Stars and planets are two important parts of space, but they are quite different from each other. Here’s a simple look at how they compare:

1. What They're Made Of:

   • Stars are huge balls of gas that shine brightly. They are mostly made of hydrogen and helium. A good example of a star is our Sun.
   • Planets are smaller and can be made of solid materials or gases. They move around stars. Earth is a rocky planet and is one of those.

2. How They Make Energy:

   • Stars create energy by a process called nuclear fusion. This happens in their centers, and it gives off light and heat.
   • Planets don’t make their own light. Instead, they reflect the light from the star they orbit.

3. How They Move:

   • Stars stay in fixed spots when you look at them in the sky. They don’t move around each other much.
   • Planets travel in elliptical paths around stars, which means their orbits can be stretched out like an oval.

Knowing these differences can help you understand how our universe is put together!