The Solar System
Planets, moons, asteroids, gravity
Our Solar System
The solar system consists of the Sun, eight planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. The planets in order: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. Gravity keeps planets in orbit.
Example
Comparing Planets
Inner (rocky) planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars — smaller, solid surfaces. Outer (gas) planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune — much larger, no solid surfaces. Earth is unique with liquid water, oxygen atmosphere, and conditions for life.
Note
Key Point
Mnemonic: My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Nachos. The asteroid belt lies between Mars and Jupiter. South Africa's SALT telescope helps astronomers study the universe.
Key Vocabulary
Solar systemThe Sun and all the objects that orbit around it
OrbitThe curved path an object follows around a larger object due to gravity
AsteroidA small rocky body orbiting the Sun, mainly between Mars and Jupiter
SASL Avatar
Loading avatar...
1 / 3
Solar system
Speed: