Earth Planet: Definition, Size, Distance, Facts, Surface

Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only known celestial body to support life. Earth’s size, distance from the Sun, and surface properties create a unique environment that enables the existence of diverse ecosystems. Its diameter, composition, and surface features, such as oceans, mountains, and plains, define its role in the solar system. Learn about Earth’s dimensions, geological makeup, and varied landscapes.

Earth’s diameter measures 12,742 km (7,917.5 miles) on average. Earth’s equatorial diameter is 12,756 km (7,926 miles), while its polar diameter is 12,713.6 km (7,900 miles). The difference in measurements results from Earth’s oblate spheroid shape caused by its rotation. Earth’s circumference varies depending on the measurement location, with the equatorial circumference measuring 40,075 km (24,901 miles) and the meridional circumference at 40,008 km (24,859 miles).

Earth orbits the Sun at a distance of 93 million miles (150 million kilometers). The distance varies between 91.4 million miles at perihelion and 94.5 million miles at aphelion due to Earth’s elliptical orbit. One Astronomical Unit (AU) equals the Earth-Sun distance of 150 million kilometers or 93 million miles. Earth’s distance from the Sun places our planet in the “Goldilocks Zone” of the solar system, providing conditions for organisms to flourish.

Earth is not round and has an equatorial bulge making it oblate. Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth, known for its low temperatures and harsh conditions. The Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth, known for its aridity. Oceans cover 70% of Earth’s surface. Objects must reach 25,000 miles per hour (40,233 kilometers per hour) to escape Earth’s gravitational pull. Earth rotates on its axis every 23 hours and 56 minutes and completes its orbit around the Sun in 365.2564 mean solar days. Earth’s temperature stands at 60°F (15.5°C).

What is the planet Earth?

Earth is the third planet from the Sun in our solar system, known for harboring life and featuring a surface covered by oceans, continents, and an atmosphere. Earth showcases an array of living forms, with over 8.7 million known species inhabiting ecosystems. Liquid water covers 70.8% of Earth’s surface, forming oceans vital for existence. Earth’s atmosphere consists of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), protecting the planet from harmful solar radiation. Tectonic plates shape Earth’s surface, creating mountains, valleys, and triggering earthquakes and volcanic activity. Earth formed about 4.5 billion years ago from gas and dust in the early solar system, evolving into the planet we know today.

Earth is the fifth largest planet in our solar system. Earth has an equatorial diameter of 12,760 kilometers (7,926 miles) and a circumference of about 40,000 kilometers (24,855 miles). Earth’s shape is an ellipsoid with a bulge at the equator due to its rotation. Earth’s mass is 5.97 × 10^24 kg (1.32 × 10^25 lbs), making it the most massive terrestrial planet. Earth’s average density is 5.515 g/cm³ (0.199 lb/in³), the highest of any planet in the solar system.

Earth is classified as a rocky planet with a solid surface. Earth’s interior is differentiated into layers: a solid iron core, a liquid outer core, a thick viscous mantle, and a thin outer crust. The planet’s crust is divided into continents composed of minerals and rocks. Earth’s surface is 29.2% land and 70.8% water, with the ocean containing the majority of surface water. Earth’s polar regions have ice sheets retaining water.

Earth occupies the third position from the Sun in our solar system. Earth orbits the Sun at a distance of 149.6 million kilometers, known as an astronomical unit. Earth completes one orbit around the Sun in 365.25 days. Earth rotates on its axis in 23 hours and 56 minutes, causing the day/night cycle. Earth has one permanent natural satellite, the Moon, which orbits Earth at a distance of 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers).

Earth’s atmosphere is composed of 78.08% nitrogen, 20.95% oxygen, and amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, and trace gases. Earth’s atmosphere contains about 1% water vapor at sea level, playing a critical part in environment regulation. Earth’s magnetic field is generated by its liquid outer core. Earth’s magnetic field protects the surface from most solar winds and cosmic radiation.

Earth harbors living forms, with over 8.7 million known species inhabiting ecosystems across air, land, and sea environments. Earth’s ability to support living organisms  is enabled by the presence of liquid water on its surface, suitable temperature range, and protective atmosphere. Earth is the only known planet in our solar system capable of sustaining life.

Earth’s gravity retains its atmosphere and keeps objects on the surface. Earth’s gravity influences various planetary processes, including atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and tectonic plate movements. Earth’s gravity shapes the planet’s structure and maintains its habitability.

