The solar system is the collection of the Sun and everything bound to it by gravity—planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and countless smaller objects. At its center lies the Sun, a massive, glowing ball of hot plasma that provides the energy and warmth needed to sustain life on Earth. Orbiting the Sun are eight planets, each unique in its own way, along with dwarf planets like Pluto, and a rich variety of other celestial bodies.

Closest to the Sun are the four rocky planets—Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars—known as the terrestrial planets because of their solid, rocky surfaces. Beyond Mars lies the asteroid belt, a region filled with millions of rocky fragments. Further out are the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, massive planets mostly made of hydrogen and helium, known for their spectacular rings and many moons. At the edge of the solar system are the ice giants Uranus and Neptune, colder planets with thick atmospheres rich in methane, which give them their distinctive blue-green colors.

Beyond Neptune lies the Kuiper Belt, home to many icy bodies and dwarf planets, including Pluto. Farther still is the Oort Cloud, a hypothetical shell of icy objects believed to be the source of long-period comets. The solar system stretches across billions of kilometers, with gravity holding this cosmic family together.

Studying the solar system helps us understand how planets form, how life began on Earth, and what conditions might exist elsewhere in the universe. It’s our cosmic neighborhood—the starting point for all human exploration of space—and a reminder of the vast, beautiful universe we call home.