar system. It is unique as it has thousands of beautiful rings.
  • Saturn has a large number of moons.

Uranus and Neptune

  • Uranus rotates from west to east. Its axis has a huge tilt which makes it look like it’s spinning on its side.
  • Neptune is the 8th and farthest planet in our solar system. It has really strong winds, which are more powerful than any other planet in the solar system.

For more information on Pluto and Ice Giants, watch the below video

solar system essay for class 8

To know more about Solar System, visit here .

  • Comets are celestial bodies that revolve around the sun in long elliptical orbits. They are usually made up of ice, dust and gasses and have a very long tail that is always directed away from the sun.
  • As a comet gets closer to the sun, it heats up and spews out jets of gas and forms a huge glowing head.

Comet

Meteors and Meteorites

  • Meteors are small objects, mainly leftover broken asteroids, that enter the Earth’s atmosphere at high speeds.
  • The friction between the atmosphere and the meteor causes it to burn and evaporate before it reaches the surface. That is why they appear as bright streaks of light in the sky.
  • Sometimes when a meteor is large and does not evaporate in the atmosphere, it strikes the surface. This is known as a meteorite.

To know more about Meteors and Meteorites, visit here .

Artificial Satellites

  • Artificial satellites are man-made objects that are launched from Earth and revolve around the Earth much closer than natural satellites.
  • They are used for various applications like remote sensing, weather forecasting, and transmitting signals.
  • Examples: INSAT, IRS, Sputnik -1

Learn more about the solar system, celestial bodies and other related topics, including NCERT class 8 Science notes , at BYJU’S.

Also Read:-

Frequently Asked Questions on CBSE Class 8 Science Notes Chapter 17 Stars and the Solar System

What are the phases of the moon.

The moon phases in order are new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter and waxing crescent.

What is the meaning of Light year?

Light-year is the distance light travels in one year.

What are Comets?

Comets are cosmic snowballs of frozen gases, rock, and dust that orbit the Sun.

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The Solar System Class 8 Science Guide

The solar system- physics guide for class 8.

The Solar System Class 8 Science Guide

Information about The Solar System

The Solar System

Class 8

Class 8 Physics

The Solar System

solar system essay for class 8

  • The Sun is also the source of almost all the energy in the solar system.
  • The Earth receives almost all its energy (heat and light) from the Sun. 
  • The Sun is essentially a sphere of hot gases.
  • The temperature of the bright disc (visible), which is the source of energy for us, is about 6,000 K. The disc is called the photosphere .
  • The radius of the Sun is almost 100 times the radius of the earth and its mass is about a million times the mass of the Earth. 

solar system essay for class 8

  • The name planet has been given to all those (bright) heavenly bodies that revolve round the sun. They look like stars but they do not twinkle.
  • We now know that planets do not have any light of their own. Their observed brightness is only due to the light of the sun reflected by them.
  • There are eight planets in our solar system.
  • They move in elliptical-shaped paths called orbits , around the sun.
  • The eight planets of our solar system, in increasing order of distances from the sun, are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
  • The Terrestrial planets
  • The Jovian planets

Mercury (Budh)

solar system essay for class 8

  • It is a dry, hot and virtually airless planet.
  • It has craters like the moon, but its interior is similar to that of the earth.
  • Like the earth, its interior contains iron and other heavy elements.
  • Mercury is much smaller in size than the earth.
  • It is occasionally visible just before sunrise, or immediately after sunset. Hence, it is also known as the morning or evening star .
  • Being close to the sun, it takes only 88 earth days to go once around the sun.

Venus (Shukra)

solar system essay for class 8

  • Venus is the brightest object in our sky after the sun and the moon. Its bright appearance is due to its cloudy atmosphere which reflects almost three-fourth of the sunlight falling on it.
  • Venus is almost the same size as the earth but rotates relatively slowly around its axis.
  • It rotates from east to west while the earth rotates from west to east.
  • It has no moon or satellite of its own.
  • Venus is even hotter than mercury though it is relatively farther away from the sun. This is because of the high percentage of carbon dioxide in its atmosphere. This gas traps most of the sun's heat falling on it. This is due to the greenhouse effect .
  • Venus is also known as a morning or evening star as it is usually visible only during these times. It also shows phases like the moon.

Earth (Prithivi)

solar system essay for class 8

  • From outer space, the earth appears blue and green due to the reflection of light from the water and landmasses on its surface. 
  • It has a thin atmosphere. Though thin, this atmosphere plays a very vital role in protecting and preserving life on the earth. 
  • It protects us from being hit by smaller bodies of the solar system. 
  • It has an ozone layer , which absorbs the ultraviolet radiation from the sun and protects us from its harmful biological effects. 
  • The atmosphere also acts like a natural greenhouse . This keeps the temperature of the earth in the range suitable for the continuation of life.
  • the right size and right distance from the sun so that it has the optimum temperature range and gravity. presence of water on its surface.
  • suitable atmosphere and a blanket of ozone layer.

Mars (Mangal)

solar system essay for class 8

  • Mars usually appears reddish in colour, hence, it is also often known as the red planet .
  • Its surface resembles a cold, high altitude desert.
  • Its atmosphere consists primarily of carbon dioxide, along with small amounts of nitrogen, oxygen, water vapour and other gases.
  • Its surface temperature and surface pressure both are very low.
  • These conditions make it unlikely for water to exist in a liquid state on this planet.
  • Mars has two natural satellites, or moons named Phobos and Deimos . 

Jupiter (Brihaspati)

solar system essay for class 8

Saturn (Shani)

solar system essay for class 8

  • Saturn is quite similar to Jupiter in size, mass and composition. It is the second largest planet of the solar family.
  • It is distinguished by its very unique and special system of rings .
  • These rings give it a beautiful appearance. These rings can be seen clearly only with the help of a telescope.

Uranus (Arun)

solar system essay for class 8

  • Uranus is also a very large planet. It, in fact, is the third largest planet of the solar system.
  • Its diameter is almost four times than that of the earth. That means it can contain as many as (nearly) 64 earths in it.
  • Hydrogen and methane have been detected in the atmosphere of this planet. 
  • This planet is observed to have blue-green colours. This is believed to be because of the presence of methane gas in its cold, clear atmosphere. 
  • Its northern hemisphere remains in a four-decade long period of darkness because of the way the planet rotates.

Neptune (Varun)

solar system essay for class 8

  • Neptune is very far away from the sun and is visible only through a telescope.
  • It has been named after the Roman sea god Neptune.
  • Neptune has 14 satellites revolving around it. 
  • e do not have much detailed information about this planet. This is mainly because of its very large distance from the earth as well as from the sun.

Minor Bodies in the Solar System

  • Each asteroid has its own orbit. 
  • Taken together, the orbits of all of them are spread over a large distance, forming a band.
  • Astronomers have discovered more than 500 asteroids which are larger than 48 km in diameter.
  • Ceres is the largest of the asteroids discovered till now. 

solar system essay for class 8

  • The name comet means a ' hairy star '.
  • Comets are relatively small and icy celestial bodies revolving round the sun.
  • When a comet is near the sun, some of the 'ice' in it turns into gas. The gas and loose dust, freed from the ice, create a long illuminated tail that streams behind the comet.
  • Approximately 2,000 comets have been observed over the years.
  • Comets are visible only when they are near the sun. This is because the intense solar heat vaporises parts of their icy matter and creates their characteristic illuminated tail.

Meteors and Meteorites

  • There are some meteors that are so large that a part of them is able to reach the surface of the earth. We call such large meteors as meteorites . 
  • Study of meteorites, found on the earth, has helped scientists to know more about the nature of the materials from which the celestial bodies, in our solar system, may have been formed. 

