The diameter of the Oort Cloud is about 3,320 times the diameter of the planetary Solar System. Selected basis: approximate values.
The ring marks the true-scale position of the planetary Solar System; it does not show its width. Only the inset is enlarged (×1,070).
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
60.22 AU - Diameter; rounded reference.
The Solar System is the collection of the Sun and all objects gravitationally bound to it, including planets, moons, and smaller bodies.
A schematic diameter spanning Neptune’s orbit. The Solar System also includes much more distant bodies. The illustration is a boundary diagram; dots identify objects or regions and do not depict their physical diameters.
Defined examples — our methodology3.163 ly - Diameter; approximate.
The Oort Cloud is a distant, roughly spherical shell of icy objects believed to surround the Solar System and supply long-period comets.
A conceptual 200,000 AU diameter corresponding to a 100,000 AU outer radius. This distant comet reservoir is inferred, with a very uncertain extent. The illustration is a boundary diagram; dots identify objects or regions and do not depict their physical diameters.
NASA — Oort Cloud facts
There’s always another scale
SpacePlanetary Solar System60.22 AUThe Solar System is the collection of the Sun and all objects gravitationally bound to it, including planets, moons, and smaller bodies.
SpaceOort Cloud3.163 lyThe Oort Cloud is a distant, roughly spherical shell of icy objects believed to surround the Solar System and supply long-period comets.
SpaceEarth–Sun distance1 AUThe Earth–Sun distance, or astronomical unit, is the standard measure of separation between Earth and the Sun used in astronomy.
SpaceMilky Way30.66 kpcThe Milky Way is a spiral galaxy containing hundreds of billions of stars, including our Solar System.
SpaceObservable universe28.21 GpcThe observable universe is the region from which light or other signals have had time to reach us since the early universe.Side by side
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scaleGot a good eye for scale?