It is not known with certainty how planets are formed. The prevailing theory is that they coalesce during the … See more

According to the IAU definition, there are eight planets in the Solar System, which are (in increasing distance from the Sun): Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Jupiter is the largest, at … See more

An exoplanet is a planet outside the Solar System. As of 18 June 2024, there are 6,140 confirmed exoplanets in 4,527 planetary systems, with 969 systems having more than one planet. Known exoplanets range in siz… See more

Although each planet has unique physical characteristics, a number of broad commonalities do exist among them. Some of these characteristics, such as rings or natural satellites, have only as yet been observed i… See more

The idea of planets has evolved over the history of astronomy, from the divine lights of antiquity to the earthly objects of the scientific age. The concept has expanded to include worlds not only in the Solar System, bu… See more