How many planets are currently recognized in our solar system?

The correct answer is that there are eight recognized planets in our solar system. This classification includes Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The number of planets has been solidified by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) since 2006, which redefined what constitutes a planet.

This redefinition led to the reclassification of Pluto as a "dwarf planet," thus reducing the total count from nine to eight. The eight planets are categorized into two groups: terrestrial planets, which are rocky and include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, and gas giants, which encompass Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

The focus on eight planets reflects our current understanding of the solar system's structure and classification, distinguishing them from celestial bodies like dwarf planets and other small solar system objects.