Astronomy — Hierarchical Ordering of Celestial Objects Arrange the following from smallest/local to largest/cosmic scale: 1. Milky Way 2. Sun 3. Moon 4. Earth 5. Stars

Introduction / Context:
Ordering celestial objects by scale tests basic astronomy literacy and logical reasoning. We move from local bodies in our Earth–Moon–Sun system to the larger stellar population and finally the galaxy that contains them.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• 3 = Moon, 4 = Earth, 2 = Sun, 5 = Stars (general stellar population), 1 = Milky Way (our galaxy).
• We order from smallest/local to largest/cosmic grouping.

Concept / Approach:
The Moon is Earth’s natural satellite. Earth is a planet orbiting the Sun. The Sun is a star. Stars collectively populate the galaxy; the Milky Way is the vast structure containing hundreds of billions of stars, including the Sun. Hence, the scale increases monotonically along this chain.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Check containment: Moon orbits Earth; Earth orbits the Sun; the Sun is one among the Stars; stars reside within the Milky Way. The chain 3 → 4 → 2 → 5 → 1 respects containment and size increase.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• A, B, D: They misplace the galaxy or mix local bodies out of order.
• None of the above: Not applicable because a correct sequence exists.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “Sun” with the general category “Stars.” Remember: the Sun is one specific star; “Stars” refers to the broader set, which the Milky Way contains.

Final Answer:
3, 4, 2, 5, 1