Why does space have so many planets?

Why does space have so many planets?

July 24, 2026 · 46 min · Episode 296

About this episode

This episode explores various questions about planets in our solar system with expert John O’Meara.

Join us on a tour of our solar system with John O’Meara, chief scientist at the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii. We’ll answer all of your questions about planets! How were the planets in our solar system made? Why are some planets made of gas and others are made of rock? How do planets stay in space? Why is Venus the hottest planet if it's not the closest to the sun? Why is Earth more like Mars than Venus? Why do dust storms happen on Mars? Why is the storm on Jupiter red? Why does Saturn have rings? What is a dwarf planet? Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

People in this episode

Guest: John O’Meara

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: W.M. Keck Observatory

Places: Hawaii, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, solar system, dwarf planet

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