Astronomical overview
Earth has liquid surface water and active plate tectonics.
Its magnetic field and atmosphere reduce the impact of solar and cosmic radiation on the biosphere.
⊕ · Ephemerides
Observation date
Earth
The third planet from the Sun and the only known world with long-term conditions that support life.
- AU
- 1.016
- ECL
- 292.6°
- MAG
- —
01 — Current astronomical data
Parameters and context
- Heliocentric distance
- 1.016 AU
- Ecliptic longitude
- 292.62°
- Ecliptic latitude
- -0.00°
- Apparent magnitude
- —
- Right ascension
- —
- Declination
- —
- Altitude above horizon
- —
- Azimuth
- —
Astrological meaning
In practical astrology, Earth is often a reference point for embodiment, daily life and the "here and now" experience.
Mythology
In many cultures Earth was associated with a Mother Earth figure symbolizing fertility and the source of life.
02 — 05
Key facts
- 01About 71% of the planet is covered by oceans.
- 02The Moon helps stabilize Earth’s axial tilt.
- 03The mean solar day is about 24 hours.
- 04The planet’s age is estimated at about 4.54 billion years.
- 05The atmosphere protects life from part of incoming UV radiation.
Parameters and context
- Sidereal day
- 23 h 56 min
- Solar day
- 24 h 0 min
- Year length
- 365 days (1 Earth year)
- Rotation speed
- 1,670.0 km/h • 15.04°/h
- Orbital speed
- 29.80 km/s
- Distance from Sun
- 149.60 million km
- Diameter
- 12,742 km
- Gravity
- 9.8 m/s²
- Mean temperature
- 15 °C