Our Earth in the Solar System Question and Answer| ICSE Class 6

A: Choose the Correct Option

1. The galaxy to which our solar system belongs is called → (a) Akash Ganga
   
2. Heavenly bodies that produce their own heat and light are called → (b) Stars
   
3. Which of the following planets has a reddish appearance? → (b) Mars
   
4. Asteroids are found between the orbits of → (c) Mars and Jupiter
   
5. Halley’s Comet appears after every → (d) 76 years
   

B: Fill in the Blanks

1. The largest planet in the solar system is Jupiter.
   
2. The planet which has a system of rings around it is Saturn.
   
3. The path taken by the planets to go around the sun is called an orbit.
   
4. Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars are collectively called terrestrial planets.
   
5. Ceres is the largest asteroid.
   

C: Mark the Wrong Statements and Correct Them

1. Planets evolve in an elliptical path called the orbit. ✅ (Correct)
   
2. The brightest star in the night sky is North Star. ❌ (Wrong) → The brightest star in the night sky is Sirius.
   
3. The sun is about 250 million km away from the earth. ❌ (Wrong) → The sun is about 150 million km away from the earth.
   
4. Waning and waxing are the different phases of the moon. ✅ (Correct)
   
5. The moon is the only satellite of Earth. ❌ (Wrong) → Earth has artificial satellites as well.
   

D: Answer the Following Questions in 10-20 Words

1. What are celestial bodies?
   Celestial bodies are natural objects in space, including stars, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
   
2. What do you mean by a constellation? Name any two major constellations.
   A constellation is a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern. Examples: Orion and Ursa Major.
   
3. What does the solar system consist of?
   The solar system consists of the sun, eight planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other celestial objects.
   
4. Write the names of the eight planets in order of their distances from the sun.
   Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
   
5. Which are the two types of movement of the planets?
   Rotation (spinning on its axis) and Revolution (orbiting around the Sun).
   

E: Answer the Following Questions in 50-60 Words

1. Explain the formation of stars in the universe.
   Stars form from clouds of gas and dust called nebulae. Gravity pulls the particles together, increasing pressure and temperature. When the temperature is high enough, nuclear fusion starts, and a star is born.
   
2. Name the smallest and largest planets. List their important features.
   
   • Smallest: Mercury – closest to the Sun, has no atmosphere.
     
   • Largest: Jupiter – has a strong magnetic field, and the Great Red Spot, a massive storm.
     
3. How are artificial satellites different from natural satellites? Give examples.
   
   • Artificial Satellites are human-made objects orbiting a planet (e.g., Hubble Telescope).
     
   • Natural Satellites are celestial bodies that orbit planets (e.g., Earth’s Moon).
     
4. What are asteroids? Where are they found?
   Asteroids are rocky bodies orbiting the Sun. They are mainly found in the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter.
   
5. How is a meteor formed?
   A meteor forms when a space rock enters Earth’s atmosphere, burning due to friction and creating a streak of light.
   
6. What are periodical comets? Give an example.
   Periodical comets orbit the sun in regular cycles. Example: Halley’s Comet (76-year cycle).
   

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F: Answer the Following Questions in 75-100 Words

1. What are the favorable conditions that make life possible on Earth?
   Earth has liquid water, oxygen, and an atmosphere that regulates temperature. It is at an ideal distance from the Sun, allowing moderate temperatures. The ozone layer protects from harmful UV rays, while the magnetic field shields the planet from solar winds. These factors support diverse life forms.
   
2. Differentiate between:
   
   • (a) A Star and a Planet
     
     • A star emits its own light and heat (e.g., Sun).
       
     • A planet reflects light and orbits a star (e.g., Earth).
       
   • (b) A Planet and a Satellite
     
     • A planet orbits a star, has a defined orbit (e.g., Mars).
       
     • A satellite orbits a planet (e.g., Moon orbits Earth).
       

G: Give Reasons for the Following

1. We are able to see planets and satellites even though they do not have their own light.
   Planets and satellites reflect sunlight, making them visible from Earth.
   
2. Venus is known as the ‘Earth’s Twin.’
   Venus is similar in size, mass, and composition to Earth, though it has a thick atmosphere.
   
3. Scientists are exploring the possibility of the existence of life on Mars.
   Mars has ice caps, a past history of liquid water, and conditions that might have supported microbial life.