Artificial Satellites

solar system essay for class 8

  • Artificial satellites perform various tasks, such as transmitting radio, telephone and television signals, sending back information for weather forecasting, military surveillance and for locating mineral resources.
  • Satellites, that are being put to the maximum use, are the geostationary satellites.
  • A geostationary satellite appears to remain fixed with respect to a particular point on the earth.
  • For such satellites, the time period of their revolution around the earth, equals the time period of rotation of the earth around its own axis (i.e. nearly 24 hours).
  • It is these satellites that have made global audio-visual communication such a practical, and now routine, reality.
  • These satellites stay in the same position relative to the surface of the earth; hence the broadcasting station does not lose contact with the receiver. 

Some important Points

  • Till the year 2006, Pluto was regarded as the ninth planet of the solar system. However, in the year 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU), in its meeting held at Prague on 26 August, 2006, decided that Pluto is to be no longer regarded as a planet as it does not satisfy the basic characteristic of the definition of a planet. We, therefore, now talk of only eight planets. Pluto is now known as a dwarf planet and is thought to be one of the objects in the keeper belt.
  • The Keeper Belt is a region of space, in the solar system (shaped like an ellipse) and is located approximately 30-50 A.U. (Astronomical Units) from the sun. The Keeper Belt objects are mostly composed of frozen water (ice) and ammonia.
  • Days go by quickly on Jupiter. They last just 9 hours 50 minutes as it rotates very fast on its axis. But it takes a long time to go round the Sun. Hence, a year on Jupiter is much longer than that on the earth. One 'Jupiter Year' equals nearly twelve earth years. But for the Sun, Jupiter is the biggest and the heaviest member of the solar family. Its mass, in fact, is more than double (nearly 2.5 times) of the sum total of the masses of all the other planets taken together.
  • Aryabatta was India's first artificial satellite launched in 1975. Bhaskra, Rohini, Apple and INSAT are some of the other Indian satellites.

solar system essay for class 8

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solar system

Introduction.

The solar system consists of the planets that orbit the Sun as well as such smaller bodies as dwarf…

The solar system itself is only a small part of a huge system of stars and other objects called the Milky Way galaxy . The solar system orbits around the center of the galaxy about once every 225 million years. The Milky Way galaxy is just one of billions of galaxies that in turn make up the universe .

At the center of the solar system is a star called the Sun . It is the largest object in the solar system. Its diameter, or distance through its center, is 865,000 miles (1,392,000 kilometers). In addition, the Sun contains more than 99 percent of all the material in the solar system. The Sun is a very hot ball of hydrogen and helium gases. It has a temperature, at its core, of more than 28,080,000° F (15,600,000° C). It constantly changes the hydrogen in its core into helium. This process gives out huge amounts of radiation, or energy. Living things on Earth depend on this energy, in the form of light and heat.

The Solar Wind

The gases that surround the Sun shoot out a stream of tiny particles called the solar wind. It flows outward through the whole solar system. The solar wind is what causes auroras, or displays of colored light in the night sky in parts of Earth. In the Northern Hemisphere these auroras are called the northern lights.

The Planets

Use this interactive to explore the planets.

Scientists used to call Pluto the ninth planet. But in 2006 scientists decided that several objects in the solar system, including Pluto, should be called dwarf planets.

Millions of small chunks of metal and rock called asteroids also orbit the Sun. Most asteroids are found in a ring between Mars and Jupiter. They are believed to be debris, or bits of material, left over from collisions between other bodies in the solar system. The largest asteroids are hundreds of miles in diameter, but most are much smaller. Small asteroids regularly fall to Earth or burn up in the sky as glowing meteors .

Comets are small chunks of dirt and ice. Billions of them orbit the Sun in very long paths shaped like ovals. When they are closest to the Sun, the Sun’s radiation causes them to glow. Most comets are too small or too distant ever to be seen from Earth. Comets come from two parts of the outer solar system: the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud.

Outer Regions

Beyond Neptune lies the Kuiper Belt, a flat ring of millions of small, icy objects. These objects orbit the Sun at a very great distance. They are mostly 30 to 50 times farther from the Sun than Earth is.

At the outer reaches of the solar system is the Oort Cloud. It is a huge cloud of countless small, icy objects. The Oort Cloud surrounds the rest of the solar system.

How the Solar System Was Formed

The solar system was formed about 4.7 billion years ago. It probably started as a loose cloud of gas and dust. Scientists think that a force called gravity pulled parts of the cloud together into clumps. The largest clump was squeezed together so tightly that it got very hot. This clump eventually became the Sun. Over millions of years the other clumps became the planets. The Sun’s strong gravity eventually pulled the planets into their orbits. Over time some of the leftover clumps became asteroids, comets, and other small, icy objects.

Exploring the Solar System

In 1957, the Soviet satellite Sputnik 1 became the first human-made object to orbit Earth. Since then, scientists have sent many spacecraft to explore various parts of the solar system. Spacecraft have carried astronauts into orbit around Earth, to the moon , and to human-made space stations. Other spacecraft, called probes, have carried cameras and scientific equipment but no astronauts. Space probes have landed on the planets Mars and Venus, on asteroids, and on Titan, which is one of Saturn’s moons. In addition, space probes have flown past all the planets in the solar system. They have taken many photographs and collected much valuable information.

Other Planetary Systems

The solar system is also known as a planetary system. Since the 1990s scientists have found many planetary systems beyond our solar system. In these systems, one or more planets orbit a star—just as the eight planets in our solar system orbit the Sun. These planets are called extrasolar planets. Finding other planetary systems is not easy, however, because extrasolar planets appear much dimmer than the stars they orbit. As space probes travel farther away from Earth, they are likely to discover more extrasolar planets.

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Essay on Solar System and Planets in English for Children and Students

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Our solar system consists of a sun, eight planets, satellites, dwarf planets, asteroids, meteoroids and comets. The eight planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Earlier it had nine planets. However, Pluto, the ninth planet does not meet the latest standards set for the planets. It has now been termed as a dwarf planet thereby increasing the count of the dwarf planets in our solar system to five.

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Long and Short Essays on Solar System and Planets in English

Here are long and short essay on solar system and planets in English, to help you with the topic in your exams or essay writing/debate competitions.

After going through these solar system and planets essay, you will know about the formation of solar system, when the planets were discovered, the dwarf planets, satellites and characteristics of individual planets etc.

All in all, these Solar System and Planets Essays will make you familiar with the universe we are a part of, so much so, that you can confidently take part in debates, talk shows and discussions, on our solar system and its planets. Please go through these essays to select your needed ones:

Short Essay on Solar System and Planets (200 words)

The universe is massive. It is much bigger than we can imagine and our solar system is just a small part of it. Our solar system houses a big, bright star called the Sun. The Sun is a rich source of electromagnetic energy that it exudes in the form of light and heat. There are eight planets in our solar system namely, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. These planets revolve around the sun in a fixed path referred to as the orbit. Several other smaller objects also move around the sun.

Many planets in our solar system have natural satellites called the moon. While Earth has one moon, Mars has two, Neptune has 14 moons, Uranus has 27 moons, Saturn has 62 moons and Jupiter has as many as 79 moons. Even the dwarf planet Pluto has 5 moons. Mercury and Venus, on the other hand, do not have any moon. Just as the planets move around the Sun in a fixed path, moons orbit around their respective planets.

In addition to the Sun, planets and moons, our solar system consists of several other celestial bodies called the comets, asteroids and meteoroids. While our solar system has only one star, many other solar systems are known to have at least two stars.

