Earth

## Description

Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only astronomical object known to harbor life. This is enabled by Earth being a water world, the only one in the Solar System sustaining liquid surface water. Almost all of Earth's water is contained in its global ocean, covering 70.8% of Earth's crust.

## More Explanation

Earth, our home planet, is a dynamic and vibrant sphere teeming with life and wonders. Nestled in the solar system, Earth is the third planet from the sun and the only known celestial body to support a rich tapestry of diverse ecosystems. Covered by about 71% water, Earth boasts a stunning array of landscapes, from towering mountains to vast oceans and lush forests. Its atmosphere, composed mainly of nitrogen and oxygen, creates the perfect conditions for life as we know it. The intricate interplay of geological forces has shaped the planet over billions of years, forming continents, carving out valleys, and sculpting breathtaking natural marvels. Earth hosts an astonishing variety of life forms, ranging from microscopic organisms to majestic creatures like whales and elephants.

The intricate web of ecosystems sustains this biodiversity, and the interconnectedness of species highlights the delicate balance that supports life on our planet. The dynamic nature of Earth is evident in its ever-changing climate, driven by factors such as the sun's energy, atmospheric circulation, and ocean currents. This dynamic system gives rise to phenomena like hurricanes, tornadoes, and the mesmerizing dance of the Northern and Southern Lights. Humans, as an integral part of Earth's story, have harnessed the planet's resources, built civilizations, and explored its mysteries. From the ancient wonders like the Pyramids of Egypt to modern marvels like the Great Barrier Reef, Earth's history is etched in the structures and landscapes we have shaped. Moreover, Earth's position in the habitable zone and its unique combination of factors make it an ideal vantage point for observing the cosmos. Scientists use this celestial vantage point to explore the universe, unravel its mysteries, and seek answers to profound questions about the origins of life and the vastness of space.

In essence, Earth is a dynamic, awe-inspiring sphere that continues to captivate and challenge our understanding of the cosmos. Its beauty, complexity, and the endless possibilities it presents make it a source of excitement and inspiration for all who call it home.

Nestled within the vast cosmos, Earth emerges as a celestial marvel, a dynamic and enchanting orb brimming with life and wonders. This third planet from the sun spins gracefully on its axis, revealing a breathtaking mosaic of landscapes that captivates the imagination. Picture vast oceans, their cerulean depths concealing mysteries yet to be unveiled. Majestic mountains reach towards the heavens, crowned with snow and echoing the whispers of ancient geological tales. Lush forests sprawl across the land, a vibrant tapestry of green, harboring a symphony of life in their leafy embrace. Above, a celestial ballet unfolds as the atmosphere, a delicate blend of nitrogen and oxygen, caresses the Earth. This life-sustaining blanket protects the planet and sets the stage for meteorological spectacles, from the tempestuous dance of thunderstorms to the serene beauty of sunsets painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson.

The stage is set for an extraordinary variety of life forms, from the microscopic to the colossal. In the depths of oceans, bioluminescent creatures illuminate the darkness, while on land, the animal kingdom parades in a dazzling array, from the agile cheetah to the wise and lumbering elephants. Earth's climate, a dynamic symphony of atmospheric ballet, orchestrates the seasons, the rhythmic heartbeat of the planet. It breathes life into deserts, rainforests, and polar expanses, each a testament to the intricate interplay of elements shaping the world we inhabit. As custodians of this terrestrial realm, humans have etched their presence onto the canvas of Earth. Ancient civilizations left towering monuments, and modern societies have woven technological marvels into the fabric of the landscape. Cities sparkle like constellations, and the traces of human ingenuity crisscross the continents. Gazing beyond our planet, Earth offers a privileged vantage point to explore the cosmos. Scientists peer into the depths of space, unraveling the secrets of distant galaxies and pondering the cosmic ballet that birthed our home. The moon, a companion in the cosmic dance, casts its silvery glow on Earth, a constant reminder of the wonders beyond our atmosphere.

