About Earth
Discover the fascinating science and incredible beauty of our home planet
Earth by the Numbers
Age
Earth formed approximately 4.54 billion years ago through gravitational collapse of dust and gas from the solar nebula.
Average Temperature
The global average temperature that supports diverse life forms across different climate zones.
Highest Point
Mount Everest, the highest peak above sea level, continues to grow approximately 4mm per year.
Deepest Point
Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in the ocean depths.
Earth's Structure
Crust
5-70 km
The outermost solid shell, including continents and ocean floors.
Mantle
2,900 km
The largest layer, composed of hot, dense rock that flows slowly.
Outer Core
2,300 km
Liquid iron and nickel that generates Earth's magnetic field.
Inner Core
1,220 km
Solid iron and nickel under extreme pressure and temperature.
Earth's History
4.6 billion years ago
Earth Formation
Solar system formation and early Earth development from cosmic dust and debris.
3.8 billion years ago
First Life
Simple single-celled organisms emerge in Earth's primitive oceans.
2.5 billion years ago
Oxygen Atmosphere
Cyanobacteria begin producing oxygen, creating the atmosphere we know today.
540 million years ago
Cambrian Explosion
Rapid diversification of life forms and emergence of complex organisms.
Protect Our Amazing Planet
Understanding Earth's incredible complexity helps us appreciate why we must protect it for future generations.