In basic astronomy of the Solar System, which of the following planets is currently recognised as the farthest major planet from the Sun?

Introduction / Context:
Understanding the order of planets in the Solar System from the Sun outward is a fundamental part of school level astronomy and general knowledge. In modern classifications, Pluto is treated as a dwarf planet, so questions about the farthest planet from the Sun refer to the eight major planets. This question checks whether you can correctly identify which of the listed planets occupies the outermost position among these eight.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are considering the eight recognised major planets of the Solar System.
• The task is to find which one is farthest from the Sun on average.
• Options provided are Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, and Earth.
• Pluto and other dwarf planets are not included in this comparison.

Concept / Approach:
From the Sun outward, the eight planets are usually listed as Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Neptune is therefore the outermost major planet in the standard sequence. Mars and Earth are inner planets compared with the gas giants, and Jupiter, though the largest by mass, orbits closer to the Sun than Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. With Pluto reclassified as a dwarf planet, Neptune remains the farthest recognised planet from the Sun in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the full order of planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. Step 2: Identify the last name in this sequence as Neptune, placing it farthest from the Sun among the major planets. Step 3: Note that Earth is the third planet from the Sun and clearly not the farthest. Step 4: Mars is the fourth planet, lying between Earth and the asteroid belt, still much closer to the Sun than Neptune. Step 5: Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and, although massive, is nearer than Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Step 6: Since Neptune is the eighth and outermost planet in the standard list, it must be the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Astronomy charts, school textbooks, and planet diagrams all agree that Neptune is the outermost of the eight major planets. Pluto, once considered ninth, has been reclassified as a dwarf planet and therefore is not counted when questions ask for the farthest planet. Neptune position and orbital characteristics are well established, so there is no alternative candidate among the given options that could be correctly described as farthest from the Sun.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Mars: A terrestrial planet, fourth from the Sun, lying between Earth and the asteroid belt.
• Jupiter: The fifth planet from the Sun and the largest in size, but not the farthest.
• Earth: The third planet from the Sun, clearly closer than Mars, Jupiter, or Neptune.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners still remember older sequences that included Pluto as the ninth planet and may overthink the question. Others may focus on the size of Jupiter and mistakenly assume that biggest means farthest. To avoid such confusion, memorise the simple ordered list of planets and remember that in current classification, Neptune is the outermost major planet, while Pluto is treated as a dwarf planet in a different category.

Final Answer:
The farthest major planet from the Sun is Neptune.