The order of the planets in our solar system is difficult for many to remember. Yet there is a simple way to learn this order and never forget it. In this blog, you will learn the order of the planets, clever reminders and some interesting facts about their visibility.
What is the official order of the planets?
The order of the eight planets in our solar system, counting from the sun, is as follows:
- Mercury
- Venus
- Earth
- Mars
- Jupiter
- Saturn
- Uranus
- Neptune
Pluto was downgraded to a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2006, so it no longer officially counts as a full-fledged planet.
Why are they in this order?
The order is based on the distance from the sun. No, they are not in a perfect line (at least, that is rare). The four inner planets (Mercury to Mars) are rocky and relatively small. The outer planets (Jupiter to Neptune) are giants of gas and ice. The sun's gravity determines their orbits, and the farther a planet is from the sun, the longer it takes it to make an orbit.
For example:
- Mercury takes 88 days to orbit the sun
- Neptune: over 165 years
The order of the planets based on orbit around the sun: a Dutch mnemonic device
To make this sequence easy to remember, we use a clever mnemonic:
“My Father Ate With Jan Lettuce From The Netherlands.”
Each initial letter corresponds exactly to the order of the planets. This makes the mnemonic suitable for children and adults alike, without confusion from outdated versions in which Pluto was still considered a planet.
The order of the planets based on order of magnitude
Would you rather memorize the planets from large to small (based on diameter)? Then this mnemonic is handy:
“Jelle Steps Out To All Friendly Beautiful Lakes”
- Jupiter
- Saturnus
- Uranus
- Neptunus
- Aarde
- Venus
- Mars
- Mercurius
Jupiter is by far the largest planet in our solar system, while Mercury is the smallest.
Helpful tips for children (and parents)
- Have children draw the mnemonic by themselves with planetary icons attached
- Use color codes by planet (such as red for Mars, blue for Neptune)
- Sing the row to a melody (like the alphabet song)
Want to make learning even more fun? Check out our planets toys with Celestial Buddies, specially designed to introduce children to the planets through play.
What does planetary order say about their properties?
The order of the planets also reveals something about their properties. The inner planets - Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars - are all Earth-like and have solid, rocky surfaces. They are smaller in size and closer to the sun, which means they orbit the sun faster. In contrast, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are gas giants or ice giants, with thick atmospheres and often dozens of moons.
For example, Jupiter has the strongest gravity of any planet, and Saturn is known for its impressive rings. Uranus and Neptune contain a lot of ice, such as methane, which explains their blue color.
Extra fact: visible from Earth
Not all planets are equally easy to see. Mercury, for example, is often difficult to spot because it is so close to the sun. Jupiter and Venus, on the other hand, are often the brightest ‘stars’ in the sky.
Want to know which planets you can see this month? Then check out our monthly viewing guide With visibility tips for Mercury, Venus and more.
Conclusion
The order of the planets is easy to remember with the right mnemonic device. Whether you choose the classic Dutch mnemonic or a creative English variant - with a little practice you will know them by heart. And if you also want to remember the order by size, the row with Jelle and his lakes will help you on your way.
🔗 Would you also like to know how many planets there actually are (and whether Pluto counts)? Then read our blog: How many planets are there actually?
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