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Essay on Solar System and Planets (300 words)

Introduction

Our solar system was formed billions of years ago. It consists of numerous celestial bodies including planets, satellites, asteroids, comets, meteorites and a massive star. Our solar system forms a part of the Milky Way Galaxy. Various celestial bodies in our solar system revolve around the Sun directly or indirectly.

The Formation of the Solar System

It is believed that around 4.6 billion years ago, the gravitational collapse of a giant interstellar molecular cloud gave shape to our solar system. Major part of the collapsing mass collated at the centre, that formed the Sun. The remaining mass flattened into a proto planetary disk and formed the planets, satellites and other objects in the solar system. Planet Jupiter, the biggest planet in our solar system, contains major chunk of the remaining mass.

Our solar system is believed to have evolved substantially since its inception. Many new moons have come into shape from the gases and dust around the planets. Several collisions among the celestial bodies have also occurred and still continue to occur thereby contributing to the evolution of the solar system.

The Discovery of Planets

For thousands of years astronomers believed that Earth was stationary and formed the centre of the universe. It was in the 18 th century that the astronomers accepted that Earth orbits around the Sun.

In 2 nd millennium BC, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn were identified by ancient Babylonian astronomers. Later, Nicolaus Copernicus also identified them. Uranus was discovered by famous astronomer, Sir William Herschel in 1781. Neptune was discovered by English astronomer and mathematician, John Couch Adams in the year 1846. It was in the year 1930 that the ninth planet, Pluto was discovered. Astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto which is now identified as a dwarf planet.

The study of the universe and heavenly bodies is one of the most fascinating studies. Through continuous research, astronomers have found out several surprising facts about the universe and our solar system. Our solar system is ever evolving and newer facts are being discovered and studied by researchers year after year.

Essay on Solar System and Planets (400 words)

Celestial bodies are objects that naturally occur in the observable universe. These include the stars, natural satellites, planets, asteroids, galaxies, comets and meteorites. Our solar system consists of a Sun, eight planets their moons, five dwarf planets and asteroids among other celestial bodies. Brief information about each of the celestial bodies present in our solar system is given below.

The Sun is the only star on our solar system. It is stationary and the other objects in our solar system revolve around it. It is the most massive component of our solar system. Research states that it comprises of 99.86% of the entire mass of our solar system.

The Planets

There are eight planets in the solar system. These are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. The planets have been divided into two groups – Terrestrial Planets and Giant Planets. Planets vary based on their size, geological features, mass, number of satellites and various other factors. No traces of life have been found on any planet apart from Earth.

The Dwarf Planets

There are five dwarf planets in our solar system. These are Pluto, Ceres, Haumea, Eris and Makemake. While Ceres is situated in the asteroid belt others are located in the outer solar system. Dwarf planets are quite like the full size planets. The only difference is that the full size planets have cleared the objects in the area of their orbit whereas the dwarf planets have not.

Astronomers claim that there are six other objects in our solar system that are akin to the dwarf planets. These may be officially recognized as dwarf planets in the times to come.

There are a total of 193 moons in our solar system as per a research conducted in the year 2008. Out of these, 185 moons orbit around the full size planets and 8 moons revolve around the dwarf planets. Moons come in various sizes and shapes. They differ from each other in various ways. Most of the moons are airless. However, there are some that have atmosphere. Some even have hidden oceans. Each planet has different number of moons. Earth has just one moon while Jupiter has the highest number of moons. It has a total of 79 moons. Moons orbit around their respective planets.

In addition to the aforementioned, there are many other celestial bodies in our solar system. These include the Interplanetary Medium, Kuiper Belt, Oort Cloud, asteroids and meteoroids. The Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud comprise of billions of icy objects. Each celestial body in our solar system is unique with its own set of features.

Essay on Solar System and Planets (500 words)

Our Solar System – A Small Part of the Universe

Our solar system is huge but nothing compared to the size of the universe. The universe is humongous and is believed to encompass numerous solar systems consisting of several planets, stars and other heavenly bodies. The universe is all space and time and it is not possible to calculate its spatial size. The size of the observable universe is estimated to be 93 billion light years.

The Galaxies and Solar Systems

Research shows that just like our solar system there are numerous other solar systems in the universe. The universe consists of billions of galaxies. Each of these galaxies has uncountable stars and many of these stars are said to have solar systems of their own. The size of the stars, the number of planets, the geological features of the planets, the number and size of the natural satellites vary from solar system to solar system.

Our solar system is a part of the Milky Way Galaxy. The Milky Way Galaxy is huge. It has more than 100 billion stars. More than 2500 stars with planets orbiting around them have been discovered in the Milky Way Galaxy. The study in this field is going on constantly. There are numerous planetary systems that the scientists and astronomers are yet to discover.

Our Solar System

Our solar system encompasses Sun which is a big ball of fire. Sun is stationary and forms the centre of our solar system. Eight planets namely, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune revolve around the Sun. Each of these planets move in a fixed path in its own set speed. The geological features of each of these planets are different. While Neptune is freezing cold, Venus is scorching hot. Similarly, while Jupiter is massively big, Mercury is comparatively very small in size. The planet is even smaller than some of the moons in our solar system. The atmosphere of each of the planets is different. Planets have been divided into two groups and the features of the planets within each group also vary vastly.

Earth is the only planet in our solar system which is known to have life. It is filled with vast oceans and gases such as oxygen and nitrogen that render life. Mars is said to share some similarities with Earth. Evidences of ice have been found on the planet. The planet is extremely cold and thus life there seems impossible. However, it is believed that the planet was once wet and warm and life existed here. Astronomers are studying this planet closely and have found many interesting facts about the same. These planets have different numbers of natural satellites.

Apart from this, there are five dwarf planets in our solar system. These are Ceres, Haumea, Makemake, Eris and Pluto. Earlier there were nine planets in our solar system and Pluto was one among them. However, it has now been termed as a dwarf planet.

The Universe is vast and there is a lot to study and discover. Scientists have studied our solar system deeply for centuries and are now moving beyond to study other solar systems and galaxies. A lot of interesting facts about this enchanting universe are likely to surface in the times to come.

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Long Essay on Solar System and Planets (600 words)

Our solar system consists of eight planets that revolve around the Sun, which is central to our solar system. These planets have broadly been classified into two categories – inner planets and outer planets. There are four inner planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. The inner planets are closer to the Sun and smaller in size as compared to the outer planets. These are also referred to as the Terrestrial planets. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are termed as the outer planets. These are massive in size and are often referred to as Giant planets.

Here is brief information about each of these planets:

The smallest planet in our solar system, Mercury is also the closest to the Sun. Its geological features consist of lobed ridges and impact craters. Being closest to the Sun, Mercury’s temperature sores extremely high during the day time. It can go as high as 450 degree Celsius. Surprisingly, the nights here are freezing cold.

Mercury has a diameter of 4,878 km. It does not have any natural satellite.

Venus is said to be the hottest planet of our solar system. It has a toxic atmosphere that traps heat. It is also the brightest planet and is visible to the naked eye. It has a thick silicate layer around an iron core which is similar to that of Earth. Astronomers have seen traces of internal geological activity on this planet.

Venus has a diameter of 12,104 km. Just like Mars, Venus also does not have any natural satellite.

Earth is the largest inner planet. Two-third of this planet is covered with water. It is the only planet in our solar system where life is known to exist. Earth’s atmosphere, which is rich in nitrogen and oxygen, makes it fit for the survival of various species of flora and fauna. However, human activities are having negative impact on its atmosphere.

Earth has a diameter of 12,760 km. It has one natural satellite, the moon.

