Our Solar System's Planets: Smaller Than You Think, But Still Impressive!
Have you ever stopped to consider the sheer scale of our solar system? We often imagine planets as colossal giants, and indeed they are in their own right. But when you put them all together, the combined equatorial diameters of all the planets in our solar system (including Pluto, but excluding planetary rings) paints a surprisingly intimate picture.
A Humble Sum
When we add up the equatorial diameters of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, the total comes out to a remarkable 403,075 km. This figure, while substantial, is less than the distance between the Earth and the Moon at its apogee (farthest point). To put it another way, the combined width of all our planetary neighbors is only 28.9% of the Sun's diameter!
This comparison often sparks awe and a sense of wonder. As one commenter aptly put it, "Just reminds me that space... is big." Indeed, the vast emptiness between these celestial bodies is as significant as the bodies themselves. It makes you ponder, "If it’s just us…seems like an awful waste of space."
Planet by Planet Breakdown:
Here's a look at the equatorial diameters of the planets, as provided:
The Gas and Ice Giants:
- Jupiter: 142,984 km (Largest)
- Saturn: 120,536 km
- Uranus: 51,118 km
- Neptune: 49,528 km
The Terrestrial Planets:
- Earth: 12,756 km
- Venus: 12,104 km
- Mars: 6,792 km
- Mercury: 4,880 km (Smallest)
And the Dwarf Planet:
- Pluto: 2,377 km
This perspective offers a powerful reminder of the incredible diversity of scales within our own cosmic backyard. It's a view that makes you appreciate the vastness, the potential for discovery, and the intricate dance of these worlds around our Sun.
