Tit
le: Some Cool Facts About Earth
Earth is the third planet from the sun in our solar system and is the only known planet which supports and sustains life. There is a great deal of information about Earth that most people are unaware of. Here are some cool facts about Earth.
1. Earth is not a perfect sphere
Despite what many people think, the Earth is not a perfectly round ball. It is slightly squashed at the poles and bulges at the equator. The surface diameter of the Earth is 12,742 kilometers and its volume is 1.08321 × 10¹² km³.
2. Earth is the densest planet in the solar system
Although Earth is not the largest planet in the solar system, it is the densest. The average density of the Earth is 5.52 gm/cc. This is due to the presence of large amounts of heavy elements, including iron and nickel.
3. The Earth’s rotation is slowing down
The Earth spins on its axis once every 24 hours, which is why we have day and night. However, the rotation of the Earth is slowing down and it takes about 3 milliseconds longer to complete one rotation than it did a century ago. This is because of the moon’s gravitational pull on the Earth.
4. The Earth’s atmosphere is vital to life
The Earth’s atmosphere is made up of a mixture of gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, and some trace gases. It also contains water vapor, which helps to regulate the temperature of the planet. The Earth’s atmosphere protects us from harmful solar radiation and debris from outer space.
5. The Earth is always moving
Not only does the Earth spin on its axis, but it also revolves around the sun. It takes the Earth 365.25 days to complete one orbit around the sun. This is why we have leap years, to make up for the extra quarter of a day.
6. Mount Everest is not the tallest mountain on Earth
While Mount Everest is the highest peak above sea level, it is not the tallest mountain on Earth. Mauna Kea, in Hawaii, is the tallest mountain on Earth because its base is deep beneath the ocean’s surface. The total height is 33,476 feet, making it taller than Mount Everest.
7. The Earth’s magnetic field is constantly changing
The Earth’s magnetic field is created by its iron core, which generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field deflects incoming solar winds, which protects the Earth from harmful radiation. However, the strength and direction of the Earth’s magnetic field is constantly changing and scientists are unsure why.
In conclusion, these are just a few of the cool facts about Earth that are not commonly known. Understanding these facts can help us to appreciate the intricacies of our planet and how important it is to protect it.
