7.2P Recall that our Solar System consists of the Sun (our star), eight…

The idea

Our Solar System is centred on the Sun, which is our star and holds nearly all of the system's mass. Orbiting the Sun are eight planets, and most planets have natural satellites, such as our Moon orbiting the Earth. The system also contains dwarf planets, which orbit the Sun but have not cleared their orbital neighbourhood, plus asteroids, mostly found in the belt between Mars and Jupiter, and comets, which travel on long elliptical paths and develop tails near the Sun. A correct recall lists all five components: the Sun, the eight planets with their natural satellites, dwarf planets, asteroids and comets, and places each in its role within the system.

What earns the marks

• Names the Sun as the star at the centre of the Solar System.
• States that there are eight planets orbiting the Sun.
• Includes natural satellites, such as our Moon, orbiting their planets.
• Lists dwarf planets, asteroids and comets as further components of the Solar System.
• Distinguishes the components, for example placing asteroids mainly in the belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Counts the Sun or the Moon as one of the eight planets.

  Put it right: Keep the Sun as the star and the Moon as a natural satellite.

• Omits dwarf planets, asteroids or comets from the list.

  Put it right: Include all five component types.

• Describes comets as orbiting in the asteroid belt.

  Put it right: Place comets on long elliptical paths around the Sun.

Exam tips

• List the components in a fixed order so none is forgotten under exam pressure.
• Give one example for each component, such as the Moon for a natural satellite.
• Check the planet count is eight and that the Sun is described as the star.