Knowledge Explorer lesson
Planets and Stars
How many planets are in our Solar System?
Our Solar System is the Sun and everything that travels around it. There are eight planets. In order from the Sun, they are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Earth is the third planet from the Sun. Jupiter is the biggest planet. Mercury is the smallest planet and the closest to the Sun.
Pluto used to be called a planet. Since 2006, scientists call it a dwarf planet.
Stars make their own light. Planets do not; we see them because they reflect sunlight. The Sun is the closest star to Earth. Other stars look like tiny points of light because they are very far away.
What you will learn
- Name the eight planets in order from the Sun
- Identify Earth's position in the Solar System
- Explain how stars and planets are different
Key facts
- There are 8 planets in our Solar System.
- In order from the Sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
- Earth is the 3rd planet from the Sun.
- Jupiter is the biggest planet.
- Mercury is the smallest planet and the closest to the Sun.
- Stars make their own light. Planets reflect light from the Sun.