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Classification
Using the classification based on size, Earth is one of the small planets,
along with Mercury, Venus, Mars and Pluto. The small planets all have diameters less
than 13000 kilometers.
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are known as the giant planets or sometimes
the gas giants. These planets have diameters greater than 48000 kilometers.
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Where is It?
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, located in between Venus and Mars. The orbit, or path it follows around the Sun
is nearly a perfect circle. The closest Earth comes to the Sun is a little
over 146 million kilometers., and the furthest away we get is about 152
million kilometers. The average distance of the Earth from the Sun is
about 150 million kilometers.
The average distance of the Earth from the Sun is called
an astronomical unit (or a.u.). |
How Did It Get Its Name?
Earth is the only planet that does not have a name from either Greek
or Roman mythology. The word that most of the people on Earth use for the
planet comes from German/English origins.
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How long are its years and
days?
The Earth takes 365.25 days to revolve around the Sun. One
revolution around the Sun is called a year. So one year is 365 days and
every fourth year has 366 days. That is called a leap year. It takes the
Earth 24 hours to rotate around its axis. One rotation is call a day. So
one day is 24 hours. |
How Big Is It?
Earth is a little over 12800 kilometers. in diameter, and about 39000
kilometers. around the equator. On a size basis, the Earth is right in
the middle of the planetary family, with four planets, Pluto, Mercury, Venus and Mars, being smaller, and four planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, being larger. |
What Is It Made Of?
Earth seems to be very unusual. Earth has a core, or center, that is
solid and made up mostly of iron. The large amount of iron is what creates
the magnetic field that makes compasses work.
On top of the solid core is a very thick layer of molten, or liquid, rock.
This layer is called the "mantle" and is where the lava and ash of the
many volcanoes come from.
On top of the mantle is the solid layer that makes up the continents and
the ocean floors. This is actually very thin, averaging less than 50 kilometers.
thick. The continents actually float around on "plates" that form this
top layer.
Surrounding the solid surface are layers of
atmosphere. The atmosphere consists of many gases including oxygen,
hydrogen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
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What Is It Like on The
Surface?
The weather on Earth varies a great deal, from very cold
at either the north or south poles to very warm at the equator. Compared
to other planets, the temperature on Earth are mild.
The seasons on
Earth are caused by the fact the Earth's axis is not upright or vertical.
Earth is titled at an angle of 23.5 degrees. South of the equator, the
weather is warmer from November to February. This is because at this time
the southern half of the planet is tilted towards the Sun. It is cooler
during the rest of the year when the northern half of the planet is tilted
towards the Sun. |
How Many Moons Does It
Have?
Earth has one Moon. The Moon has been an important part of culture, literature
and mythology since time began. The Moon is about one-fourth the size
of Earth, with a diameter of a little over 3200 kilometers. Earth is the
only planet in the solar system that has solar eclipses. These happen
when the Moon hides the Sun. |
Does it have any special
features?
Earth is the only planet which supports animal and plant
life. Also, it is the only planet with oceans of warm water.
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Resources Used
Astronomy for Kids
www.dustbunny.com/afk/
Small Worlds David Drew: Nelson, 1989
The Gas Giants David Drew: Nelson, 1989
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You will also find this unit here.
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