Twenty-six per cent of Americans do not realise the Earth orbits the Sun.

A biennial survey due to be presented to US president Barack Obama and Congress revealed that only 74 per cent were aware the Earth revolves around the Sun.

The National Science Foundation poll of 2,200 Americans also showed that just 48 per cent of respondents believed humans evolved from other species of animals, while only 39 per cent said they believed in the Big Bang.

‘Americans’ understanding and attitudes about topics such as science and technology depend in part on how much exposure they get to such content throughout their life, as well how much attention they pay to such content,’ the authors of the report, used to assess educational progress, wrote.

‘Exposure and attention to science and technology can make residents more informed, shape attitudes, and help them make decisions that are better for themselves, their families, and their communities.’ cn domain