Earth formed 4.5 billion years ago from gas and dust in the early solar system. Earth grew through collisions into a rocky, terrestrial world. Earth’s atmosphere and surface have undergone substantial changes over time. Volcanism, impact events, and evolution have influenced Earth’s growth into the planet we know today.

What does the name Earth mean?

The name Earth means ground or soil. “Earth” originates from Old English “eorðe” and Proto-Germanic “erthō”. Earth is unique among planets, as other celestial bodies are named after Greek and Roman gods. The word “Earth” reflects its connection to the surface of our planet.

The name Earth originates from the Old English word “eorðe,” meaning ground or soil. Old English speakers used “eorðe” to describe the material world and occasionally as a verb meaning “to bury someone”. Earth belongs to the broader Germanic language family, with cognates like German “Erde” and Dutch “aarde”. Linguists have reconstructed the ancestral root of Earth as Proto-Germanic “erþō”, reflecting the theme of ground or soil across Germanic languages. English “Earth” developed via Middle English from Old English “eorðe,” evolving from “eorthe” to “erth” before reaching its current form.

Norse mythology personified Earth as “Jörð”, a giantess and Thor’s mother. Roman mythology called Earth “Terra” or “Tellus Mater” (Mother Earth), as Terra was believed to be a goddess of fertility and agriculture. Greek mythology personified Earth as “Gaia”, a goddess of fertility and earth. Different cultures associate Earth with soil and fertility, reflecting its significance for human survival and well-being. Ancient Egyptian mythology identified Earth with the god Geb, while Aztec culture called Earth “Tonantzin” (our mother). Documents recorded “Earth” as the planet’s name in the 1400s, coinciding with the increased prevalence of Arabic, Indian, and Greek astronomical writings in Europe and the advent of the printing press.

What is Earth’s diameter?

Earth’s diameter is 12,742 km (7,926 mi) on average. The equatorial diameter measures 12,756 km (7,926 miles), while the polar diameter is 12,713.6 km (7,900 miles). This difference results from Earth’s oblate spheroid shape caused by its rotation.

Earth’s equatorial diameter measures 12,756 km (7,926 miles). The equator represents the widest point of the planet due to Earth’s rotational velocity causing a bulge. Earth’s polar diameter is 12,714 km (7,900 miles). The difference in measurements results from Earth’s oblate spheroid shape. Scientists use the mean diameter to account for these variations. Earth’s mean diameter is calculated as 12,742 km (7,917.5 miles). This average provides a measurement for Earth’s size. Earth’s circumference varies depending on the measurement location. The equatorial circumference measures 40,075 km (24,901 miles), while the meridional circumference is 40,008 km (24,859 miles).

What is the mass of Earth?

The mass of Earth is 5.9722 x 10^24 kg (1.316 x 10^25 lbs). Scientists use Earth’s mass to measure other celestial bodies. This value has an uncertainty of 10^-4. Earth’s average density is 5515 kg/m^3 (344.0 lb/ft^3), higher than most planets due to its iron and oxygen content.

The current best estimate for Earth’s mass is 5.9722 × 10^24 kg (1.316 × 10^25 lbs). Scientists have determined this value through extensive gravitational measurements and calculations. Earth’s mass has measurements and approximations. Some sources cite Earth’s mass as 5.9736 × 10^24 kg (1.316 × 10^25 lbs). Researchers round Earth’s mass to 6 × 10^24 kg ( 1.32 × 10^25 lbs) for simplicity in calculations. The precise measurement of Earth’s mass is 5.97219 × 10^24 kg (1.316 × 10^25 lbs).

Earth’s mass measurements include an uncertainty range. The value is 5.9722 × 10^24 kg (13.188 × 10^24 lbs) ± 6 × 10^20 kg (1.323 × 10^21 lbs). This uncertainty reflects the limitations of measurement techniques and instruments. Earth’s mass converts to 13.1 septillion pounds in customary units.

How far is the Earth from the Sun?

The Earth orbits the Sun at an average distance of 93 million miles (150 million kilometers). Earth’s orbit causes this distance to vary between 91.4 million miles at perihelion and 94.5 million miles at aphelion.

Astronomers use the Astronomical Unit (AU) to measure distances within our solar system. One AU equals the Earth-Sun distance of 150 million kilometers or 93 million miles. The Earth’s elliptical orbit causes its distance from the Sun to vary throughout the year. Earth reaches its closest point to the Sun, called perihelion, at a distance of 91.5 million miles or 147 million kilometers. The farthest point from the Sun, known as aphelion, occurs at a distance of 94,502,714 miles (152 million kilometers) or 60,000,000 miles (96,560,640 kilometers). Earth’s average distance from the Sun is 147,671,090 kilometers (91,402,500 miles) or 0.987 AU. The Earth-Sun distance places our planet in the “Goldilocks Zone” of the solar system, providing the right conditions for life to flourish.

