Learning Objective

In this lesson we will learn about the components of our solar system and how planets move through the solar system.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

• Compare the geocentric and heliocentric models of the solar system.

• Define ‘planet’, ‘moon’ and ‘asteroid’.

• Describe the planets of the inner and outer solar system.

• Describe the asteroid belt and Kuiper belt.

• Describe the two types of planetary motion and explain how they relate to day length and year length.

• Describe planetary orbits and define the terms ‘ecliptic plane’, ‘perihelion’ and ‘aphelion’.

• Explain what astronomical units are.

(Image: Paopano, Adobe Stock)