What are the celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms in Latter-day Saint belief?

In the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the afterlife is characterized by three distinct degrees or kingdoms of glory, which individuals inherit based on their actions and faith.1

• Celestial Glory: This is considered the highest of the three kingdoms. It is the destination for the righteous and those who receive the fullness of God, with the belief that they may eventually become gods themselves. Following the millennium, the earth itself is expected to become a celestial sphere and the inheritance of those who attain this glory.21
• Terrestrial Glory: This is a kingdom of lesser glory than the celestial, assigned to those who do not attain the highest degree.31
• Telestial Glory: This is the lowest of the three degrees of glory attainable in the afterlife.3

With the exception of a small number of individuals who reject God after having known his power, Latter-day Saint belief holds that everyone who has lived on earth will receive some degree of glory in the afterlife.1