Planetary Encyclopedia

Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system and the closest to the Sun. Its surface is heavily cratered and resembles Earth's Moon. Despite being closest to the Sun, it is not the hottest planet.

Venus is the second planet from the Sun and the hottest planet in our solar system. Often called Earth's twin due to similar size, it has a toxic atmosphere with crushing pressure and extreme greenhouse effect.

Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only known planet to harbor life. It has liquid water on its surface, a protective magnetic field, and a breathable atmosphere.

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, often called the Red Planet due to iron oxide on its surface. It hosts the tallest volcano and largest canyon in the solar system.

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system, a gas giant with a mass more than twice that of all other planets combined. Its Great Red Spot is a storm that has raged for over 350 years.

Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun, famous for its spectacular ring system made of ice and rock. It is the least dense planet and could theoretically float in water.

Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun and the first discovered with a telescope. It rotates on its side with an axial tilt of nearly 98 degrees, likely from an ancient collision.

Neptune is the eighth and most distant planet in our solar system. It has the strongest winds of any planet, reaching speeds of 2,100 km/h. Its deep blue color comes from methane in its atmosphere.