Question 1

What is the solar system?

Accepted Answer

The solar system is a group of planets and other things that orbit, or go around, the Sun. The Sun is a star in the middle of our solar system.

Question 2

How many planets are in our solar system?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

What is the smallest planet in our solar system?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

What is the largest planet in our solar system?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Why is Earth special?

Accepted Answer

Earth is special because it's the only planet we know of that has life. It has water, air, and just the right temperature for living things.

Question 6

What are rings on planets?

Accepted Answer

Rings are made of ice, dust, and little rocks. Saturn is famous for its beautiful rings, but other planets like Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune have rings too.

Question 7

What is a comet?

Accepted Answer

A comet is a space rock with ice and dust. When it gets close to the Sun, it looks like it has a bright tail!

Question 8

What are asteroids?

Accepted Answer

Asteroids are rocks that orbit the Sun. They are mostly found in an area between Mars and Jupiter, called the asteroid belt.

Question 9

Why does the Moon change shape?

Accepted Answer

The Moon looks like it's changing shape because of how the Sun lights it up. As it orbits Earth, we see different parts of the Moon lit up.

Question 10

What are stars?

Accepted Answer

Stars are huge balls of hot gas that shine in the night sky. Our Sun is a star and gives us light and heat.

Question 11

Why is Mars called the Red Planet?

Accepted Answer

Mars is called the Red Planet because its surface is covered with red dust. This dust makes the planet look red.

Question 12

What is the Sun made of?

Accepted Answer

The Sun is mostly made of hydrogen and helium, which are gases. It's a hot, glowing ball that gives us light and warmth.

Question 13

Can we live on other planets?

Accepted Answer

Right now, we can't live on other planets. They are either too hot, too cold, or don't have the air and water we need.

Question 14

What is a galaxy?

Accepted Answer

A galaxy is a giant group of stars, planets, and other space stuff. Our solar system is part of a galaxy called the Milky Way.

Question 15

Why does Earth have day and night?

Accepted Answer

Earth has day and night because it spins around on its axis. When your part of Earth faces the Sun, it's day, and when it turns away, it's night.

Question 16

What is an orbit?

Accepted Answer

An orbit is the path a planet or object takes as it goes around the Sun. Planets stay in their orbits because of gravity.

Question 17

Why can't we see the Sun at night?

Accepted Answer

We can't see the Sun at night because Earth has turned so that our side is facing away from it. Instead, we can see the stars and the Moon.

Question 18

What is gravity?

Accepted Answer

Gravity is a force that pulls things together. It's why things fall to the ground and why the planets stay in orbit around the Sun.

Question 19

What is Pluto, and is it still a planet?

Accepted Answer

Pluto used to be the ninth planet, but now it's called a dwarf planet. Scientists decided it's too small to be part of the main group of planets.

Question 20

How do telescopes help us learn about space?

Accepted Answer

Telescopes help us see things in space that are far away. They let us look at planets, stars, and galaxies to learn more about our universe.

The Solar System and Its Wonders - 20 FAQs Explained Simply