1. The Sun: The Sun is a G-type main-sequence star, which means it is a relatively stable, middle-aged star. It makes up about 99.86% of the Solar System's total mass. The Sun is composed mainly of hydrogen (about 74% by mass) and helium (about 24% by mass), with traces of other elements. It is the source of light and energy for the entire Solar System through nuclear fusion in its core. The Sun has a diameter of about 1.4 million kilometers (870,000 miles) and a mass approximately 333,000 times that of Earth. It has a surface temperature of around 5,500 degrees Celsius (9,932 degrees Fahrenheit) and is about 4.6 billion years old. The Sun's gravitational influence keeps the planets of the solar system in orbit around it, and its solar wind extends far beyond the orbit of Pluto, defining the heliosphere 2. Inner Planets (Terrestrial Planets) Outer Planets (Gas Giants) Dwarf Planets and Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) Galaxies Galaxies are vast systems that consist of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter, all bound together by gravity. They are the fundamental building blocks of the universe, and their study provides crucial insights into the structure, composition, and evolution of the cosmos. Types of Galaxies 1. Elliptical Galaxies: Elliptical, ranging from nearly spherical (E0) to highly elongated (E7). Comprised mainly of older stars, with little interstellar gas and dust. Generally, lack ongoing star formation and are often found in galaxy clusters. 2. Spiral Galaxies: Contain a mix of old and young stars, along with significant amounts of gas and dust. Ongoing star formation in the spiral arms, and they often have a rotating disk structure. 3. Irregular Galaxies: Lack a distinct regular structure. Varied mix of young and old stars, as well as gas and dust. Often the result of gravitational interactions or mergers between galaxies. Milky Way Galaxy: - The Milky Way is the barred spiral galaxy that includes our solar system. - It has a central bar-shaped structure with spiral arms extending outward. - The Milky Way is part of the Local Group, a collection of galaxies that also includes the Andromeda Galaxy and many smaller galaxies. Galaxy Clusters: - Galaxies are not randomly distributed; they often form groups and clusters. - Galaxy clusters are massive structures containing hundreds or thousands of galaxies bound together by gravity. - The Virgo Cluster is one of the closest galaxy clusters to the Milky Way. Galaxy Formation and Evolution: - Galaxies form through the gravitational collapse of gas and dark matter. - Interactions between galaxies, such as mergers, can significantly impact their structure and star formation. - Galaxies evolve over time, with factors like star formation, supernova explosions, and feedback from supermassive black holes playing key roles.