By Admin 
Space is fascinating. But it can also feel overwhelming.
That is why I created this planet fact file. It breaks down every planet into simple, bite-sized facts. No complicated science. Just clear information.
Use this for school projects. Use it to teach your kids. Or just read it for fun.
Let’s start our tour.
What Is a Planet Fact File?
A planet fact file is a quick reference guide. It lists key details about each planet. Things like size, temperature, moons, and day length.
Think of it as a cheat sheet for the solar system.
Scientists use fact files to compare planets. Now you can too.
The 8 Planets in Our Solar System
We have eight official planets. They split into two groups.
The Inner Planets (Rocky):
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Mercury
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Venus
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Earth
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Mars
The Outer Planets (Gas and Ice Giants):
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Jupiter
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Saturn
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Uranus
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Neptune
Pluto is a dwarf planet. We love Pluto. But it does not make the main list.
Mercury Fact File
Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.
Key Facts:
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Diameter: 3,032 miles (4,879 km)
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Distance from Sun: 36 million miles
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Day Length: 59 Earth days
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Year Length: 88 Earth days
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Moons: 0
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Temperature: -290°F to 800°F
Cool Detail: Mercury has no atmosphere. That is why nights get so cold. Days get extremely hot.
Venus Fact File
Venus is Earth’s “twin.” But do not live there.
Key Facts:
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Diameter: 7,521 miles (12,104 km)
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Distance from Sun: 67 million miles
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Day Length: 243 Earth days
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Year Length: 225 Earth days
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Moons: 0
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Temperature: 900°F (475°C)
Cool Detail: Venus spins backwards. The Sun rises in the west and sets in the east.
Earth Fact File
Earth is our home. It is still the only planet with known life.
Key Facts:
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Diameter: 7,918 miles (12,742 km)
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Distance from Sun: 93 million miles
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Day Length: 24 hours
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Year Length: 365 days
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Moons: 1
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Temperature: 57°F (14°C) average
Cool Detail: Earth is not a perfect sphere. It is slightly squashed at the poles.
Mars Fact File
Mars is the Red Planet. Scientists are searching for past life there.
Key Facts:
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Diameter: 4,212 miles (6,779 km)
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Distance from Sun: 142 million miles
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Day Length: 24.6 hours
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Year Length: 687 Earth days
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Moons: 2 (Phobos and Deimos)
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Temperature: -81°F (-63°C) average
Cool Detail: Mars has the tallest volcano in the solar system. Olympus Mons is 13.6 miles high. That is almost three times taller than Mount Everest.
Jupiter Fact File
Jupiter is the king of planets. It is massive.
Key Facts:
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Diameter: 86,881 miles (139,822 km)
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Distance from Sun: 484 million miles
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Day Length: 10 hours
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Year Length: 12 Earth years
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Moons: 79 (and counting)
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Temperature: -238°F (-150°C)
Cool Detail: The Great Red Spot is a giant storm. It has been raging for over 300 years. It is bigger than Earth.
Saturn Fact File
Saturn is famous for its rings. But there is more to know.
Key Facts:
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Diameter: 72,367 miles (116,464 km)
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Distance from Sun: 886 million miles
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Day Length: 10.7 hours
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Year Length: 29 Earth years
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Moons: 146 confirmed
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Temperature: -288°F (-178°C)
Cool Detail: Saturn would float in water. It is less dense than water. You would need a very big bathtub.
Uranus Fact File
Uranus is the sideways planet. It rolls around the Sun like a ball.
Key Facts:
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Diameter: 31,518 miles (50,724 km)
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Distance from Sun: 1.8 billion miles
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Day Length: 17 hours
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Year Length: 84 Earth years
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Moons: 27
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Temperature: -353°F (-214°C)
Cool Detail: Uranus was the first planet found with a telescope. William Herschel discovered it in 1781.
Neptune Fact File
Neptune is the windiest planet. Storms there are terrifying.
Key Facts:
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Diameter: 30,599 miles (49,244 km)
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Distance from Sun: 2.8 billion miles
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Day Length: 16 hours
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Year Length: 165 Earth years
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Moons: 14
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Temperature: -373°F (-225°C)
Cool Detail: Neptune was discovered using math. Scientists predicted where it should be. Then they pointed a telescope and found it.
Printable Planet Fact File Table
Save this table. Print it. Share it.
| Planet | Diameter (miles) | Moons | Day Length | Year Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | 3,032 | 0 | 59 Earth days | 88 days |
| Venus | 7,521 | 0 | 243 Earth days | 225 days |
| Earth | 7,918 | 1 | 24 hours | 365 days |
| Mars | 4,212 | 2 | 24.6 hours | 687 days |
| Jupiter | 86,881 | 79 | 10 hours | 12 years |
| Saturn | 72,367 | 146 | 10.7 hours | 29 years |
| Uranus | 31,518 | 27 | 17 hours | 84 years |
| Neptune | 30,599 | 14 | 16 hours | 165 years |
Why You Need This Planet Fact File
Here is why this guide is useful:
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For students: Quick answers for homework.
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For teachers: Easy classroom reference.
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For parents: Help your kids love space.
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For fun: Impress your friends with cool facts.
Bookmark this page. You will come back to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which planet is hottest?
Venus. Even though Mercury is closer to the Sun.
Which planet has the most moons?
Saturn. It has 146 confirmed moons.
Which planet has the shortest day?
Jupiter. One day is only 10 hours long.
Is Pluto a planet?
No. Pluto is a dwarf planet. The rules changed in 2006.
Can humans live on Mars?
Not yet. The air is toxic. It is very cold. But scientists are working on it.
Final Thoughts
The solar system is incredible. Each planet tells a different story.
Use this planet fact file whenever you need it. Share it with a curious friend. Teach a child about space.
The more we learn, the more amazing it gets.
Want more space content? Leave a comment below. Tell me which planet is your favorite. And subscribe for more fact files.