The Solar System
Physics: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 8.1.1
The Solar System
There are billions of galaxies in the universe, each of which contains billions of stars. The Milky Way galaxy contains our solar system, which is made up of:
The Sun
- The Sun is the only star in our solar system.
Planets and dwarf planets
- Planets and dwarf planets orbit around the Sun.
- There are eight planets in our solar system (Pluto is a dwarf planet).
Moons
- Moons are in orbit around many of the planets.
- Moons are called natural satellites.
Comets and asteroids
- Comets and asteroids also orbit around the Sun.
Test yourself on The Solar System
What is the name of our galaxy?
Size in our Solar System
Which of these is a star?
Which of the following does NOT orbit around the Sun?