Distance of Earth From the Sun: Earth orbits the Sun at an average distance of 149.6 million km (93 million miles) or 1 Astronomical Unit (AU)—this is the standard unit for measuring distances in the solar system.

From the Moon: Earth’s only natural satellite, the Moon, is about 384,400 km (238,855 miles) away.

Five Facts About Earth

1. The Only Planet with Liquid Water – Earth is the only planet known to have large bodies of liquid water, which covers about 71% of its surface.

2. Has a Protective Atmosphere – Earth’s atmosphere is mostly nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), protecting us from harmful solar radiation and space debris.

3. Home to Millions of Species – Earth hosts over 8 million species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, making it the most biologically diverse planet known.

4. Plate Tectonics Shape the Planet – Earth's crust is divided into tectonic plates that move, causing earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains over millions of years.

5. Orbits the Sun in 365.25 Days – One Earth year is 365 days, but because of the extra 0.25 days, we have leap years (adding an extra day every four years).

Click on any of the names below to learn more about other planets in our solar system. 

Mercury  |  Venus  |  Earth  |  Mars  |  Jupiter  |  Saturn  |  Uranus  |  Neptune  |  Dwarf Planet Pluto