Module 9: The Solar System

You live in a Solar System filled with planets, comets, asteroids, and yet, the only planet with life is Earth. Scientists theorize that, around 4.6 billion years ago, a dust cloud in space began to contract. The collapsing of this cloud created the Sun, the planets, comets, and everything else in the Solar System. The planets found closer to the Sun are smaller, dense, rocky planets called terrestrial planets. These planets include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Further out, reside the Jovian planets, which are large gas giants that have rings, many moons, and gas-filled atmospheres. These planets include Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. There are many smaller objects in the Solar System, including dwarf planets, meteors, comets, asteroids, and Trans-Neptunian objects.

Over time, astronomers have learned a lot about the Solar System, and the study of the Solar System will continue. Exciting missions continue to look for life, take amazing photos, and even land robotics on different planets. Who knows, maybe one day you will be the astronaut who gets to view Earth from space as you travel to another planet!