Planeta is a Spanish word that translates to "planet" in English. It refers to celestial bodies that orbit a star, such as the Sun. Planets can be rocky, like Earth and Mars, or gas giants, like Jupiter and Saturn. They vary in size, composition, and atmosphere. In our solar system, there are eight recognized planets, each with unique characteristics. Mercury is the closest to the Sun, while Neptune is the farthest. Planets play a crucial role in the study of astronomy and help scientists understand the formation and evolution of the universe.