What is Earth’s location in space?

Earth’s location in space is the third planet from the Sun in the solar system. Earth orbits 150 million kilometers from the Sun. The Solar System contains eight planets including Earth, dwarf planets, comets, and asteroids. Earth lies in the Milky Way galaxy’s Orion Arm.

The Sun serves as the central star of our solar system. Earth orbits the Sun at a distance of 149.6 million kilometers. Earth moves at a velocity of 29.765 kilometers per second (18.5 miles per second) in its orbit.

The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy containing Earth in its Orion-Cygnus Arm. The Orion Arm is located two-thirds of the way out from the galactic center. Earth resides in a stable region of the Milky Way galaxy. Earth’s location provides distance from levels of radiation and star density near the galactic center.

Earth exists as a member within the vast cosmic structure of the Observable Universe. The Local Group galaxy cluster encompasses the Milky Way galaxy and Earth. The Virgo Supercluster comprises the Local Group and 100 other galaxy groups and clusters. The Laniakea Supercluster contains the Virgo Supercluster. The Pisces-Cetus Supercluster Complex includes the Laniakea Supercluster. The Universe contains millions of superclusters, galactic filaments, and voids. Earth’s location extends from its space in the solar system to the expansive Observable Universe.

What are some interesting facts about Earth?

Facts about Earth include that it is not round. Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth. The Atacama Desert is the driest place. Trees can communicate through underground fungi networks. The Moon’s surface features craters, mountains, and lava flows. The Moon is drifting away from Earth. Earth’s surface consists of mountains, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Some interesting facts about Earth are listed below.

• Earth’s shape: Earth has an equatorial bulge that makes it slightly oblate.
• Coldest place on Earth: Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth known for its icy temperatures and harsh conditions.
• Driest place on Earth: The Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth known for its extreme aridity.
• Earth communications: Trees can communicate through underground fungi networks.
• Earth’s oceans: Cover 70% of Earth’s surface.
• Earth’s satellite: Earth’s natural satellite, the Moon, is gradually moving away from Earth.
• Earth’s diameter: Has an equatorial diameter of 7,926 miles (12,756 kilometers).
• Earth’s orbit: Orbits the Sun in 365.2564 mean solar days.
• Earth’s rotation: Earth rotates once on its axis every 23 hours and 56 minutes.
• Earth’s atmosphere: Contains 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases.
• Earth’s gravity: The standard measurement for gravity is 9.8 m/s².
• Earth’s formation: Earth formed 4.5 billion years ago.
• Life on Earth:  Living organisms came into existence on Earth approximately 1 billion years after its formation.
• Earth’s average temperature: Stands at 60°F (15.5°C).
• Seasons on Earth: Caused by Earth’s tilted axis.
• Earth’s tectonic plates: Divide Earth’s surface and cause earthquakes and volcanoes.
• Earth’s magnetic field: Protects living organisms from harmful radiation.
• The Pacific Ocean: Covers 165.25 million square kilometers of the Earth’s surface.
• The Mariana Trench in Earth’s Pacific Ocean: Reaches depths of over 36,000 feet (10,973 meters).
• Earth’s highest point: Mount Everest stands as the highest point on Earth at 8,848 meters (29,035 feet) on the Nepal-China border.
• The Himalayas on Earth: Peaks reach over 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) resulting from the collision of tectonic plates.
• The Sahara Desert on Earth: Covers 9.2 million square kilometers in North Africa and features a hot and arid climate.
• Earth’s Atacama Desert: Notable for its extreme dryness.
• Antarctica on Earth: Ice sheet reaches depths of over 3.2 kilometers (2 miles); hosts species like penguins, seals, and krill.
• Greenland’s ice on Earth: Has a sheet up to 3 kilometers thick (1.86 miles).
• Earth’s Great Barrier Reef: Stretches over 1,400 miles (2,253 kilometers) off Australia’s coast and hosts diverse marine species.
• Earth’s coral reefs: Vital for marine ecosystems.
• The Amazon Rainforest on Earth: Stores carbon and contains diverse species.
• Moon’s average distance from Earth: 384,400 kilometers (238,855 miles).
• Moon’s phases: Result from its position relative to the Sun and Earth.
• Sun’s significance for Earth: Generates subsistence energy through nuclear fusion.
• Earth’s magnetic pole movement: The North Magnetic Pole is shifting towards Russia.

