Scientists around the world have discovered many things about our planet by working together and sharing their findings. This Apollo 10 view of Earth was taken during a journey to the Moon in May 1969. While clouds obscure the Yucatan peninsula, nearly all of Mexico north of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec is clearly visible. The Gulf of California, Baja, and the San Joaquin Valley of California are all identifiable as well. In the upper right corner, the northern polar cap appears with pressure fronts emanating to the south.
Some facts are well known.
For instance, Earth is the third planet from the Sun , and the fifth largest in the solar system. Earth's diameter is just a few hundred kilometers larger than that of Venus . We experience these motions as the daily routine of sunrise and sunset and in the slower change of the seasons. The four seasons are a result of Earth's axis of rotation being titled more than 23 degrees. The changing nature of the planet's systems are the mysteries that scientist study today.