solar system
Our solar system is a group of space objects with the Sun at the center. The Sun is a giant ball of hot gas that gives us light and heat. Its gravity keeps everything in the solar system moving around it.
Here are the main parts of the solar system:
1. The Sun
The Sun is a star. It is the biggest object in the solar system and gives energy to everything else. Almost all the mass (weight) of the solar system is in the Sun.
2. The Eight Planets
There are eight planets that orbit (go around) the Sun. In order from closest to farthest:
Mercury – smallest and closest to the Sun
Venus – very hot with thick clouds
Earth – where we live; the only known planet with life
Mars – red because of iron in the soil
Jupiter – largest planet, has a big storm called the Great Red Spot
Saturn – known for its large rings
Uranus – spins on its side, has a blue-green color
Neptune – farthest planet, very cold and windy
3. Moons
Many planets have moons. Moons are smaller objects that orbit planets. Earth has one moon, but other planets like Jupiter and Saturn have many.
4. Asteroids and Comets
Asteroids are small, rocky objects. Most are in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Comets are made of ice and dust. When they get close to the Sun, they grow long tails.
5. Dwarf Planets
These are like small planets. Pluto is the most famous one. Dwarf planets also orbit the Sun, but they are not big enough to be called full planets.
1 Venus has thick clouds made of sulfuric acid that block surface view. We can't see through them with regular light.
2 There's no rain on Venus because droplets evaporate in the extreme heat before reaching the surface.
3 Saturn has large rings made of ice and rock, likely from shattered moons or comets.
4 The asteroid belt is a region between Mars and Jupiter filled with rocky objects orbiting the Sun.
5 Asteroids are a threat to Earth if they enter its path; large impacts can cause massive damage.
6 Asteroids can also hit other planets like Mars or Jupiter. Earth is more at risk because of its position and life on it.