3rd Grade Science Explorers

Learn About the Solar System

Solar System

The Solar System is our cosmic neighborhood! It includes the Sun, eight planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. All the planets orbit the Sun, which is a giant ball of hot gas and the center of our Solar System.

Meet the Planets

  • Mercury: The smallest planet and closest to the Sun.
  • Venus: Very hot and covered in thick clouds.
  • Earth: Our home, full of life and water.
  • Mars: The red planet with dusty deserts and giant volcanoes.
  • Jupiter: The biggest planet with a huge storm called the Great Red Spot.
  • Saturn: Famous for its beautiful rings made of ice and rock.
  • Uranus: Spins on its side and has faint rings.
  • Neptune: A windy, blue planet far from the Sun.

Other Cool Space Stuff

Besides planets, the Solar System has:

  • Moons: Natural satellites that orbit planets. Earth has one, but Jupiter has over 90!
  • Asteroids: Rocky objects mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
  • Comets: Icy visitors with glowing tails that zoom through space.
  • Dwarf Planets: Like Pluto—small, round, and orbiting the Sun.

Fun Fact

Did you know? The Solar System is over 4.6 billion years old and stretches more than 11 trillion miles across!