This key facts covers Other Objects in the Solar System within Our Solar System for GCSE Physics. Revise Our Solar System in Space Physics for GCSE Physics with 14 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 4 of 8 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🪨 Other Objects in the Solar System
- Dwarf planets: Pluto, Ceres, Eris — too small to clear their orbital path
- Natural satellites (moons): Objects orbiting planets (Earth has 1, Jupiter has 95+)
- Asteroids: Rocky objects, mostly in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter
- Comets: Icy bodies with tails; orbit is highly elliptical; from outer solar system
Practice questions for Our Solar System
Which of the following is NOT an inner rocky planet in our solar system?
Explain how gravity keeps a planet in a circular orbit around the Sun.
Quick recall flashcards
What is a dwarf planet?
A planet-like object that is too small to clear its orbital path. Examples: Pluto, Ceres, Eris
What is a light year?
The distance light travels in one year = 9.46 × 10¹² km. It's a DISTANCE, not a time!