Universe → Pisces–Cetus Supercluster Complex → Laniakea Supercluster → Virgo Supercluster → Local Group → Milky Way Galaxy → Orion-Cygnus Arm → Gould Belt → Local Bubble → Local Interstellar Cloud → Solar System → Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun. It is notable for being the currently only known object in the Universe with life, from the smallest and simplest micro-organisms to the largest whales to highly sophisticated and intelligent human beings. Earth sustains life, mainly because of special conditions that could allow a planet to potentially have life.
Earth sits in the habitable zone of our star, the Sun, which gives Earth just the right amount of heat and light for plants to photosynthesize and also allows water, a very important chemical for life, to exist in its liquid state. Earth also has an atmosphere that contains diatomic oxygen, which lifeforms also need to live. This atmosphere also has an ozone layer that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet light, protecting complex lifeforms from forms of cancer. Earth's atmosphere is further protected by its magnetic field, which exists because of Earth's iron core.
As of right now, it is unknown if there are other planets that may sustain life as well. However, as technology continues to develop and aid with our research, we may be leaning towards yes as an answer.
| Object | Inner Solar System | Outer Solar System | Scattered Disc | Extended Scattered Disc-Oort Cloud | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Star | The Sun | - | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Mercury | Venus |
Earth
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Mars
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Jupiter | Saturn | Uranus
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Neptune
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Minor planet
Comet |
Comet Halley |
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Comet Hale-Bopp | |||||||||||||||||