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December 21, 2016
(distance to planets measured in Astronomical Units (AU). 1 AU is the distance form the earth to the sun.
What defines a planet?
January 1, 2017
1. The object must orbit the sun (so the moon is already disqualified here)
2. The object must occupy it's own orbit, by ITSELF (this is why pluto isn't a planet)
3. Can't be a lumpy mess (In other words, must be somewhat spherical)

December 21, 2016
.39 AU away from the sun
Our sweet Mercury: It's beauty evokes the AWE inspired phrase, "That's a cool picture of the Moon". Although it's the smallest planet in our solar system--smaller than some moons even, it has the HONOR of orbiting RIGHT next to it's almost 6,000° K MOLTEN PAPA. (5,504°C and 10,340°F for us rebel 'mericans.) It's the closest planet to the sun but we notice that, oddly, it's surface DOESN'T resemble satan's crispy armpits!? We'll save that title for Venus. By just looking at Mercury, we can perform all kinds of science on it. Why is it littered with crators? Why doesn't the earth look like that? Why isn't it on fire? Could there be life there?
December 21, 2016
.72 AU away from the sun
Remember how we said we would save the title of 'Satan's Crispy Armpit' for Venus? Lets work on that title. How about, "Satan's crispy armpit-- except its enveloped in a foul odor that is almost 900°F, and the pressure of this odor is so strong it will pancake you upon arrival. Also, the surface resembles a molten carpet and it sweats acid."? I think that is slightly more suiting! Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system despite not being the closest. Venus is smaller than the Earth and the pair are somtimes called sisters (although let's be honest, they are not even cousins.) Venus played an important role in proving a heliocentric system (sun-centered) in the time of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642). Because he observed that Venus had a full set of phases (like our moon does) it was determined that there was no possible way Venus traveled arund the earth. If it did, we would only see the crescent phase. Take that, greek dudes!!
December 21, 2016
1 AU away from the sun
About Earth.
December 21, 2016
1.5 AU away from the sun
A mysterious planet holding an exciting future for the human race. The red planet's surface isn't limited to crators. How about Olympus Mons (this thing is named so you know it's important): the solar system's largest volcano. The gravity on Mars is almost 65% less than Earth's, allowing for the volcano's collosal growth (and allowing for us heavier humans to feel better about our weight). Lets forget the part about it being huge, let's reiterate: VOLCANOS (ding ding, like earth)! And trails carved out by water! Somewhere around the year 2024, Just over 20 astronauts will be sent as pioneers to join their Robot brethern upon the Martian Surface: where they will do the SCIENCES and discover the possibily of extraterrestrial life in our own solar system. If life is found in our own backyard, what does that say for our neighborhood? Our city, state, or cosmic country?

December 21, 2016
5.2 AU away from the sun
About Jup

January 1, 2017
9.5 AU away from the sun
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January 1, 2017
19 AU away from the sun
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January 1, 2017
30 AU away from the sun
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