Solar System GK Notes in PDF
Solar System GK Notes in PDF
Solar System GK Notes in PDF
Our little corner of the Universe is called the solar system. Questions on the Solar System funnily turn up
in both Geography and Science. You can find a few questions on the Solar System in many competitive
recruitment exams like Railways RRB, SSC CGL, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, IBPS Clerk, and IBPS PO. So understand
the basics of the Solar System in these GK Notes. You can download this Solar System article for revision
later.
Pluto is a dwarf planet relegated from its status as the ninth planet.
The eight planets of the solar system are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus,
Neptune.
You can remember the order using the mnemonic: My Very Energetic Mother Just Showed Us
Night-sky.
The Sun
The Sun is the primary source of energy for life on Earth. It is the closest star to the Earth, about 150
million kilometers from earth. The temperature of the Suns visible surface (photosphere) is about 6000
degree Celsius. However, the outer layer of Suns atmosphere, known as the Corona, is, on an average,
about 2 million degree Celsius. The core of the sun is the center, and is about 15 million degree Celsius.
The Sun is made up of 73% hydrogen and 25% helium. It also has trace amounts of oxygen, carbon, iron
and other elements. It is classified as a G-Type Main Sequence Star. It is about 4.6 billion years old and
will continue to shine for another 5 billion years. After that it will grow into a Red Giant and then finally
end its life as a white dwarf.
The Planets
There are a total eight planets in the solar system
The planets are divided in the two groups - Inner planets and Outer planets.
Inner planets - Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars. These are also known as terrestrial planets or rocky
planets. These are denser and have a shorter periods of revolution.
Outer planets - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. These are also known as Gas Giants or Gaseous
planets. They are big in size and have a longer periods of revolution.
Jupiter is the biggest planet in the Solar System and Mercury is the smallest.
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus
Neptune
Pluto
Asteroids
Meteorites
Comets
Tiny icy and rocky bodies that travel in highly elliptical orbits around the sun.
When they pass close to the sun, they water and gases heat up.
This leads to the formation of a tail behind the rocky core in the direction opposite to the sun.
Most famous comet is Halleys Comet which reappears every 75-76 years.
Last appeared: 1986. Next appearance: 2061.