The solar system is a fascinating and complex part of our universe, full of incredible wonders and hidden secrets. While most of us are familiar with the basic planets and the Sun, many surprising facts might just blow your mind. Here are five solar system facts that you may have never known about the solar system.
There Are More Than 200 Moons Orbiting Planets in Our Solar System
Most people are familiar with Earth’s Moon, but did you know that there are over 200 moons orbiting planets in our solar system? Jupiter alone has 92 moons, including the massive Ganymede, which is even larger than the planet Mercury! Saturn follows closely behind with 83 moons. These moons vary greatly in size and composition, and some, like Europa and Enceladus, might even have the potential to support life.
Venus Has a Day Longer Than Its Year
Venus is known for its extreme temperatures and thick atmosphere, but one of its most unusual characteristics is that its day lasts longer than its year. A day on Venus equals 243 Earth days, while a year (the time it takes to orbit the Sun) only lasts about 225 Earth days. This means a day on Venus is longer than its year by almost 20 days!
The Largest Volcano in the Solar System Is on Mars
Olympus Mons, located on Mars, is the largest volcano in the solar system. It stands about 13.6 miles (22 kilometers) high—almost three times the height of Mount Everest! It’s also about 370 miles (600 kilometers) in diameter, making it roughly the size of the state of New Mexico. Scientists believe that the lack of tectonic plate movement on Mars allowed Olympus Mons to grow to such an enormous size.
There’s a “Dwarf Planet” in the Outer Solar System
Pluto may be the most famous dwarf planet, but it’s not the only one. The solar system contains several other dwarf planets, most of which lie beyond Neptune in a region called the Kuiper Belt. Eris, which is slightly smaller than Pluto, is one of the most notable dwarf planets. These objects are just as fascinating as the larger planets, with many still holding secrets about the early days of the solar system.
The Sun Makes Up 99.86% of the Solar System’s Mass
The Sun is by far the largest object in our solar system, holding nearly all of the system’s mass. In fact, it contains about 99.86% of the total mass of the entire solar system. If you could fit the Sun inside a ball, over 1.3 million Earths could fit within it! The Sun’s gravity also keeps all the planets, moons, and other objects in orbit around it.
The Solar System facts are Full of Surprises
While the solar system may seem familiar with its eight planets and the Sun, it’s full of fascinating and surprising facts. From the extreme length of a Venusian day to the massive Olympus Mons on Mars, the solar system is a place of wonder. As we continue to explore and learn more about our cosmic neighborhood, there’s no telling what other secrets we’ll uncover.