The Solar System

The Earth is one of eight planets that circle around a star called the Sun. The Sun and its eight planets are known as the Solar System.

The Solar System

The Solar System is made up of the Sun and many, many smaller objects that circle around the Sun, like stars, moons, planets and comets. The biggest members of the Solar System, next to the Sun, are these eight planets:

The four fairly small planets Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars are nearest to the Sun. They have all solid rocky surfaces. Beyond Mars there is the asteroid belt with its millions of rocky objects. These rocks are all left-overs from the formation of the planets four and a half billion years ago. Beyond the asteroid belt are the four giant planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. They are the four gas giants. They are much, much bigger than Earth, but very lightweight, because they are mostly made up of gases, namely helium and hydrogen.

Pluto was known as the planet the furthest away from the sun until recently. It's a very small planet with an icy surface. Because of its size and because Pluto is dwarfed by Earth's moon, Pluto is no longer called a true planet, but is classed as a dwarf planet.

Marie's book tips

The Usborne Big Book of Stars and Planets.

This picture book with its giant fold-out pages is perfect for every space fan. Lots of information about the Solar System, the planets, the Sun, stars, galaxies, astronauts, space rockets and much more.

Sun Up, Sun Down. The Story of Day and Night. By Jaquci Bailey and Matthew Lilly.

This book follows the sun from dawn to dusk to explain how light rays travel, how shadows are formed, how the moon lights up the night sky and more. Lots of information, great illustrations and activities.

Space collection by ziamoo

Inspiring fashion for all future astronauts and astronomers!