What is a planet?

A planet is a celestial body that orbits a star, is massive enough to be nearly round in shape, and has cleared its orbit of other debris. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially defined a planet in 2006, which led to the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet.

There are currently eight planets in our solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Each planet has its own unique set of characteristics, such as size, composition, and atmosphere.

Planets can be classified into two main categories: terrestrial planets and gas giants. Terrestrial planets are rocky and have a solid surface, while gas giants are primarily composed of gases such as hydrogen and helium.

Planets play an important role in our understanding of the universe, and their study helps us better understand the origins and evolution of our solar system and other planetary systems.