Earth looks blue from space because oceans cover most of its surface. The white swirls are clouds moving through the atmosphere.
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Planet lesson
Earth
Rocky planet
Earth is our home planet. It has liquid water, breathable air, and the right conditions for life.
Kid fact
Earth is the only planet we know that has living things.

NASA Blue Marble 2007 West
Day
24 hours
Year
365.25 days
Moons
1
Temperature
15 C average
Blue planet
Life zone
Earth sits at a distance from the Sun where liquid water can stay on the surface. Water, air, and warmth help living things survive.
Protective systems
Earth's atmosphere helps block harmful radiation and burns up many small space rocks before they reach the ground.
One Moon
The Moon helps create tides in Earth's oceans. It also gives scientists clues about how the early Earth formed.
Look closely
Find land, ocean, clouds, and the thin blue edge of air. That thin layer is what everyone on Earth shares.
Watch and learn