Solar System Objects - Moon, Planets, Asteroids, Comets

Our solar system is bustling with activity and contains many excellent telescope targets, or binocular targets for that mater.  Planets are the most dynamic celestial objects to view through a telescope.  Planets are more or less the only objects that we can see in color through a telescope due to their brightness compared to deep space objects.  The moon is phenomenal target for beginning astronomers and the seasoned astronomy professional. Comets and asteroids are a rare treat and comprise some of the most exciting objects to view as they are not often visible. 

Defining an object is not always as easy as it seems.  We are all familiar with the debate over Pluto's planetary status.

A planet is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (c) has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit.
A "dwarf planet" is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, (c) has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit, and (d) is not a satellite.
All other objects, except satellites, orbiting the Sun shall be referred to collectively as "Small Solar System Bodies".

For information when you can view these solar system objects through your telescope or binoculars this month, please our What's Up This Page.

Click an object to learn more about it. 

Mercury	Venus	Earth
Mars	Jupiter	Saturn
Uranus	Neptune	Pluto
The Sun	The Moon	Asteroid Ida
Asteroid Eros	Dwarf Planet Ceres	Dwarf Planet Eris
Comet Hale Bopp	Halley's Comet	Comet Hyakutake
Asteroid Gaspra	Comet Shoemaker Levy 9

If there is an solar system object that is not listed here that you think Coolscopes.com should add to this list, please contact us and let us know, and we will try to add it.