Earth is the third planet from the Sun and is the largest of the terrestrial planets. The Earth is the only planet in our solar system not to be named after a Greek or Roman deity. The Earth was formed approximately 4.54 billion years ago and is the only known planet to support life.
| Diameter | 12,756.3 km |
| Mass | 5.972e24 kg |
| Temperature | 184 K (-89.2 °C) to 330 K (56.7 °C) |
| Composition | Percentage |
|---|---|
| nitrogen | 78.08% |
| oxygen | 20.95% |
| argon | 0.930% |
| carbon dioxide | 0.039% |
| water vapour | 1% |
There is only one natural satellite of the planet Earth. As a percentage of the size of the body it orbits, the Moon is the largest satellite of any planet in our solar system. In real terms, however, it is only the fifth largest natural satellite.
Earth has a powerful magnetic field. This phenomenon is caused by the nickel-iron core of the planet, coupled with its rapid rotation. This field protects the Earth from the effects of solar wind.