The orbits of the planets in our Solar System:
A) imply that the planets formed elsewhere and were captured by the Sun's gravity.
B) all proceed in the same direction.
C) have a wide range of inclinations.
D) have semimajor axes that follow a regular, repeating pattern.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The planets in our Solar System all orbit the Sun in the same direction, which is counterclockwise when viewed from above the Sun's north pole. This uniform direction of orbit is a result of the planets forming from a rotating disk of gas and dust that surrounded the young Sun.

The Orbits of the Planets in Our Solar System