Solar System

The solar system consists of the Sun and the celestial objects bound to it by gravity. These objects include the eight planets, their moons, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, and other small bodies.

The Sun

The Sun is the star at the center of our solar system. It is a nearly perfect sphere of hot plasma, with internal convective motion that generates a magnetic field via a dynamo process.

The Planets

There are eight planets in our solar system, divided into two groups: terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) and gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune).

Terrestrial Planets

Mercury - Closest planet to the Sun.
Venus - Similar in size and composition to Earth, known for its thick atmosphere.
Earth - Third planet from the Sun and the only known planet to support life.
Mars - Often called the "Red Planet" due to its reddish appearance.

Gas Giants

Jupiter - Largest planet in the solar system, known for its Great Red Spot.
Saturn - Known for its prominent rings made of ice particles and dust.
Uranus - The only planet that rotates on its side.
Neptune - Farthest planet from the Sun, known for its blue color.

Moons, Dwarf Planets, and Other Objects

Many of the planets in our solar system have moons, with Jupiter and Saturn having the most. Additionally, there are five recognized dwarf planets in our solar system, including Pluto. The solar system also contains numerous asteroids, comets, and other small bodies.

Study Guide Questions

What is the Sun and its role in the solar system?
List the eight planets in our solar system and categorize them into terrestrial planets and gas giants.
Describe one interesting fact about each of the terrestrial planets.
What are some unique features of the gas giants in our solar system?
What are some of the other celestial objects found in our solar system?