Mars, the fourth planet from Sun, is often referred to as the Red Planet. The iron oxide present on this planet gives it a reddish appeal. The planet is cold and has geological features similar to that of Earth. This is the reason why it has captured the interest of astronomers like no other planet. Traces of frozen ice caps have been found on the planet.

Mars has a diameter of 6,787 km and two natural satellites.

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. It has a strong magnetic field. It largely consists of helium and hydrogen. It has a Great Red Spot and cloud bands. A giant storm is believed to have raged here for hundreds of years.

Jupiter has a diameter of 139,822 km and has as many as 79 natural satellites.

Saturn is known for its ring system. These rings are made of tiny particles of ice and rock. Its atmosphere is quite like that of Jupiter as it is also largely composed of hydrogen and helium.

Saturn has a diameter of 120,500 km. It has 62 natural satellites that are mainly composed of ice.

Uranus, the seventh planet from Sun, is the lightest of all the giant, outer planets. It has a blue tint which is because of the presence of Methane in the atmosphere. Its core is colder than the other giant planets. The planet orbits on its side.

Uranus has a diameter of 51,120 km and 27 natural satellites.

The last planet in our solar system, Neptune is also the coldest of all. It is around the same size as the Uranus but is much more massive and dense. Neptune’s atmosphere is composed of helium, hydrogen, methane and ammonia. It experiences extremely strong winds. It is the only planet in our solar system which is found by mathematical prediction.

Neptune has a diameter of 49,530 km. It has 14 natural satellites.

Scientists and astronomers have been studying our solar system for centuries and the findings are quite interesting. Various planets that form a part of our solar system have their own unique geological features and are different from each other in several ways.

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Essay On Solar System – 10 Lines, Short and Long Essay for Children and Students

Essay On Solar System – 10 Lines, Short and Long Essay for Children and Students

Key Points to Remember When Writing an Essay on the Solar System

10 lines on solar system, a paragraph on solar system, short essay on solar system, long essay of the solar system in english, what will your child learn from the essay on the solar system.

Writing essays can be an incredible journey of exploration, especially when diving into fascinating topics like the solar system. A solar system essay, like the one we’re about to embark on, provides an opportunity to understand the vast universe we are a part of. By attempting this essay in English, students can improve their language skills, enhance their creativity, and develop a deeper appreciation for the wonders beyond our planet. Now, let’s travel through space and time to understand the marvellous entity we call the solar system.

When you embark on the enlightening journey of writing an essay on the solar system, it’s essential to remember some fundamental aspects to make your essay stand out. These points ensure that your content is rich and informative and captivates your readers.

  • Research Thoroughly:  Before starting, gather information from credible sources. The solar system is vast, and discoveries are made regularly.
  • Keep It Organised:  Structure your essay with a proper introduction, body, and conclusion. This will help readers follow your thoughts.
  • Use Simple Language:  If it’s meant for children and students, keep your language simple and avoid jargon.
  • Include Visuals:  Include images or diagrams of planets, orbits, or other celestial bodies to make your essay more engaging and to help explain complex concepts.
  • Discuss Recent Discoveries:  Astronomy is a constantly evolving field. To keep your essay current, mention any new findings or missions.
  • Maintain Accuracy:  When mentioning facts or figures, ensure they are accurate. Mistakes in such essays can misinform readers.
  • Personal Touch:  Share anecdotes or experiences related to stargazing or space exploration. This adds a warm, personal touch to the essay.
  • Include Interesting Facts:  Sprinkle your essay with fascinating tidbits about the  solar system , like the storms on Jupiter or the possibility of water on Mars .
  • Stay Updated:  The realm of space exploration and astronomy is constantly advancing. Ensure you are updated with the latest information.
  • Proofread:  After finishing your essay, review it for any grammatical or factual errors. A well-polished essay makes a better impression.

10 Lines on Solar System - Infographics

For primary class students just beginning their exploration into the vast wonders of space, breaking down the vastness of the solar system into digestible bites is essential. The solar system can be awe-inspiring with its planets, moons, and other celestial wonders. Here’s a simple solar system 10-line essay perfect for budding astronomers and an essay for primary-class students.

1. The solar system comprises the sun and all the celestial objects around it.

2. There are eight planets:  Mercury , Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter,  Saturn , Uranus, and Neptune.

3. The sun is a giant star that gives us light and warmth.

4.  Earth , our home, is the third planet from the sun and the only one known to have life.

5. The  moon  is Earth’s natural satellite and orbits around us.

6.  Jupiter , the largest planet, has a giant red storm raging for centuries.

7. Between Mars and Jupiter, there’s an asteroid belt filled with rocky objects  (4) .

8. The solar system also includes comets with tails that glow when close to the sun.

9. Neptune, the farthest planet, has strong winds and dark storms  (5) .

10. Exploring our solar system helps us learn more about our place in the universe.

Young students can use these lines as a foundation and further expand their knowledge by exploring each point in depth as they grow.

Writing an essay for classes 1 & 2 can be a great way for young students to understand the solar system. To help them grasp the essentials, here’s a short essay in 100 words tailored to their comprehension level.

The solar system is like a big family in space. At the centre is the  sun , shining bright and giving us light. Around the sun, eight planets move in circles called orbits.  Earth  is one of them, and it’s where we live. Some planets have rings, like Saturn, and some have many moons. There are also tiny rocks called asteroids and icy bodies known as comets. Every member of this space family has its own unique story. By reading and learning about the solar system, kids can begin to understand the vast world beyond our blue sky.

The allure of the night sky, dotted with twinkling stars and distant planets, has always been a source of wonder for humans. Exploring the solar system’s mysteries offers profound insights into the cosmos and our place within it. The following essay, in 200 words, captures the essence of this mesmerising expanse.

Our solar system is a cosmic marvel, a vast expanse dominated by the sun’s brilliant glow. The centre of the solar system is occupied by the sun, a colossal sphere of fiery gas that makes up over 99% of the solar system’s total mass  (3) . Orbits around this central star are eight diverse planets with unique features and mysteries. The rocky planets Mercury, Venus , Earth, and  Mars  are nearest to the sun. These are followed by the gas giants, Jupiter and Saturn, and the ice giants,  Uranus  and Neptune.

In contrast, each planet provides a distinct study, from Mercury and Venus’s scorching surfaces to Neptune’s frozen realms. Beyond the planets, the solar system also shelters asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets like Pluto. As we send probes and satellites farther into space, our understanding of this vast system deepens, revealing secrets that challenge our understanding of existence. The solar system, with its intricate dance of celestial bodies, is a testament to the grandeur of the universe, beckoning us to explore and discover.

For every student and reader, understanding our solar system is the first step towards unravelling the deeper mysteries of the cosmos.

The cosmos has always fascinated mankind. Its vastness and mysteries have piqued our curiosity for centuries. To comprehend the universe’s grandeur, we must begin with our neighbourhood in space: the solar system. This solar system essay for class 3 and above offers more profound insights into our cosmic home.

What Is the Solar System?

The solar system comprises various celestial bodies held together by the sun’s gravitational pull, which sits at its centre. This dynamic system is located in the  Milky Way galaxy  and spans a distance of billions of miles. The major constituents of the solar system are the sun, eight planets, their moons, and a range of smaller objects like asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets. It is an intricate dance of objects revolving around the sun, each following its unique path and exhibiting individual characteristics.

How Does the Solar System Work?

The sun is the heart of the solar system, a colossal ball of gas undergoing nuclear fusion. It emits immense heat and light, making life possible on Earth. The sun’s gravitational force is so strong that it keeps all the planets and celestial bodies in their orbits.

