CBSE Class 8 Science Chapter 17: Stars and the Solar System NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

This chapter delves into the fascinating world of stars and our solar system, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of celestial bodies. The NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science, Chapter 17, cover key concepts such as the components of the solar system, including planets, satellites, asteroids, and comets. It explains the phenomenon of moon phases, the characteristics of different planets, and the distinction between natural and artificial satellites. The solutions also clarify what shooting stars and constellations are, helping students differentiate them from actual stars. These solutions are designed to aid students in grasping the fundamental astronomical concepts, reinforcing their learning through clear explanations and accurate answers to exercise questions, making exam revision more effective.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 8
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 17

Chapter summary

Chapter 17, 'Stars and the Solar System,' focuses on introducing students to the basic elements of astronomy relevant to our solar system and beyond. The NCERT Solutions provide clear answers to questions about planets, their order from the Sun, characteristics like color and size, and the nature of celestial objects like asteroids and comets. It clarifies the reasons behind lunar phases and the definition of satellites. The solutions also touch upon constellations and shooting stars, helping students build a foundational knowledge of the night sky.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify members of the solar system and differentiate them from other celestial bodies.
  • Understand the reasons behind the phases of the moon.
  • Recognize and name planets based on their characteristics (e.g., color, distance from the Sun).
  • Distinguish between natural and artificial satellites.
  • Define constellations and shooting stars.
  • Recall the order and relative positions of planets in the solar system.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Solar System
  • Planets
  • Sun
  • Moon Phases
  • Stars
  • Constellations
  • Asteroids
  • Comets
  • Satellites (Natural and Artificial)
  • Shooting Stars
  • Celestial Bodies
  • Orbits

Important topics

  • Components of the Solar System
  • Order and Characteristics of Planets
  • Moon Phases Explanation
  • Distinction between Stars and Planets
  • Asteroid Belt
  • Artificial Satellites

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Choose the correct answer from the options provided: Which of the following celestial bodies is NOT considered a member of our solar system?
  1. An asteroid
  2. A satellite
  3. A constellation
  4. A comet
Solution: The correct answer is (iii) A constellation. Our solar system includes planets, moons (satellites), asteroids, and comets, all of which orbit the Sun. A constellation, however, is a group of stars that form a recognizable pattern in the night sky and is not a part of our solar system itself.

Question 2

Choose the correct answer from the options provided: Which of the following celestial bodies listed is NOT a planet orbiting our Sun?
  1. Sirius
  2. Mercury
  3. Saturn
  4. Earth
Solution: The correct answer is (i) Sirius. Sirius is a star, the brightest star in the Earth's night sky, and is located in the constellation Canis Major. It is not a planet within our solar system. Mercury, Saturn, and Earth are all planets that orbit the Sun.

Question 3

Choose the correct answer from the options provided: The different phases of the moon that we observe are a result of which phenomenon?
  1. We can see only that part of the moon which reflects light towards us.
  2. Our distance from the moon keeps changing significantly.
  3. The shadow of the Earth covers only a part of the moon's surface.
  4. The thickness of the moon's atmosphere is not constant.
Solution: The correct answer is (i) we can see only that part of the moon which reflects light towards us. The phases of the moon occur because the moon orbits the Earth, and as it does, the angle at which sunlight hits the moon and reflects towards us changes. We see different portions of the moon illuminated by the Sun, creating the cycle of phases from new moon to full moon and back again.

Question 4

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate terms:

(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 ____.

Solution:

(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.

(e) Shooting stars are actually not Stars.

(f) Asteroids are found between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

Question 5

Mark the following statements as true (T) or false (F):

(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.

Solution:

(a) Pole Star is a member of the solar system. (F) Pole Star is a star, not a member of our solar system which consists of the Sun, planets, etc.

(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; Uranus is the seventh planet.

(d) INSAT is an artificial satellite. (T) INSAT (Indian National Satellite) is a series of multipurpose geostationary satellites launched by India, making it 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. Pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet.

(f) Constellation Orion can be seen only with a telescope. (F) Constellation Orion is one of the most prominent and easily recognizable constellations in the night sky and can be seen with the naked eye.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing stars with planets or other celestial bodies.
  • Incorrectly identifying members of the solar system.
  • Misunderstanding the cause of moon phases.
  • Assuming shooting stars are actual stars.
  • Confusing constellations with individual stars.

Revision tips

  • Review the definitions of all celestial bodies mentioned in the chapter.
  • Create a chart listing planets in order from the Sun with their key characteristics.
  • Draw diagrams to illustrate the concept of moon phases.
  • Practice identifying constellations mentioned in the exercises.
  • Focus on understanding the difference between natural phenomena and man-made objects in space.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following is NOT a member of our solar system?

Q2. Which of these celestial bodies is known for its reddish appearance?

Q3. What causes the different phases of the moon that we observe?

Q4. Which planet is farthest from the Sun in our solar system?

Q5. What are shooting stars commonly known to be?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of CBSE Class 8 Science Chapter 17?

Chapter 17, 'Stars and the Solar System,' focuses on introducing students to the basic components of our solar system, including planets, the Sun, the Moon, asteroids, and comets, as well as concepts like constellations and shooting stars.

Which planet is farthest from the Sun according to the NCERT Solutions?

According to the NCERT Solutions for Chapter 17, Neptune is the planet farthest from the Sun.

What causes the phases of the moon?

The phases of the moon occur because we observe only the part of the moon that reflects sunlight towards us as it orbits the Earth.

Are shooting stars actual stars?

No, shooting stars are not actual stars. They are typically meteors, which are small pieces of rock or dust burning up as they enter Earth's atmosphere.

What is the difference between a natural and an artificial satellite?

A natural satellite orbits a planet naturally (like Earth's Moon), while an artificial satellite is man-made and launched into orbit for specific purposes (like INSAT).

How do these NCERT Solutions help in exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to all exercise questions, reinforcing understanding of key concepts and helping students revise effectively for their exams.

Important links

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