The Planets

by Bushtots

Earlier this year it was declared that there were only nine planets in our solar system now. As this debate rages on, we decided to speak about all nine planets. Why? Because one more will not make much of a difference. However, at the heart of our solar system is the SUN. It is the biggest item in our solar system and is said to be a mere star. However, whilst there may be many like it, they are much smaller.

1. Mercury is the planet closest to the sun. It is also the eight largest planet. In many ways it is similar to the moon, with its heavily cratered and very old surface.

2. Venus is the second planet from the sun and the sixth largest. Venus' orbit is the most nearly circular of that of any planet. It is the brightest object in the sky except for the Sun and the Moon. Venus is sometimes regarded as Earth's sister planet.

3. Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the fifth largest. It is the only planet whose English name does not derive from Greek/Roman mythology. The name derives from Old English and Germanic. It does have names in other languages. The crust is thinner under the oceans and thicker under the continents.

4. Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the seventh largest. The planet is said to have gotten this name because of its red color. Mars is sometimes referred to as the Red Planet. The name of the month March derives from Mars.

5. Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and by far the largest. It is the fourth brightest object in the sky (after the sun, the moon and Venus). It has been referred to as a bright "wandering star".

6. Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun and the second largest. The word Saturday is derived form the root Saturn. It’s bands are fainter than those on Jupiter.

7. Uranus is the seventh planet from the sun and the third largest (by diameter). Uranus is made up mostly of rock and various ices. It has a blue colour which is the result of the absorption of red light by methane in the upper atmosphere.

8. Neptune is the eighth planet from the sun and the fourth largest (by diameter). Because Pluto's orbit is so eccentric, it crosses Neptune’s path making Neptune the farthest planet for a few years.

9. Pluto orbits beyond the orbit of Neptune (usually). It is much smaller than any of the official planets and now classified as a "dwarf planet". Pluto is smaller than seven of the solar system's moon. Pluto has not yet been visited by a spacecraft.