(Solved): We start this activity with a list of observations of the contents and characteristics of the Solar ...

We start this activity with a list of observations of the contents and characteristics of the Solar System, observations that must be explained by any theory of how this planetary system formed. • Planets are located on or close to the ecliptic, the plane of the Earth's orbit around the Sun. • The ecliptic plane is closely aligned with the equator of the Sun. • Planets all orbit in a counterclockwise direction, as observed from the Northern Hemisphere perspective, and this is the same direction as the Sun rotates. • Most of the planets rotate in a counterclockwise direction as well, but not all. • The rotation axialtilts (the angle between the rotation axis and the plane of the orbit) for Venus and Uranus are large with respect to their orbital planes. • There are distinct differences between the inner and outer planets in size and composition. • The planets and moons with solid surfaces all have evidence of cratering, • There is an asteroid belt where a planet should be. • Meteorites show evidence of being made up of even smaller chunks of material. While it may seem that our planetary system is just way too complicated to ever have a simple logical theory of how it formed, the nebular theory, which describes how the Solar System formed from a cloud of dust and gas, does just that. QUESTION 1 (20 points). From the list of observations just discussed, pick the observations that could be observed from Earth without any special equipment (select ALL that fit the given condition) a. Planets are located on or close to the ecliptic, the plane of the Earth's orbit around the Sun. b. The ecliptic plane is closely aligned with the equator of the Sun. C. Planets all orbit in a counterclockwise direction, as observed from the Northern Hemisphere perspective, and this is the same direction as the Sun rotates. d. Most of the planets rotate in a counterclockwise direction as well, but not all, e. The rotation axial tilts (the angle between the rotation axis and the plane of the orbit) for Venus and Uranus are large with respect to their orbital planes. f. There are distinct differences between the inner and outer planets in size and composition. g. The planets and moons with solid surfaces all have evidence of cratering. h. There is an asteroid belt where a planet should be. 1. Meteorites show evidence of being made up of even smaller chunks of material.