Solar System Facts

from Dominic Lobo

Mars’ two moons are called Phobos and Deimos. They were discovered in the year 1877.

Phobos is 9380 kilometres (5830 miles) from the planet.

Deimos is further away, at a distance of 23,460 kilometres (14,580 miles).

The comet that recently collided with Jupiter was called Shoemaker – Levy 9.

Saturn is distinguished by its clearly visible rings.

Saturn is the second largest planet in our Solar System.

The largest planet is Jupiter.

In 1610 the Italian physicist and astronomer Galileo, using one of the first telescopes, observed that Saturn had a strange shape, but failed to make out the rings for what they were.

What fascinates you about our solar system?
Could you add to Dominic’s list of facts?

S.McTegart

Planetary images from NASA.