Describe how the sun's mass affects planets in a solar system.

Due to the Sun's massive size, its large gravitational pull causes the planets and other objects in the solar system to orbit around it. In orbit around the Sun are the eight planets along with their moons, dwarf planets and many much smaller objects like asteroids and comets.

Its gravity holds the solar system together, keeping everything - from the biggest planets to the smallest particles of debris - in its orbit. The connection and interactions between the Sun and Earth drive the seasons, ocean currents, weather, climate, radiation belts and auroras.