Solar System’s Planets from the Moon’s Distance

Picture this: observing the solar system’s planets from a vantage point 384,400 kilometers (238,855 miles) away – the same distance that separates the Earth and the Moon. At this unique distance, the planets transform into a fascinating celestial display. Jupiter’s grandeur is more pronounced, its bands and moons visibly distinct. Saturn’s majestic rings, while subtler, …

What Makes Life on Earth Possible? [10 Crucial Factors]

Amidst the vast, frigid expanse of space, Earth shines as a unique cradle of life. This blue gem has harbored life for over 3.5 billion years and, barring unforeseen catastrophes, promises to continue for billions more. But, what makes life on earth possible? Explore the 10 key elements that make our planet a haven for …

What causes the moon’s phases? [Explained]

The phases of the Moon are determined by the changing angles of the Sun, Moon, and Earth, not by the Earth’s shadow, which only causes lunar eclipses. Like the Earth, the moon is only half-lit by the Sun at any time. We see it from different angles at different times, that’s how moon phases occur.

Top 10 Misconceptions about Earth

Our home planet is a complex and wondrous place, brimming with mysteries and surprises. Yet, in the vast expanse of knowledge we hold about Earth, some misconceptions have taken root. These widely held but incorrect beliefs often stem from outdated textbooks, misunderstood science, or the oversimplification of complex concepts for ease of learning. They range …

The Largest Comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein was Discovered on October 20, 2014

On October 20, 2014, astronomers Pedro Bernardinelli and Gary Bernstein discovered the largest comet ever known using archival images from the Dark Energy Survey [see notes 1]. Comet Bernardinelli-Bernstein’s estimated diameter is approximately 85 miles (136.7 km) across, making it larger than the state of Rhode Island. According to NASA, its nucleus is about 50 …

5 Reasons Why We Should Search for Exomoons

In his video titled “Why Exomoons Are So Important,” astrophysicist David Kipping passionately elucidates five compelling reasons behind the significance of exploring exomoons. With a career-long dedication to the subject, Kipping artfully dissects the role of exomoons in shaping our understanding of the cosmos. Delving into themes like habitability, the Rare Earth hypothesis, moon formation, …

Elizabeth Langdon Williams: The Pioneering “Human Computer” Behind Pluto’s Discovery

Elizabeth Langdon Williams, born in 1879 in Putnam, Connecticut, was more than just an early female graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She played a crucial role in the quest to discover Planet X, now known as Pluto. In an era before the dawn of electronic computers, Elizabeth was a leading figure among …

9 Full Moon Facts and Myths

Moonlit nights have often been the backdrop for tales of mystery and wonder, especially if there’s a full moon. Whether through superstitions or folklore, the moon has been the muse for countless narratives of supernatural occurrences and strange behaviors. But how much of what we’ve heard is truth, and how much is a mere myth? …

Moons of the Solar System: The Complete List [2023 Update]

As of June 2023, there are 290 confirmed moons in our solar system. A moon, also known as a natural satellite, is a celestial body that orbits planets, and asteroids. This number includes only the planetary moons (moons orbiting a planet) plus Pluto’s moons. Here is the list of the known planetary moons in the …

When the Earth is farthest and closest to the Sun? [Perihelion and Aphelion explained]

The Earth’s journey around the Sun is not a perfectly circular orbit but rather an elliptical one. As a result, our planet experiences variations in its distance from the Sun throughout the year. Two significant events in the Earth’s orbit, known as perihelion and aphelion, mark its closest and farthest points from the Sun, respectively.