The International Astronomical Union (IAU) defines a planet in our Solar System as follows:
“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 neighbourhood around its orbit.”
According to this definition, there are eight major planets in our solar system. These are:
See also: