Question 1

What is the solar system?

Accepted Answer

The solar system is a group of planets and other objects in space that orbit, or go around, the Sun. The Sun is at the center, and it helps keep everything together with its gravity.

Question 2

How many planets are in the solar system?

Accepted Answer

There are eight planets in the solar system. They are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Question 3

Why is Pluto not called a planet anymore?

Accepted Answer

Pluto was once considered a planet, but scientists decided it is too small and its orbit is different from the other planets. Now, it's called a 'dwarf planet.'

Question 4

What is the Sun?

Accepted Answer

The Sun is a big, hot star in the center of our solar system. It gives us light and warmth, which are important for life on Earth.

Question 5

Why do planets orbit the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Planets orbit the Sun because the Sun's gravity pulls them toward it while they are moving forward. This balance keeps them moving in a path around the Sun.

Question 6

Why is Earth called the 'Blue Planet'?

Accepted Answer

Earth is called the 'Blue Planet' because about 70% of its surface is covered with water. When seen from space, it looks mostly blue.

Question 7

What are asteroids?

Accepted Answer

Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They can be big or small, but they aren't as big as planets.

Question 8

What makes Mars look red?

Accepted Answer

Mars looks red because its surface is covered with a reddish dust made of iron oxide, which is like rust. This gives the planet its nickname, 'the Red Planet.'

Question 9

Why is Jupiter so big?

Accepted Answer

Jupiter is the biggest planet in our solar system because it is mostly made of gas. It has a strong gravity that lets it gather large amounts of gas and dust as it formed.

Question 10

What are Saturn's rings made of?

Accepted Answer

Saturn's rings are made up of billions of small pieces of ice and rock. They circle around the planet, creating a beautiful and bright display.

Question 11

What is a comet?

Accepted Answer

A comet is an icy object that orbits the Sun. When it gets close to the Sun, it warms up and starts to glow, creating a bright tail behind it.

Question 12

What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite?

Accepted Answer

A meteor is a small piece of rock or dust that burns up when it enters Earth's atmosphere, making a bright streak in the sky. If a piece of it lands on Earth, it's called a meteorite.

Question 13

Why does Earth have seasons?

Accepted Answer

Earth has seasons because it is tilted on its axis as it orbits the Sun. This tilt causes different parts of Earth to get more or less sunlight throughout the year.

Question 14

What are the signs of life on other planets?

Accepted Answer

Scientists look for signs like water, oxygen, and certain chemicals that are important for life. So far, Earth is the only planet we know of that has life.

Question 15

Why does Venus shine so brightly in the sky?

Accepted Answer

Venus is covered with thick clouds that reflect a lot of sunlight. This makes it one of the brightest objects we can see in the night sky.

Question 16

Why do Uranus and Neptune look blue?

Accepted Answer

Uranus and Neptune have gases in their atmospheres that look blue. Methane is one of the gases that absorbs red light and makes them appear blue.

Question 17

What is the Kuiper Belt?

Accepted Answer

The Kuiper Belt is a region beyond Neptune where many small icy objects, including dwarf planets like Pluto, are found. It's like a big, frozen neighborhood in space.

Question 18

What is a satellite?

Accepted Answer

A satellite is an object in space that orbits a planet. Some are natural, like moons, and others are made by people to help with things like communication and studying Earth.

Question 19

How do rockets travel in space?

Accepted Answer

Rockets move in space by burning fuel to produce gas that pushes them forward. This works even in space where there's no air.

Question 20

What makes the moon change shape in the sky?

Accepted Answer

The moon appears to change shape because of how sunlight hits it as it orbits Earth. The different shapes are called moon phases.

The Solar System: An Overview of Its Planets and Phenomena - 20 FAQs Explained Simply