Could all the other planets fit between Earth and the Moon?

The answer depends on where the Moon is.

Whether the planets fit depends on where the Moon is in its orbit. At the Moon’s average distance, the seven planets are slightly too wide for the clear gap. At its farthest distance, they fit. The familiar “fact” changes with the condition being measured.

What “fact” do you repeat that’s only true some of the time?

Why doesn’t 238,900 miles (384,400 km) mean that much empty space?

Earth–Moon distance is measured from the center of Earth to the center of the Moon. To find the empty space between their surfaces, subtract Earth’s radius and the Moon’s radius.

Average distance

238,855 − 3,959 − 1,079 = 233,817 mi (376,292 km)

That is the clear gap between Earth and the Moon.

236,127 − 233,817 = 2,310 mi (3,718 km) too wide

Farthest distance

251,966 − 3,959 − 1,079 = 246,928 mi (397,392 km)

That is the clear gap at the farthest distance used here.

246,928 − 236,127 = 10,801 mi (17,382 km) to spare

The seven other planets have a combined diameter of about 236,127 miles (380,010 km).

The same fix helps with any number too large to feel real: find something familiar to measure it against, the way the most isolated point in the ocean only makes sense once you compare its emptiness to something nearer, like the space station passing overhead.

Related exhibits

Sources: NASA planetary fact sheets / Solar System Exploration for planetary diameters and Moon dimensions; NASA lunar reference values for Earth–Moon distance. This exhibit uses 363,300 km (closest), 384,400 km (average), and 405,500 km (farthest) as center-to-center distances and shows all diameters and distances on one scale.