The Earth exists at an optimal distance from the Sun that allows it to maintain a stable orbit without being consumed by it. This distance is often referred to as the "habitable zone" or the "Goldilocks zone."
The stability of Earth's orbit is governed by the gravitational force between the Earth and the Sun. Gravity keeps the Earth in a stable elliptical orbit around the Sun, where the gravitational attraction of the Sun balances with the centrifugal force generated by the Earth's orbital motion. This delicate balance allows the Earth to maintain a relatively constant distance from the Sun over long periods of time.
The reason Earth does not get consumed by the Sun is primarily due to two factors: the Earth's orbital distance and its composition. The Earth is located at an average distance of about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers) from the Sun. This distance is such that the Sun's intense heat and radiation do not cause the Earth to burn up or disintegrate.
Additionally, the Earth is composed of various materials, including rocks, metals, and a significant amount of water. These materials have properties that enable them to absorb and dissipate a portion of the Sun's energy as heat, preventing the Earth from overheating.
Furthermore, the Sun's energy is primarily radiated as light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation, including infrared radiation. While some of this energy reaches the Earth's surface and warms it, the Earth also reflects a significant portion of the Sun's radiation back into space.
In summary, the Earth's stable orbit, its optimal distance from the Sun, and its composition all contribute to its ability to exist in close proximity to the Sun without being consumed by it.