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Solar System

Consists of the Sun, eight planets, numerous dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other celestial bodies, all gravitationally bound to the Sun.

Formation of the Solar System

Formed about 4.6 billion years ago from the gravitational collapse of a giant interstellar molecular cloud.

The Sun

A G-type main-sequence star (yellow dwarf) that accounts for roughly 99.8% of the Solar System's total mass.

Composition of the Sun

Primarily composed of hydrogen (74%) and helium (24%), with trace amounts of other elements.

Nuclear Fusion

The process through which the Sun produces energy, converting hydrogen into helium in its core.

Inner (Terrestrial) Planets

Planets characterized by rocky compositions, solid surfaces, and relatively higher densities.

Mercury

The smallest planet, closest to the Sun, known for extreme temperature variations due to lack of atmosphere.

Venus

Similar in size to Earth, known for its dense, toxic atmosphere and runaway greenhouse effect, making it the hottest planet.

Earth

The only known planet to harbor life, unique for its liquid water on the surface and a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere.

Mars

Often called the 'Red Planet' due to iron oxide on its surface, characterized by a thin atmosphere and evidence of past liquid water.

Outer (Gas and Ice Giant) Planets

Much larger than terrestrial planets, composed mainly of hydrogen, helium, methane, and ammonia.

Jupiter

The largest planet in the Solar System, known for its Great Red Spot, a persistent storm larger than Earth.

Saturn

Famous for its prominent rings, composed mostly of ice particles and rock fragments, and is the second largest planet.

Uranus

An ice giant notable for its extreme axial tilt of nearly 90 degrees, causing it to orbit on its side.

Neptune

An ice giant known for its strong winds, dynamic storms, and deep blue color.

Dwarf Planets

Celestial bodies that are massive enough to be nearly spherical but have not cleared their orbital path of other debris.

Examples of Dwarf Planets

Pluto, Eris, Ceres, Makemake, and Haumea.

Asteroids

Rocky, airless remnants left over from the early formation of the solar system, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Comets

Icy solar system bodies that release gases when passing close to the Sun, creating a visible coma and often a tail.

Kuiper Belt

A region of the solar system beyond the orbit of Neptune, thought to contain many comets and other small icy bodies.

Oort Cloud

A theoretical cloud of icy planetesimals surrounding the Sun, acting as the source for most long-period comets.