Aradhya Sah, a third-grade student, shares intriguing insights about our solar system, ranging from Mercury’s extreme temperatures to Saturn’s iconic rings.
Did you know that?
1. Mercury is not the hottest planet:
Despite being the closest planet to the Sun, Mercury is not the hottest planet in the solar system. That title actually belongs to Venus, which has a thick atmosphere that traps heat. However, Mercury experiences extreme temperatures, with scorching heat on its sunny side and freezing cold on its dark side.
2. Venus does not have a moon:
Unlike many other planets in our solar system, Venus is unique in that it does not have any natural satellites. This absence of a moon adds to the distinctiveness of Venus, a planet known for its thick, toxic atmosphere and extreme surface temperatures.
3. The biggest planet is Jupiter, and the smallest planet is Mercury:
In our solar system, Jupiter stands out as the largest planet, a gas giant with a mass more than twice that of all the other planets combined. In contrast, Mercury is the smallest planet, known for its swift orbit around the Sun and its heavily cratered surface.
4. The closest planet to the Sun is Mercury:
Mercury holds the title of being the closest planet to the Sun. Due to its close proximity to the Sun, it has a very short orbital period, completing a revolution around the Sun in just 88 Earth days.
5. The farthest planet from the Sun is Neptune: Neptune is the eighth and farthest known planet from the Sun in our solar system. Known for its deep blue colour and strong winds, Neptune is the only planet in our solar system that is not visible to the naked eye. It takes Neptune about 165 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun.
6. Jupiter is made up of gases:
Jupiter is often referred to as a gas giant, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. This massive planet lacks a solid surface and is known for its Great Red Spot, a giant storm that has been raging for centuries.
7. Mars is called the Red Planet:
Mars, often called the Red Planet, is named for its reddish appearance, which is due to iron oxide (rust) on its surface. This distinct colour, along with its valleys, deserts, and polar ice caps, makes Mars a fascinating subject of study.
8. Saturn has 146 moons:
Saturn is renowned for its extensive system of rings and its numerous moons. As of current knowledge, Saturn has 146 moons, each varying in size and characteristics, contributing to the planet’s diverse and complex system.
9. Venus is called the twin of Earth:
Venus is often referred to as Earth’s twin because it has a similar size, mass, and proximity to the Sun. Despite these similarities, Venus has a vastly different atmosphere and surface conditions, making it a subject of great interest and contrast to Earth.
10. Saturn has seven rings around it:
Saturn is famous for its stunning ring system, which is composed of seven main rings. These rings are made up of ice and rock particles, varying in size, and are one of the most visually striking features in our solar system.
