Question 1

What is the solar system?

Accepted Answer

The solar system is a group of planets and moons that travel around the Sun, which is a big, hot ball of gas and fire. The Sun's powerful gravity holds the solar system together, like a giant magnet.

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

What makes Earth special in the solar system?

Accepted Answer

Earth is special because it is the only planet where we know there is life. It has the right air to breathe, water to drink, and a comfortable temperature.

Question 4

Why does the Moon shine at night?

Accepted Answer

The Moon shines because sunlight bounces off it and comes back to us. It doesn’t make its own light like the Sun does.

Question 5

What is a moon?

Accepted Answer

A moon is a rocky body that orbits, or travels around, a planet. Some planets have many moons, while others have none.

Question 6

Which planet is closest to the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. It is very hot there because it is so close.

Question 7

Why is Mars called the Red Planet?

Accepted Answer

Mars is called the Red Planet because it has a lot of iron in the ground that rusts and turns the surface red, like a rusty iron.

Question 8

Which planet is the biggest in the solar system?

Accepted Answer

Jupiter is the biggest planet in our solar system. It’s a giant gas planet, much larger than Earth.

Question 9

What are the rings around Saturn made of?

Accepted Answer

Saturn's rings are made of ice, rock, and dust. They sparkle in the sunlight and are very beautiful to see through a telescope.

Question 10

What is an asteroid?

Accepted Answer

An asteroid is a big rock that orbits the Sun, too. Most of them are found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Question 11

Why can’t people live on Jupiter?

Accepted Answer

People can’t live on Jupiter because it’s made of gas and has no solid ground to stand on. It also has very strong winds and storms.

Question 12

What is a comet?

Accepted Answer

A comet is a ball of ice, rock, and dust that orbits the Sun. When it gets close to the Sun, it heats up and shows a glowing tail.

Question 13

Which planet is known for its bright blue color?

Accepted Answer

Neptune is known for its bright blue color. This color comes from gases in its atmosphere.

Question 14

Why do planets orbit the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Planets orbit the Sun because the Sun's gravity pulls on them. It’s similar to how Earth’s gravity keeps us on the ground.

Question 15

What planet is famous for its extreme heat and thick clouds?

Accepted Answer

Venus is famous for its extreme heat and thick, yellow clouds. It's even hotter than Mercury, even though it’s not the closest to the Sun.

Question 16

What is the smallest planet in our solar system?

Accepted Answer

Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system. It’s also the closest one to the Sun.

Question 17

Do all planets have moons?

Accepted Answer

No, not all planets have moons. Mercury and Venus don’t have any moons.

Question 18

What planet has the Great Red Spot?

Accepted Answer

Jupiter has the Great Red Spot, which is a huge storm bigger than Earth! It has been raging for hundreds of years.

Question 19

What is Pluto classified as now?

Accepted Answer

Pluto is now called a dwarf planet. It’s too small to be a regular planet and has a different path around the Sun.

Question 20

Why do we call Earth the 'Blue Planet'?

Accepted Answer

We call Earth the 'Blue Planet' because it looks blue from space due to all the water in the oceans. The water reflects the sunlight, giving it a blue color.

The Solar System: Exploring Its Planets and Moons - 20 FAQs Explained Simply