Anatomy of the solar system main content.

Anatomy of the solar system

Part of Hall of Meteorites.

B.6.1. Anatomy of the solar system

Exhibition Text

Meteorites and the planets in our solar system share an important feature: their chemical makeup relates to distance from the Sun. The planets closest to the Sun (Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars) are rocky, while the outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune) are made largely of gas and ices. The three rocks on display represent three distinct groups of meteorites. The chemical composition of meteorites in each group provides clues to how far from the Sun the rocks may have formed.

For Educators

Topic: Astronomy

Subtopic: Planets

Keywords: Meteorites, Astrophysics, Chemical elements, Solar system, Planets, Astrogeology

Audience: General