This is Planet Earth: Your ultimate guide to the world we call home

Earth is the only living planet we know of, formed 4.6 billion years ago from the debris of the big bang and long-dead stars. It has a unique moon, dynamic surface, complex atmosphere, and mysterious interior. Despite centuries of research, we are only now beginning to understand its complexity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton General Division

The ancient Greeks referred to our planet as Gaia, while the Romans called it Terra. However, we know it simply as Earth, the home planet we cherish. And what a remarkable planet it is!

Formed approximately 4.6 billion years ago from the debris of the big bang and long-dead stars, Earth initially lacked any special characteristics. Yet, through a remarkable evolutionary process, it has emerged as the most extraordinary place in the known Universe. It is the only living planet we have discovered, and it boasts a multitude of awe-inspiring features.

One of Earth's most distinctive features is its moon, a remarkable celestial body that orbits our planet. Unlike any other moon in our solar system, Earth's moon is incredibly dynamic, with its surface constantly changing due to various geological processes. It also has a complex atmosphere, composed of various gases and particles, which plays a crucial role in shaping the planet's climate and weather patterns.

Furthermore, Earth's interior remains a deep mystery, with scientists continuing to explore and unravel its secrets. The Earth's core, for instance, is a hot and dense region where intense geological activity takes place, generating the planet's magnetic field and generating heat. The mantle, on the other hand, is a thick layer of molten rock that lies beneath the crust, responsible for the movement of tectonic plates and the formation of mountains.

Planet Earth is a captivating and complex entity, and its wonders continue to captivate scientists and enthusiasts alike. Through ongoing research and exploration, we are gradually gaining a deeper understanding of Earth's past, present, and future, and its impact on our lives and the world around us.

This series, "New Scientist Instant Expert: Planet Earth," is dedicated to exploring the wonders of our planet. Each book in the series provides a definitive and accessible entry point to the most important subjects in science, covering topics that challenge, attract debate, invite controversy, and engage the most enquiring minds.

Designed for curious readers who want to know how things work and why, the Instant Expert series delves into the topics that really matter and their impact on individuals, society, and the planet. By translating the scientific complexities around us into language that is open to everyone, we aim to put new ideas and discoveries into perspective and context.

Join us on this journey of discovery as we explore the wonders of Planet Earth, from its formation and evolution to its unique features and enigmatic interior. Together, let's uncover the secrets of our home planet and appreciate the incredible beauty and complexity that surrounds us.

Weight: 202g
Dimension: 128 x 196 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529381986