In our solar system, which planet is the fourth from the Sun when counting outward from the Sun?

Introduction / Context:
One of the most basic facts in astronomy is the order of planets in the solar system. The planets are arranged in a sequence from the Sun outward. This question asks which planet occupies the fourth position in that sequence, a very common test of basic space science knowledge.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are asked for the fourth planet from the Sun.
• The options include Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Earth and Venus.
• We assume the standard list of eight planets, excluding dwarf planets.
• The planets are counted outward starting with the closest planet to the Sun.

Concept / Approach:
The correct order of the four inner planets is Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. Beyond Mars lie the gas giants and ice giants. Therefore, the first planet is Mercury, the second is Venus, the third is Earth and the fourth is Mars. This sequence is often memorised using simple mnemonics.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: List the planets from the Sun outward. The first is Mercury, then Venus, then Earth, then Mars, then Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.Step 2: Identify the position of Mars in this list. It comes after Earth, making it the fourth planet.Step 3: Compare with options. Mercury is first, not fourth. Venus is second, Earth is third and Jupiter is fifth.Step 4: The only planet that fits the fourth position is Mars.Step 5: Choose Mars as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any solar system diagram confirms that Mars orbits just beyond Earth and just inside the asteroid belt. It is commonly called the red planet and is often described as Earth neighbour. Memorising a basic mnemonic helps, such as My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodles, where the first letters give the planetary order and the fourth letter corresponds to Mars.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and therefore first, not fourth. Venus is the second planet, and Earth is the third. Jupiter is beyond the asteroid belt and is the fifth planet from the Sun. None of these match the fourth position required by the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may mix up the order of Venus and Earth or forget whether Mars comes before or after Earth. Others may incorrectly include the asteroid belt as a planet. To avoid confusion, practice writing the list of planets in order several times and use a mnemonic to fix the sequence in memory. Once learned correctly, it becomes easy to answer related questions quickly.

Final Answer:
The fourth planet from the Sun is Mars.