THE EARTH
Planet No. 3 • Our Home Planet
Welcome to the Earth information file! Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only world currently known to support life. With vast oceans, continents, an active atmosphere and millions of different species, our home planet is unlike any other world we have discovered.
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PLANET OVERVIEW
Earth is a rocky planet with a solid surface, a protective atmosphere and enormous amounts of liquid water. About 71% of Earth's surface is covered by oceans, giving our planet its familiar blue appearance from space.
Earth is also a geologically active world. Its crust is divided into tectonic plates that slowly move, creating mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes and ocean basins. Above the surface, Earth's atmosphere helps regulate temperature and protects life from harmful radiation.
Earth is also a geologically active world. Its crust is divided into tectonic plates that slowly move, creating mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes and ocean basins. Above the surface, Earth's atmosphere helps regulate temperature and protects life from harmful radiation.
☀ LOCATION
Earth is the third planet from the Sun. Its average distance from the Sun is about 93 million miles, a distance also known as one astronomical unit.
SIZE
Earth has a diameter of about 7,918 miles. It is the largest of the four rocky planets in our solar system.
SURFACE
Earth's surface includes oceans, continents, mountains, deserts, forests, glaciers, islands, rivers and countless other environments.
☁ ATMOSPHERE
Earth's atmosphere is mostly nitrogen and oxygen. It protects the surface, helps regulate temperature and provides the gases needed by many forms of life.
✦ EARTH FAST FACTS ✦
| Position from Sun | 3rd planet |
| Planet Type | Rocky / Terrestrial |
| Length of Year | About 365.25 days |
| Length of Day | About 24 hours |
| Moons | 1 |
| Rings | None |
| Diameter | About 7,918 miles |
| Surface Covered by Water | About 71% |
| Famous Feature | Liquid oceans and abundant life |
WHAT IS EARTH LIKE?
Earth is an incredibly varied world. Its surface ranges from the deepest ocean trenches to enormous mountain ranges. Liquid water moves constantly through oceans, clouds, rivers, lakes, glaciers and living organisms.
Beneath the crust is a hot interior that continues to shape the planet. Earth's moving tectonic plates build mountains, open oceans and produce earthquakes and volcanoes.
Earth also has a strong magnetic field created largely by movement within its liquid outer core. This magnetic field helps shield the planet from charged particles coming from the Sun.
Beneath the crust is a hot interior that continues to shape the planet. Earth's moving tectonic plates build mountains, open oceans and produce earthquakes and volcanoes.
Earth also has a strong magnetic field created largely by movement within its liquid outer core. This magnetic field helps shield the planet from charged particles coming from the Sun.
★ DID YOU KNOW? ★
Earth is not a perfect sphere! It bulges slightly around the equator and is a little flatter at the poles because of its rotation.
Earth is not a perfect sphere! It bulges slightly around the equator and is a little flatter at the poles because of its rotation.
SPACECRAFT MISSION LOG
> DESTINATION: EARTH
> EXPLORER 1
The first satellite launched by the United States. Its instruments helped scientists discover the Van Allen radiation belts surrounding Earth.
> LANDSAT
A long-running series of satellites that photograph and study Earth's surface, recording changes to forests, cities, farms, coastlines and other environments.
> TERRA & AQUA
Earth-observing satellites designed to study the planet's atmosphere, oceans, land, climate and water cycle.
> INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
An orbiting laboratory where astronauts conduct experiments and observe Earth from hundreds of miles above the surface.
> STATUS:
HOME PLANET — OBSERVATION CONTINUES...
> EXPLORER 1
The first satellite launched by the United States. Its instruments helped scientists discover the Van Allen radiation belts surrounding Earth.
> LANDSAT
A long-running series of satellites that photograph and study Earth's surface, recording changes to forests, cities, farms, coastlines and other environments.
> TERRA & AQUA
Earth-observing satellites designed to study the planet's atmosphere, oceans, land, climate and water cycle.
> INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
An orbiting laboratory where astronauts conduct experiments and observe Earth from hundreds of miles above the surface.
> STATUS:
HOME PLANET — OBSERVATION CONTINUES...