The current concepts of the origin and evolution of the Solar System are discussed, and some notions about extrasolar planets are reviewed. The present status of and future prospects for space exploration in Russia and abroad are examined.

This paper is an extended version of the report “Prospects for the Russian research program on Solar System physical processes” by L M Zelenyi, presented at the scientific session Prospects for the Development of Fundamental Physics and Astronomy at the RAS Physical Sciences Division general meeting held on December 15, 2008.

PACS: 96.10.+i, 96.30.−t, 97.82.−j (all) DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.0179.200910g.1118 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2009/10/f/ 000274503800005 2-s2.0-76649136954 2009PhyU...52.1056Z Citation: Zelenyi L M, Zakharov A V, Ksanfomality L V "The Solar System: current understanding and future prospects" Phys. Usp. 52 1056–1076 (2009) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Зеленый Л М, Захаров А В, Ксанфомалити Л В «Исследования Солнечной системы: состояние и перспективы» УФН 179 1118–1140 (2009); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0179.200910g.1118