The eight planets of our solar system

Mercury

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun in our solar system. It is a rocky planet with no atmosphere or moons. A Mercurian year is about 88 earth days. The days are hotter than an oven and the nights are cloder than a freezer. 

Venus

Venus is the second planet from the sun. It is the hottest planet in the solar system. The planet is covered with Sulphuric acid clouds which trap heat from the sun. Venus has an iron core but a very weak magnetic field. 

Earth

The Earth is the only planet in the solar system that is known to support life. 3/4 of Earth's surface is covered with water and the rest is land. The presence of air and water makes life possible on Earth. Earth has only one moon. 

Mars

Mars is the fourth planet from the sun. It is the most Earth-like planet in our solar system.  It is half the size of Earth, has a thin atmosphere and a rocky surface. It is two moons named Phobos and Demos.

Jupiter

Jupiter is the biggest planet in our solar system. This gas giant has a thick atmosphere and over a dozen moons. Its most prominent features are its bands and the great redspot which is a storm.

Saturn

Saturn is the second biggest planet in the solar system. Its beautiful rings are mostly made of ice chunks. Saturn is visible without a telescope but a low-power telescope is needed to see its rings. 

Uranus

This huge icy planet is covered with clouds and is encircled by 11 rings and 8 moons. Its blue colour is caused because of its atmosphere which absorbs red light.

Neptune

This huge frigid planet has a hazy atmosphere. This gas giant is orbited by a band of 8 moons and narrow faint rings arranged in clumbs.