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Eight Planets

The Earth is not the only planet that orbits the Sun. There are a total of 8 planets circling the Sun in the solar system (There is an object called Quaoar that was discovered in 2002 and another object called Sedna that was discovered in 2003. which are larger than half the size of Pluto. These are called dwarf planets. Pluto, which used to be called a planet, has been reclassified as a dwarf planet.) -- plus many other objects we'll tell you about in the next lesson.

These planets are a long way away -- which is why we seldom notice them in the sky at night. In fact, their distance makes them look like points of light (like the distant stars).