Our own home – the blue planet – is, as far as we know, the only celestial body in the universe where life can be found.

Most of Earth’s surface is covered by water, while the land areas are largely covered by vegetation. Above the surface lies an atmosphere consisting mostly of nitrogen and oxygen. The water vapor forms clouds that cover large parts of the planet.

In photographs taken from afar, the Earth has been compared to a blue marble or a pale blue dot.