Seattle’s Space Needle has its center of gravity 15m from the bottom and can withstand winds of up to 200mph. Its foundation is 9.14m deep, and it took just over a year to build. The saucer-shaped design was created by architect John Graham. Five feet (15 m) from the bottom of Seattle’s Space Needle is […]
Astronauts describe the smell of outer space as similar to hot metal, welding fumes, gunpowder, burnt electrical equipment, and even seared steak. The scent is strongest after spacewalks and is thought to be the result of a reaction between particles from space and oxygen from spacesuits. Astronauts have said that outer space smells like hot […]
The Hubble Space Telescope captures grayscale images of galaxies, which are enhanced with color using filters. It was named after astronomer Edwin Hubble and had a blurry start, but was fixed by spacewalking astronauts. Its successor, the James Webb Space Telescope, will launch in 2021. You may have seen some out-of-this-world photographs of galaxies far, […]
The Space Race during the Cold War was about success, not animosity. The Soviet Union beat the US with Sputnik and Yuri Gagarin, but the US landed humans on the moon. A Russian space probe, Luna 15, tried to collect data but failed to land and crashed into a mountainside. Alan Shepard was the first […]
Several organizations are interested in creating space hotels, including Bigelow Aerospace, Hilton International, Excalibur Almaz, Virgin Galactic, and the Space Island Group. Bigelow Aerospace is furthest ahead, with plans to launch the Nautilus in 2010 and a $50 million space prize. The space tourism industry needs safe, affordable, and scalable flights to orbit. If successful, […]
Less than 5% of the universe is solid matter, with 68% dark energy and 27% dark matter. Dark energy expands the universe, while dark matter’s gravity can be measured. The sun makes up 99% of the solar system, and it would take 800 years to reach Pluto. The vast majority of the universe is made […]
Atoms are mostly empty space, but the human body contains 7 octillion atoms. Each atom contains material created billions of years ago. The body is mostly made up of water and contains more bacterial cells than actual cells. The brain requires 20% of the body’s oxygen supply. It is true that atoms are mostly empty […]
China’s air pollution, caused by the use of coal, affects at least 30 cities and can be seen from space. Particulate matter in the air is measured at over 14 times the safe level, causing negative health effects for over 100 million people worldwide. China’s air pollution can sometimes be seen from space, as seen […]
Inertial space is a reference system for measuring acceleration or change in motion. It is self-contained and not subject to external forces. An Inertial Navigation System (INS) uses motion sensors and a computer to determine speed and position. The accuracy of an INS can be improved with more sophisticated devices such as the fiber optic […]
Curved space is any space that isn’t completely flat, with examples being a sphere and a saddle. Gravity is caused by the curvature of space, with mass curving space and forcing objects to come together. The Pythagorean theorem is used to test whether space is flat or curved. Euclidean geometry is the study of shapes […]
Current space propulsion methods, such as solid and liquid rockets, are expensive and limited. Alternative methods include ion thrusters, nuclear pulse propulsion, solar sails, and antimatter. These technologies have the potential to accelerate spacecraft to near-light speeds, making them the future of space travel. Typical forms of space propulsion today are solid rockets, liquid rockets […]
Astronauts spend more time training than in space. Their time is spent in simulators and other training arenas, preparing for upcoming missions. The amount of time in space depends on the mission and the availability of launch vehicles. Astronauts also spend time preparing for future missions, including spacewalks and landing the spacecraft. With the retirement […]
“Space erosion” is the gradual erosion of unprotected planets, moons, and asteroids caused by solar wind, cosmic rays, micrometeorites, and larger meteors. Agglutination and solar wind are forms of spatial disturbance that affect the physical and optical properties of planetary surfaces. Helium-3, deposited on the sun-facing surface of the Moon by the solar wind, is […]
A confined space subject to authorization is a dangerous area with limited access for workers. A clearance confined space has dangerous gases, water, or fire, and requires permits and safety precautions. Rescue efforts for workers are difficult, and robots are recommended to minimize danger. A confined space subject to authorization is an area with limited […]
Microgravity in space causes astronauts’ vertebrae to stretch, making them taller. However, it can also lead to muscle wasting and atrophy, so astronauts exercise daily. Crumbly foods are avoided to prevent equipment damage. Dr. Valeri Polyakov holds the record for the longest stay in space. Astronauts seem to grow up in space. This is due […]
Astronauts can cry in space, but tears don’t fall due to zero gravity. Tears can form a “liquid ball” on the eye and can break free and float. Space can cause dry eyes and changes in eye shape during long flights. You can cry in the zero gravity of space, but the tears won’t roll […]
Deep space probes are one-way drones that gather scientific information and transmit it to Earth. They carry scientific instruments, use solar panels and radioisotope thermal generators for power, and have a tough coating for protection. Batteries with large storage capacity are also used. A deep space probe is a space drone that makes a one-way […]
Spatial ecology studies the relationship between landscape and organisms within it. Linear habitat structures like roads and trails can aid invasive species, but also provide suitable habitat for native plants. The study of spatial ecology can lead to discoveries on animal movement and is essential for understanding how organisms move through their environment. Spatial ecology […]
Space colonization is possible using materials from the Moon and near-Earth objects, with solar energy being abundant. The main obstacles are microgravity health risks and high launch costs. A space colony would need to rotate to create artificial gravity and be constructed using robots and materials from space. The growing space tourism industry may speed […]
Space is an amazing but scary place. Without a space suit, an astronaut would lose consciousness in 15 seconds and die in minutes. NASA suits protect against extreme temperatures. The first spacewalk was in 1965, and the longest was 8 hours and 56 minutes in 2001. There is no doubt that going to space would […]
