Earth Quote by Stephen Hawking
““The earth was initially very hot and without an atmosphere. In the course of time it cooled and acquired an atmosphere from the emission of gases from the rocks.””
About This Quote
Source Book: A Brief History of Time, 1988
The planet started hot and airless, then cooled and gained an atmosphere from volcanic gases.
In simple terms: Earth cooled and formed an atmosphere from rocks.
Recognize planetary evolution processes.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- educational lectures
- science documentaries
- geology textbooks
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do volcanic gases shape planetary atmospheres?
- What evidence supports early Earth cooling?
Limited to early Earth; later atmospheric changes differ.