Earth
Our home planet in the solar system
Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only known planet to support life. With a diverse range of environments from deep oceans to towering mountains, Earth is a truly unique world in our solar system.
Key Facts About Earth
- Diameter: 12,742 km (7,918 miles)
- Distance from Sun: 149.6 million km (93 million miles)
- Day length: 24 hours
- Year length: 365.25 days
- Moons: 1 (The Moon)
- Rings: None
Life-Sustaining Conditions
Earth's atmosphere, magnetic field, and distance from the Sun create the perfect conditions for life. The planet's surface is 71% water, earning it the nickname "Blue Marble" from space photographs.
Earth's Layers
Earth is composed of several layers: a thin crust, a thick mantle, a liquid outer core, and a solid inner core. The movement of the outer core generates Earth's magnetic field, which protects the planet from solar wind.