JUL 23, 2018 6:01 PM PDT

Earth is Pretty Small Compared to Everything Else in Space

WRITTEN BY: Anthony Bouchard

To you and I, the Earth might seem like a large place. But in astronomical terms, our planet is actually quite small.

Comparatively, the gas giant planets in our solar system are significantly larger. Jupiter’s Great Red Spot alone is larger than the entire North American landmass, and at least six Earths could fit across Saturn’s planetary rings.

Planets aside, Earth pales in comparison to the size of the Sun. Astronomers estimate that approximately 1.3 million Earths would fit inside of the Sun, and it’s considered to be on the small side when compared to other stars found in the Milky Way galaxy.

Even if that didn't underscore the Earth’s insignificance, keep in mind that our solar system is an insignificant blip inside of the Milky Way galaxy. Furthermore, the Milky Way is an insignificant blip in the Laniakea supercluster, which is also an insignificant blip compared to the rest of the universe.

Yup… we’re small, despite how large the Earth might seem at first glance.

About the Author
Other
Fascinated by scientific discoveries and media, Anthony found his way here at LabRoots, where he would be able to dabble in the two. Anthony is a technology junkie that has vast experience in computer systems and automobile mechanics, as opposite as those sound.
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