About the Planet Earth 3D model (Astronomy)
A realistic, rotating Earth with oceans, continents, clouds, atmosphere and the orbiting Moon.
Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only known planet with life. It is about 12,742 km wide, spins once every 24 hours and orbits the Sun every 365.25 days. Water covers 71% of the surface, and a thin atmosphere of nitrogen and oxygen keeps the surface warm enough for liquid water. The Moon, 384,400 km away, pulls on the oceans to create the tides.
What students learn from this astronomy model
- Identify Earth's oceans, continents, clouds and atmosphere
- Explain why Earth can support life
- Describe the Moon's orbit and its effect on tides
Labelled parts explained
- What is the Earth in Planet Earth?
- Earth is the third planet from the Sun and the only known planet with life. It is about 12,742 km across, completes one spin every 24 hours and one orbit every 365.25 days.
- What is the Continents in Planet Earth?
- Land covers roughly 29% of Earth's surface and sits on moving tectonic plates that slowly reshape the continents over millions of years.
- What is the Ocean in Planet Earth?
- Oceans cover about 71% of the surface and hold 97% of Earth's water. They store heat and drive the weather and climate systems.
- What is the Atmosphere in Planet Earth?
- The atmosphere is about 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. It shields us from harmful radiation, burns up meteors and keeps the surface warm enough for liquid water.
- What is the Clouds in Planet Earth?
- Clouds form when rising air cools and water vapour condenses on tiny particles. They reflect sunlight back to space and return water to the surface as rain.
- What is the Moon in Planet Earth?
- The Moon is about 384,400 km away and takes roughly 27.3 days to orbit Earth. Its gravity creates the ocean tides and steadies Earth's tilt.
Explore more free interactive science models in the LearnExa 3D Lab, or book a verified tutor to go deeper on astronomy.