Information and facts about the solar system can generate interest and excitement for kids. In ancient days, people used to study the stars and the associated astronomical bodies with other animals, objects, and mythical gods. Those people used to believe that everything revolves around the Earth. They used the term “planetes” for the celestial bodies, a Greek term that means wanderers (1). With more research, it is now known that everything, including all the comets, meteors, asteroids, planets, dwarf planets, and moon — orbit around the sun. Dive into this post for some fascinating facts about these stellar bodies in our solar system.
Planets In Our Solar System
Our solar system comprises eight planets, of which some planets are filled with gases, some have a rocky surface, some are small, and some are big. Scientists are discovering new things about the planets and the solar system every day. Let us first discuss what exactly are these planets, including the one you are currently living in. According to the International Astronomical Union, a planet should fulfill these three criteria (2). Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars are the four small, rocky planets nearest to the Sun. After Mars, there appears an asteroid belt, a large area filled with millions and millions of rock-like objects. These rocks are nothing but leftover particles from the formation of planets, around 4.5 billion years ago (3). On the other side of this asteroid belt are four massive, gaseous planets, namely Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune (3). Let us learn about each planet of our solar system in detail ( (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11)).
Mercury: It is the smallest planet in our solar system and closest to the Sun. However, it is not the hottest. It has no atmosphere and no moons, and the solid surface is covered with craters.
Venus: Although Venus is not the closest planet to the Sun, it is the hottest. Its atmosphere is full of clouds of sulphuric acid, greenhouse gases, and carbon dioxide, which keep this planet very warm.
Earth: Earth is special because it is the only planet that supports life. It is also known as an ocean planet, as approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered with water. The atmosphere primarily consists of nitrogen and oxygen.
Mars: Half the Earth’s size, this planet is also called the Red Planet because of the presence of iron on its surface. It is similar to Earth in many aspects as it has seasons, polar ice caps, and volcanoes.
Jupiter: It is the biggest planet in the solar system. Covered in swirling clouds, it is similar to a star. This planet has no solid surface and is a big gas giant.
Saturn: It has the most spectacular rings made of ice and rock particles. Like Jupiter, it is also a gas giant made of hydrogen and helium. Saturn can be viewed without advanced telescopes.
Uranus: Uranus has a small, rocky center, and the atmosphere is filled with hydrogen, helium, and methane. It appears blue due to the presence of methane. It rotates on its sides, unlike other planets.
Neptune: The last planet in the solar system, it is very dark, cold, and windy. It is similar to Uranus and is made up of ammonia and methane. Its atmosphere is filled with hydrogen, helium, and methane.
Are you wondering about Pluto? In 2006, Pluto was declared a dwarf planet (3). It is too small to be considered a planet in our solar system. Interestingly, astronomers are now aware of many other solar systems and are discovering newer ones too. A group of researchers also believe that these planets may support alien life!
30 Amazing Facts About The Solar System
Let us explore some startling facts about our solar system ( (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), (22), (23), (24), (25).
