Objects such as comets, asteroids and dwarf planets are scientifically important and can be just as visually spectacular as the planets and moons.
In 1994 the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 put on an amazing display for Earth observers when it crashed into Jupiter.
The Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud extend out far beyond the planets and are full of icy objects that may become comets like Shoemaker-Levy 9.
Photo: The asteroid Ida taken by the Galileo probe (NASA/JPL/USGS)
Asteroids, meteors and meteorites
Minor planets orbit between Mars and Jupiter.
Comets
Leftover building material orbits the Sun.
Kuiper Belt
Icy objects beyond Neptune may be a source of comets.
Oort Cloud
The Solar System's outer edge is predicted to be a source of comets.
Pluto
Once a planet, Pluto is now a Kuiper Belt dwarf planet.
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