What is meant by the ‘Solar System’?

The term “Solar System” refers to a gravitationally bound system of celestial bodies that orbit the Sun, a G-type main-sequence star located at the center. It encompasses a diverse array of objects, the most significant being planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other smaller bodies. Our Solar System is just one among many in the Milky Way galaxy.

The Sun, comprising over 99% of the Solar System’s mass, exerts gravitational dominance, influencing the orbital paths of the surrounding celestial bodies. There are eight recognized planets in the Solar System, classified into two main groups: terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars) and gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune).

Moons, or natural satellites, orbit planets, and each planet has a unique set of characteristics, including size, composition, and atmosphere. Additionally, the Solar System contains numerous smaller objects like asteroids and comets, some of which orbit the Sun within specific regions.

The formation of the Solar System occurred approximately 4.6 billion years ago through the gravitational collapse of a giant molecular cloud. Studying the Solar System provides valuable insights into planetary science, astrophysics, and the conditions that led to the development of Earth and its diverse companions in space.