Solar System Planet Order Quiz

Solar System Planet Order

• The planets in our solar system, in order from the Sun, are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
• This order reflects the planets' distance from the Sun, with those closer to the Sun orbiting faster.
• The inner, rocky planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) are closer to the Sun than the outer gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune).
• The asteroid belt lies between Mars and Jupiter.
• The farther a planet is from the Sun, the longer its orbital period.
• Note that Pluto, once considered the ninth planet, is now classified as a dwarf planet.

Mercury

• Closest planet to the Sun.
• Very small, rocky planet.
• Extremely hot temperatures on the sunlit side and frigid on the dark side.
• Virtually no atmosphere.
• Notable for extreme temperature variations.
• Characterized by numerous impact craters.
• Its lack of atmosphere leads to extreme temperature differences.

Venus

• Second planet from the Sun, similar in size and mass to Earth.
• Dense, toxic atmosphere composed primarily of carbon dioxide.
• Extremely high surface temperatures due to the greenhouse effect.
• Surface obscured by thick clouds of sulfuric acid.
• Rotates very slowly in the opposite direction to most other planets.
• Known for its extreme heat and atmospheric pressure.
• The extreme greenhouse effect causes extremely high surface temperatures.

Earth

• Third planet from the Sun; only known planet supporting life.
• Moderate temperature range, with liquid water crucial to life as we know it.
• Atmosphere composed mostly of nitrogen and oxygen.
• Moderate atmospheric pressure.
• Has a single, large moon.
• Supports a variety of life forms due to its moderate temperature and liquid water.

Mars

• Fourth planet from the Sun.
• Known for its reddish appearance due to iron oxide (rust) on the surface.
• Thin atmosphere, mostly carbon dioxide.
• Evidence of past water activity, raising possibility of past life.
• Polar ice caps, with seasonal variations.
• Two small moons.
• Frequent dust storms.
• Features evidence of past water activity, hinting at potential for past life.

Jupiter

• Fifth planet from the Sun, the largest in the solar system.
• Primarily composed of hydrogen and helium.
• Strong magnetic field.
• Numerous moons, including the four Galilean moons.
• Famous for its Great Red Spot, a giant storm.
• Known for its many moons, large size and gas composition.
• Its immense size and powerful magnetic field are notable features.

Saturn

• Sixth planet from the Sun, famous for its rings.
• Made primarily of hydrogen and helium.
• Numerous moons, with Titan being the largest.
• Spectacular ring system composed of ice and rock particles.
• Lower density than any other planet.
• Distinctive ring system is the most recognizable feature.
• Its low density relates to its composition, mostly hydrogen and helium.

Uranus

• Seventh planet from the Sun.
• Significantly smaller than Jupiter and Saturn.
• Composed primarily of ice, with some rock.
• Rotates on its side, with an unusual axial tilt.
• Faint ring system.
• Distinctive feature is its unusual axial tilt.
• Has a series of faint rings and a large number of moons.
• Its unique axial tilt sets it apart from other planets.