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 200 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.
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
NASA’s Europa Clipper Uses Mars to Go the Distance
The orbiter bound for Jupiter’s moon Europa will investigate whether the moon is habitable, but it first will get the…
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Facts About Asteroid 2024 YR
When first discovered, asteroid 2024 YR4 had a very small chance of impacting Earth on Dec. 22, 2032. After more observations, 2024 YR4 was deemed to have no significant chance of Earth impact in 2032 and beyond.
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Venus Blows Off Some Steam
Tall plumes of white vapor rise from the rocky Venusian surface in this April 19, 1977, artist’s concept. A little…
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Skywatching Tips
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See a Total Lunar Eclipse on March 13
The Moon will pass into Earth’s shadow and appear to turn red on the night of March 13 or early in the morning on March 14, depending on time zone.
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What's Up: A Month of Bright Planets
Venus blazes at its brightest for the year after sunset, then Mars and Jupiter to rule the night amid the menagerie of bright winter stars.
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Detailed Daily Guide
Learn about the next full Moon, meteor showers, comets, and other skywatching events.
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Meteor Showers
Several meteors per hour can usually be seen on any clear night. When there are lots more meteors, you’re watching a meteor shower.
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Skywatching Hub
Get tips for photographing the Moon, guides, activities, and videos for skywatchers.
Mission Updates
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NASA Announces Coverage for Launch of Lunar Trailblazer
Lunar Trailblazer will begin its journey to the Moon no earlier than Feb. 26. It will launch as a rideshare on the Intuitive Machines IM-2 mission.
An artist's concept of NASA's Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft orbiting the Moon.Lockheed Martin -
NEO Surveyor Completes Critical Design Review
A review board determined the mission meets all technical performance measures and requirements. The project will now move forward to construction and testing.
This artist's concept depicts NEO Surveyor in space.NASA
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.
Featured Stories
Featured Resources
Explore curated collections of resources, including activities that can be done at home, as well as videos, animations, handouts, and online interactives.
