Scientists are searching for a rock formation on other planets that looks like layers of pasta and is made up of sulfur microbes, which could be evidence of possible life beyond Earth. If found, it would be definitive proof of the presence of alien microbes. In 2020, astronomers detected a repeating radio signal from space, […]
Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, is the only confirmed extraterrestrial ocean with hydrocarbon lakes. There may be subsurface saltwater oceans on Jupiter’s moons, and some scientists believe there may be life in these oceans. Europa is thought to have a liquid ocean beneath its icy crust, which scientists want to explore. Everyone knows that the Earth […]
The eight planets in the solar system orbit the sun in elliptical paths due to gravitational interactions. Kepler’s laws of planetary motion quantify orbital motion and explain that the planets move in a plane with the sun in a focus. Newton’s studies concluded that gravity plays an important role in the orbits, while Einstein’s theory […]
NASA researchers have discovered a potential cryovolcano on Pluto named Wright Mons, which erupts a frozen mixture of water, nitrogen, ammonia and other matter. The volcano is about 2.5km high and 4km wide, and a second potential cryovolcano has also been spotted nearby. Other interesting facts about Pluto include its extremely cold surface temperature, smaller […]
Venus rotates clockwise, has a nearly circular orbit, and is the brightest planet due to reflective sulfur clouds. Jupiter is large enough to fit all other planets, while Neptune has the fastest winds. Ceres is a dwarf planet between Mars and Jupiter. Venus is the only planet in the solar system that rotates clockwise – […]
There could be 10 billion habitable planets in the Milky Way, but most are too far away. Planets in a star’s “habitable zone” are the best candidates for supporting life. Nine Earth-like planets have been discovered, two in the habitable zone. Future telescopes may detect life-sustaining chemicals in distant planets’ atmospheres. The number of habitable […]
Earth’s moon is the perfect size and position to create a total solar eclipse visible from Earth. Mars’ two moons are not big enough to block out the sun. Total solar eclipses occur on Earth every one to two years and every 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours due to the Saros cycle. You […]
Venus has a layer of “snow” made of galena and bismuthinite, not water-based snow, due to high temperatures. The snow is more like frost and is found on the planet’s mountains. Mars has smaller snowflakes made of carbon dioxide. At the top of the mountains of the planet Venus, under a layer of thick clouds, […]
Scientists found the first planet-like object in 2002, but it’s unknown how they came into being. Theories suggest they were kicked out of orbit or created by collapsing dust and gas. CFBDSIR2149 is one of the closest known free-floating planets. Jupiter rotates the fastest, Mercury’s craters may contain ice, and Uranus has 21-year seasonal cycles. […]
NASA’s InSight lander has detected seismic activity on Mars, confirming that the planet experiences earthquakes similar to Earth’s due to internal cooling. Despite the potential for a new home on Mars, it is not immune to natural disasters such as earthquakes. Reports of humans one day building a new home on Mars have been a […]
