Solar System

Introduction
The solar system is a fascinating place, consisting of the Sun and everything that orbits around it. Let’s explore its key components:

1. The Sun
o The Sun is a star at the center of our solar system.
o It contains more than 99% of all the material in the solar system.
o The Sun’s core temperature exceeds 28 million degrees Celsius!
o It constantly converts hydrogen into helium, releasing energy in the form of light and heat.
2. The Planets
o There are eight planets in our solar system, each with unique characteristics:
▪ Mercury: Closest to the Sun, extremely hot during the day and freezing at night.
▪ Venus: Known for its thick, toxic atmosphere.
▪ Earth: Our home, with life-supporting conditions.
▪ Mars: The “Red Planet,” with evidence of ancient water.
▪ Jupiter: The largest planet, with colorful bands and a raging storm called the Great Red Spot.
▪ Saturn: Famous for its stunning rings made of ice and rock particles.
▪ Uranus: Tilted on its side, with icy blue hues.
▪ Neptune: The farthest known planet, with intense winds and a deep-blue color.
3. Dwarf Planets
o Pluto was once considered the ninth planet but is now classified as a dwarf planet.
o Other dwarf planets include Eris, Haumea, and Makemake.
4. Asteroids
o Millions of small chunks of metal and rock called asteroids orbit the Sun.
o Most are found in a ring between Mars and Jupiter.
o Asteroids are remnants from collisions in the early solar system.
5. Comets
o Comets are icy bodies that follow long, oval-shaped paths around the Sun.
o When close to the Sun, they glow due to solar radiation.
o Comets come from two regions: the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud.

Fun Fact
The solar system orbits around the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way, approximately once every 225 million years!