By Neha Yadav
Published Dec 19, 2023

Hindustan Times
In Focus

Photo Credits: Instagram/@nasa

NASA's 2023 solar system tour. See pics 

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration posted a carousel of stunning pics of the planets and celestial bodies of our solar system. 

Take a look at how NASA described each celestial body in our solar system.

"The Sun shines bright in the blackness of space, with orange eruptions emanating from its surface."

"Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, which it zips around every 88 days. The planet is gray, and its cratered surface is almost fully lit, with shadow enveloping the left side."

"Venus is blanketed by a thick atmosphere that traps heat. A runaway greenhouse gas effect makes it the hottest planet in the solar system at 900°F (475°C). Venus appears wispy in shades of white, beige, and tan, partially illuminated in the blackness of space."

"Earth is our home and the only known location of life in the universe. It appears in black space, with blue oceans, white clouds, and brown land. The gray horizon of the Moon stretches across the bottom of the image."

"Mars is inhabited entirely by robots (as far as we know). Mars looks red-brown, with a deep chasm spanning the planet’s equator."

"Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. The gas giant is known for its iconic storms swirling in white, red, pink, blue, and tan."

"Saturn isn’t the only planet with rings, but no other is as complex. The rings are likely made from the fragments of asteroids, comets, and shattered moons. Saturn and its rings stand out against the blackness of space in shades of tan and blue."

"Uranus is an ice giant that rotates at a nearly 90-degree angle and is the first planet to be discovered with a telescope. Uranus appears pale blue in black space."

"Neptune is an extremely cold ice giant with temperature around -330°F (-200°C), and was first discovered with math (predicted before it was observed). Neptune is dark blue with white wisps."