Earth is the third planet from the Sun, a rocky world with a global ocean, a layered interior and an atmosphere that supports life. It is the only planet in our solar system known to have abundant liquid water on its surface—and the only world currently known to host life. Here are the key facts about Earth’s size, motion and physical systems.
Where is Earth in the solar system?
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, between Venus and Mars. It orbits at an average distance of about 150 million kilometers (93 million miles), or 1 astronomical unit (AU). NASA Science’s Facts About Earth page gives these rounded figures; the distance is an average because Earth’s orbit is not a perfect circle.
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Earth is a terrestrial, or rocky, planet. It is the largest of the four terrestrial planets and the fifth-largest planet in the solar system. NASA’s overview identifies it as the only planet in our solar system with liquid water on the surface. That describes what is known about our solar system; it does not establish that life elsewhere is impossible.
How big is Earth, and what shape is it?
Earth’s equatorial diameter is 12,756 kilometers (7,926 miles), according to NASA Science. Earth is roughly spherical, but not a perfect sphere: its rotation makes it slightly wider at the equator than from pole to pole.
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For greater precision, NASA’s Earth Fact Sheet lists an equatorial radius of 6,378.137 kilometers, a polar radius of 6,356.752 kilometers and a volumetric mean radius of 6,371.000 kilometers. These measure different dimensions, so they should not be treated as interchangeable.
How does Earth move?
Earth rotates on its axis while orbiting the Sun. NASA Science gives about 23.9 hours for one rotation and 365.25 days for one orbit. The familiar 24-hour day is a useful rounded measure; the rotation figure and a solar day use different reference points.
Earth’s axis is tilted 23.4 degrees relative to its orbital plane. As Earth travels around the Sun, this tilt changes the angle and duration of sunlight each hemisphere receives. NASA’s All About Earth and its What Is Earth? (Grades 5-8) educational material explain how the tilt produces the seasonal cycle. Seasons are not caused simply by Earth being nearer to or farther from the Sun.
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How much of Earth is covered by water?
About 71% of Earth’s surface is covered by the global ocean, which contains about 97% of all water on Earth, according to NASA Science. The rest of Earth’s water is found in places such as ice, underground reservoirs, lakes and rivers. The ocean’s presence is a defining feature of the planet, but most of Earth’s total water is not fresh surface water readily available for use.
What is Earth made of inside?
Earth has four major layers, described from the center outward by NASA Science:
- Inner core: a solid central region.
- Outer core: a liquid layer surrounding the inner core.
- Mantle: the thick layer between the core and the crust.
- Crust: the thin outer layer on which continents and ocean basins sit.
The crust and the uppermost mantle form the lithosphere, which is divided into moving plates. Their movement helps build and reshape mountains and valleys and creates earthquake zones.
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What is Earth’s atmosphere made of?
NASA Science rounds the atmosphere to 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% other gases. For a more precise composition of dry air, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Earth Fact Sheet lists 78.08% nitrogen and 20.95% oxygen by volume. The fact sheet notes that rounding and uncertainty mean listed values may not total exactly 100%.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does Earth’s magnetic field work?
Earth has a magnetic field associated with its interior and molten nickel-iron outer core, according to NASA Science. Interactions between the magnetic field and charged particles help produce auroras. The field influences how particles move around Earth; it should not be mistaken for a complete shield against radiation.
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Does Earth have a Moon or rings?
Earth has one natural satellite, the Moon, and no rings. NASA Science says the Moon likely formed after a collision early in Earth’s history. “Likely” matters: this is a scientific explanation for the Moon’s origin, not a directly observed event.
Earth facts at a glance
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Position from the Sun | Third planet |
| Average distance from the Sun | About 150 million km (93 million miles), or 1 AU |
| Equatorial diameter | 12,756 km (7,926 miles) |
| Rotation | About 23.9 hours |
| Orbit around the Sun | About 365.25 days |
| Axial tilt | 23.4 degrees |
| Surface covered by ocean | About 71% |
| Earth’s water in the global ocean | About 97% |
| Natural satellites | One Moon |
| Rings | None |
Figures in this table are rounded values from NASA Science’s Facts About Earth page, accessed in 2026; its publication year is not displayed. For technical dimensions and dry-air composition, see NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s Earth Fact Sheet, also accessed in 2026 without a displayed publication year.
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