An exploration of our solar system
We sometimes can't help but be amazed when we look above, to
the skies,
and to those beyond them. Thanks
to scientists and astronomers, we know and have seen pictures
of what (in reality) is a small part of the universe. Truly,
the heavens abound with magnificence and wonders that are
mind-boggling, not to mention vast and enormous.
It can be such a wonder why some people think so highly of
themselves, when yet, all people are merely a part of a much
larger planet, galaxy, and universe. Even the planet Earth is
dwarfed by planets such as Jupiter and Saturn.
It is important for people to know that the Earth is only a
part of the solar system, which is part of a bigger galaxy,
which is a small part of an even bigger universe.
The solar system is a wonderful thing –
in its center is the sun. The eight planets, including Earth
orbit around the sun, along with its respective moons, dwarf
planets, asteroids, comets, and other celestial objects. The
International Astronomical Union (IAU) has classified these
objects found in the solar system into three categories –
planets, dwarf planets, and small solar system bodies.
A planet is one that orbits the sun which has enough mass to
shape itself spherically and has emptied its vicinity of
smaller celestial bodies. As we know it, eight objects in the
solar system meet these criteria – Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars,
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Pluto was previously the
ninth planet, but recently, it has been reclassified into a
dwarf planet.
Pluto was reclassified because it was found that it couldn't
meet the second criterion to be considered a planet. Objects
that orbit the sun with enough mass to shape themselves
spherically are dwarf planets. That which meets this criterion
without necessarily meeting the second one for planets is
classified as such.
Small solar system bodies comprise the third and last
category. These include the asteroids, comets, and other
smaller bodies.
Because the solar system is taught in schools all over the
world, it is no wonder that there is some degree of interest
when it comes to planets and other celestial bodies. The
interest was evident when there were groups of people who
protested the IAU’s decision to declassify Pluto as a
planet.
If you didn’t think people cared about a small, distant
object like Pluto, why would they bother to protest and feel
bad about the declassification?
With this degree of interest comes the interest for further
study and exploration, even for those people who aren't
astronomers and are just hobbyists. Telescopes and high powered
binoculars both suitable for viewing outer space can be bought
at a certain price.
There are people that have set up their home astronomy
center in order to stargaze, look at the sun (perhaps see some
sunspots), and even look at Mars occasionally.
In centuries past, people believed that there was a solar
system that existed. It was the notable Galileo who proposed
otherwise, who believed that the Earth and other planets
revolved around the sun, comprising a solar system in which the
sun was the center of everything.
It was also Galileo, with the use of his trusty telescope,
who discovered many of the things which we know today about the
solar system – such as the sun being marked with sunspots.
Other scientists and astronomers researched further on
Galileo’s findings, which confirmed his original suspicions and
discovered many more facts regarding the solar system.
At present, you yourself can view these same discoveries of
Galileo and the scientists that followed suit, with the help of
a powerful telescope. You can purchase a high powered telescope
from a dealer or manufacturer of them and set it up at
home.
If Galileo could’ve done it centuries ago, its means you can
do it at the present time, thanks in part to modern technology,
which has allowed for the mass creation of high powered
telescopes.
The solar system is indeed full of wonders. You can see so
for yourself by exploring it. Nowadays, anyone can do it, not
only scientists and astronomers, but also hobbyists, students,
and common folk, as long as a telescope is around.
|