Earth

History

Earth is the third planet from the Sun and is the largest of the terrestrial planets. The Earth is the only planet in our solar system not to be named after a Greek or Roman deity. The Earth was formed approximately 4.54 billion years ago and is the only known planet to support life.

Quick Facts

• The Earth’s rotation is gradually slowing.
• The Earth was once believed to be the centre of the universe.
• Earth has a powerful magnetic field.
• There is only one natural satellite of the planet Earth.
• Earth is the only planet not named after a god.
• The Earth is the densest planet in the Solar System.

Event dates

1. October 24, 1601: Tycho Dies, Torch Passed to Kepler
2. August 6, 1672: Polar Ice Cap Observed
3. September 5, 1877: Opposition and Exciting Discoveries
4. April 12, 1963: The Air up There
5. July 14, 1965: Encounter with Mariner 4
6. November 14, 1971: Mariner 9 Comes to Visit
7. July 20, 1976: Viking 1 Makes Contact
8. August 7, 1996: LIFE!…or Something
9. July 4, 1997: Pathfinder Blazes a Trail
10. September 28, 2015: Liquid at Last