Science & Nature • Astronomy

Système solaire

Le Système solaire est le système planétaire formé par le Soleil et tous les objets qui gravitent autour de lui, dont huit planètes, leurs satellites, des planètes naines, des astéroïdes et des comètes.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Solar System is the planetary system formed by the Sun and all objects gravitationally bound to it, including eight planets, their satellites, dwarf planets, asteroids, and comets. It is located in the Milky Way galaxy and formed over a few million years approximately 4.5 billion years ago.

Composition

The Solar System consists of the Sun, eight planets, their natural satellites, five dwarf planets, and a multitude of small bodies such as asteroids and comets.

Organization of the planets

The four planets closest to the Sun are terrestrial planets, while the four farthest are gas giants.

Formation and age

The Solar System formed over a few million years early in its history and is estimated to be about 4.5 billion years old.

Position in the galaxy

The Solar System is located in one of the arms of the Milky Way, the galaxy that contains our star.

Key facts

The Solar System comprises the Sun and objects gravitationally bound to it.
The eight recognized planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
It also includes dwarf planets, natural satellites, asteroids, and comets.
The four inner planets are terrestrial, and the four outer are gas giants.
The Solar System formed in a few million years and is about 4.5 billion years old.

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Canadian context

Le terme et la définition du Système solaire sont employés dans la terminologie astronomique et lexicographique francophone au Canada, notamment dans les ressources de l’Office québécois de la langue française.[10]

Frequently asked questions

What is the Solar System?

It is the planetary system composed of the Sun and all bodies that orbit around it.

How many planets are there?

There are eight recognized planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Is Pluto considered a planet?

Pluto is generally classified as a dwarf planet, not a planet in the current sense of the International Astronomical Union.

Is the Solar System old?

Yes. Its age is estimated at about 4.5 billion years.

Where is the Solar System located?

It is located in a spiral arm of the Milky Way galaxy.

References

CNES — https://cnes.fr/dossiers/systeme-solaire
Supports: Huit planètes, planètes naines, petits corps, formation rapide, localisation dans la Voie lactée.
Cité des sciences et de l'industrie — https://www.cite-sciences.fr/fileadmin/fileadmin_CSI/fichiers/vous-etes/enseignant/Documents-pedagogiques/_documents/Ressources-en-ligne/1.Systeme_solaire.pdf
Supports: Définition du système solaire, huit planètes, satellites, planètes naines et critères de définition d’une planète.
Techno-Science — https://www.techno-science.net/definition/7313.html
Supports: Définition générale du système solaire et mention des planètes naines et petits corps.
Techno-Science — https://www.techno-science.net/fr/definitions/systeme-solaire
Supports: Composition détaillée du système solaire, huit planètes, satellites naturels, planètes naines, ceinture d’astéroïdes et ceinture de Kuiper.
Futura Sciences — https://www.futura-sciences.com/sciences/definitions/univers-systeme-solaire-3728/
Supports: Masse du Soleil, huit planètes, classification tellurique/gazeuse, astéroïdes, comètes, localisation galactique.
Vikidia — https://fr.vikidia.org/wiki/Syst%C3%A8me_solaire
Supports: Âge estimé du Système solaire et liste des huit planètes.
Office québécois de la langue française — https://vitrinelinguistique.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/fiche-gdt/fiche/26506336/systeme-solaire
Supports: Définition lexicographique du terme système solaire et mention de Pluton comme planète naine.