Earth is a very small part of the universe. The Universe is comprised of billions of galaxies, each of which contains billions of stars (suns) and other celestial objects. Earth is a small part of the solar system with the Sun in its center, which in turn is a very small part of the Universe.

Version for ages 12 to 15

The Sun is the star of our solar system and it is around 110 times larger in diameter than Earth. The closest star to the sun is a bit over 4 light years away. Our galaxy has billions of stars, some smaller and some bigger than our Sun. There are billions of galaxies in our universe which besides stars, include many other types of objects as well.

Version for ages 9 to 12

Earth and the other planets orbit around the Sun. The Sun is the star of our solar system and it is around 100 times larger than Earth. There are billions of stars like our Sun in the universe.

 

Breaking down of the Our Universe Big Idea of Science

Intermediate ideas of Science Small Ideas of Science

Earth and the solar system

Earth is a small part of our solar system. The Sun is in the center of our solar system; planets, asteroids and comets orbit around the Sun. Some planets have moons orbiting around them. The Sun is around 110 times larger in diameter than Earth.

Earth's place in the universe, Celestial objects

Our Solar system is a very small part of our Galaxy, which in turn is a very small part of the Universe. Stars, planets, asteroids and moons are not the only objects in the universe. Nebulas, black-holes, neutron stars, white and brown stars are also found in the universe.

The history of our universe

Our universe was born 13.8 billion years ago. It expanded from a state of very high-density and very high-temperature. This 'expansion' is called the big bang. Since then, our universe kept on expanding.