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.
A rhythmic heartbeat is pulsing through Earth beneath Africa
The pulsing will eventually rip Africa apart and create a new ocean
Scientists have found what sounds eerily like Atlantis off Australia’s coast
Over half a million people may have lived in the lost landscapes north of Australia... before they were consumed by the ocean
Can humans live under the sea? This live experiment plans to find out
An advanced new research station is being developed to explore the potential for a human settlement under the ocean
From 9/11 to Hurricane Katrina: 15 unforgettable photos of Earth from space
As its mission ends, we look back at Landsat 7's most stunning and revealing images – a visual record of a world in constant change
If an advanced civilisation lived on Earth millions of years ago, would we be able to tell?
If an advanced civilisation lived on Earth millions of years ago, would we be able to tell?
Does the deep sea have seasons?
A recent study has suggested that currents sweeping over the deep seabed are not steady and continuous, as previously thought
End of the Universe: 4 ways our cosmic apocalypse could unfold
A supercollider may one day help us predict the fate of the Universe. Scientists will use it to find a hidden instability built into the fabric of existence… one that could destroy everything.
Top 10 most dangerous roads in the world 2025
Fasten your seatbelts and hang on for dear life.
What’s behind Siberia’s mysterious exploding craters?
Climate change might make these bizarre explosions more common
This is what you'd eat after the apocalypse, according to science
Scientists have figured out what we need to grow in the case of a global catastrophe
The hidden ancient mega-cities of the Amazon are finally revealing their secrets
Archaeologists are using advanced technology to uncover ancient settlements hidden in the dense jungles of the Amazon
What are the Gates of Hell, and why do they keep burning?
Why do the 'Gates of Hell' in Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert keep burning?
Something strange is happening to Earth’s rotation. Now we know why
Earth is wobbling more than it should. Scientists say massive water losses are to blame
One of Earth's oldest mysteries keeps getting weirder
Despite centuries of research, one of Earth’s most awe-inspiring phenomena is still not fully understood.
Are satellites burning up in the atmosphere bad for the environment?
Particles released by decaying satellites could be causing an unwanted, harmful impact to the ozone layer.
Inside the bizarre race to secure Earth’s nuclear tombs
With nuclear energy production increasing globally, the problem of what to do with the waste demands a solution. But where do you store something that stays dangerous for thousands of years?
The 7 most expensive substances ever found on planet Earth
Silver, gold, platinum… palladium? Pah! When it comes to the really precious materials, you’d be surprised by what fetches the highest prices
Something very strange is happening to tornadoes across the US. And scientists are baffled
After another explosive start to tornado season, twisters are cropping up in unexpected places – and the big picture isn’t looking any clearer
A 'Bermuda Triangle of Space' has created a no-go region above Earth. Here's how
Above Earth, there is a void, a no-go zone that spacecraft enter at their own peril
How we're about to solve the world’s greatest archaeological puzzle
Artificial intelligence is helping archaeologists unlock Earth’s oldest secrets.
Strange microscopic lightning may have kickstarted life on Earth
Tiny zaps of electricity may have provided the energy to form life as we know it.
The 7 biggest ocean mysteries scientists can't explain
Weird noises, mysterious constructions and strange disappearances have left scientists scratching their heads. Here are seven phenomena we still can’t explain.
Earth's core may be changing shape – and it has scientists puzzled
Strange changes to seismic waves deep under the planet could reveal unusual activity in the Earth's core.
Asteroid on Earth collision course could spark global winter, warn experts
Bennu, the near-Earth asteroid, is giving scientists reason for concern.