The Solar System

Our Earth is the third planet from the Sun.

Farther out are the four gas giant planets and Pluto.

Most planets orbit the Sun in nearly the same plane. Pluto is the exception.

• Click here to see an animation showing the orbits of the planets around the Sun (2.9 MB).
  
  
• Click here to see an animation showing how the solar system probably formed (10.9 MB).