Why Earth? Because of you

We have heard a lot of stories and theories about Earth. Some voices say Earth is a special place, unique in the whole galaxy, other voices instead say that it could be like any other planet. We are different, that’s why we have our own opinion about what Earth means for us. For me, it could be a big garden with thousands of roses in different colors and species, separated by water or distance, but united. For you instead, it could be an ocean with small islands, mountains, and woods. Each of us may have its image of our planet.

Even if we have different ideas about our amazing planet, we have a common point: together. We are living on the same planet, the only difference is that we are on different continents, countries, cities. There are a lot of things to be said about Earth but in the current article, I will focus on four points: Earth’s position, oxygen, magnetic field, and the moon. Firstly, let’s have a look at Earth’s position in the solar system. Even if I am not yet a professor, though I have the necessary skills, I will try to use simple words for a simple explanation. Earth is the third planet from the sun and the fifth largest of the planets in the solar system. Why the distance from the sun is important? Because we are at the right distance. What does it mean? A simple explanation was offered in an article published by National Geographical: “Earth orbits in the so-called Goldilocks zone, where the planet receives enough energy to allow water to exist as a liquid on its surface. Too far, and the vital compound stays locked up as ice. Too close, and the water would rapidly evaporate into the atmosphere”. Therefore, life is possible here because our planet has, among other things, a very welcoming temperature. The liquid water covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, reason for why it is known as “an ocean planet”. According to specialists, almost all of Earth’s volcanoes are hidden underwater. An example in this sense could be Hawaii’s Mauna Kea volcano. It is taller from base to summit than Mount Everest, but most of it is underwater (6,000 meters below sea level).

Secondly, a very important aspect is that the Earth’s atmosphere is oxygen, the gas needed for life. The oxygen came from plants and trees, that’s why nature is important. Carbon dioxide is another gas that is in the atmosphere but in a small quantity. Even if it is a poisonous gas, it is absorbed by plants during photosynthesis to produce oxygen and helps to moderate the temperature of our planet. Venus and Mars have carbon dioxide in a high amount, this is one of the reasons why there is no life.

Thirdly, the magnetic field of Earth plays an important role. We have mentioned above the distance from the sun, but we didn’t say anything about radiation. Earth is protected by the “bad” radiation by its atmosphere which is protected by the magnetic field. According to some studies, it is said that Earth has at its core a load of molten iron. When the Sun sends out radiation, the iron core of Earth produces a magnetic field that is capable to repel the negative electromagnetic radiation from the Sun. By doing so, we do not receive harmful radiation.

Fourthly, what makes our home more special than it is already, is the brilliant illuminated “star” on the night sky, most precisely Earth’s single moon. For sure you have heard once in your life the famous phrase “I love you till the moon and back”. If not, you still have time to hear it. Do we know this “loving distance” till the moon and back? In an article published by NASA, it is said that the moon is farther away from Earth than most people realize. The moon is an average of 238,885 miles(384,400 kilometers) away. That means 30 Earth-sized planets could fit in between Earth and the Moon”.

We are living on this unique planet called Earth being surrounded by nature at its different stages: winter, spring, summer, and autumn. We should enjoy every moment because each one has its beauty. Even if you are on another continent, you should remember that your first home is Earth.

Angela Gabor