Topic 7Astronomy - Session 1

The Solar System

10X2 Physics Mr Ram Week beginning 20th April 2020 (week 3)

Aims of session 1

• Recall that our Solar System consists of the Sun (our star), eight planets and their natural satellites (such as our Moon); dwarf planets; asteroids and comets.

• Recall the names and order, in terms of distance from the Sun, of the eight planets

• Describe how ideas about the structure of the Solar System have changed over time.

• Describe how methods of observing the Universe have changed over time including why some telescopes are located outside the Earth’s atmosphere

These are some of

the key scientists

who were involved

in the development

of the model of the

solar system.

Task 1:-

Research who they are

and what contribution did

they make in the

development of the model

of the solar system.

How did you get on?

Aristotle Copernicus

Galileo Ptolemy

TASK 2:-

The next two slides contains

information on the two

models of the solar system.

Use this information to make

detailed notes in your book

on each model highlighting

any differences and

similarities.

(Use diagrams also to

identify differences)

Aristotle proposed that the heavens were composed of

spheres to which the planets and moons were attached

and which rotated at different velocities with the Earth at

the centre.

In the Geocentric model the Earth is at the

centre of the solar system.

Aristotle’s and Ptolemy’s model of the solar system

Copy this diagram

The Copernican Model: A Sun-Centered Solar System

In a book called On the Revolutions

of the Heavenly Bodies (that was

published as Copernicus lay on his

deathbed), Copernicus proposed

that the Sun, not the Earth, was

the center of the Solar System.

In the heliocentric model the Sun

is at the centre of the solar

system.

Polish astronomer

Nicolai Copernicus

(1473-1543).

Copy this diagram

Task 3:- Copy and complete into your book.

TASK 4:-

Use the image on the

left to write down the

order of the planets in

terms of distance from

the sun. (you will be

required to recall this

order).

TASK 5:-

Read and copy the

information on the left.

(you will be required to

recall what our solar

system consists of)

Task 6:- Copy and complete into your book.

Write sub-title: - How observing the Universe has changed over time.

TASK 7:-Read for the information on the left

and answer questions below in

sentences.

1. Name three types of

electromagnetic radiation

detected by telescopes.

2. Suggest two reasons why

modern telescopes are put

into space.

3. Describe the ways in which

changes to technology have

increased our knowledge of

the universe.

Task 8:- Copy and complete into your book.

Task 9 :- Plenary – answer exam style question

Task 10 :- Use the mark scheme below to check your answer and make any

corrections/improvements.