Solar system

Science

Definition

The solar system consists of the Sun, eight planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other objects bound by the Sun's gravity. The inner planets are rocky (terrestrial), while the outer planets are gas and ice giants.

Examples

  • Earth orbiting the Sun at an average distance of 150 million km (1 AU)
  • Jupiter's Great Red Spot, a storm larger than Earth lasting hundreds of years
  • The asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter containing millions of rocky objects
Key Fact

Planet order from Sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune

Related Terms

Stars and galaxies Orbital motion Universal gravitation Earth-moon system

Study This Concept

Practice solar system with free review games in these units:

Earth Science Unit 8: Astronomy and Space