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Topic 11: Exploring the Solar System

2 dot points across 2 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What bodies make up the Solar System, and where do comets come from?

The bodies of the Solar System (planets, dwarf planets and small bodies), the structure and orbits of comets, the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud, and the characteristics of the planets.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Astronomy statements 11.1 to 11.6 and 11.10 to 11.11, covering the bodies of the Solar System (planets, dwarf planets and small Solar System objects), the structure and orbits of short-period and long-period comets, the Kuiper Belt, Oort Cloud and heliosphere, and the principal characteristics of the planets.
10 min answer →

How do we explore the Solar System with robotic probes and crewed missions?

The advantages and disadvantages of fly-by, orbiter, impactor and lander probes with examples, escape velocity, manned missions and the Apollo programme, and transits of Venus.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Astronomy statements 11.12 and 11.26 to 11.30, covering the advantages and disadvantages of fly-by, orbiter, impactor and lander space probes with named examples, the need to reach escape velocity, the advantages and disadvantages of manned missions and the Apollo programme, and the use of transits of Venus to measure the astronomical unit.
10 min answer →