Planets A celestial body moving in an elliptical orbit around a star is known as a planet. The planets of our solar system are divisible in two groups: the planets of the inner circle (as they lie between the sun and the belt of asteroids) or the inner planets or the ‘terrestrial planets’ (meaning earth-like as they are made up of rock and metals, and have … [Read more...]

Components of the Solar System Our solar system consists of the sun, eight major planets, dwarf planets (Pluto, Ceres, Eris etc.), satellites and countless minor planets, asteroids, meteors, comets and debris. Components of the Solar System The Sun Age: 4.6 billion years. Diameter: 1.39 million km. Temperature: 6000 °C on surface and 16 million °C in … [Read more...]

Formation of the Solar System: Nuclear Disc Model (neo-Laplacian model) Nebular Theory of Laplace (1796) tried to explain the formation of the solar system. But it had many drawbacks as the theory was based on scientifically erroneous assumptions. But one assumption it got right was that the solar system was born from a giant gas of dust called as nebula. A giant … [Read more...]

Outlined below are the many steps involved in a star’s evolution, from its formation in a nebula, to its death as a white dwarf or a neutron star. Nebula: a star’s birthplace. Protostar: an early stage of a star formation where nuclear fusion is yet to begin. T Tauri Star Main Sequence Star: E.g. Sun – full of life (nuclear fusion at the core at full swing). … [Read more...]

Cosmos: another word for the universe. Cosmic: relating to the universe or cosmos. Cosmic rays: highly energetic atomic nucleus or other particle travelling through space at speed approaching that of light. Direct exposure to cosmic rays can cause gene mutations resulting in cancer. Cosmology: the scientific study of the large-scale properties of the universe as a … [Read more...]