Solar System - Wikipedia
# Solar System Solar System Planetary system consisting of the Sun and objects orbiting it For other uses, see [Solar System (disambiguation)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System_(disambiguation)). | [](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Solar_System_True_Color_EN.png)<br>The [Sun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun), [planets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planets_of_the_solar_system), [moons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_natural_satellites), and [dwarf planets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_gravitationally_rounded_objects_of_the_Solar_System#Dwarf_planets)[[a]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-1)<br>(true color, sizes to scale, distances not to scale) | | Age | 4.568billion years[[b]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-AgeSolarSystem-2) | | Location | - [Local Interstellar Cloud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Interstellar_Cloud)<br>- [Local Bubble](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Bubble)[[1]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-JPL_interstellar-3)<br>- [Orion–Cygnus Arm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orion%E2%80%93Cygnus_Arm)<br>- [Milky Way](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milky_Way)[[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-4) | | Nearest star | - [Proxima Centauri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proxima_Centauri)<br>- (4.2465 [ly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-year))[[D 1]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-lurie2014-5)<br>- [Alpha Centauri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_Centauri)<br>- (4.36ly)[[D 2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-RECONS-6) | | Population | | Stars | [Sun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun) | | Planets | - [Mercury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(planet))<br>- [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus)<br>- [Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth)<br>- [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars)<br>- [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter)<br>- [Saturn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn)<br>- [Uranus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranus)<br>- [Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neptune) | | Known [naturalsatellites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_satellite) | 758[[D 3]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-JPLbodies-7) | | Known [minorplanets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_planet) | 1,462,402[[D 4]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-MPCSummary-8) | | Known [comets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet) | 4,629[[D 4]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-MPCSummary-8) | | Planetary system | | [Star spectral type](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stellar_classification) | [G2V](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-type_main-sequence_star) | | [Frost line](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frost_line_(astrophysics)) | ~5AU[[3]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-Mumma-9) | | [Semi-major axis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-major_axis) of outermost planet | 30.07 AU[[D 5]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-Horizons-10) ([Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neptune)) | | [Kuiper cliff](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuiper_cliff) | 50–70 AU[[4]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-twotino-11)[[5]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-KuiperGap-12) | | [Heliopause](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliopause_(astronomy)) | detected at 120 AU[[6]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-heliopause-13) | | [Hill sphere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_sphere) | 178,000–227,000AU (2.82–3.59 [ly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-year); 0.865–1.1 [pc](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsec))[[7]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-14)[[8]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-Chebotarev-15) | | [Invariable](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invariable_plane)-to- [galactic plane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galactic_plane) inclination | ~60°, to the ecliptic[[c]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-angle-16) | | Distance to<br>Galactic Center | 24,000–28,000 ly<br>[[9]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-francis14-17) | | Orbital speed | 720,000km/h (450,000mi/h)[[10]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-roughfactsofthesun-18) | | Orbital period | ~230 [million years](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Million_year)[[10]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-roughfactsofthesun-18) | Solar System The **Solar System** is the [gravitationally](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravitational) bound system of the [Sun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun) and the masses that [orbit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbit) it, most prominently its eight [planets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet), of which [Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth) is one. The Solar System is an isolated single-star [planetary system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_system) (not part of a larger [star system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_system)) within the [Milky Way Galaxy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milky_Way_Galaxy). The system [formed about 4.6billion years ago](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formation_and_evolution_of_the_Solar_System) when a dense region of a [molecular cloud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecular_cloud) collapsed, creating the Sun and a [protoplanetary disc](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protoplanetary_disc) from which the orbiting bodies assembled. The Sun accounts for 99.86% of the Solar System's total mass. Inside the [Sun's core](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_core), hydrogen [is fused](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stellar_nucleosynthesis#Hydrogen_fusion) into [helium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helium), releasing energy that is emitted through the Sun's [photosphere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photosphere). This creates the [heliosphere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliosphere) and