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
Touchdown! Carrying NASA Science, Firefly’s Blue Ghost Lands on Moon
What’s Up: March 2025 Skywatching Tips from NASA
NASA Installs Heat Shield on First Private Spacecraft Bound for Venus
NASA Selects Participating Scientists to Join Lucy Asteroid Mission
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
ride along with psyche
Featured Image
NASA's Psyche Images Stars, Jovian System
NASA's Psyche spacecraft captured multiple star and planet images in late January 2025 that include notable appearances by Mars, Jupiter, and the Jovian moons Io, Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa. Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU
Full Image
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 Fast-Moving Planet and a Crimson Moon!
Catch Mercury if you can, then stay up late for a total lunar eclipse, and learn the truth about the dark side of the Moon.
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Detailed Daily Guide
Learn about the next full moon, eclipses, 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.
How To...
Explore NASA's tips and guides for observing and photographing the sky.
Photograph the Moon
Capturing the Moon with a camera is one of the most satisfying – and challenging – projects available to an outdoor photographer.
Use Binoculars for Skywatching
Binoculars are an excellent first instrument for skywatching because they are generally easy to use and more versatile than most telescopes.
Photograph a Meteor Shower
Taking photographs of meteors streaking across the sky can be challenging, but with these tips - you might be rewarded with a great photo.
Find Good Places to Stargaze
If you're hoping to do some skywatching, but you're not quite sure how to find a great spot, we have you covered.
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.
