The Solar System

The life cycle of a Sun-like star (annotated)

Sun

The Sun is the star at the center of our solar system, providing light and heat. It is a giant ball of hot gas, mostly hydrogen and helium.

Mercury

Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system and the closest to the Sun. It has a heavily cratered surface and no atmosphere.

Venus

Venus is the second planet from the Sun and is similar in size to Earth. It has a thick, toxic atmosphere that traps heat, making it the hottest planet in our solar system.

Earth

Earth is our home planet and the only known place in the universe to support life. It has a diverse environment, including oceans, land, and atmosphere.

Mars

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and is known as the "Red Planet" due to its iron-rich surface. It has a thin atmosphere and evidence of past liquid water.

Jupiter

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. It is a gas giant with a strong magnetic field and a distinctive banded appearance.

Saturn

Saturn is famous for its beautiful rings, which are made up of ice and rock particles. It is another gas giant with a large number of moons.

Uranus

Uranus is an ice giant with a unique tilted axis of rotation. It has a faint ring system and a cold, windy atmosphere.

Neptune

Neptune is the farthest planet from the Sun and is another ice giant. It has a strong blue color and a dynamic atmosphere with powerful storms.