a decreasing temperature [gradient](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gradient) across the Solar System. The next [most massive objects of the system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Solar_System_objects_by_size) are the eight planets, which by definition [dominate the orbits](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clearing_the_neighbourhood) they occupy. Closest to the Sun in order of increasing distance are the [terrestrial planets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrestrial_planet) – [Mercury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(planet)), [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus), Earth and [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars). These four planets are part of the [inner Solar System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inner_Solar_System). Earth and Mars are the only planets that orbit within the Sun's [habitable zone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitable_zone), in which sunlight can keep surface water liquid under atmospheric pressure. Beyond the [frost line](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frost_line_(astrophysics)) at about five [astronomical units](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_unit) (AU),[[d]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-20) are the planets of the [outer Solar System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Solar_System): two [gas giants](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_giant) ( [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter) and [Saturn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn)) and two [ice giants](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_giant) ( [Uranus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranus) and [Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neptune)). Jupiter and Saturn possess nearly 90% of the non-stellar mass of the Solar System. [[12]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-21) Four other [Solar System objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System_object) are generally identified as such: [Orcus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orcus_(dwarf_planet)), [Quaoar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quaoar), [Gonggong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonggong_(dwarf_planet)), and [Sedna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedna_(dwarf_planet)). [[13]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-Holler_2021-22) Less massive than the dwarf planets are the vast number of [small Solar System bodies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_Solar_System_body), such as [asteroids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid), [comets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet), [centaurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centaur_(minor_planet)), [meteoroids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteoroid), and [interplanetary dust clouds](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interplanetary_dust_cloud). [[e]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-23) The dwarf planet Ceres and many of these smaller bodies are located in the [asteroid belt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_belt) (between Mars's and Jupiter's orbit), while all other dwarf planets are members of populations of [trans-Neptunian objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Neptunian_object), which may be found in the [Kuiper belt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuiper_belt) just outside Neptune or in the further [scattered disc](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scattered_disc). Many objects in the Solar System do not orbit the Sun directly and are instead [natural satellites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_satellite), commonly called 'moons', of larger bodies. These can be found throughout the Solar System in sizes from planetary-mass moons at their largest to much less massive [moonlets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonlet) at their smallest. Within the heliosphere, the Solar System is constantly flooded by the charged [plasma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_(physics)) particles of the [solar wind](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_wind), which, along with interplanetary dust, gas and [cosmic rays](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_rays), form an [interplanetary medium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interplanetary_medium) between the bodies of the Solar System. At around 70–90AU from the Sun, the solar wind is halted by the [interstellar medium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstellar_medium), resulting in the [heliopause](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliopause_(astronomy)) and the border of the interplanetary medium to [interstellar space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstellar_space). The theorized [Oort cloud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oort_cloud) – the source for [long-period comets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long-period_comet) – extends from somewhere beyond 2,000AU to the outermost region of the Solar System. The latter reaches to the edge of the Sun's [Hill sphere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_sphere), at 178,000–227,000AU (2.81–3.59 [ly](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-year)), where its gravitational potential becomes equal to the galactic potential. [[14]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-e735-24) The Solar System currently moves through a cloud of interstellar medium called the [Local Cloud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Cloud). ## Definition The Solar System includes the Sun and all objects that are bound to it by gravity and orbit it. [[15]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-x579-25)[[16]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-l783-26)[[17]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-n787-27) The [International Astronomical Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Astronomical_Union) describes the Solar System as all objects that are bound by the gravity of the Sun, the Sun itself, its eight planets, and the other celestial bodies which orbit it.