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At the center of everything lies our star, the Sun, an enormous ball of hot plasma approximately 11 inches in diameter in the model used for visual comparison. The Sun's immense size and energy are what keep the planets in orbit and sustain life on Earth. Its rays reach Mercury fiercely, making it the hottest and closest planet to the Sun.
Mercury and Venus: Innermost Worlds
Mercury orbits just 38 feet away from the Sun in the model, showcasing its proximity and extreme temperatures—Mercury experiences full blasts of solar radiation due to its closeness. Slightly farther out is Venus, positioned behind a car in the visual distance, and holding a similar, tiny stature compared to the Sun. Venus, often called Earth's twin, shows how close proximity to the Sun results in scorching heat.