The solar system refers to the sun, its orbiting celestial objects, and the space they traverse. It is a collection of celestial bodies, primarily consisting of the Sun, eight planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune), along with their natural satellites (moons), asteroids, comets, and meteoroids. The sun, situated at the center, encompasses more than 99% of the solar system's total mass.
The solar system formed approximately 4.6 billion years ago from a giant molecular cloud composed of gas and dust. This cloud collapsed due to gravity, initiating the formation of a protoplanetary disk. The sun formed at the center through the process of nuclear fusion, releasing immense energy that shapes the system.
The planets, moons, and other celestial bodies orbit the sun, held within its gravitational attraction. The distances between these bodies vary, with each planet occupying a specific orbit around the sun. Each planet exhibits unique characteristics, such as size, composition, and atmosphere, contributing to the vast diversity within the solar system.
The solar system also contains numerous smaller objects, such as asteroids, which are rocky remnants from the early formation of the system, and comets, composed of ice, dust, and organic materials. These celestial bodies provide valuable insights into the origins and evolution of the solar system and continue to be objects of scientific exploration through various missions and research endeavors.
