Our solar system consists of the Sun and eight planets that orbit it: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The planets are divided into two groups: rocky (Mercury to Mars) and gas giants (Jupiter to Neptune). Earth is the only known planet to support life. Jupiter is the largest planet, while Mercury is the smallest and closest to the Sun. Each planet has unique features?Saturn has prominent rings, Mars has red soil, and Neptune is known for its intense blue color. The solar system also includes moons, asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets like Pluto.
Key Points
The Sun accounts for 99.86% of solar system mass.
Earth is the third planet from the Sun.
Venus is the hottest planet.
Jupiter has 80+ moons.
Saturn is famous for its rings.
Uranus rotates on its side.
Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet.
Mars has the tallest volcano, Olympus Mons.
Mercury has no atmosphere.
The Kuiper Belt contains icy bodies.
Neptune has supersonic winds.
Earth has one moon.
The asteroid belt lies between Mars and Jupiter.
The Sun is a G-type star.
Venus rotates clockwise.
Mars is called the "Red Planet." The Great Red Spot is a storm on Jupiter.
Neptune is the coldest planet.
Earth is 4.5 billion years old.
Satellites orbit most planets.