The Solar System

The Sun The sun is in the center of the solar system. It is also, the biggest object in the solar system. The sun is one of the many, many stars in the universe.

Venus Fun Fact: Venus rotates backward compared with mist other planets. Venus may once have had oceans, but they have evaporated. Moons: none Surface: Rocky, with constant cover of thick clouds Distance Across: About 12,000 kilometers, or 7, 500 miles.

Mercury Fun Fact: In Daytime, much of Mercury’s surface is hot enough to melt lead. Even so, there may be ice at its poles. Moons: none Surface: Rocky with many crates Distance Across: About 4, 900 kilometers, or 3, 100 miles.

Earth Fun Fact: Earth is the only planet known to have water on its surface. Water is necessary to support life. Moons: 1 Surface: Mostly water, with some land areas Distance Across: about 12, 750 kilometers, or 7, 900 mils.

Mars Fun Fact: Mars is the largest volcano in the solar system. Mars also, has ice under its surface. Moons:2 Surface: Rocky, with red dust and no water. Distance Across: About 6, 800 kilometer, or 4, 200 miles.

Jupiter Fun Fact: Two Earth-sized circles could fit inside Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, a huge storm on Jupiter’s Surface. Moons: at least 61 Surface: no solid surface Distance Across: About 143, 000 kilometers, or 88, 900 miles.

Saturn Fun Facts: Saturn has a large solar system of rings that reaches about 416, 000 kilometers or 258, 000 miles from its surface. Moons: at least 33 Surface: Frozen gasses Distance Across: about 120,000 kilometers, or 74, 600 miles.

Uranus Fun Fact: Uranus rolls on its side as it orbits the sun. Moons: At least 26 Surface: Frozen gases. Distance Across: about 51, 000 kilometers, or 31, 700 miles.

Neptune Fun Fact: Neptune is the furthest planet from the sun. Moons: at least 13 Surface: Frozen gasses Distance Across: about 49, 500 kilometers or 30, 758 miles.

Pluto Fun Fact: Pluto is made of ice. It has a moon almost as large as itself. Moons: 1 Surface: frozen gasses Distance Across: 2, 400 kilometers, or 1, 500 miles.