Question 1

What is the solar system?

Accepted Answer

The solar system is our cosmic neighborhood in space. It includes the Sun, which is a big star, and everything that orbits around it, like planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.

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

Why isn’t Pluto considered a planet anymore?

Accepted Answer

Pluto is now called a 'dwarf planet' because it’s smaller and different from the other planets. Scientists decided in 2006 that it didn’t meet all the criteria to be a full planet.

Question 4

What’s the biggest planet in our solar system?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Which planet is closest to the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. Because of this, it's very hot there during the day, but it can be really cold at night.

Question 6

What is a comet?

Accepted Answer

A comet is a big chunk of ice, dust, and rock that orbits the Sun. When it gets close to the Sun, it heats up and releases gas and dust, creating a glowing tail.

Question 7

Why does the Moon look different each night?

Accepted Answer

The Moon looks different because of 'phases.' As it orbits the Earth, different parts of it are lit up by the Sun, making it change shape from our view.

Question 8

What are rings around planets made of?

Accepted Answer

Planetary rings are made of ice, rock, and dust. The rings around Saturn are the most famous and are very bright and wide.

Question 9

Have humans ever visited another planet?

Accepted Answer

Humans have not visited other planets yet. We've only been to the Moon, but robots and spacecraft have visited other planets for us!

Question 10

What is an asteroid belt?

Accepted Answer

The asteroid belt is a region in space between Mars and Jupiter. It’s full of rocks and boulders that orbit the Sun.

Question 11

How long does it take the Earth to orbit the Sun?

Accepted Answer

It takes the Earth one year to orbit the Sun. That's about 365 days!

Question 12

What is the hottest planet in our solar system?

Accepted Answer

Venus is the hottest planet, even though it's not the closest to the Sun. This is because it has thick clouds that trap heat.

Question 13

Why is Mars called the Red Planet?

Accepted Answer

Mars is called the Red Planet because of its reddish appearance. This is due to iron oxide, or rust, on its surface.

Question 14

What is a space probe?

Accepted Answer

A space probe is a spacecraft that travels far from Earth to study other planets, moons, and space features. They send back photos and data to help us learn more about the solar system.

Question 15

How do we know so much about planets we've never visited?

Accepted Answer

We use telescopes on Earth and send spacecraft and robots to explore space. These machines take pictures and collect information, which scientists study to learn more.

Question 16

What is the Kuiper Belt?

Accepted Answer

The Kuiper Belt is a region beyond Neptune filled with icy objects. It's where many comets originate, and Pluto orbits there too.

Question 17

What makes Jupiter's Great Red Spot?

Accepted Answer

The Great Red Spot is a giant storm on Jupiter, similar to a hurricane. It's been swirling for hundreds of years and is bigger than Earth!

Question 18

What is a solar eclipse?

Accepted Answer

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light for a short time. It looks like the daytime sky goes dark for a while.

Question 19

Why do stars twinkle?

Accepted Answer

Stars twinkle because their light is affected as it travels through Earth’s atmosphere. The air moves and bends the light, making the stars seem to flicker.

Question 20

Why is space exploration important?

Accepted Answer

Space exploration helps us learn more about our universe and even about Earth itself. It also inspires us to discover new technologies and find answers to big questions.

The Solar System: Exploration and Discoveries - 20 FAQs Explained Simply