The solar system.
The solar system . The solar system is a massive and fascinating collection of planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other celestial bodies that orbit around a star — the Sun. Formed about 4.6 billion years ago from a cloud of gas and dust, the solar system is our cosmic home and the setting for everything humanity has ever known. It includes eight main planets, each with unique characteristics that make them stand out in this vast expanse of space. The Sun At the center of the solar system sits the Sun, a giant sphere of hot plasma that provides light, heat, and energy to all the planets. It makes up more than 99% of the total mass of the solar system. Without it, life on Earth would be impossible. The Sun’s gravitational pull keeps every planet in orbit, like an invisible hand maintaining order in an otherwise chaotic universe. 1.Mercury Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and also the smallest of the eight. Because of its position, it experiences extreme temperatures — b...