01 SOLAR SYSTEM / OVERVIEW
The Solar System is the Sun and everything held by its gravity: planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets, ice and dust — all travelling together through the Milky Way.
Point to a world to identify it. Select a name to explore that world.
OUR COSMIC HOME
About 4.6 billion years ago, gravity collapsed a cloud of interstellar gas and dust into a spinning disk. The Sun ignited at its centre while the remaining material collided, merged and gradually became the worlds we know today.
Discover its storyIllustrative view — sizes and distances are compressed to bring the entire planetary family into one field of view.
Smallest and closest planet to the Sun, with extreme temperature and a cratered surface
Earth’s twin in size, covered in thick clouds that trap heat, making it the hottest planet
Largest planet in our solar system, a massive gas giant famous for its Great Red Spot storm
Spectacular gas giant easily recognized by its vast, beautiful, and complex system of rings
Ice giant uniquely tilted on its side, surrounded by faint rings and a pale blue atmosphere
