In the order of planets moving outward from the Sun, Saturn occupies which numbered position in our solar system?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Sixth planet from the Sun

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Knowing the basic order of planets in the solar system is a standard part of school astronomy and general knowledge. This question asks where Saturn is located when you count planets in order starting from the Sun and moving outward.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The solar system has eight major planets orbiting the Sun.
  • They are arranged in a specific order based on distance from the Sun.
  • We need to recall the correct sequence and identify Saturn position in that sequence.


Concept / Approach:
The standard order of planets from the Sun is: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. By counting, Saturn comes after Jupiter and before Uranus. Starting from Mercury as first, Venus as second, Earth as third, Mars as fourth, Jupiter as fifth, and Saturn as sixth. Therefore, Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: List the planets in order from the Sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars. Step 2: Continue the list: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. Step 3: Assign numbers: Mercury is first, Venus second, Earth third, Mars fourth. Step 4: Jupiter is fifth and Saturn is next, making Saturn the sixth planet. Step 5: Uranus is seventh and Neptune is eighth, confirming the count. Step 6: Select the option that correctly states that Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can use a common memory aid, for example a sentence where the first letter of each word matches each planet name. Many such mnemonics place Saturn clearly in the sixth position. Any educational poster or diagram of the solar system will also show Saturn orbiting beyond Jupiter and before Uranus, which confirms it is sixth in line from the Sun.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Second planet is wrong because that position belongs to Venus.
  • Fourth planet is wrong because Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun.
  • Eighth planet is wrong because Neptune is the eighth planet from the Sun.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up the order of the outer planets, especially Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. A helpful way to avoid confusion is to remember that Jupiter is the largest and fifth, with Saturn and its famous rings just beyond as sixth. From there, Uranus and Neptune follow as seventh and eighth planets.


Final Answer:
Sixth planet from the Sun

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