Solar System

Astronomical Unit (A.U.)

Average distance between the Earth and the Sun

Light Years (ly)

Distance traveled by light in one year

Characteristic of Mercury

The closest planet to the Sun

Characteristic of Venus

Known as 'greenhouse' planet because of the high content of carbon dioxide

Characteristic of Earth

The only place in the universe that is inhabited by living things

Characteristic of Mars

Has two moons, Phobos and Demos

Characteristic of Jupiter

Largest planet of all eight planets in the solar system

Characteristic of Saturn

Classified as a 'giant gas' planet

Characteristic of Uranus

Has a ring system similar to Saturn, but thinner and darker

Characteristic of Neptune

Takes almost 165 years (time on Earth) to orbit the Sun