Solar System image courtesy of science-resources.co.uk
Up until a few years ago, there were 9 planets in the Solar System however, as a result of a decision by the International Astronomical Union on 24th August 2006, Pluto was demoted to a Dwarf Planet, and so there are now only 8 planets in our Solar System.
Together with the Sun, the 8 planets make up our Solar System. All eight planets are different in every respect. For example, in shape, size and conditions. The distances between the planets are enormous; much farther than the image on the top of this page.
Inner Planets |
Mercury |
Venus |
Earth |
Mars |
Distance from the Sun (million Km) |
60 |
110 |
150 |
230 |
Time to Travel once round the Sun ( Earth years) |
0.2 |
0.6 |
1 |
2 |
Diameter (Km) |
5000 |
12000 |
12800 |
7000 |
Outer Planets |
Jupiter |
Saturn |
Uranus |
Neptune |
Distance from the Sun (million Km) |
780 |
1400 |
2900 |
4500 |
Time to Travel once round the Sun ( Earth years) |
12 |
30 |
84 |
160 |
Diameter (Km) |
140000 |
120000 |
52000 |
50000 |
In addition to these 8 planets are 3 smaller dwarf planets.
Dwarf Planets image courtesy of science-resources.co.uk
Dwarf Planet sizes image courtesy of science-resources.co.uk
Tags: How many planets are there in the solar system; planets; dwarf planets