[[18]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-IAU_Office_of_Astronomy_for_Education_y607-28) [NASA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA) describes the solar system as including the Sun and its planetary system. [[19]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-k349-29) When not used as a proper noun and written without capitalization, "solar system" may refer to either the Solar System itself or any [planetary system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_system) reminiscent of the Solar System. [[15]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-x579-25) The [International Astronomical Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Astronomical_Union), the authoritative body regarding [astronomical nomenclature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_nomenclature), specifies capitalizing the names of all individual astronomical objects but uses mixed "Solar System" and "solar system" structures in their naming guidelines document. [[20]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_note-30) ## References ### Other sources 307. [↑](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System#cite_ref-324)See, for example: - ["solar system"](https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?q=solar+system). _[Oxford English Dictionary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_English_Dictionary)_ (onlineed.). Oxford University Press.(Subscription or [participating institution membership](https://www.oed.com/public/login/loggingin#withyourlibrary) required.) ## External links | [Solar System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System) | |-| | <br>- [Sun](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun)<br>- [Mercury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(planet))<br>- [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus)<br>- [Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth)<br>- [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars)<br>- _[Ceres](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceres_(dwarf_planet))_<br>- [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter)<br>- [Saturn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn)<br>- [Uranus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranus)<br>- [Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neptune)<br>- _[Orcus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orcus_(dwarf_planet))_<br>- _[Pluto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pluto)_<br>- _[Haumea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haumea)_<br>- _[Quaoar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quaoar)_<br>- _[Makemake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makemake)_<br>- _[Gonggong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonggong_(dwarf_planet))_<br>- _[Eris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eris_(dwarf_planet))_<br>- _[Sedna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedna_(dwarf_planet))_ | | | | [Planets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet),<br>[dwarfs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_planet), <br>[minors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_planet) | - [Terrestrials](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrestrial_planet) <br> - [Mercury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(planet))<br> - [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus)<br> - [Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth)<br> - [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars)<br>- [Giants](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_planet) <br> - [Gas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_giant) <br> - [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter)<br> - [Saturn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn)<br> - [Ice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_giant) <br> - [Uranus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranus)<br> - [Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neptune)<br>- [Dwarfs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dwarf_planet) <br> - [Ceres](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceres_(dwarf_planet))<br> - [Orcus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orcus_(dwarf_planet))<br> - [Pluto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pluto)<br> - [Haumea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haumea)<br> - [Quaoar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quaoar)<br> - [Makemake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makemake)<br> - [Gonggong](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonggong_(dwarf_planet))<br> - [Eris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eris_(dwarf_planet))<br> - [Sedna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedna_(dwarf_planet))<br>- Large minor planets<br> - [Vesta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4_Vesta)<br> - [Pallas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Pallas)<br> - [Hygiea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10_Hygiea)<br> - [Salacia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/120347_Salacia)<br> - [Máni](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/307261_M%C3%A1ni)<br> - [Achlys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/208996_Achlys)<br> - [Aya](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/55565_Aya)<br> - [Chiminigagua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/532037_Chiminigagua)<br> - [Varda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/174567_Varda)<br> - [Ixion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28978_Ixion) | | [Moons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_satellite) | - Earth<br> - [Moon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon)<br> - [claimed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claimed_moons_of_Earth)<br>- [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Mars) <br> - [Phobos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phobos_(moon))<br> - [Deimos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deimos_(moon))<br>- [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Jupiter) <br> - [Ganymede](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganymede_(moon))<br> - [Callisto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callisto_(moon))<br> - [Io](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Io_(moon))<br> - [Europa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europa_(moon))<br> - [all 115](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Jupiter#List)<br>- [Saturn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Saturn) <br> - [Titan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titan_(moon))<br> - [Rhea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhea_(moon))<br> - [Iapetus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iapetus_(moon))<br> - [Dione](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dione_(moon))<br> - [Tethys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tethys_(moon))<br> - [Enceladus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enceladus)<br> - [Mimas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimas)<br> - [Hyperion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperion_(moon))<br> - [Phoebe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoebe_(moon))<br> - [all 