What is the brightest thing in the solar system besides the sun and moon?

Answer 1

There is only one star in the solar system, and that is Sol, our sun. All planets that form our solar system orbit around Sol -- there are no other stars in our solar system. The next closest star/solar system is Alpha Centuri, about 4.3 light years away.

Answer 2

From Earth, the Sun is the brightest object and the Moon is the second brightest object. They're about the same size as seen from Earth (a coincidence), but the Moon is getting further away and the Sun is getting larger (both are very, very slow processes).

From outside the solar system, the brightest object would still be the Sun. Second brightest depends on the precise angle, but Jupiter would normally be the second largest and brightest object. However, if the viewing location is face-on to Saturn's rings, it might appear larger and thus brighter than Jupiter. Saturn also has the advantage of being further from the Sun's glare, and thus might be easier to find telescopically.

These are presuming you're looking in the visual band. At certain wavelengths, Earth might be the second brightest object in the Solar system. If you're in the right place at the right time (in the path of a SETI transmission), Earth might even be the BRIGHTEST object in the Solar system at some wavelengths.

Answer 3

the sun is still there at night. the sun's light reflects the moon, so that is what makes the moon shine... next time go to science class!

-JK :)

Answer 4

The planet Venus is the brightest natural object in the night sky after the Sun and Moon. It is often visible to the naked eye and can be mistaken for a star.

Answer 5

Jupiter is the largest planet.

Answer 6

Venus