The planets orbit the sun in elliptical paths. Like Mercury and Venus, those closest to the sun complete their orbits quicker than those farther away, such as  Neptune . The force of gravity also ensures that moons orbit planets. For example, our Earth has one moon, while Jupiter boasts 79 known moons!

The balance of gravity and the momentum of celestial objects keep everything in place. Without the sun’s gravitational pull, planets would drift away into the vastness of space.

Celestial Bodies Exist in the Solar System

Celestial Bodies Exist in the Solar System

Our solar system’s central star provides energy and light that drive life on Earth.

There are eight in total. The inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) are rocky, while the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) are gas giants or ice giants.

Natural satellites that orbit planets. Their number varies from planet to planet.

4. Asteroids

Rocky fragments remain from the formation of the solar system. Most are found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Comets are icy bodies that come from the solar system’s outer regions. When they approach the sun, they develop glowing tails.

6. Dwarf Planets

These celestial bodies orbit the sun and have enough mass for their self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces  (2) . However, they still need to clear their neighbouring region of other objects. Pluto  is the most famous dwarf planet.

7. Kuiper Belt & Oort Cloud

These are regions beyond Neptune filled with millions of icy objects. The Kuiper Belt is closer than the Oort Cloud and is the birthplace of short-term comets  (1) .

Our solar system is breathtakingly vast and dynamic, filled with various celestial bodies. Its complex mechanisms and operations provide invaluable insights into the universe’s workings. Understanding the solar system is not just a part of the curriculum for students in class 3 and above; it is a journey into the wondrous realm of space. This essay aims to be a guide, igniting young minds’ curiosity and exploration.

Through the essay on the solar system, your child will gain a foundational understanding of our cosmic neighbourhood, grasping the vastness and intricacies of space. Beyond mere facts, the essay fosters curiosity, inspiring them to dig deeper into the mysteries of the universe and comprehend the grandeur and significance of the celestial dance above us.

1. Where is the solar system situated?

The solar system is in the Milky Way galaxy, in one of its spiral arms called the Orion Arm.

2. How many total solar systems exist?

Numerous solar systems exist, with billions believed to reside in our Milky Way galaxy alone. This showcases the vast expanse and diversity of solar systems.

The solar system’s myriad celestial bodies and dynamic interplays provide a window into the cosmos’s infinite wonders. Understanding and appreciating its grandeur satiates our innate curiosity and helps us find our humble place within the vast tapestry of the universe.

References/Resources:

1. Relationship of the Kuiper Belt to the Oort Cloud; The European Space Agency; https://esahubble.org/images/opo0204i/

2. What is a Dwarf Planet?; Jet Propulsion Laboratory; https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/infographics/what-is-a-dwarf-planet ; April 2015

3. Our Sun: Facts; NASA; https://science.nasa.gov/sun/facts/

4. Asteroids: Facts; NASA; https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/asteroids/facts/

5. Neptune Facts; NASA; https://science.nasa.gov/neptune/facts/

Also Read: 

Facts About Space for Children

solar system essay for class 8

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  • The Solar System and its planets

solar system essay for class 8

The Solar System is made up of the Sun and all of the smaller objects that move around it. Apart from the Sun, the largest members of the Solar System are the eight major planets. Nearest the Sun are four fairly small, rocky planets - Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars.

Beyond Mars is the asteroid belt – a region populated by millions of rocky objects. These are left-overs from the formation of the planets, 4.5 billion years ago.

On the far side of the asteroid belt are the four gas giants - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. These planets are much bigger than Earth, but very lightweight for their size. They are mostly made of hydrogen and helium.

Until recently, the furthest known planet was an icy world called Pluto. However, Pluto is dwarfed by Earth’s Moon and many astronomers think it is too small to be called a true planet.

An object named Eris, which is at least as big as Pluto, was discovered very far from the Sun in 2005. More than 1,000 icy worlds such as Eris have been discovered beyond Pluto in recent years. These are called Kuiper Belt Objects. In 2006, the International Astronomical Union decided that Pluto and Eris must be classed as “dwarf planets”.

Even further out are the comets of the Oort Cloud. These are so far away that they are invisible in even the largest telescopes. Every so often one of these comets is disturbed and heads towards the Sun. It then becomes visible in the night sky.

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NCERT Solutions for Class 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 Stars and The Solar System

October 4, 2019 by Sastry CBSE

Topics and Sub Topics in Class 8 Science Chapter 17 Stars and The Solar System:

17 Stars and The Solar System
17.1 The Moon
17.2 The Stars
17.3 Constellations
17.4 The Solar System
17.5 Some Other Members of the Solar System

Stars and The Solar System Class 8 Science NCERT Textbook Questions

Choose the correct answer in Questions 1-3. Question 1. Which of the following is NOT a member of the solar system? (a) An asteroid (b) A satellite (c) A constellation (d) A comet Answer: (c) A constellation

Question 2. Which of the following is NOT a planet of the sun? (a) Sirius (b) Mercury (c) Saturn (d) Earth Answer: (a) Sirius

Question 3. Phases of the moon occur because (a) we can see only that part of the moon which reflects light towards us. (b) our distance from the moon keeps changing. (c) the shadow of the Earth covers only a part of the moon’s surface. (d) the thickness of the moon’s atmosphere is not constant. Answer: (a) we can see only that part of the moon which reflects light towards us.

Question 4. Fill in the blanks. (a) The planet which is farthest from the Sun is _____ (b) The planet which appears reddish in colour is ______ (c) A group of stars that appear to form a pattern in the sky is known as a _____ (d) A celestial body that revolves around a planet is known as ______ (e) Shooting stars are actually not _____ (f) Asteroids are found between the orbits of and ______ Answer: (a) Neptune (b) Mars (c) constellation (d) satellite (e) stars (f) Mars, Jupiter

Question 5. Mark the following statements as true (T) or false (F). (a) Pole star is a member of the solar system. (b) Mercury is the smallest planet of the solar system. (c) Uranus is the farthest planet in the solar system. (d) INSAT is an artificial satellite. (e) There are nine planets in the solar system. (f) Constellation Orion can be seen only with a telescope. Answer: (a) False (b) True (c) False (d) True (e) False (f) False

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 Stars and The Solar System Q6

Question 7. In which part of the sky can you find Venus if it is visible as an evening star? Answer: In west side of the sky.

Question 8. Name the largest planet of the solar system. Answer: Jupiter

Question 9. What is a constellation? Name any two constellations. Answer: A group of stars which has a recognizable shape is called a constellation. Example: Ursa Major, Orion

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 Stars and The Solar System Q10

Question 11. Name two objects other than planets which are members of the solar system. Answer: Comets and asteroids.

Question 12. Explain how you can locate the Pole star with the help of Ursa Major. Answer: Pole star can be located with the help of two stars at the end of Ursa Major. Imagine a straight line passing through these stars. Extend the imaginary line in North direction. This line is about five times the distance between two stars. A star is seen in this direction which is called Pole star.

Question 13. Do all the stars in the sky move? Explain. Answer: No, all the stars do not move in the sky. Due to the rotation of the Earth on its own axis stars seem to move in the sky.

