There are 8 planets in our solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Mercury is the smallest planet and closest to the sun. Venus is the hottest planet with thick clouds surrounding it. Earth takes 365 days to orbit the sun and is the only planet with life due to its oxygen atmosphere. Mars is the closest planet to Earth and has deserts and canyons with a red appearance. Jupiter is the largest planet and over 11 times the size of Earth. Saturn is the second largest planet and is known for its rings. Uranus and Neptune are gas giants with Uranus made of ice, gases and liquid metals.