The Earth

Our world, also known as planet Earth, is the only known planet to harbour life. It is third planet from the Sun, the densest in our Solar System and was formed around 4.54 billion years ago. The Earth spins at a staggering 1,040 mph and moves around the Sun at an incredible 30 kilometres per second. Seventy per cent of the Earth's surface is covered in water, but with the rising threat of global warming and sea level rise, this could increase.

What ever happened with the Bermuda Triangle?

Turns out there's no much truth to the legend.
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Earthshine tonight: How to see April's stunning Moon event

This April, the Moon is the gift that keeps on giving.
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Something very weird is happening to the planet's earthquakes. Here's why

Earth-shattering seismic events can occur away from the fault lines between tectonic plates. And there’s no easy way to predict when or where they’ll hit.
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Spring equinox 2024 today: Exactly what and when is it?

Time to shrug off the winter cobwebs and finally start venturing outside again.
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The real reason we have leap years – and how they’ll change in future

Leap years of the near future could be seriously weird. Here’s why.
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Top 10 largest rainforests in the world 2024

Rainforests are often referred to as the 'Lungs of the world'. But which is the biggest?
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How did life on Earth begin?

Earth is unlike any planet we know by virtue of hosting a rich variety of life. But experts are still unsure what got it started.
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Christmas Full Moon halo: Spectacular lunar ring could be visible tonight

A halo around the Moon could indirectly forecast that rain is on the way.
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Volcanoes across the globe are now erupting. Should we be worried?

With volcanic activity being reported everywhere from Iceland to Italy, should we be concerned that a catastrophic event is coming?
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What is the coldest city in the world in 2023?

The world's coldest city in winter is warmer in London during the summer.
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Scientists discover alien planet debris buried deep under Earth’s crust

Long ago, an alien planet crashed into Earth – causing a collision so big the debris formed the Moon and left mysterious remnants lodged deep in the Earth’s mantle.
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A mysterious force under Antarctica is changing how its ice melts

Scientists hope new, autonomous drones will reveal the geological secrets that have lain hidden beneath Antarctica's ice for millions of years.
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Could an asteroid impact ever change Earth’s orbit?

The impact an asteroid could have on Earth depends on many things including velocity, angle and geology.
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Scientists don’t actually have a clue how the Himalayas got so tall, study reveals

Already 60 per cent of the mountain range’s height had already formed when the tectonic plates collided. So what was there before?
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Chris Packham on the mind-blowing science of new BBC Earth series, and his TV legacy: ‘I’m not proud of anything!’

After conquering wildlife TV, presenter Chris Packham is taking on the planet in Earth, a BBC series that sheds new light on the history of our home. He talks us through the show’s biggest surprises – and getting pooped on by a giant condor.
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