Astronomy glossary
The solar system isn't just eight planets: here are the concepts that orbit around it, literally and figuratively. Pick a category to get started. The category pages themselves are currently available in French only.
Small solar system bodies
Everything that's neither a planet nor a star: rocks, ice, and dust orbiting the Sun.
4 topics — Asteroids, Comets, Meteorites, Meteor showers
Stars and sky landmarks
What you see when you look up at night: star patterns, official boundaries, and the stars themselves.
3 topics — Asterisms, Constellations, Stars
Planets
The eight planets of the solar system, one by one: characteristics, quirks, and exploration.
8 topics — Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
Solar System
The Sun, the system's overall structure, and the story of its formation 4.6 billion years ago.
3 topics — The Sun, System structure, Formation and evolution
Galaxies
Beyond the solar system: the Milky Way, other galaxies, and the large-scale universe.
3 topics — Types of galaxies, Galactic structure, Large-scale phenomena
Space exploration
Probes, rovers, and telescopes that have explored — or still explore — the solar system and beyond.
3 topics — Active probes, Historic missions, Space telescopes
Want to see these objects for yourself? Check out our observing gear buying guides.