Distinguish stars, planets and moons
The idea
A star produces light; a planet orbits a star and is mainly seen by reflected light.
Step by step
- A star produces light; a planet orbits a star and is mainly seen by reflected light.
- A natural moon orbits a planet or another larger nonstellar body.
- The Sun is a star, and the Moon is Earth’s natural satellite.
Example
The Sun produces its own light and is the center of our solar system. What is it?
Answer
a star
The Sun is a star that releases energy through nuclear fusion.
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Draw a simplified Sun–Earth–Moon diagram. Label orbits and explain why the sizes and distances are not to scale.
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