293](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Saturn#List)<br>- [Uranus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Uranus) <br> - [Titania](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titania_(moon))<br> - [Oberon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oberon_(moon))<br> - [Umbriel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbriel)<br> - [Ariel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariel_(moon))<br> - [Miranda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miranda_(moon))<br> - [all 29](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Uranus#List)<br>- [Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Neptune) <br> - [Triton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triton_(moon))<br> - [Proteus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proteus_(moon))<br> - [Nereid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nereid_(moon))<br> - [all 16](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Neptune#List)<br>- [Pluto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Pluto) <br> - [Charon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charon_(moon))<br> - [Nix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nix_(moon))<br> - [Hydra](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydra_(moon))<br> - [Kerberos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerberos_(moon))<br> - [Styx](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styx_(moon))<br>- Orcus<br> - [Vanth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanth_(moon))<br>- [Haumea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Haumea) <br> - [Hiʻiaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hi%CA%BBiaka_(moon))<br> - [Namaka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaka_(moon))<br>- Quaoar<br> - [Weywot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weywot)<br>- Makemake<br> - [S/2015 (136472) 1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S/2015_(136472)_1)<br>- Gonggong<br> - [Xiangliu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiangliu_(moon))<br>- Eris<br> - [Dysnomia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysnomia_(moon)) | | [Rings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_system) | - [Planetary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_system#Ring_systems_of_planets) <br> - [Terran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Earth)<br> - [Jovian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Jupiter)<br> - [Saturnian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Saturn)( [Rhean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Rhea)?)<br> - [Uranian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Uranus)<br> - [Neptunian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Neptune)<br>- [Minor objects'](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_system#Rings_systems_of_minor_planets_and_moons) <br> - [Charikloan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rings_of_Chariklo)<br> - [Chironean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2060_Chiron#Rings)<br> - [Haumean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haumea#Ring)<br> - [Quaoarian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quaoar#Rings) | | [Exploration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_exploration)<br>( [outline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_space_exploration)) | - [Discovery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_and_exploration_of_the_Solar_System) <br> - [Models](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System_model) <br> - [Historical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_models_of_the_Solar_System)<br> - [timeline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_discovery_of_Solar_System_planets_and_their_moons)<br>- [Space probes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_probe) <br> - [timeline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Solar_System_exploration)<br> - [list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Solar_System_probes)<br>- [Human spaceflight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_spaceflight) <br> - [list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_crewed_spacecraft)<br> - [Space stations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_station)<br> - [programs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_spaceflight_programs)<br> - [Colonization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_colonization)<br>- [Mercury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Mercury)<br>- [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observations_and_explorations_of_Venus)<br>- [Moon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_the_Moon) <br> - [mining](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_resources)<br>- [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Mars)<br>- [Asteroids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_missions_to_minor_planets) <br> - [mining](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_mining)<br>- [Comets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_missions_to_comets)<br>- [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Jupiter)<br>- [Saturn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Saturn)<br>- [Uranus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Uranus)<br>- [Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Neptune)<br>- [Pluto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exploration_of_Pluto)<br>- [Deep space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_space_exploration)<br>- [Sample-return](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sample-return_mission) <br> - [Curation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_sample_curation) | | Lists | - [Comets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_comets)<br>- [Possible dwarf planets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_possible_dwarf_planets)<br>- [Gravitationally rounded objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_gravitationally_rounded_objects_of_the_Solar_System)<br>- [Minor planets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_minor_planets)<br>- [Natural satellites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_natural_satellites)<br>- [Geological features](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_geological_features_of_the_Solar_System) <br> - [Craters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_craters_in_the_Solar_System)<br>- [Objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Solar_System_objects) <br> - [by