A planetary system is a collection of objects that are not stars, that orbit around a star or set of stars.
A planetary system consists of a set of non-stellar objects orbiting a star or star system. The non-stellar objects are kept in orbit by gravity. Examples of non-stellar objects include planets, dwarf planets, and asteroids. Our planetary system is known as the solar system, consisting of eight planets orbiting a star, the Sun. The solar system is organized in a way that the smaller, rocky planets are found closer to the Sun and large gas planets exist farther away. This is because farther away from the Sun the temperature is cooler, so gases can condense to form planets.
Planetary systems are formed from protoplanetary disks. Protoplanetary disks are made of dust and ice are formed surrounding new stars. Over time the particles in these disks start to clump together and form small balls of matter known as planetesimals, the first stage in a planet’s evolution. These planetesimals attract more matter by their gravitational pull until they get to the size of planets. This formation process explains why all the planets in our solar system are in a orbital plane.
The first planet outside of our solar system was discovered in 1988. It is known as an exoplanet because it does not belong to our solar system. It was discovered by a team from two Canadian universities and confirmed in 1991. It is unofficially known as Latham’s Planet after its discoverer and officially known as HD 114762 b.
Scientists are interested in finding planets where there could be liquid water. All life on Earth requires liquid water. There are a number of factors that would contribute to the possibility of water, but the most important is the planet's distance from its sun, because liquid water can only exist in certain temperature ranges. So far, Earth is the only planet we know of in the universe that has liquid water, but there are more planetary systems in the universe that have not been discovered yet.
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Engage students with a hands-on model of a planetary system
Build excitement by introducing your students to planetary systems through a creative classroom model. Hands-on activities help students visualize how planets orbit a star and understand the structure of our solar system and others.
Gather classroom materials for creating planet models
Collect supplies such as foam balls, clay, string, and paint. Encourage students to use different colors and sizes to represent planets, moons, and the star at the center. This will make each model visually engaging and memorable.
Assign research roles for each planet and the central star
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a planet or the star. Ask students to research key facts such as size, color, distance from the star, and any special features. This promotes teamwork and deeper learning.
Assemble and display the planetary system model
Guide students to arrange their planet models in order around the star using string or wire to show orbits. Display the finished model in your classroom to foster curiosity and discussion about planetary systems.
Encourage presentation and discussion of each planet’s features
Invite each group to present their planet or star to the class, sharing interesting facts they discovered. Facilitate questions and discussion to help students connect what they’ve learned about planetary systems to the real universe.
Frequently Asked Questions about What is a Planetary System?
What is a planetary system?
A planetary system is a group of planets and other objects like moons, asteroids, and comets that orbit around a star, such as our Sun.
How is a planetary system formed?
A planetary system forms from a giant cloud of gas and dust in space. Gravity pulls the material together, creating a star in the center and planets that orbit around it.
What objects are found in a planetary system?
A planetary system usually includes planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and sometimes dwarf planets, all orbiting a central star.
What is the difference between a planetary system and a solar system?
A planetary system is any system with a star and objects orbiting it, while a solar system refers specifically to our Sun and its orbiting bodies.
Why are planetary systems important for understanding space?
Studying planetary systems helps scientists learn how planets form, how life might develop, and what makes our solar system unique compared to others in the universe.
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