Question 14. Why is the distance between stars expressed in light years? What do you understand by the statement that a star is eight light years away from the Earth? Answer: The stars are very far away from the Earth and it is not convenient to express such distances in kilo¬metres. Thus, such large distances are expressed in unit known as light year. If we say that a star is eight light years away from Earth, it means that the light from star will reach the Earth in eight years.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 Stars and The Solar System Q15

Stars and The Solar System Class 8 Science NCERT Intext Activities Solved

Activity 1 (NCERT Textbook, Page 216) Observe the moon continuously for several nights, preferably from one full moon to the next. Make a sketch of the moon every night in your notebook and note the day from the day of the full moon. Also, note every day the part of the sky (east or west) in which the moon is seen. Solution: We find that there is a change in the shape of the moon every day and the moon appears to be perfectly round on the full moon day. On the fifteenth day of the month, we see that the moon is not visible even if the sky is clear. Thus, the moon goes on increasing every day, till on the fifteenth day and the full face of the moon is visible. After the full moon the bright part of the moon goes on decreasing every night and by another fifteen days again new moon is formed.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 Stars and The Solar System Activity 2

Activity 3 (NCERT Textbook, Page 218-219) Draw a circle of about 1 m diameter on the ground. Ask one of your friends to stand at the centre of this circle. You revolve around your friend in such a manner that your face always remains towards him. Can your friend see your back? How many rotations did you complete in one revolution? The moon revolves around the Earth in a similar manner. Solution: No, my friend cannot see my back. One rotation is completed in one revolution. It is concluded that the moon completes one rotation on its axis as it completes one revolution around the Earth.

Activity 4 (NCERT Textbook, Page 220) Stand in the centre of a big room and start rotating. In which direction will the objects in the room appear to move? Do you see them moving in the direction opposite to your motion? Solution: The object appear to move in the opposite direction to our motion.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 Stars and The Solar System Activity 5

Activity 6 (NCERT Textbook, Page 222) Observe this constellation (Ursa Major) for a few hours. Do you find any change in its shape? Do you find any change in its position? Solution: It is observe that the shape of the constellation remains the same but the constellation appears to move in the sky from east to west.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 Stars and The Solar System Activity 7

Activity 10 (NCERT Textbook, Page 227) Find out from some newspaper or from an almanac the time when Ve- ‘ nus is visible in the sky. You can easily recognise Venus by its brightness. Remember that Venus cannot be seen very high in the sky. You must try to observe Venus either 1 -3 hours before sunrise or 1-3 hours after sunset. Solution: Do it yourself.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 – 1 Mark Questions and Answers

Question 1. Name the instrument you will use to observe rings of the planet Saturn. [MSE (Chandigarh) 2008] Answer: Telescope.

Question 2. Which star appears to remain fixed to us ? What is / are the name/s given to it ? [DAV2008] Answer: Pole star appears to be fixed. Its name is Dhruv Tara.

Question 3. Planet ………….. is known to have the largest number of natural satellites. [KVS 2008] Answer: Jupiter.

Question 4. Name any two constellations that have seven prominent stars in them. [DAV2007] Answer: Ursa Major and Ursa Minor have seven prominent stars in them.

Question 5. Name the planet that was predicted before it was actually observed. [KVS 2005] Answer: Pluto

Question 6. Why the stars are not visible during the day ? [MSE (Chandigarh) 2005] Answer: The stars are not visible during the day because of the glare of bright sunlight.

Question 7. Which of the following is NOT a member of the solar system ? [NCT2010]

  • An asteroid
  • A satellite
  • A constellation

Answer: A satellite.

Question 8. Which of the following is NOT a planet of the sun ? [NCT2010]

Answer: Sirius.

Question 9. Phases of the moon occur because [NCT2010]

  • we can see only that part of the moon which reflects light towards us.
  • our distance from the moon keeps changing.
  • the shadow of the Earth covers only a part of the moon’s surface. ’
  • the thickness of the moon’s atmosphere is not constant. ‘

Answer: We can see only that part of the moon which reflects light towards us.

Question 10. Fill in the blanks : [NCERT]

  • The planet which is farthest from the Sim is …………
  • The planet which appears reddish in colour is ……………
  • A group of stars that appear to form a pattern in the sky is known as a ………….
  • A celestial body that revolves around a planet is known as ……………..
  • Shooting stars are actually not ……………
  • Asteroids are found between the orbits of …………. and …………..
  • Constellation.
  • Mars, Jupiter.

Question 11. Mark the following statements as true (T) or false (F). [NCERT]

  • Pole star is a member of the solar system. ( )
  • Mercury is the smallest planet of the solar system. ( )
  • Uranus is the farthest planet in the solar system. ( )
  • There are nine planets in the solar system. ( )
  • INSAT is an artificial satellite. ( )
  • Constellation Orion can be seen only with a telescope. ( )

Question 12. Match the items in column I with one or more items in column II

Column-I Column-II
(a) Star (i) Saturn
(b) Constellation (ii) Pole star
(c) Planet (iii) Great Bear
(d) Satellite of the earth (iv) Moon
(v) Earth
(vi) Orion
(vii) Mars
Column-I Column-II
(a) Star
(b) Constellation
(c) Planet
(d) Satellite of the earth
(i) Pole star
(iii) Great Bear, (vi) Orion
(iii) Saturn, (v) Earth, (vii) Mars
(iv) Moon

  Question 13. In which part of the sky can you find Venus if it is visible as an evening star ? [NCERT] Answer: Venus appears in the western sky as an evening star.

Question 14. What is full moon day ? Answer: The day on which the whole disc of the moon is visible is known as the full moon day.

Question 15. Can you see the back side of the moon from the earth ? Answer: No, we cannot see the back side of the moon from the earth.

Question 16. Does the moon have atmosphere and water ? Answer: No, moon doesn’t have atmosphere or Water.

Question 17. Can you hear sound on the moon ? Answer: No, we cannot hear sound on the moon because there is no medium in which sound can travel.

Question 18. What is an orbit ? Answer: The path taken by planets to revolve around the sun is called an orbit.

Question 19. Why do the planets not collide while revolving around the sun ? Answer: Planets move in their own orbits, so they don’t collide with each other.

Question 20. Is the earth a satellite of the sun ? Answer: No, even though the earth revolves around the sun but it is not a satellite of the sun, because satellites revolve around the planets.

Question 21. Why is it difficult to observe Mercury ? Answer: Mercury is closest to the sun, so it is hidden by the glare of the sun. So, it cannot be seen.

Question 22. Name two planets having no satellites. Answer: Mercury and Venus.

Question 23. What are meteor showers ? Answer: When the earth crosses the tail of the comet, swarms of meteors are seen, known as meteor showers.

Question 24. What is meant by remote sensing ? Answer: Collecting information from a distance by satellites is known as remote sensing.

Question 25. Name any three celestial bodies. Answer: The stars, Sun and Moon are celestial bodies.

Question 26. Why do we classify the Sim as a star ? Answer: The Sun is a star because it continuously emits light and heat. It appears large as compared to other stars because it is nearer to the Earth.

Question 27. Name the planets that were known to ancient astronomers. Answer: The planets known to ancient astronomers were Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.

Question 28. The artificial satellites are used for ………., ……., ……….. and ………… Answer: Long distance communication, research, remote sensing and defence.

Question 29. Which of the following is a star ?

  • Alpha Centuari

Answer: Alpha Centuari.

Question 30. Ursa Major is

  •  seen only with a telescope
  • a constellation
  • a natural satellite of Mars

Answer: a constellation.

Question 31. The stone like objects entering the Earth’s atmosphere appear as …………. of …………. at night and these are called ………… Answer: Streak, light, meteors.

Question 32. A celestial body that appears to change its position with respect to the stars is called …………. Answer: Earth.

Question 33. Which planet is nearest to the Earth ? Answer: Venus.

Question 34. Name two planets which are near to the Sun. Answer: Mercury and Venus.

Question 35. Which planet moves in a different plane ? Answer: Pluto.

Question 36. Which planet of the solar system is the hottest ? Answer: Venus.

