What is in space?

The Universe is enormous so we are only going to learn about our solar system. Our galaxy is called the Milky Way, which has the Sun at its centre. All eight of the planets in our solar system orbit the Sun, but it takes then different amounts of time to complete their journeys through one orbit. This is because the distances and speed they travel vary so much depending on their distance from the Sun.

Below is a table of data which compares the planets.

The time a planet takes to orbit around the Sun once is called a year. The Earth's orbit takes 365 and a quarter days, so every four years the quarters are added together to make an extra day. These years are called 'leap years' and they have 366 days in. The date of the extra day is always 29th February.

This video clip gives you an idea about the size of our galaxy.

Homework: Using the data in the table above, or your own research, please complete the data section of your planet booklet. A copy of it is below if you need it.

Charlie has made a powerpoint.