How can I remember the planets?

Answered by Frank Schwing

One trick to remember the order of the planets is by using a mnemonic device such as “My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Noodles” or “My Very Efficient Memory Just Summed Up Nine.” These phrases represent the first letter of each planet in order: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

Another mnemonic device you can use is “Mercury’s Volcanoes Erupt Mulberry Jam Sandwiches Until Noon” or “Very Elderly Men Just Snooze Under Newspapers.” These phrases help you remember some unique characteristics of each planet. For example, Mercury is known for its volcanoes, and Uranus is often associated with elderly men snoozing under newspapers.

To further enhance your memory, you can create mental images or associations for each planet. For instance, you can imagine Mercury as a hot and fiery planet with volcanoes erupting, or envision Venus as a beautiful planet covered in mulberry jam sandwiches. These vivid mental images can help solidify your memory of the planets.

Additionally, you can use flashcards or visual aids to reinforce your memory. Create flashcards with the name of each planet on one side and a corresponding image or fact on the other side. Reviewing these flashcards regularly can help you retain the information.

Another helpful tip is to associate the planets with something familiar to you. For example, you can relate the color red to Mars, which is often referred to as the “Red Planet.” Making personal connections like this can make it easier to remember the planets.

It may also be helpful to break down the information into smaller groups. Instead of trying to memorize all the planets at once, focus on learning a few at a time. Once you feel comfortable with those, move on to the next group until you have memorized all the planets.

Lastly, repetition is key. Practice reciting the order of the planets regularly, whether it’s in your head or out loud. The more you repeat the information, the more likely it is to stick in your memory.

Remember, everyone has different learning styles, so find the method that works best for you. Whether it’s using mnemonic devices, visual aids, or personal associations, incorporating these techniques into your study routine can greatly improve your ability to remember the planets.