Planet Clipart

Per the IAU definition, a planet is a celestial body that:

• Orbits the Sun
• Has sufficient mass to assume hydrostatic equilibrium, forming a spherical shape
• Has cleared debris around its orbit

Meeting these criteria, our solar system has 8 officially recognized planets.

Our Solar System

The solar system comprises:

• Sun – a star and stellar nucleus
• 8 planets in increasing order: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
• Dwarf planets like Pluto, lunar satellites, asteroids, comets

The 4 inner rocky worlds and 4 outer gas giants exhibit myriad unique traits.

Dwarf Planets

Celestial bodies orbiting the Sun that don’t meet all criteria for full planethood are classed as dwarf planets. With Pluto the most well known. Smaller than typical planets, they haven’t gravitationally cleared orbit paths making them a distinct category.

Planet Compositions

Structurally planets fall into:

• Terrestrial planets – Rocky, higher density worlds comprising metals and silicates. Inner solar system.
• Jovian planets – Gaseous, lower density planets constituting hydrogen, helium. Outer solar system.

Varying atmospheric constituencies and geologies lead to divergent environments.

How Planets Formed

Per the nebular hypothesis, 4.6 billion years ago a progenitor molecular cloud collapsed forming our stellar center. Conservation of angular momentum caused flattened circumstellar disk accumulation of cosmic dust grains which slowly collided and accreted into larger planetesimals pulled together by gravity. Further accretion over expanses of time led to spherical worlds clearing paths around stellar centers. Higher temperatures prevented volatile compounds in inner regions accounting for denser terrestrial planets unlike cold outer systems where gas giants formed.

Planet Exploration

Space agencies have deployed spacecrafts performing:

• Flybys for imagery
• Orbital surveys scanning atmospheres & surfaces
• Probes and landers analyzing chemical environs

Across Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn to garner insights.

Life Supporting Planets

While no confirmed discoveries yet, signatures of possible basic biology have been detected on Mars and water-rich ocean moons like Jupiter’s Europa and Enceladus around Saturn. This traction indicates potential environments for extremophile organisms.

Planet Clipart

Planet cliparts comprise:

• Cartoon images of worlds
• Alien landscape sketches
• Astronomy symbols
• Cute astronaut vectors
• Graphicsky shapes

Encapsulating interstellar interest and wonder!

Uses of Planet Clipart

• STEM projects on solar system models
• Game design assets
• Edutainment site themes
• Retro futuristic branding

Surfing across space with graphics!

As space technology progresses, exploratory insights will unveil more stunning revelations about planets beyond limitations of current knowledge, ushering renewed awe at existential mysteries!