The Solar System

There are eight planets in our solar system. Each one travels on a path around the sun. Those path are called orbits. Learn about each planet.

Mercury

Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system. It is the closest to the sun. But it is not the hottest. It gets freezing cold at night.

Venus

Venus is the hottest planet. It is surrounded by gas. The gas traps heat. Venus has active volcanoes. It can sometimes be seen without a telescope.

Earth

Earth is our home. It is the third planet from the sun. It is the only one known to have living things. Most of Earth is covered by water.

Mars

Mars is known as the Red Planet. Iron in its soil gives Mars a red color. Scientists have sent rovers to Mars. The rovers are looking for signs of life.

Jupiter

Jupiter is the biggest planet in our solar system. We can see it without a telescope. Jupiter is made of gas. It might not have any solid surface.

Saturn

Saturn is surrounded by large rings. They are bigger than any other planet. The rings are made of ice and rock. Like Jupiter, the planet is mostly made of gas.

Uranus

Uranus is very cold. It is the only planet that spins on its side. Uranus is an ice giant. It has a solid, icy core. Methane gas makes it blue.

Neptune

Neptune is the farthest planet from the sun. Like Uranus, it is a blue ice giant. This planet is cold, dark, and windy.