| Mercury |
Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. Mercury's diameter is 4880 km and takes 88 days to orbit the Sun. Mercury is named after the Roman messenger god. In Eastern Asian cultures Mercury is also known as the 'Water Star.' |
| Venus |
Venus is the second closest planet to the Sun. Venus' diameter is 12,100 km and takes 225 days to orbit the Sun. Venus is named after the Roman goddess of love. In Eastern Asian cultures Venus is also known as the 'Metal Star.' |
| Earth |
Earth is the third planet from the Sun. Earth's diameter is 12,750 km and takes 365.25 days to orbit the Sun. |
| Mars |
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun. Mars' diameter is 6,790 km and takes 687 days to orbit the Sun. Mars is named after the Roman god of war. In Eastern Asian cultures Mars is also known as the 'Fire Star.' |
| Jupiter |
Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun. Jupiter's diameter is 143,000 km and takes 11.86 years to orbit the Sun. Jupiter is named after the Roman king of gods. In Eastern Asian cultures Jupiter is also known as the 'Wood Star.' |
| Saturn |
Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun. Saturn's diameter is 120,500 km and takes 29.46 years to orbit the Sun. Saturn is named after the Roman god of agriculture. In Eastern Asian cultures Jupiter is also known as the 'Earth Star.' |
| Uranus |
Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun. Uranus' diameter is 51,100 km and takes 84 years to orbit the Sun. Uranus is named after the Greek god of sky. Uranus was discovered on March 13th,1781 by Sir William Herschel, who reported it as a comet on April 26, 1781. |
| Neptune |
Neptune is usually the eight planet from the Sun although it is sometimes 9th when Pluto moves within it's orbit. Neptune's diameter is 49,500 km and takes 165 years to orbit the Sun. Neptune is named after the Roman god of the sea. Neptune was discovered on September 23, 1846 by French astronomer Urbain Le Verrier. |
| Pluto |
Pluto is usually the ninth planet from the Sun although it is sometimes 8th when Pluto moves within Neptune's orbit. Pluto's diameter is 2,300 km and takes 249 years to orbit the Sun. Pluto is named after the Roman god of the underworld. Pluto was discovered on February 18, 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh. |
