PIA11800: Our Solar System Features Eight Planets
Product Size: 5775 samples x 3627 lines
Produced By: JPL
Full-Res TIFF: PIA11800.tif (62.84 MB)
Full-Res JPEG: PIA11800.jpg (1.881 MB)

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Original Caption Released with Image:

Our solar system features eight planets, seen in this artist’s diagram. Although there is some debate within the science community as to whether Pluto should be classified as a Planet or a dwarf planet, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has decided on the term plutoid as a name for dwarf planets like Pluto.

This representation is intentionally fanciful, as the planets are depicted far closer together than they really are. Similarly, the bodies' relative sizes are inaccurate. This is done for the purpose of being able to depict the solar system and still represent the bodies with some detail. (Otherwise the Sun would be a mere speck, and the planets —even the majestic Jupiter—would be far too small to be seen.)

Image Credit:
NASA/JPL

Image Addition Date:
2009-02-12