There are eight planets in our Solar System. Starting with the closest to the sun they are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The closest four planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) are termed terrestrial planets, meaning they have a hard rocky surface. The furthest four planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) are called gas giants. These planets are much larger and their surface is composed of gas elements (mostly Hydrogen).  Click on the picture to see a bigger view of the solar system and the planets. The Solar System is part of a bigger grouping of stars called a galaxy. Our galaxy is the Milky Way. The Solar System orbits around the center of the Milky Way. Scientists who study the solar system and outer space are called astronomers. Take a quick 10 question quiz on the Solar System. For more information on the Solar system: More Outer Space: Back to Kids Science Page Back to Kids Study Page Back to Ducksters Kids Home Page |
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