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:

1. Mercury – smallest and closest to the Sun

2. Venus – very hot with thick clouds

3. Earth – where we live; the only known planet with life

4. Mars – red because of iron in the soil

5. Jupiter – largest planet, has a big storm called the Great Red Spot

6. Saturn – known for its large rings

7. Uranus – spins on its side, has a blue-green color

8. 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.