size](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Solar_System_objects_by_size)<br> - [by discovery date](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_discovery_of_Solar_System_planets_and_their_moons)<br>- [Extremes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Solar_System_extremes) <br> - [Largest lakes and seas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_lakes_and_seas_in_the_Solar_System)<br> - [Most distant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Solar_System_objects_most_distant_from_the_Sun)<br> - [Greatest aphelion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Solar_System_objects_by_greatest_aphelion)<br> - [Tallest mountains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_mountains_in_the_Solar_System)<br> - [Largest rifts, canyons and valleys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_rifts,_canyons_and_valleys_in_the_Solar_System)<br> - [Largest craters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_craters_in_the_Solar_System) | | | [Hypothetical <br><br>objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_hypothetical_Solar_System_objects) | - [Chiron](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiron_(hypothetical_moon))<br>- [Coatlicue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coatlicue_(star))<br>- [Counter-Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter-Earth)<br>- [Chrysalis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysalis_(hypothetical_moon))<br>- [Fifth Giant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth_Giant)<br>- [Mercury's moon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothetical_moon_of_Mercury)<br>- [Neith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neith_(hypothetical_moon))<br>- [Nemesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemesis_(hypothetical_star))<br>- [Nibiru](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nibiru_cataclysm)<br>- [Phaeton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phaeton_(hypothetical_planet))<br>- [Planets beyond Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planets_beyond_Neptune) <br> - [Planet Nine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_Nine) <br> - [Effects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_Planet_Nine_on_trans-Neptunian_objects)<br> - [Tyche](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyche_(hypothetical_planet))<br>- [Planet V](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_V)<br>- [Subsatellites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subsatellite)<br>- [Theia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theia_(hypothetical_planet))<br>- [Themis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Themis_(hypothetical_moon))<br>- [Vulcan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulcan_(hypothetical_planet)) <br> - [Vulcanoids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulcanoid)<br>- [Proposed in religion, astrology, ufology and pseudoscience](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_objects_proposed_in_religion,_astrology,_ufology_and_pseudoscience) | | [Formation,<br><br>evolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formation_and_evolution_of_the_Solar_System), <br> contents, <br> and <br>[history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Solar_System_formation_and_evolution_hypotheses) | - [History of hypotheses](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Solar_System_formation_and_evolution_hypotheses) <br> - [Capture of Triton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capture_of_Triton)<br>- [Circumplanetary disk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumplanetary_disk)<br>- [Co-orbital configuration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Co-orbital_configuration)<br>- [Disk instability](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_giant#Disk_instability)<br>- [Exozodiacal dust](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exozodiacal_dust)<br>- [Extraterrestrial materials](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraterrestrial_materials)<br>- [Frost line](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frost_line_(astrophysics))<br>- [Giant-impact hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant-impact_hypothesis)<br>- [Grand tack hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_tack_hypothesis)<br>- [Gravitational collapse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravitational_collapse)<br>- [Hills cloud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hills_cloud)<br>- [Hill sphere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_sphere)<br>- [Interplanetary dust cloud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interplanetary_dust_cloud)<br>- [Interplanetary medium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interplanetary_medium)<br>- [Kuiper belt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuiper_belt)<br>- [Late Heavy Bombardment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Late_Heavy_Bombardment)<br>- [Nebular hypothesis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebular_hypothesis)<br>- [Nice model](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nice_model) <br> - [Nice 2 model](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nice_2_model)<br> - [Five-planet Nice model](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five-planet_Nice_model)<br>- [Oort cloud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oort_cloud) <br> - [Oort limit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oort_limit)<br>- [Outer space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_space)<br>- Planet<br> - [Disrupted](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disrupted_planet)<br> - [Migration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_migration)<br> - [System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_system)<br> - [Planetesimal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetesimal)<br> - [Protoplanetary disk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protoplanetary_disk)<br> - [Definition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Definition_of_planet) <br> - [IAU](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAU_definition_of_planet)<br>- [Roche limit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roche_limit)<br>- [Rubble pile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubble_pile)<br>- [Scattered disc](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scattered_disc)<br>- [Heliosphere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliosphere) | | [Small<br><br>Solar<br><br>System<br><br>bodies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_Solar_System_body) | - [Asteroids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid) <br> - [Asteroid