Earth Dictionary - Our Solar System E-BOOK

Earth – Earth, Terrestrial Planets, Inner Planets – Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only known celestial body to support life. It has a stable atmosphere, liquid water, and a magnetic field, which create conditions suitable for sustaining diverse ecosystems. Earth's atmosphere is composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and trace amounts of other gases, providing breathable air and protecting the planet from harmful solar radiation. Around 71% of Earth's surface is covered by water, with vast oceans regulating the climate and supporting marine life. The planet has a dynamic geology, shaped by tectonic activity, volcanic eruptions, and erosion, leading to diverse landscapes such as mountains, valleys, deserts, and forests. Earth experiences four distinct seasons due to its 23.5-degree axial tilt, and its strong magnetosphere, generated by a molten iron core, shields it from cosmic radiation. Earth's natural satellite, the Moon, stabilizes its rotation and influences ocean tides. Scientific study of Earth covers various disciplines, including geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astrobiology, helping us understand climate patterns, natural disasters, and the potential for life on other planets. Space-based observations, such as those conducted by NASA's Earth-observing satellites (Landsat, Terra, Aqua) and ESA's Copernicus program, continuously monitor climate change, deforestation, and atmospheric conditions. The study of Earth also plays a crucial role in exoplanet research, as scientists use Earth as a model to identify potentially habitable planets beyond our Solar System.