Solar System
The Solar System is the Sun and everything that orbits it, including planets, moons and asteroids.
Written by
Vivaan Shah
First written 24 Nov 2025
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The Solar System is the Sun and everything bound to it by gravity — eight planets, their moons, dwarf planets, asteroids and comets.
The planets
In order from the Sun, the eight planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. The four inner planets are rocky; the four outer ones are giant gas and ice worlds.
Formation
The Solar System formed about 4.6 billion years ago from a collapsing cloud of gas and dust.
Frequently asked questions
How many planets are in the Solar System?
Eight.
What is at the centre of the Solar System?
The Sun.