Answer:
The Earth is the third planet from the Sun in our solar system and the only known celestial body to support life. It is a rocky planet with a diverse and complex ecosystem that sustains a wide variety of organisms.
The term "Blue planet" is often used to describe Earth because of its prominent blue color when seen from space. The Earth appears blue because of its abundant water bodies, such as oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers. The reflection and scattering of sunlight by these water bodies give the planet its characteristic blue hue.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Oceans: The Earth's surface is covered by approximately 71% water, most of which is found in the oceans. The oceans contribute significantly to the overall blue appearance of the planet when viewed from space.
2. Sunlight and Scattering: Sunlight is made up of different colors, and when it passes through the Earth's atmosphere, it scatters. The shorter blue wavelengths of light are scattered more than the longer red wavelengths, causing the blue light to reach our eyes from different directions, giving the planet its blue appearance.
3. Water Vapor and Clouds: Water vapor in the atmosphere and the presence of clouds also contribute to the blue appearance of the Earth. Water droplets in the atmosphere scatter sunlight, and when combined with the reflection from oceans, they enhance the overall bluish tint.
4. Contrast with Land: The Earth's landmasses, including continents and islands, provide a contrasting color to the blue of the oceans. This contrast further emphasizes the blue color when viewing the Earth from space.
It's important to note that while Earth is often referred to as the Blue planet, its surface also consists of various other colors due to landforms, vegetation, and atmospheric conditions. However, the abundance of water and the scattering of sunlight by the oceans make the blue color dominant in our perception of the planet.