NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 12
Beyond Earth
This chapter takes Class 6 CBSE students on an exciting exploration of space, covering the Solar System, planets, moons, stars, and celestial phenomena. Students learn about the structure of the Solar System, the characteristics of each planet, and concepts like constellations, galaxies, and the universe. The chapter also touches on India's contributions to space exploration and the role of organizations like ISRO.
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Key Terms
- Solar System
- The collection of the Sun and all objects that orbit it, including 8 planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
- Planet
- A large spherical object that orbits a star, has cleared its orbital neighbourhood, and does not produce its own light.
- Satellite
- A natural or man-made object that orbits a planet; the Moon is Earth's only natural satellite.
- Star
- A massive ball of hot plasma that produces its own light and heat through nuclear fusion reactions in its core.
- Constellation
- A group of stars that appear to form a recognizable pattern or shape when viewed from Earth, such as Orion or Ursa Major.
- Galaxy
- A massive system of millions or billions of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity; our Solar System is in the Milky Way galaxy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Solar System in Class 6 Science Chapter 12?▾
The Solar System consists of the Sun at the centre and eight planets orbiting it — Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune — along with moons, asteroids, comets, and other smaller bodies.
What are the planets in the Solar System in Class 6?▾
The eight planets in order from the Sun are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Jupiter is the largest planet and Mercury is the smallest. Earth is the only planet known to support life.
What is a constellation in Class 6 Science?▾
A constellation is a group of stars that form a recognizable pattern in the sky. Famous constellations include Orion (the Hunter), Ursa Major (the Great Bear), and Cassiopeia. Ancient civilisations used them for navigation and storytelling.
What is ISRO and its role in space exploration for Class 6?▾
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is India's national space agency. It has launched important missions like Chandrayaan (Moon mission) and Mangalyaan (Mars mission), contributing significantly to global space research and exploration.
What is the difference between a star and a planet in Class 6 Science?▾
Stars produce their own light through nuclear fusion and are much larger (e.g., the Sun). Planets do not produce their own light; they shine by reflecting light from their star. Stars are fixed, while planets orbit around stars.
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