Earth
Rocky planet
Our home planet, the only world known to have liquid water on its surface and life.
Key facts
- Type
- Rocky planet
- Diameter
- 12,756 km
- Average distance from the Sun
- 149.6 million km
- One orbit
- 365 days
- Average temperature
- About 15 °C
- Moons
- One
About the Earth
How to recognise it
Blue oceans, brown and green land, white clouds and icy poles. Our image was taken by the Apollo 17 crew in 1972 on their way to the Moon.
What makes it special
Earth is the largest of the four rocky planets and the only place known to have liquid water on its surface and living things. Its atmosphere of mostly nitrogen and oxygen protects life and keeps temperatures mild.
Sources
Facts checked: 29 October 2026
