The Earth

Earth is the only planet in the Solar System that has water and can support life. It holds the position among the 8 planets in the solar system. The size and mass of this planet make it the fifth-largest planet in the Solar System. The earth revolves around the Sun in a time of 365 days and its rotation takes 24 hours of time. The planet Earth has a single natural Satellite called the Moon.

What is Earth?

Earth is a planet in the Solar System that revolves around the Sun. It is the only planet in the Solar System that consists of water and supports life. It is the fifth-largest planet and is smaller than four planets namely: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. The diameter of the planet is approximately 8,200 miles. The shape of the planet is “Spherical” and it is flat on the tips of its Poles. The gravity of Earth is approximately “9.81m/s2”. The uniqueness of this planet is the presence of water and the oxygen gas that helps it support life. Around “71%” of the surface of the Earth consists of water.

Position of Earth in the Solar System

The distance of Earth from the sun is approximately 150 million kilometers. It is located after the two planets Mercury and Venus and holds the third position in the Solar System. The distance of the planet from the Sun makes it favorable for supporting life. It is due to the distance that Earth is neither too hot as a fireball nor too cold as an ice ball. 

Orbitary Movement of Earth

Earth moves around the Sun in a fixed orbit and it is known as the “Revolution”. A time period of 365 days 6 hours and 9 minutes is required for this planet to complete one full orbit around the Sun. The speed of Earth during the revolution is approximately “30 kms/s”. The extra time of 6 hours and 9 minutes is taken up by the Earth during the revolution, and this time is added to make one day in 4 years. This day is added up in the month of February to form 29 days in a time of four years gap and is known as the “Leap Year”. The time taken up by the Earth to complete one full revolution around the Sun makes one year for the calendar year.

“Rotation” is the movement of the Earth around its own axis. The planet takes 24 hours to rotate around its own axis. The Earth inclines “23.45 degrees” from the plane. The rotation of the Earth is responsible for the day and night that are visible by the people living on this planet.

Reasons for Earth supporting life

Ozone layer

The Ozone Layer of the Earth is situated in the Stratosphere and it protects the Earth from the harmful Ultraviolet rays of the Sun. The Ozone Layer forms a part of the Earth’s atmosphere and it allows approximately “1%” of the harmful Ultraviolet rays to reach the Earth’s surface. The Sun is the source of energy and light and it is essential for supporting life on Earth however the Earth has a lot of harmful rays. The Ozone layer protects the Earth from that.

Favorable Climatic Condition

The climatic condition of the Earth is appropriate for supporting life as there is oxygen present which is required for breathing and carbon-dioxide is present in moderate form.

Water

Earth consists of around “71%” of water on its surface and this is the most unique feature that supports habitat on Earth. The water source on Earth is mostly in the form of oceans which is saline water. “97.3%” of water is saline water and only “3%” of water is freshwater. The freshwater is drinkable for drinking purposes. Water consists of oxygen that supports life on Earth. Water changes its form through the process of the water cycle. The major source of saline water is the oceans and the sources of freshwater are the rivers, lakes, ponds, and others.

Distance from the Sun

The distance of Earth from the Sun is approximately 150 million kilometers. This is favorable for supporting life on Earth because it helps in maintaining a moderate temperature on this planet.

Earth’s Gravity

The gravitational pull of the Sun attracts the planets and allows their orbit around it. Similarly, the gravitational pull of the Earth keeps the life that exists on Earth grounded and does not float in the atmosphere. The Earth’s gravity is approximately “9.81m/s2” which is appropriate for supporting life.

Satellite of Earth

The Moon is the only natural satellite of Earth and it is located at a distance of “384,400 km”. The Moon illuminates itself from the light of Earth and it is responsible for the tides in the oceans.

Conclusion

The Earth is a planet that is different from the other 7 planets as it supports life. The Earth has one natural satellite known as the Moon. The presence of the Ozone layer, the water, its gravity, the distance from the Sun, makes it unique. The rotation of the earth requires a time of  24 hours. The revolution of the Earth requires 365 days.