Outer Space Planets
Easy Facts for Simple Astronomy for Kids

Earth is one of the nine outer space planets that go around the sun. There are other objects that go around the sun such as astroids, comets and dust particles. Together they are all part of the solar systme. Our solar system is in the Milky Way galaxy.

The Solar System Family

The Sun

1. The sun is a star.


2. It is looks much larger than the night stars because it is much closer to us.


3. The sun's gravity attracts all objects to it and to one another. It is what keeps the solar system together.

Mercury

1. Mercury is a small planet.


2. It is the closest of all outer space planets to the sun.


3. On it's hot side (the side facing the sun) it is twice as hot as a kitchen oven and on it's cold side it is colder than Antartica.


4. Mercury does not have any moons, water, or air (an atmosphere).


5. It is rocky and has craters (holes on it's surface).

Venus

1. Venus is about the same size as earth.


2. It is always covered with white clouds and the air around it is poisonous.


3. Venus is the hottest planet, it's surface is covered with lava.

Earth

1. We live on the third 'rock' from the sun.


2. Our planet is mainly covered with water.


3. Earth is the home of million living things.


4. Can you spot life on earth? From plants, to animals, birds, fish.


5. Our earth is surrounded by the atmosphere (air) which helps us breathe.

Mars

1. Mars is also known as the red planet because it's surface is covered with rusty colored rock and dust.


2. Mars has large volcanoes and giant canyons.


3. The atmosphere in Mars is too thin for people can not breathe on Mars.


4. People found signs that once there was water on Mars

Jupiter

1. Jupiter is the first of four giant outer space planets.


2. It is in fact made out of gas and if you could find a large enough bath tub, Jupiter would float.


3. Large clouds travel around this planet, they are mostly orange and white.


4. The winds blow these clouds in opposite directions which is what makes jupiter look like it has stripes.

Saturn

1. Saturn is the second giant planet.


2. It has thousands of narrow rings circling it.


3. These rings are made out of rock, ice and dust.


4. You can see Saturn's rings from earth with a telescope.


5. Did you know? Saturn's clouds are the color of butterscotch!

Uranus

1. Uranus is the third giant planet.


2. It is about four times larger than earth.


3. The chemicals on this planet make it look green.

Neptune

1. Neptune is the last giant planet.


2. It is blue and is about the same size as Uranus.

Outer Space Planets - What's in a Name?

• Mercury was named after the messenger of the gods in Roman mythology.

• Venus is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty.

• Mars was named after the Roman god of war.

• Jupiter comes from the king of the Roman gods.

• Saturn was named after the Roman god of agriculture.

• Uranus is named after the ancient Greek god of the sky.

• Neptune s named after the Roman god of the sea.

• Pluto is named after the Roman god of the underworld.

Did you know? YOU can buy and name a star in our galexy! Buy a Star from the International Star Registy.

Next... learn about the different space crafts.