i-How: How many planets are there in the solar system
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 our solar system; planets; dwarf planets