Planets in the Solar System for Kids

Introduction

• The solar system consists of the Sun and the planets that orbit around it.
• The Sun is about 93 million miles away from Earth.
• Light from the Sun takes about 8 minutes to reach Earth.

The Sun

• The Sun is a star, closer to Earth than other stars.
• Composed mostly of hydrogen and helium.

The Planets

• There are eight planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
• Planets orbit the Sun in oval-shaped paths.

Mercury

• Closest planet to the Sun.
• Smallest planet, rocky and crater-covered.
• No moons, visible without telescopes.

Venus

• Similar in size to Earth.
• Hottest planet with thick carbon dioxide atmosphere and sulfuric acid clouds.
• Rotates opposite direction, no moons, visible in the night sky.

Earth

• Only planet known to support life, one moon.
• 70% of the surface is water.
• Atmosphere protects from sun and meteorites.

Mars

• Cold desert world, half the size of Earth, two moons.
• Known as the Red Planet due to rusty iron soil.
• Possible ancient water, interest in potential for future life.

Asteroid Belt

• Located between Mars and Jupiter.
• Contains rocky, irregularly shaped asteroids.

Jupiter

• First gas giant, composed of hydrogen and helium.
• Largest planet, known for continuous storms.
• Has at least 79 moons, rings difficult to see.

Saturn

• Gas giant known for distinct rings composed of ice chunks and rocks.
• At least 53 moons.
• Observed by Galileo in the 1600s.

Uranus

• Ice giant, discovered in 1782 by William Herschel.
• Composed of icy materials like water, methane, and ammonia.
• 13 rings, 27 moons, rotates on its side.

Neptune

• Farthest planet, takes 165 Earth years to orbit the Sun.
• Ice giant, blue color from methane.
• 6 difficult-to-see rings, 13 known moons.

Review Questions

• True or False: Venus is the coldest planet. (False)
• Fill in the Blank: Mars has ___ moons. (Two moons)
• True or False: 70% of Earth’s surface is water. (True)
• Which planet rotates on its side? Uranus
• True or False: Saturn has the most moons. (False, Jupiter has the most)__

Conclusion

• The solar system is an amazing place with diverse planets.
• Encouragement to observe the night sky and learn more about astronomy.
• Visit learnbright.org for more educational resources.