Question 1

What is the solar system?

Accepted Answer

The solar system is our cosmic neighborhood. It is made up of the Sun and everything that moves around it, including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.

Question 2

How many planets are there 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

What is the Sun?

Accepted Answer

The Sun is a big, hot star at the center of the solar system. It gives us light and warmth, making life possible on Earth.

Question 4

Why do planets orbit the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Planets orbit the Sun because of gravity. The Sun's gravity pulls them towards it, while they are moving, causing them to keep circling around.

Question 5

Which planet is closest to the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. It is very hot and has no air for breathing.

Question 6

What makes Earth special?

Accepted Answer

Earth is special because it has just the right conditions for life, like water, air, and a comfortable temperature. It's the only planet we know with living things.

Question 7

What are moons?

Accepted Answer

Moons are natural objects that orbit planets. Our Earth has one moon, but some planets, like Jupiter and Saturn, have many moons.

Question 8

What is an asteroid?

Accepted Answer

Asteroids are rocky objects that are too small to be planets. They mostly travel around the Sun between Mars and Jupiter in an area called the asteroid belt.

Question 9

Why is Pluto not a planet anymore?

Accepted Answer

Pluto used to be considered the ninth planet, but in 2006, scientists decided it was too small and didn't clear its orbit like other planets. Now, it's called a dwarf planet.

Question 10

What is a comet?

Accepted Answer

Comets are icy, dusty balls that travel around the Sun. When they get close to the Sun, they have a beautiful tail made of gas and dust.

Question 11

Which planet is the largest?

Accepted Answer

Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system. It's so big that over 1,300 Earths could fit inside it!

Question 12

What are rings around planets?

Accepted Answer

Rings are bands of ice, dust, and rocks that orbit around some planets. Saturn is famous for its beautiful, bright rings, but other planets like Jupiter also have rings.

Question 13

Why is Mars called the Red Planet?

Accepted Answer

Mars is called the Red Planet because its surface is covered with iron oxide, which is like rust. This gives it a reddish color.

Question 14

How long does it take Earth to go around the Sun?

Accepted Answer

It takes Earth about 365 days to go around the Sun once. This is what we call a year.

Question 15

What is the smallest planet in the solar system?

Accepted Answer

Mercury is the smallest planet in the solar system. It's even smaller than some moons!

Question 16

What is a day on a planet?

Accepted Answer

A day on a planet is the time it takes for the planet to spin once around its axis. For Earth, one complete spin takes 24 hours.

Question 17

What is the Great Red Spot on Jupiter?

Accepted Answer

The Great Red Spot on Jupiter is a massive storm. It's been raging for hundreds of years and is much larger than Earth!

Question 18

What is the coldest planet in the solar system?

Accepted Answer

Neptune is often considered the coldest planet in the solar system because it's so far from the Sun. Its average temperature is extremely chilly.

Question 19

How are planets different from stars?

Accepted Answer

Planets are objects that orbit stars, like our Sun, and do not produce their own light. Stars are huge balls of burning gas that shine brightly on their own.

Question 20

Can we see other planets from Earth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can see some planets from Earth without a telescope. Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn can often be seen as bright spots in the sky.

The Solar System and Its Characteristics - 20 FAQs Explained Simply