Question 1

What is the solar system?

Accepted Answer

The solar system is a family of planets, moons, and other space stuff that all go around the Sun. The Sun is like a big, bright boss in the middle.

Question 2

How many planets are in the solar system?

Accepted Answer

There are eight big planets in the solar system. They all orbit, or go around, the Sun.

Question 3

What is the biggest planet in the solar system?

Accepted Answer

Jupiter is the biggest planet in our solar system. It's so big that more than 1,300 Earths could fit inside it!

Question 4

Which planet is closest to the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. It's really hot there because it's so close.

Question 5

What is the smallest planet in the solar system?

Accepted Answer

Mercury is the smallest planet. It's a little bigger than our Moon.

Question 6

Why is Earth special?

Accepted Answer

Earth is special because it's the only planet we know of that has life. It has air we can breathe and water to drink.

Question 7

Why is Pluto not considered a planet anymore?

Accepted Answer

Pluto is called a dwarf planet now. It's too small and doesn't clear its neighborhood in space, which is why it's not a full planet.

Question 8

What are the rings around Saturn made of?

Accepted Answer

Saturn's rings are made of ice and rock. They sparkle and can be seen from Earth with a telescope.

Question 9

Which planet is known as the Red Planet?

Accepted Answer

Mars is called the Red Planet because of its red, dusty soil. The red color comes from iron, like rust.

Question 10

Do any planets have more than one moon?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many planets have more than one moon. Jupiter has the most, with over 75 moons!

Question 11

What is an asteroid?

Accepted Answer

An asteroid is a big rock that orbits the Sun. They're much smaller than planets and mostly live in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Question 12

What is a comet?

Accepted Answer

A comet is a ball of ice, dust, and rocks that flies around the Sun. When it gets close to the Sun, it has a shiny tail.

Question 13

What is the Sun made of?

Accepted Answer

The Sun is mostly made of gases called hydrogen and helium. It’s like a giant, hot ball of glowing gas.

Question 14

How does the Sun help us?

Accepted Answer

The Sun gives us light and warmth, which we need to live. It's also why plants can grow, because they use sunlight to make food.

Question 15

What is the Kuiper Belt?

Accepted Answer

The Kuiper Belt is a big area in space beyond Neptune filled with icy objects. Pluto and other dwarf planets live there.

Question 16

What are shooting stars?

Accepted Answer

Shooting stars are not stars at all! They are tiny chunks of rock from space burning up in the Earth's atmosphere, glowing as they move.

Question 17

Can people live on any other planet?

Accepted Answer

Right now, Earth is the only planet where people can live without special suits. Other planets are too hot, cold, or don't have the air we need to breathe.

Question 18

Why is space so dark?

Accepted Answer

Space is dark because there is no air to scatter light. The Sun makes space bright near it, but far away, it’s just dark.

Question 19

What is a galaxy?

Accepted Answer

A galaxy is a huge collection of stars, planets, and dust. Our galaxy is called the Milky Way, and it's really big!

Question 20

What is an astronaut?

Accepted Answer

An astronaut is a person who travels to space. They go on rockets and sometimes live in space stations to study space and do experiments.

The Solar System: An Overview of the Planets and Beyond - 20 FAQs Explained Simply