Chapter 1 – The Earth in the Solar System

These NCERT Class 6 Geography Chapter 1 notes explain the universe and the solar system in a simple manner. The chapter covers planets, stars, the Earth, the Moon, and satellites, forming the base of physical geography and space-related concepts important for school exams and BPSC foundation.

1. The universe

•  The universe is a very large space that contains everything that exists.
•  It includes galaxies, stars, planets, asteroids, and meteoroids.
•  The universe is extremely vast and beyond human imagination.
•  It has no fixed boundary or end.
•  Just like an ocean has countless drops of water, the universe has countless celestial bodies.

2. Celestial bodies

•  Objects that we see in the sky are called celestial bodies.
•  Celestial bodies include the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets.
•  They are found throughout the universe.
•  Some celestial bodies have their own light.
•  Other celestial bodies shine by reflecting sunlight.

3. Stars

•  Stars are huge bodies made up of gases.
•  They have their own heat and light.
•  Stars appear small because they are very far away from the Earth.
•  The Sun is a star.
•  It is the nearest star to the Earth.
•  Life on the Earth is not possible without the Sun.

4. Constellations

•  A constellation is a group of stars forming a fixed pattern in the sky.
•  Constellations were used in ancient times for navigation.
•  They also helped people identify seasons.
•  Ursa Major is an important constellation.
•  Ursa Major is also known as Saptarishi.
•  Orion is another well-known constellation.

5. The solar system

•  The solar system consists of the Sun and all objects revolving around it.
•  It includes planets, satellites, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids.
•  The Sun is at the centre of the solar system.
•  All planets move around the Sun in fixed paths.
•  The solar system is a part of a galaxy.

6. Planets

•  Planets do not have their own light.
•  They shine by reflecting the light of the Sun.
•  There are eight planets in the solar system.
•  Mercury is the nearest planet to the Sun.
•  Neptune is the farthest planet from the Sun.
•  All planets revolve around the Sun in a fixed order.

7. The Earth

•  The Earth is the third planet from the Sun.
•  It is known as the Blue Planet.
•  The blue colour is due to the presence of a large amount of water.
•  The Earth is the only planet known to support life.
•  Life exists because of the presence of water.
•  Suitable temperature and oxygen in the atmosphere also support life.

8. The Moon

•  The Moon is the natural satellite of the Earth.
•  It does not have its own light.
•  Moonlight is reflected sunlight.
•  The Moon appears in different shapes called phases.
•  Important phases include New Moon and Full Moon.
•  One complete cycle of phases takes about one month.

9. Asteroids

•  Asteroids are small rocky bodies in space.
•  They revolve around the Sun.
•  Most asteroids are found between Mars and Jupiter.
•  This region is known as the Asteroid Belt.
•  Asteroids are much smaller than planets.

10. Meteoroids

•  Meteoroids are small pieces of rocks moving in space.
•  When meteoroids enter the Earth’s atmosphere, they burn due to friction.
•  They are then seen as shooting stars.
•  If a meteoroid reaches the Earth’s surface, it is called a meteorite.
•  Most meteoroids burn up before reaching the Earth.

11. Artificial satellites

•  Artificial satellites are man-made objects launched into space.
•  They revolve around the Earth.
•  Artificial satellites are used for communication.
•  They help in weather forecasting.
•  They are used for navigation and remote sensing.
•  Weather reports on television depend on satellites.

12. Important keywords

•  Universe refers to the vast space containing everything.
•  Celestial bodies are objects seen in the sky.
•  A star is a celestial body with its own heat and light.
•  A constellation is a group of stars forming a pattern.
•  The solar system includes the Sun and all planets.
•  A satellite revolves around a planet.

13. Why this chapter is important

•  This chapter builds a basic understanding of geography.
•  It explains the position of the Earth in space.
•  It introduces important concepts related to the universe.
•  It helps students understand the solar system.
•  It forms the foundation for chapters on Earth’s movements.
•  It is important for understanding climate and time.

This chapter helps students understand Earth’s position in the solar system and basic celestial concepts. It lays the foundation for studying Earth’s movements, climate, and geography in later chapters.

Continue reading Class 6 Geography Chapter 2 – Globe: Latitudes and Longitudes to learn how locations and time are calculated on Earth.

FAQs

Q1. What is Class 6 Geography Chapter 1 about?
It explains the universe, solar system, planets, Earth, and satellites.

Q2. Why is this chapter important for exams?
It forms the base for understanding Earth, time, climate, and astronomy.