Why is Earth Special?

describe features of the Earth that distinguish it from other planets, including its water surface and atmosphere


Consider the information in this table

Planet

Temperature (0C) 
average or range

Atmosphere

Mercury

-180 to 460

very little - some hydrogen, helium

Venus

450

thick - carbon dioxide, nitrogen

Earth

7

nitrogen, oxygen

Mars

-123 to 36

thin - carbon dioxide, nitrogen

Jupiter

-153

hydrogen, helium, methane

Saturn

-184

hydrogen, helium, methane

Uranus

-184

hydrogen, helium, methane

Neptune

-223

hydrogen, helium, methane

So what makes the Earth Special?

Life, as we know it, requires liquid water. There would certainly be none of this on the four gas giants which are so far from the sun.

Ice caps have been discovered on Mars but not liquid water yet. The surface of Mars does, however, show signs of erosion by water. Some form of life could have existed there in the past.

It is very unlikely that life could exist in the hot thick carbon dioxide atmosphere on Venus.

Mercury spins very slowly so that its surface is either incredibly cold or is blasted by the sun.

all pics NASA

Earth has been described as the "Goldilocks" planet. Not too hot and not too cold. Just right for life. It is thought that other stars have Goldilock's zones also where planets could support life.




Questions

Describe the composition of the Earth's atmosphere

Why is the Earth the only place in our solar system likely to support life?