The Earth is the _____ planet from the sun.

The Earth is recognized as the third planet from the sun in our solar system. This classification is based on the order of the planets relative to the sun. The closest planet to the sun is Mercury, followed by Venus as the second, and then Earth, which occupies the third position. Understanding this order is fundamental to the study of astronomy and helps in comprehending the characteristics and atmosphere of each planet, particularly in relation to their distance from the sun. This order is crucial not only for navigation and exploration but also for context in discussions about the solar system and the environments of different celestial bodies.