
Solar System Exploration
Join us as we explore our solar system.
Planets
Dwarf Planets
10 THINGS about our solar system

1. Many Worlds
Our solar system has eight planets, and five dwarf planets.

2. Small Worlds, Too
About 1.4 million asteroids, and about 4,000 comets are in our solar system.

3. Lots of Moons
Our solar system has more than 300 planetary moons.

4. Meet Me in the Milky Way
Our solar system is in one of the Milky Way galaxy’s spiral arms called the Orion Spur.

5. A Long Way Around
Our solar system takes about 230 million years to orbit the galactic center.

6. Spiraling Through Space
The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy.

7. Diverse Atmospheres
Our solar system has many worlds with many types of atmospheres.

8. Ring Worlds
The four giant planets – and at least one asteroid – have rings.

9. Getting Out There
More than 300 robotic spacecraft have left Earth's orbit, and 24 U.S. astronauts have traveled to the Moon.

10. Life as We Know It
So far, Earth is the only place we've found life in our solar system.
Roomies! Watch Us Build Two New Missions
We have a special treat: Two missions are sharing the clean room at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory— NEO Surveyor and ASTHROS. Watch the missions come together on our live cam.
Watch the Clean Room Live Cam
Latest News
Solar System Facts
Our solar system includes the Sun, eight planets, five officially named dwarf planets, hundreds of moons, and thousands of asteroids and comets.
Get the Facts
About the Planets
Learn about the inner planets, the outer planets, and the dwarf planets.
Explore the Planets
Moons in Our Solar System
Our solar system has hundreds of moons, and they come in many shapes and sizes.
Explore Moons
NEO Surveyor Instrument Enclosure Inside Historic Chamber A
The instrument enclosure of NASA’s Near-Earth Object Surveyor is prepared for critical environmental tests inside the historic Chamber A at…
Read the Story
Skywatching Tips
Skywatching Hub
Get tips for photographing the Moon, guides, activities, and videos for skywatchers.
What is a Planet Parade?
Occasionally four or five bright planets can be seen simultaneously with the naked eye. These events, often called "planet parades."

How To...
Explore NASA's tips and guides for observing and photographing the sky.


Use Binoculars for Skywatching
Binoculars are an excellent first "telescope" for skywatching.


Featured Missions

Europa Clipper
Europa Clipper launched Oct. 14, 2024, to conduct a detailed investigation of Jupiter's moon Europa.


NEO Surveyor
NEO Surveyor will hunt asteroids and comets that are potential hazards to Earth. Launch is no earlier than September 2027.

VERITAS
VERITAS and DAVINCI will be the first NASA spacecraft to explore Venus since the 1990s. VERITAS will launch no earlier than 2031.
Features
Resources
Explore curated collections of resources, including activities that can be done at home, as well as videos, animations, handouts, and online interactives.