belt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_belt)<br> - [Active](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_asteroid)<br> - [Families](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_family)<br> - [PHA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potentially_hazardous_object)<br> - [Exceptional](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_exceptional_asteroids)<br> - [Kirkwood gap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirkwood_gap)<br> - [Spectral types](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteroid_spectral_types)<br>- [Quasi-satellite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quasi-satellite)<br>- [Comets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet) <br> - [Dark comet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_comet)<br> - [Great](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_comet)<br> - [Extinct](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extinct_comet)<br>- [Meteoroids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteoroid)<br>- Minor planets<br> - [Moons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor-planet_moon)<br> - [Names and meanings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meanings_of_minor-planet_names)<br> - [Designation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor-planet_designation)<br>- Planetary orbit-crossers <br> - [Mercury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mercury-crossing_minor_planets)<br> - [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Venus-crossing_minor_planets)<br> - [Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Earth-crossing_asteroids)<br> - [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mars-crossing_minor_planets)<br> - [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jupiter-crossing_minor_planets)<br>- [Trojans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trojan_(celestial_body)) <br> - [Venus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_ND15)<br> - [Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_trojan)<br> - [Mars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_trojan)<br> - [Jupiter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter_trojan) <br> - [Trojan camp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jupiter_trojans_(Trojan_camp))<br> - [Greek camp](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jupiter_trojans_(Greek_camp))<br> - [Saturn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_UO14)<br> - [Uranus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranus_trojan)<br> - [Neptune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neptune_trojan)<br>- [Near-Earth objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near-Earth_object) <br> - [Amors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amor_asteroid)<br> - [Apollos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_asteroid)<br> - [Atens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aten_asteroid)<br> - [Atiras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atira_asteroid)<br>- [Distant minor planet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distant_minor_planet) <br> - [Centaurs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centaur_(small_Solar_System_body))<br> - [Damocloids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damocloid)<br> - [Trans-Neptunian objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Neptunian_object) <br> - [Resonant KBOs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resonant_trans-Neptunian_object)<br> - [Plutinos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plutino)<br> - [Extreme trans-Neptunian objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extreme_trans-Neptunian_object) <br> - [Detached objects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detached_object)<br> - [Sednoids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sednoid) | | Related | - [Double planet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_planet)<br>- [Lagrange point](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagrange_point)<br>- [Moonlet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonlet)<br>- [Syzygy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syzygy_(astronomy))<br>- [Tidal locking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_locking)<br>- [Opposition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opposition_(astronomy))<br>- [Ecliptic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecliptic)<br>- [Occultation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occultation)<br>- [Eclipse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipse)<br>- [Astronomy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomy)<br>- [In fiction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System_in_fiction) <br> - [Fictional planets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fictional_planets_of_the_Solar_System) | | | | - [Outline of the Solar System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_the_Solar_System)<br>- [Solar Systemportal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Solar_System)<br>- [Astronomyportal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Astronomy)<br>- [Earth sciencesportal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Earth_sciences)<br>[Solar System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System) → [Local Interstellar Cloud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Interstellar_Cloud) → [Local Bubble](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Bubble) → [Gould Belt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gould_Belt) → [Orion Arm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orion_Arm) → [Milky Way](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milky_Way) → [Milky Way subgroup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite_galaxies_of_the_Milky_Way) → [Local Group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Group) → [Local Sheet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Sheet) → [Local Volume](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Volume) → [Virgo Supercluster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgo_Supercluster) → [Laniakea Supercluster](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laniakea_Supercluster) → [Pisces–Cetus Supercluster Complex](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pisces%E2%80%93Cetus_Supercluster_Complex) → [Local Hole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Hole) → [Observable universe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observable_universe) → [Universe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universe)<br>Each arrow (→) may be read as "within" or "part of". |
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System