What is Earth’s surface?

Earth’s surface is the outermost layer of the planet, forming the boundary between atmosphere and solid Earth. It encompasses land and water, with oceans covering 70.8% and land 29.2%. The surface includes landforms and water bodies, aiding ecosystems and human activities.

Earth’s surface composition varies between continental and oceanic crust. Continental crust has a thickness of 25-70 kilometers (15.5-43.5 miles), while oceanic crust measures 5-10 kilometers thick (3.1-6.2 miles). Earth has a surface area of 510 million square kilometers. Oceans cover 70.8% of Earth’s surface, with land accounting for 29.2%. Earth’s surface features landforms including mountains, valleys, plains, and ocean basins. Mountains have elevations formed by tectonic plate collisions. Valleys have low elevations created by erosion and tectonic activity. Plains have flat topography and fertile soil suitable for agriculture.

Earth’s crust is divided into tectonic plates that move. Tectonic plate movement is driven by mantle convection. Plate interactions at boundaries form mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Earth has four major continental landmasses: Africa-Eurasia, America, Antarctica, and Australia. These landmasses are divided into seven continents: North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica.

Oceans have an average depth of 3,682 meters (12,080 feet). The Mariana Trench has an ocean depth of 11,000 meters (36,089 feet). Ocean basins have depths formed by tectonic plate movement. Earth’s surface includes other water bodies. Rivers flow from higher elevations to lower elevations, originating from mountain springs. Lakes vary in size and depth, with some reaching considerable depths.

Ice caps are layers of ice found in polar regions. Antarctica and Greenland have ice caps, with thicknesses reaching several kilometers. Forests cover a portion of Earth’s land surface. Forests harbor biodiversity, aiding plant and animal species.

Earth’s atmosphere consists of several layers. The atmosphere has a composition of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. Earth’s atmosphere contains water vapor and greenhouse gases. Atmospheric layers include the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.

What is Earth’s atmosphere?

Earth’s atmosphere is a compound mixture of gases surrounding the planet. Nitrogen comprises 78%, oxygen 21%, and argon 0.93% by volume. Carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and trace gases make up the remaining composition. Atmospheric composition influences climate and weather patterns.

Earth’s atmosphere is structured into layers based on temperature variations. The troposphere extends from the surface to 12 km (7.46 miles) altitude and contains most weather phenomena. The stratosphere reaches from 12 km (7.5 miles) to 50 km (31.1 miles) and houses the ozone layer, protecting Earth from UV radiation. The mesosphere spans 50 to 80 km (31 to 50 miles), experiencing decreasing temperatures with altitude. The thermosphere stretches from 80 km (49.5 miles) to 700 km (435.0 miles), with temperatures rising due to absorption of solar radiation. The exosphere begins at 700 km (435.04 miles) and extends into space, allowing gases to escape.

Atmospheric pressure and temperature vary across these layers. Pressure decreases with altitude, starting at 1 bar at sea level. Temperature fluctuates with altitude, averaging 14°C (57.2°F) at the surface, decreasing in the troposphere and mesosphere, and increasing in the stratosphere and thermosphere. These variations play a pivotal part in weather patterns and climate regulation.

Earth’s atmosphere influences climate through mechanisms like the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor trap heat, maintaining a habitable temperature on the planet. The atmosphere redistributes heat and moisture through air currents, affecting weather patterns and long-term seasonal trends.

What is the temperature of planet Earth?

The temperature of planet Earth varies. Earth’s surface temperature is 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). Temperatures range from -128.6°F (-89.2°C) in Antarctica to 134.1°F (56.7°C) in Death Valley, California. Monthly temperatures fluctuate 2°C (3.6°F) above or below the annual average.

Earth has a surface temperature range of 14-16°C (57-61°F). The global average temperature is calculated from measurements taken worldwide. Earth’s surface temperature varies across different regions. The highest recorded temperature on Earth is 56.7°C (134°F) in Death Valley, USA. The lowest recorded temperature on Earth is -89.3°C (-128.6°F) in Antarctica.

Earth has experienced temperature fluctuations over geological time scales. Temperature extremes over the past 485 million years range from a low of 11°C (51.8°F) to a high of 36°C (96.8°F). Earth’s average temperature is influenced by its distance from the Sun. The planet’s elliptical orbit causes variations in this distance, contributing to temperature changes. Earth’s geography and size contribute to its range of temperatures across different regions.