How many planets are in our solar system?

The solar system is made up of eight recognized planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. This classification was formalized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2006, which redefined the criteria for planet classification and resulted in the reclassification of Pluto as a "dwarf planet." This decision is widely accepted in the astronomical community and is a fundamental aspect of our understanding of the solar system. The current count reflects the planets' characteristics and orbits, aligning with their recognized status.