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Solar System Myths and Facts
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The Sun is a yellow star.
The Sun is actually a white star. Its yellow appearance is due to the scattering of blue light in Earth's atmosphere.
The Moon doesn't rotate because we only see one side.
The Moon does rotate on its axis, but it's tidally locked with Earth, causing the same side to always face us.
Mercury is the hottest planet because it's closest to the Sun.
Venus is the hottest planet due to its thick atmosphere trapping heat through a greenhouse effect.
The rings of Saturn are solid.
Saturn's rings are made up of countless small particles of ice and rock, orbiting the planet.
Comets are heated objects trailing fire.
Comets are not on fire. They are icy bodies that release gas and dust, forming a glowing coma and tail when near the Sun.
The Great Red Spot on Jupiter is a permanent feature.
The Great Red Spot is a storm that has been observed for centuries, but it's changing in size and could eventually dissipate.
Asteroids and meteors are the same thing.
Asteroids are larger, found mainly in the asteroid belt, while meteors are small particles from comets or asteroids that burn up in Earth's atmosphere.
There is no gravity in space.
Gravity exists everywhere in space and is the force that holds orbits. Astronauts feel weightless due to being in a constant state of freefall while orbiting Earth.
All planets orbit the Sun in perfect circles.
Planetary orbits are elliptical, as described by Kepler's first law of planetary motion.
Earth is the only planet with water.
Water ice and water vapor have been found on other planets and moons in our solar system.
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