Book 1, Question 98 · Video
Why Don't the Planets Crash Into Each Other? Space Lanes!
Planets share the solar system without traffic jams. They orbit at different distances, like lanes on a highway, and they move at different speeds, with planets closer to the Sun z
Read the full answer →What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why don't the planets crash into each other?
The Big Idea
Eight planets zoom around the Sun, all the time. So why don't they bump into each other? Because each planet has its own path, its own speed, and lots of empty space around it! Let's find out more!
They Orbit at Different Distances
Number one: planets orbit at different distances. Each planet stays in its own path around the Sun, like cars in their own lanes on a highway. Closer planets orbit near the Sun, and farther planets orbit way out!
Different Speeds
Number two: planets move at different speeds. Planets closer to the Sun zip around faster. Mercury takes just eighty-eight days to go around! Farther planets move slower, in bigger orbits. Neptune takes about 165 years!
Lots of Empty Space and Gravity Lanes
Number three: there's lots of empty space, and gravity lanes. Space is huge, and mostly empty! The planets are millions of kilometers apart. The Sun's gravity keeps each planet on its curved path, like an invisible lane guiding it safely along.
Planet Lanes
Let's watch the planets travel in their lanes. The inner planets zip around quickly. The outer planets take their time, in big, wide orbits. Each one stays in its own lane, so they never crash!
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Crashes are rare now, because the planets settled into stable orbits billions of years ago. But leftover space rocks still zoom around. When one zooms into Earth's air and glows, we call it a meteor! And Jupiter, the biggest planet, is more than eleven times wider than Earth!
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Running tracks have lanes for a reason. Inner lanes are shorter. Outer lanes are longer. With friends, try walking around a track, or a circle drawn in chalk, each in your own lane. Stay in your lane, and nobody bumps! Planets do the same thing. And in space, the inner planets really do go faster too!
Outro
Different lanes, different speeds, and lots of space. That's how planets share the solar system! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!