Question 37. What are asteroids ? Answer: They are very small planets of rock and metal which revolve around Sun mainly between Mars and Jupiter.

Question 38. Name the branch of science which deals with the study of the universe. Answer: Astronomy.

Question 39. What is the shape of the Earth ? Answer: The Earth is not a perfect sphere, but is somewhat flattened at the poles and is bulging at the equator.

Question 40. What is solar system ? Answer: The sun and the nine planets along with their natural satellites constitute the solar system.

Question 41. What are meteorites ? Answer: A part of meteor which fails to bum in Earth’s atmosphere and reaches the surface of Earth is called meteorite.

Question 42. Name the comet, which reappears after 76 years. Answer: Halley’s comet.

Question 43. Give the other name of meteors. Answer: Shooting stars.

Question 44. Why does the sun not appear like other stars ? Answer: The sun appears bigger and hotter as compared to other stars because it is very close to the Earth.

Question 45. What is atmosphere ? Answer: The Earth is surrounded by an envelope of air known as atmosphere.

Question 46. Name the galaxy in which our solar system is situated. Answer: Milky way.

Question 47. How many galaxies are there in the universe ? Answer: Hundred billion galaxies.

Question 48. How many stars are present in each galaxy ? Answer: Each galaxy consists of 100 billion stars.

Question 49. Name the astronauts who landed on the Moon in 1969. Answer: Niel Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 – 2 Mark Questions and Answers

Question 1. Mention any two differences between natural and artificial satellites. [ATS 2008] Answer:

Natural Satellite Artificial Satellite
(i) A celestial body revolving around a planet is called a natural satellite.
(ii) It cannot be used in any way.
(i) A man-made satellite revolving around the Earth is called an artificial satellite.
(ii) It can be used for telecommunication and remote sensing.

  Question 2. How is the tail of a comet formed ? [DAV2008] Answer: When a comet comes near the sun, some of its ice turns into gas. Gas and loose dust, freed from ice create a long illuminating tail behind it.

Question 3. Venus is hotter than mercury, though it is farther away from Sun. Why ? [DAV2008, 06] Answer: Venus contains a higher percentage of carbon dioxide. So, the greenhouse effect is more by the trapping of the infrared rays of the sun.

Question 4. Define light year. What is the relation between light year and kilometers ? [ATS 2007] Answer: One light year is the distance travelled by light in one year. 1 light year = 9.46 * 10 12 km.

Question 5. Give any two points of difference between comets and meteors. [DAV2007] Answer:

Comets Meteors
(i) Comets are heavenly bodies which revolve around the sun in an elliptical path.
(ii) Comets have a long illuminating tail.
(i) Meteors are pieces of rocks floaing in space which get heated up on entering into earth’s atmostphere.
(ii) Meteors do not have a tail.

  Question 6. Draw sketches to show the relative positions of prominent stars in

  • Ursa Major and
  • Orion in a diagram. [NCERT]

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 Stars and The Solar System 2 Marks Q6

Question 7. Name a winter constellation which looks like a distorted W. Where is it visible ? Answer: Cassiopeia is a winter constellation which looks like distorted W. It can be seen in the northern sky.

Question 8. What is the cause of seasons on the earth ? Answer: The axis of rotation of the earth is not perpendicular to the plane of its orbit. This tilt causes a change in seasons.

Question 9. Differentiate between equator plane and orbital plane of the earth. Answer: Equational plane is the plane of the equator. Orbital plane is the plane in which the earth revolves around the sun.

Question 10. Name the red planet. How many moons does it have ? Answer: Mars is the red planet. Mars has two nloons or natural satellites.

Question 11. Name the planet which has rings around it. Give one main characteristic of this planet. Answer: Saturn Has rings around it. Its main characteristic is that it is least dense among all the planets.

Question 12. Give two main characteristics of Uranus. Answer:

  • Uranus rotates from east to west.
  • Uranus has a highly tilted rotational axis.

Question 13. Name the terrestrial planets. Why are they called by this name ? Answer: Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. They are known as terrestrial planets because their structure is rocky similar to that of the Earth.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 Stars and The Solar System 2 Marks Q14

Question 15. Name the planets that were discovered only after the invention of telescopes. Answer: Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

Question 16. What is universe ? Name two different kinds of heavenly bodies found in the universe. Answer: The vast unimaginable space which encompasses most distant stars, planet, etc., is called universe, Meteors and comets are the heavenly bodies in the universe.

Question 17. Differentiate between meteors and stars. Answer:

Meteors

Stars

(i) Meteors are pieces of rocks floaing in space which get heated up on entering into earth’s atmostphere. (i) Star is a ball of glowing gases.
(ii) Meteors do not have light of their own. (ii) Stars have light of their own

Question 18. Give the differences between galaxy and constellation. Answer: Galaxy is a collection of stars consisting of millions of stars. A constellation is a group of few stars whose arrangement can be compared to the figure of some animal or any other known material thing.

Question 19. What is the source of energy in the Sun ? Answer: Nuclear fusion of hydrogen nuclei to helium takes place in the Sim.

Question 20. What are the differences between the stars and planets. Answer:

 Stars Planets
(i) They are gaseous in nature.
(ii) There are billions of stars.
(ii) They are made up of rocks and metals.
(ii) There are into planets.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 Stars and The Solar System 2 Marks Q21

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 – 3 Mark Questions and Answers

Question 1. What is constellation ? Write two differences between a star and a constelation. [NCT 2011] Answer: A constellation is a group of few Stars whose arrangement can be compared to the figure of some animal or any known material thing:

Star Constellation
(i) It is a ball of glowing gases and is single.
(ii) It does not remember any known figure or animal
(i) A group of stars is known as constellation.
(ii) Its formation resembles sortie animal or other known figure.

Question 2. What is the difference between meteors and meteorites ? [MSE (Chandigarh) 2007, 2006] Answer:

Meteors Meteorites
Meteors are pieces of rocks floating in space which get heated up on entering the earth’s atmosphere. Meteorites are meteors which do not bum in earth’s atmosphere and reach the surface of Earth.

  Question 3. Name the:

  • star nearest to the earth.
  • two natural satellites of Mars.
  • minor bodies of the solar system that are sometimes able to reach the earth.
  • Sun is the star nearest to the earth.
  • Phobos and Deimos are two natural satellites of Mars.
  • Meteorites are minor bodies that are sometimes able to reach the earth.

Question 4. Name all the planets of the solar system in the order of their distance from Sun. [MSE (Chandigarh) 2006] Answer: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

Question 5. What do you understand by a constellation ? Give two examples. [MSE (Chandigarh) 2005] Answer: Constellation are group of stars that appear to form a pattern, resembling a human figure or animal, e.g. Ursa major and Orion.

Question 6. What is a shooting star ? Why does it bum completely before reaching the earth’s surface ? [DAV2005] Answer: Shooting star are the heavenly bodies consisting of small pieces of stones and metallic rocks travelling at very high speed. They are also known as meteors. When meteors enter the earth’s atmosphere, they get heated up due to air friction and hence bum completely.”

Question 7. Explain the structure of the moon. Answer: The moon’s surface is dusty and barren and has craters of different sizes. It also has a large number of steep and high mountains.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 Stars and The Solar System 3 Marks Q8

Question 9. How can you locate the star-Sirius ? Answer: The star-Sirius is the brightest star in the sky and is located close to Orion. Imagine a straight line passing through the three middle stars. Look along this line towards east. This line will lead you to the Sirius.

Question 10.

