The Solar System
Solar System
What do you know about the solar system and, the elements that compose it?
The online solar system simulations on this page will help you discover some of the most interesting features of the space in the universe where we are.
The online solar system simulations on this page will help you discover some of the most interesting features of the space in the universe where we are.
The solar system is a fascinating planetary system found in the Milky Way, our galaxy. It is composed of the Sun, a G-type star that radiates light and heat, and all the celestial bodies orbiting around it, including planets, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets and other smaller objects.
The Sun, located at the center of the solar system, accounts for more than 99% of the total mass of the system. It is a hot plasma sphere composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, which generates energy through nuclear fusion in its core. This energy is radiated into space in the form of light and heat, and is essential for sustaining life on Earth.
There are eight recognized planets in the solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. These planets vary in size, composition, and characteristics. The four inner planets, known as terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars), are rocky and relatively small. The four outer planets, known as giant gas planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune), are much larger and are composed primarily of gases and liquids.
In addition to the planets, the solar system is home to numerous smaller objects. Dwarf planets, such as Pluto and Eris, are smaller, planet-like bodies. Asteroids are irregular rocks that orbit the Sun, mainly in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Comets are icy bodies that follow elliptical orbits around the Sun and, as they approach, may develop a bright coma and tail due to solar heating.
Beyond Neptune’s orbit extends the region called the Kuiper belt, which is home to a large number of icy bodies, including Pluto. Even further out lies the Oort cloud, a spherical region of comets in very distant orbits
Below are several simulations and other educational resources, which can also serve as very illustrative examples. In addition, a selection of books and courses is included to help you broaden your knowledge of this subject.
- System
- Scale
The Solar System
This simulation is a generic representation of the Solar System. Try zooming in or out.
Solar System Scale
This simulation represents to scale what are the distances in the Solar System.
Earth Science


Introduction to Deep Earth Science


Sensing Planet Earth – Water and Ice
Astronomy


Introduction to Astrophysics