Oort Cloud
Scientists think the Oort Cloud is a giant spherical shell surrounding our solar system.
Oort Cloud Facts
The Oort Cloud lies far beyond Pluto and the most distant edges of the Kuiper Belt.
While the planets of our solar system orbit in a flat plane, the Oort Cloud is believed to be a giant spherical shell surrounding the Sun, planets and Kuiper Belt Objects. It's like a big, thick bubble around our solar system, made of icy, comet-like objects.
Get the Facts
An infrared view of Oort Cloud Comet C/2006 W3 (Christensen) taken by NASA's NEOWISE spacecraft. NEOWISE observed the comet on April 20th, 2010, when it was nearly 370 million miles (600 million kilometers) from Earth.
NASA
Oort Cloud Illustrations
The Oort Cloud lies far beyond Pluto and the most distant edges of the Kuiper Belt. Because it is so far away, NASA doesn't have direct images of the Oort Cloud.
Get Multimedia
An artist's concept of our solar system including the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud.
Where is the Edge of the Solar System?
Where does the solar system end? It all depends on the criteria you are using.
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
