Planet Names

Solar System

The planet Earth on which we live is part of the solar system. The Sun is a star at the centre of the solar system, and eight planets and other bodies revolve around it. The eight planets, in order from the Sun, are:

This section looks at the origins, meaning and usage of their names.

Planet Mercury

Mercury, the fastest planet, named after the Roman messenger to the gods. Test your understanding with our Planet Mercury Quiz

Planet Venus

Venus, the brightest planet, named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty. Test your understanding with our Planet Venus Quiz

Planet Earth

Earth, our own planet, named after the soil beneath our feet. Test your understanding with our Planet Earth Quiz

Planet Mars

Mars, the red planet, named after the Roman god of war. Test your understanding with our Planet Mars Quiz

Planet Jupiter

Jupiter, the largest planet, named after the Roman king of the gods. Test your understanding with our Planet Jupiter Quiz

Planet Saturn

Saturn, thought by the Romans to be the slowest planet, named after their god of time. Test your understanding with our Planet Saturn Quiz

Planet Uranus

Uranus, named after the Greek god of the sky and father to Saturn. Test your understanding with our Planet Uranus Quiz

Planet Neptune

Neptune, a deep sea-blue colour, named after the Roman god of the sea. Test your understanding with our Planet Neptune Quiz
Previously, the "dwarf planet" Pluto (beyond Neptune) was considered to be a full-fledged planet and the solar system was said to have nine planets. Pluto had been discovered as a "new" planet in 1930 but was effectively downgraded by the International Astronomical Union in 2006.