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

 

New 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

Dwarf Planets image courtesy of science-resources.co.uk

Dwarf Sizes Earth

Dwarf Planet sizes image courtesy of science-resources.co.uk

 

Tags: How many planets are there in our solar system; planets; dwarf planets

 

 

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