6.2: Our Solar System
Astronomers believe the solar system is about 4. 6 billion years old . We base that idea through the study of meteorites and “dating” of these objects and observations of our Sun, as well as similar stars.
The Solar System is made up of one central star, eight (or nine, or ten…) known planets, satellites orbiting the planets, and miscellaneous debris; minor bodies; asteroids, meteoroids, comets, and dust, and what is known as the Kuiper Belt Objects and the Oort cloud .
Sun
One Central Star—Sun
Planets
Rocky Planet Earth– Eight (or nine, or ten…) known Planets