As of November 2026, eight planets circle the Sun. The Sun is at the center.

You may have heard of nine planets. As of November 2026, Pluto is called a dwarf planet. It was once counted as one.

Mercury is the smallest planet. It is also the closest to the Sun.

Mercury goes around the Sun in just 88 Earth days. That is faster than any other planet.

Venus is second from the Sun. It is the hottest of all.

Look at Earth. It is third from the Sun. It has one moon.

Look at Mars. It looks red. Iron in its rocks and dust has rusted.

Let's look at Jupiter. It is the largest planet of all.

Jupiter has a giant storm. It is called the Great Red Spot. The storm is bigger than Earth.

Uranus appears to spin sideways. It does this as it goes around the Sun.

Look at Saturn. It has a spectacular set of rings around it.

Saturn is the only planet that would float in water. It would need a bathtub big enough to hold it.

Words to know

• spectacular: amazing to see
• sideways: on its side
• rusted: turned red-brown