10 Interesting Facts About Earth

1. Plate Tectonics Keep the Planet Comfortable:

This process is very important, and for a number of reasons. Not only does it lead to tectonic resurfacing and geological activity (i.e. earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mountain-building, and oceanic trench formation), it is also intrinsic to the carbon cycle. When microscopic plants in the ocean die, they fall to the bottom of the ocean.

Over long periods of time, the remnants of this life, rich in carbon, are carried back into the interior of the Earth and recycled. This pulls carbon out of the atmosphere, which makes sure we don't suffer a runaway greenhouse effect, which is what happened on Venus. Without the action of plate tectonics, there would be no way to recycle this carbon, and the Earth would become an overheated, hellish place.

2. Earth is Almost a Sphere:

3. Earth is Mostly Iron, Oxygen and Silicon:

4. 70% of the Earth's Surface is Covered in Water:

5. The Earth's Atmosphere Extends to a Distance of 10,000 km:

6. The Earth's Molten Iron Core Creates a Magnetic Field:

7. Earth Doesn't Take 24 Hours to Rotate on its Axis:

8. A year on Earth isn't 365 days:

9. Earth has 1 Moon and 2 Co-Orbital Satellites:

Meanwhile, 2002 AA29 is only 60 meters across and makes a horseshoe orbit around the Earth that brings it close to the planet every 95 years. In about 600 years, it will appear to circle Earth in a quasi-satellite orbit. Scientists have suggested that it might make a good target for a space exploration mission.