Eight planets, eight real distances
How many planets circle the Sun? Which one is closest?
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Step 1 of 4
- Textbook pictures often show eight planets, evenly spaced.
- The real first four sit close together.
- Then comes one long gap.
- Then the rest spread even farther out.
The rule
Eight planets orbit the Sun, and Mercury is closest. To orbit is to go round in a path. Each planet has its own distance. Neptune is farthest.
| Order | Planet | One thing to remember |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercury | Closest to the Sun, and small |
| 2 | Venus | The brightest planet in our sky |
| 3 | Earth | Ours |
| 4 | Mars | Often looks slightly reddish |
| 5 | Jupiter | By far the biggest planet |
| 6 | Saturn | Famous for its wide, flat rings |
| 7 | Uranus | Circles the Sun tipped on its side |
| 8 | Neptune | The farthest planet out |