The Earth and Moon

The Earth and Moon

When viewed from outer space, planet Earth is nothing but a small, blue dot in the blackness of space. However, its distance from the Sun, its atmosphere of Nitrogen, Hydrogen and Oxygen and its abundance of water has led to the creation of the only known life in the Universe.

The Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field protect the planet from dangerous radiation, such as cosmic rays and ultraviolet light, coming from space. The atmosphere also provides the air which we need to breath.

Another essential element for life on the planet is water that covers two-thirds of the Earth’s surface. Earth is the only planet that we know of with liquid water on its surface.

Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the fifth largest planet in our Solar System. It has one large Moon.

Some scientists believe that the Moon was formed early in the Earth’s history when the planet was hit by another large object. The Earth’s gravity holds the Moon in orbit, while the Moon’s gravity pulls on the Earth’s oceans causing tides.

The Moon has no atmosphere. Craters and flat areas known as Mare or lunar seas (although the Moon has no liquid water on its surface) cover its surface of dust and rock.

Only 12 people have walked on the Moon, during NASA’s Apollo missions between 1969 and 1972. Rocks and soils brought back by the astronauts show that there is no life on the Moon’s surface.

Perhaps one day astronauts will visit other planets or live permanently in space. If that day arrives, humans will still look to the planet Earth as their home. We know today that small changes to the conditions on Earth can have a dramatic affect on the planet’s life. We must look after Earth to ensure that it can indeed remain our home.