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Five Fun Facts About the Solar System
Unveiling the Mysteries of Our Celestial Neighborhood
1. The Sun Is a Star
While it may seem like a given, many people don't realize that the Sun is a star. It's the closest star to Earth and the source of all life on our planet. The Sun is a massive ball of hot gas that emits energy through nuclear fusion reactions.
2. Mercury Is the Smallest Planet
Mercury is the smallest and closest planet to the Sun. It's a rocky planet with a heavily cratered surface and no atmosphere. Despite its small size, Mercury has a large iron core that makes it denser than most other planets.
3. Venus Is the Hottest Planet
Venus is the second planet from the Sun and the hottest planet in the solar system. Its surface temperature can reach a scorching 864 degrees Fahrenheit (462 degrees Celsius). The extreme heat is caused by the planet's thick atmosphere, which traps heat from the Sun.
4. Mars Is the Red Planet
Mars is known as the Red Planet because of its reddish-brown appearance. It's a rocky planet with a thin atmosphere and a surface that is covered in dust and craters. Mars is home to two polar ice caps and has been a subject of intense scientific research due to its potential for supporting life.
5. Jupiter Is the Largest Planet
Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest planet in the solar system. It's a gas giant composed mostly of hydrogen and helium. Jupiter has a massive storm called the Great Red Spot, which has been raging for centuries. The planet is surrounded by a thick ring system and has over 90 known moons.
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