CBSE Class 8 Science NCERT Solutions: Stars and The Solar System
This chapter delves into the fascinating world of astronomy, focusing on stars and our solar system. Students will explore the components of our solar system, including planets, their characteristics, and their order from the Sun. The solutions cover the nature of stars, constellations, and the difference between natural and artificial satellites. Key concepts like the phases of the moon, asteroids, and comets are explained. These NCERT Solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for all exercises, helping students understand the vastness of space and our place within it. They are an excellent resource for exam preparation, reinforcing understanding of astronomical phenomena and celestial bodies.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Science |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 17: Stars and The Solar System |
Chapter summary
Chapter 17, "Stars and The Solar System," introduces students to the fundamental concepts of astronomy. The NCERT Solutions cover the identification of solar system members, distinguishing planets from stars, and understanding the reasons behind lunar phases. It also clarifies the nature of shooting stars, the location of asteroids, and the characteristics of various planets. The solutions address true/false statements and fill-in-the-blanks, reinforcing knowledge about celestial bodies and their classifications.
Learning outcomes
- Identify members of the solar system and differentiate them from other celestial bodies.
- Understand the order and characteristics of planets in our solar system.
- Explain the phenomenon of the phases of the moon.
- Distinguish between stars, constellations, and satellites.
- Recognize the difference between natural and artificial satellites.
- Locate the asteroid belt within the solar system.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Solar System
- Planets
- Stars
- Constellations
- Moon Phases
- Satellites (Natural and Artificial)
- Asteroids
- Comets
- Celestial Bodies
- Order of Planets
- Farthest Planet
- Red Planet
Important topics
- Components of the Solar System
- Order and Characteristics of Planets
- Explanation of Moon Phases
- Definition and Examples of Constellations
- Difference between Natural and Artificial Satellites
- Asteroid Belt Location
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
- An asteroid
- A satellite
- A constellation
- A comet
Question 2
- Sirius
- Mercury
- Saturn
- Earth
Question 3
- we can see only that part of the moon which reflects light towards us.
- our distance from the moon keeps changing.
- the shadow of the Earth covers only a part of moon's surface.
- the thickness of the moon's atmosphere is not constant.
Question 4
(a) The planet which is farthest from the Sun is ______.
(b) The planet which appears reddish in colour is _____.
(c) A group of stars that appear to form a pattern in the sky is known as a ______.
(d) A celestial body that revolves around a planet is known as _____.
(e) Shooting stars are actually not ______.
(f) Asteroids are found between the orbits of _____ and ____.
(a) The planet which is farthest from the Sun is Neptune.
(b) The planet which appears reddish in colour is Mars.
(c) A group of stars that appear to form a pattern in the sky is known as a Constellation.
(d) A celestial body that revolves around a planet is known as a Satellite (or moon).
(e) Shooting stars are actually not Stars. They are meteors.
(f) Asteroids are found between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Question 5
(a) Pole Star is a member of the solar system.
(b) Mercury is the smallest planet of the solar system.
(c) Uranus is the farthest planet in the solar system.
(d) INSAT is an artificial satellite.
(e) There are nine planets in the solar system.
(f) Constellation Orion can be seen only with a telescope.
(a) Pole Star is a member of the solar system. (F) The Pole Star is a star, not a member of our solar system which orbits the Sun.
(b) Mercury is the smallest planet of the solar system. (T) Mercury is indeed the smallest planet in our solar system.
(c) Uranus is the farthest planet in the solar system. (F) Neptune is the farthest planet from the Sun.
(d) INSAT is an artificial satellite. (T) INSAT is an Indian satellite system, which is an example of an artificial satellite.
(e) There are nine planets in the solar system. (F) According to the current astronomical definition, there are eight planets in our solar system.
(f) Constellation Orion can be seen only with a telescope. (F) Constellations like Orion are visible to the naked eye and can be observed without a telescope.
Common mistakes
- Confusing stars with planets or satellites.
- Incorrectly identifying the farthest planet from the Sun.
- Misunderstanding the cause of the moon's phases.
- Assuming shooting stars are actual stars.
- Confusing constellations with individual stars.
Revision tips
- Review the order of planets from the Sun and their key features.
- Understand the concept of light reflection as the cause of moon phases.
- Memorize the definitions of key terms like constellation, satellite, and asteroid.
- Practice identifying which celestial bodies belong to the solar system.
- Pay attention to the distinction between natural and artificial satellites.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is NOT a member of our solar system?
Explanation: A constellation is a group of stars that form a pattern in the sky and is not a physical member of our solar system like asteroids, comets, or satellites.
Q2. Which of these celestial bodies is known for its reddish appearance?
Explanation: Mars is often referred to as the 'Red Planet' due to the presence of iron oxide on its surface, giving it a distinct reddish hue.
Q3. What causes the different phases of the moon that we observe?
Explanation: The phases of the moon are due to the changing angles at which we view the sunlit portion of the Moon as it orbits the Earth.
Q4. Which planet is recognized as the farthest from the Sun in our solar system?
Explanation: Neptune is the eighth and farthest known planet from the Sun in our solar system.
Q5. What are shooting stars commonly known to be?
Explanation: Shooting stars are not actual stars but are small pieces of rock or dust that burn up as they enter the Earth's atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions
What is the solar system?
The solar system consists of the Sun and all the celestial bodies that orbit it, including planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
Which planet is known as the Red Planet?
Mars is known as the Red Planet because its surface contains iron oxide, which gives it a reddish appearance.
Why do we see different phases of the moon?
The phases of the moon occur because we see different amounts of the Moon's sunlit surface as it orbits the Earth.
What is the difference between a star and a planet?
Stars produce their own light and heat, while planets reflect light from a star and do not produce their own significant heat or light.
What are constellations?
Constellations are recognizable patterns formed by groups of stars in the night sky, often named after mythological figures or animals.
Are shooting stars real stars?
No, shooting stars are not real stars. They are small pieces of rock or dust, called meteors, that burn up upon entering Earth's atmosphere.
Where are asteroids primarily found?
Asteroids are mostly found in the asteroid belt, located between the orbits of the planets Mars and Jupiter.
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