In essence, Earth is a celestial masterpiece, a canvas painted with the brushstrokes of geology, biology, and the cosmic forces that bind us to the universe. Its beauty lies not only in the landscapes that stretch across its surface but in the intricate web of life, the ever-changing tapestry that continues to weave the story of our extraordinary planet.

## Origins

### Source 1: Khan Academy

Earth ​was formed approximately 4.6 billion years ago, likely as the result of a supernova (star explosion). The debris from this explosion began to collapse in on itself due to gravity, forming the sun.

### Source 2: UChicago News

The Earth formed over 4.6 billion years ago out of a mixture of dust and gas around the young sun. It grew larger thanks to countless collisions between dust particles, asteroids, and other growing planets, including one last giant impact that threw enough rock, gas, and dust into space to form the moon.

### Source 3: National Geographic

Our planet began as part of a cloud of dust and gas. It has evolved into our home, which has an abundance of rocky landscapes, an atmosphere that supports life, and oceans filled with mysteries.

## Facts

* While Earth is only the fifth largest planet in the solar system, it is the only world in our solar system with liquid water on the surface.
* Just slightly larger than nearby Venus, Earth is the biggest of the four planets closest to the Sun, all of which are made of rock and metal.
* Age and Formation: Earth is approximately 4.54 billion years old, formed through the accretion of dust and gas in the early solar system.
* Composition: The Earth is composed of iron, oxygen, silicon, magnesium, sulfur, nickel, calcium, and aluminum, with a solid inner core and a molten outer core.
* Atmosphere: Earth's atmosphere is primarily nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%) with trace amounts of other gases, providing the necessary conditions for life.
* Hydrosphere: Roughly 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, with oceans holding about 96.5% of the Earth's total water.
* Continents: Earth has seven continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia.
* Highest Point: The highest point on Earth's surface is Mount Everest, towering at 29,032 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level.
* Lowest Point: The deepest point on Earth is the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, reaching a depth of about 36,070 feet (10,994 meters).
* Rotation: Earth rotates on its axis, completing one full rotation approximately every 24 hours, leading to day and night cycles.
* Orbit: Earth orbits the Sun at an average distance of about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers), completing one orbit roughly every 365.25 days.
* Moon: Earth has one natural satellite, the Moon, which influences tides and has been a source of fascination and exploration.
* Magnetic Field: Earth has a magnetic field generated by the movement of molten iron in its core, protecting the planet from harmful solar radiation.
* Plate Tectonics: The Earth's lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that constantly move, leading to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the creation of mountains.
* Biosphere: Earth hosts a diverse array of life forms, estimated to be between 8.7 million and 1 trillion species.
* Climate Zones: The Earth has distinct climate zones, ranging from polar to tropical, influenced by factors such as latitude and elevation.
* Fossil Fuels: Earth's crust contains vast reserves of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
* Great Barrier Reef: The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Australia, is the largest coral reef system on Earth, visible even from space.
* Ozone Layer: The ozone layer in Earth's stratosphere absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, crucial for protecting life.
* The Ring of Fire: The Pacific Ring of Fire is an area with a high level of seismic and volcanic activity, encircling the Pacific Ocean.
* Solar Eclipses: Earth experiences solar eclipses when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on a portion of the planet.
* Water Cycle: Earth's water cycle involves processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff, sustaining life and shaping landscapes.
* Greenhouse Effect: The greenhouse effect, driven by gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor, helps regulate Earth's temperature by trapping heat from the Sun.
* Auroras: The Northern and Southern Lights (auroras) are atmospheric light displays caused by the interaction of charged particles from the Sun with Earth's magnetic field.
* Population: As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Earth's population is over 7.9 billion people.
* International Space Station (ISS): The ISS orbits Earth, serving as a space laboratory where astronauts conduct experiments and research in microgravity.
* Space Exploration: Earth is a launching point for space exploration missions, with spacecraft sent to study other celestial bodies and unravel the mysteries of the universe.

## Located

Earth is located in one of the spiral arms of the Milky Way (called the Orion Arm) which lies about two-thirds of the way out from the center of the Galaxy.