  • Name the natural satellite of the Earth.
  • In how many days this satellite completes one revolution around the Earth ?
  • In how many days this satellite revolves around its own axis ?
  • Moon is the natural satellite of the Earth.
  • The Moon takes 271 days to revolve around the Earth.
  • The Moon takes 271 days to spin on its own axis.

Ques tion 11.

  • Name the star nearest to the Earth (except Sun).
  • How much time does the light from this star take to reach the Earth ?
  • Name the gas found in stars.
  • Proxima Centuari is the star nearest to Earth except Sun.
  • It’s light takes 4.5 years to reach the Earth.
  • Hydrogen gas is present in the star.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 – 5 Mark Questions and Answers

Question 1. Explain how artificial satellites help in transmission of television programmes over large areas. [MSE (Chandigarh) 2007] Answer: The picture and sound to be transmitted is first converted into electrical signals. These electrical signals are then converted into a special type of waves and transmitted in air from a transmitting antenna. The artificial satellites have special instruments which receive the signals transmitted by the earth stations. The signals so received are then amplified and retransmitted, by the artificial satellite that finally reach the televisions at different areas.

Question 2. Why is the distance between stars expressed in light years ? What do you understand by the statement that a star is eight light years away from the earth ? [NCERT] Answer: The distance between the stars is millions of kilometers, so it is not convenient to express it in kilometers. It is expressed in light years. This means that light from this star 8 years to reach the Earth.

Question 3. The radius of Jupiter is 11 times the radius of the Earth. Calculate the ratio of the volumes of Jupiter and the Earth. How many Earths can Jupiter accomodate ? [NCERT] Answer: Considering the planets to be sphere. Volume of sphere = 4πr 3 /3 Suppose radius of earth r Volume of Earth = 4πr 3 /3 Volume of Jupiter = 4π(11r) 3 /3 Volume of Jupiter/Volume of Earth = 4π/3 : 1331r 3 Volume of Jupiter : Volume of Earth = 1331 : 1

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 Stars and The Solar System 5 Marks Q4

Question 5. Give reasons why life is possible only on earth. Answer: Earth is the only planet having life because

  • It is situated just at the right distance from the sun.
  • It has the correct temperature for living organisms.
  • Presence of water on earth.
  • Suitable atmosphere around the earth.
  • It has a blanket of ozone.

Question 6. Name the Jovian Planets. Give their general characteristics. Answer: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are known as Jovian planets. Their general characteristics are

  • They are mainly gaseous.
  • Mass and size of the outer planets are very large.
  • They have a ring system around them.
  • They have a large number of moons.

Question 7.

  • Name the star nearest to the Earth.
  • Why does it appear brighter and hotter than other stars ?
  • How much time is required for light to reach the Earth from this star ?
  • Give the composition of this star.
  • What is the source of energy of this star ?
  • Sun is the star nearest to the Earth.
  • The Sun appears brighter and hotter than other stars because it is nearest to the Earth as compared to other stars.
  • The light from the Sun reaches the Earth in 8 minutes and 20 seconds.
  • The Sim consists of 70% hydrogen gas, 28% helium gas and 2% of heavier elements such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, etc. ,
  • In the Sun nuclear fusion of hydrogen to helium, with the release of large amount of energy takes place.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 Stars and The Solar System 5 Marks Q8

Question 9. Compare the solar system with the structure of atom. Answer:

Similarities Differences
(i) In an atom, the protons and neutrons are tightly packed in the nucleus and electrons revolve around it in fixed orbits. (i) In an atom, the electrons can jump from one orbit to another.
(ii) In the solar system,’ the Sun is in the centre and the planets revolve around it in fixed orbits. (ii) In the solar system, the planets remain in their orbits. They cannot change their orbits.

  Question 10.

  • What is meant by revolution of Earth ?
  • What is meant by rotation of Earth ?
  • What is the direction of rotation of Earth ?
  • How much time is required for rotation of Earth ?
  • How much time is required for one revolution of Earth ?
  • The motion of the Earth around the sun is called revolution.
  • The spinning of the Earth about its own axis is called rotation of the Earth.
  • The earth spins from west to east.
  • One complete rotation of the Earth takes 24 hours.
  • One complete revolution of the Earth takes 365 1/4 days.

NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 17 MCQs

Question 1. Out of the following, the only one that is a Galaxy, is (a) Alpha centuari (b) Jupiter (c) Halley’s comet (d) The Milky Way Answer: (d)

Question 2. The constellation, of which pole star is a part, is (a) Ursa Major (b) Ursa Minor (c) Orion (d) Scorpio Answer: (b)

Question 3. The large number of rocky objects, that lie between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, are known as (a) Comets (b) Asteroids (c) Meteorites d) Meteors Answer: (b)

Question 4. The largest planet in the solar system is (a) Neptune (b) Earth (c) Jupiter (d) Uranus Answer: (c)

Question 5. Which one of the following is better known as morning and evening star ? (a) Neptune (b) Mercury (c) Proxima centauri (d) Venus Answer: (d)

More CBSE Class 8 Study Material

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Solar Energy Essay

500 words essay on solar energy.

Solar energy is the energy which the earth receives from the sun which converts into thermal or electrical energy. Moreover, solar energy influences the climate of the earth and weather to sustain life. It has great potential which we must use to our advantage fully. Through the solar energy essay, we will look at this in detail and know more about it carefully.

solar energy essay

Importance of Solar Energy

Solar energy is very important as it is a clean and renewable source of energy. Thus, this means it will not damage the earth in any way. In addition, it is available on a daily basis. Similarly, it does not cause any kind of pollution.

As it is environment-friendly, it is very important in today’s world. It is so much better than other pollution sources of energies like fossil fuels and more. Further, it has low maintenance costs.

Solar panel systems do not require a lot of solar power energy. Moreover, they come with 5-10 years of warranty which is very beneficial. Most importantly, it reduces the cost of electricity bills.

In other words, we use it mostly for cooking and heating up our homes. Thus, it drops the utility bills cost and helps us save some extra money. Further, solar energy also has many possible applications.

A lot of communities and villages make use of solar energy to power their homes, offices and more. Further, we can use it in areas where there is no access to a power grid. For instance, distilling the water is Africa and powering the satellites in space.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Uses of Solar Energy

In today’s world, we use solar energy for a lot of things. Firstly, we use solar power for many things as small as calculators to as big as power plants which power the entire city. We use the most common solar power for small things.

For instance, many calculators use solar cells to operate, thus they never run out of batteries. Moreover, we also have some watches which run on solar cells. Similarly, there are also radios which run on solar cells.

Thus, you see so many things run on solar power. All satellites run on solar power otherwise they won’t be able to function. Moreover, large desalinization plants make use of solar power if there is little or no freshwater.

In addition, many countries have solar furnaces. We also use solar power commercially and residentially. You will find its uses in transportation service too. In fact, soon, solar powers will also be out on the streets.

Conclusion of Solar Energy Essay

To sum it up, solar energy is a cost-effective means of energy which is quite useful for people that have huge families. When we install solar panels, we can get solar energy which will reduce electricity costs and allow us to lead a sustainable lifestyle. Thus, we must all try to use it well to our advantage.

FAQ of Solar Energy Essay

Question 1: What is solar energy in simple words?

Answer 1: Solar energy is basically the transformation of heat, the energy which is derived from the sun. We have been using it for thousands of years in numerous different ways all over the world. The oldest uses of solar energy are for heating, cooking, and drying.

Question 2: What are the advantages of solar energy?

Answer 2: There are many advantages of solar energy. Firstly, it is a renewable source of energy which makes it healthy. Moreover, it also reduces the electricity bills of ours. After that, we can also use it for diverse applications. Further, it also has low maintenance costs.

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