Join us as we explore our solar system.
08
Planets
05
Dwarf Planets
10 THINGS about our solar system
Our solar system has eight planets, and five dwarf planets.
About 1.4 million asteroids, and about 4,000 comets are in our solar system.
Our solar system has more than 300 planetary moons.
Our solar system is in one of the Milky Way galaxy’s spiral arms called the Orion Spur.
Our solar system takes about 230 million years to orbit the galactic center.
The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy.
Our solar system has many worlds with many types of atmospheres.
The four giant planets – and at least one asteroid – have rings.
More than 300 robotic spacecraft have left Earth's orbit, and 24 U.S. astronauts have traveled to the Moon.
So far, Earth is the only place we've found life in our solar system.
Solar System Facts
Our solar system includes the Sun, eight planets, five officially named dwarf planets, hundreds of moons, and thousands of asteroids and comets.
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What if We Discovered an Asteroid Headed for Earth?
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Skywatching Tips
What’s Up
What to look for in the night sky.
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Skywatching Hub
Get tips for photographing the Moon, guides, activities, and videos for skywatchers.
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What is a Planet Parade?
Occasionally four or five bright planets can be seen simultaneously with the naked eye. These events, often called "planet parades."
Join the Parade
What are Auroras?
What causes auroras? When and where can you seem them?
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Meteor Showers
When's the next meteor shower, and how many meteors can you expect to see?
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How To...
Explore NASA's tips and guides for observing and photographing the sky.
Photograph the Moon
Capturing the Moon with a camera is satisfying and challenging.
Use Binoculars for Skywatching
Binoculars are an excellent first "telescope" for skywatching.
Photograph a Meteor Shower
Follow these tips to be rewarded with a great photo of meteors.
Find Good Places to Stargaze
We've got you covered. We'll help you find a great spot.
Eyes on the Solar System
Featured Missions
NEO Surveyor
NEO Surveyor will hunt asteroids and comets that are potential hazards to Earth. Launch is no earlier than September 2027.
Europa Clipper
Europa Clipper launched Oct. 14, 2024, to conduct a detailed investigation of Jupiter's moon Europa.
Psyche
In August 2029, Psyche will arrive at a metal-rich asteroid with the same name.
VERITAS
VERITAS and DAVINCI will be the first NASA spacecraft to explore Venus since the 1990s. VERITAS will launch no earlier than 2031.
Featured Articles
10 Things: Movie Night With NASA
Citizen Science: Choose a Project, Do Science With NASA
What's That Space Rock?
10 Things: Our Solar System’s Most Marvelous Moons
Resources
Explore curated collections of resources, including activities that can be done at home, as well as videos, animations, handouts, and online interactives.
Asteroids and Comets
Lucy Mission
OSIRIS-REx
Ocean Worlds
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