Stars and the Solar System Class 8 Worksheet Science

Q.1. Which planet is the biggest planet in the solar system?

Jupiter is the biggest planet in the solar system.

Q.2. Name the constellation which appears to have the shape of a distorted W or M.

Cassiopeia is the constellation which appears to have the shape of a distorted W or M.

Q.3. Why does Pole Star appear to be stationary in the sky?

The pole star appears to be stationary from the Earth, because it is situated close to the direction of the axis of rotation of the Earth.

Q.4. What are inner planets?

The first four planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars are much nearer the Sun than the other four planets. They are called the inner planets. The inner planets have very few moons.

Q.5. Do all the stars in the sky move? Explain.

No, all the stars in the sky does not move. The earth rotates on its axis from west to east. Therefore, all the stars in the sky seem to move from east to west. The pole star appears to be stationary from the Earth, because it is situated close to the direction of the axis of rotation of the Earth.

Q.6. Why is it difficult to observe the planet Mercury?

The planet mercury is nearest to the Sun. It is the smallest planet of our solar system. Because Mercury is very close to the Sun, it is very difficult to observe it, as most of the time it is hidden in the glare of the Sun. However, it can be observed just before sunrise or just after sunset, near the horizon. So it is visible only at places where trees or buildings do not obstruct the view of the horizon.

Q.7. Explain how you can locate the Sirius Star with the help of Orion.

The star Sirius, which is the brightest star in the sky, is located close to Orion. To locate Sirius, imagine a straight line passing through the three middle stars of Orion. Look along this line towards the east. This line will lead us to a very bright star. It is Sirius.

Q.8. What is the smallest planet in the solar system?

Mercury is the smallest planet in the solar system.

Q.9. Which member of the Solar System appears in the sky like a bright ball of light with a long glowing tail?

A Comet appears in the sky like a bright ball of light with a long glowing tail.

Q.10. Which is the star nearest to the Earth?

The Sun is the star nearest to the Earth. It is nearly 150,000,000 kilometres (150 million km) away from the Earth.

Q.11. What are uses of artificial satellites?

Artificial satellites have many practical applications. They are used for forecasting weather, transmitting television and radio signals. They are also used for telecommunication and remote sensing.

Q.12. Why does the Moon shine?

The moon does not produce its own light, whereas the Sun and other stars do. We see the moon because the sunlight falling on it gets reflected towards us. We, therefore, see only that part of the moon, from which the light of the Sun is reflected towards us.

Q.13. What is meant by the phases of the Moon? Why phases of the moon occur?

The various shapes of the bright part of the moon as seen during a month are called phases of the moon. The moon does not produce its own light, whereas the Sun and other stars do. We see the moon because the sunlight falling on it gets reflected towards us. We, therefore, see only that part of the moon, from which the light of the Sun is reflected towards us. This is how phases of the moon occur.

Q.14. Differentiate between artificial satellites and natural satellites.

Difference between artificial satellites and natural satellites

Q.15. Which is the nearest planet to the Sun?

Mercury is the planet nearest to the Sun.