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| Simple visual of galaxy and solar system difference |
Many people think galaxy and solar system is same. But no, they are not same. They both are very different. Galaxy is very very big. Solar system is much smaller. In this blog, we talk in easy way. We not use hard words. Only beginner-level English. So everyone can understand. We learn what is galaxy, what is solar system, and what is difference between them. Let’s go step by step.
What Is a Galaxy?
Galaxy is big group of stars. It not just stars. It also have gas, dust, planets, moons, and black holes. All these things move together. They are like family. One galaxy can have billion or trillion stars. That is very huge.
Our galaxy name is Milky Way. It have more than 100 billion stars. Our Sun is also one of those stars. So yes, our Sun is inside Milky Way galaxy. We are living inside galaxy but we don’t see it complete because it is too big.
Scientists find many other galaxies. Galaxy can be many types. Some are spiral, like Milky Way. Some are round like ball. Some look like cloud. In sky, we see few stars. But really there are many galaxies, far away from us. Some so far that we can only see them with big telescope.
What Is a Solar System?
Solar system is small part inside galaxy. In solar system, there is one star in center. That star is Sun in our case. Around Sun, planets go in circle. This is called orbit. Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Venus – all are planets of our solar system.
Our solar system have 8 planets. Mercury is closest to Sun. Neptune is farthest. Between planets, there is space. Some planets have moons. Earth has one moon. Jupiter has many moons. Also, solar system have small things. Like asteroids, comets, space dust.
All these planets and things go around Sun. Sun gives light and heat. Without Sun, life is not possible on Earth. So Sun is very important. Solar system started around 4.6 billion years ago.
Main Differences Between Galaxy and Solar System
Now we understand what is galaxy and what is solar system. Now let’s see how they are different. Here is a simple table to help:
| Galaxy | Solar System |
|---|---|
| Very very big in size | Much smaller |
| Have many stars (like Sun) | Only one star (our Sun) |
| Have billions of solar systems | Have planets, moons, comets |
| Examples: Milky Way, Andromeda | Example: Our solar system |
| Move very slow, take million years | Planets orbit Sun in few years |
Easy Example to Understand
Think about one big building. This building have many apartments. The building is galaxy. Each apartment is solar system. Our apartment is solar system. Our Sun is in this apartment. But the whole building have many other apartments (solar systems) too.
Another way, galaxy is like one big forest. Inside forest, many trees. Tree is like solar system. Forest is big, tree is small. Same way, galaxy is big, solar system is small.
How Many Galaxies and Solar Systems?
Scientists say there are more than 100 billion galaxies in universe. That is very big number. Each galaxy can have many solar systems. Milky Way galaxy alone can have more than 100 billion stars. And many of those stars have their own planets.
So, not just one solar system. There are many. Maybe more life in other solar systems. We don’t know yet. Scientists are searching for life in other planets outside our solar system.
Some Fun Facts
About Galaxy:
- Galaxies look like cloud from far.
- Milky Way is spiral shape galaxy.
- Galaxies move slowly in space.
- Black hole in center of many galaxies.
- Some galaxies crash into each other after million years.
About Solar System:
- Sun is center of our solar system.
- Planets go around Sun in oval shape.
- Biggest planet is Jupiter.
- Smallest planet is Mercury.
- Earth is third planet from Sun.
Why People Get Confused?
People get confused because both have stars and planets. But size is very different. Galaxy have many stars. Solar system have only one star. Galaxy have many solar systems. Solar system is just one system. It is part of galaxy.
Also, some people never learn about space. Or they forget after school. That’s why they think both are same. But now you know. So you can tell others also.
Why It Is Important to Know?
Knowing space is good for all. Kids, students, and even old people. Space is very interesting. If we understand our place in space, we feel more curious. We want to learn more.
Also, this helps in school study, in quiz, and in life. People talk about space in news and science. You can now talk too. You understand difference now.
Conclusion
So, what we learn? Galaxy is very big. It have many stars and solar systems. Solar system is small, with one Sun and planets. Earth is in solar system. Solar system is in Milky Way galaxy.
Just remember simple way:
Galaxy = Many solar systems + Many stars
Solar system = One star (Sun) + Planets
Now next time someone ask you, you can say: "Galaxy and solar system not same. Galaxy is like big house. Solar system is like one room inside."
Thank you for reading. Hope this blog help you. Please share with friends and family. Keep learning about space. Space is big but fun to know!