Space is a vast and mysterious place, filled with wonders beyond our wildest imaginations. Whether you’re an aspiring astrophysicist or just a casual stargazer, here are some fun facts about space that you may not have known:
10- NASA Space Suit
When it comes to space exploration, the importance of a space suit cannot be overstated. NASA’s space suit is designed to provide astronauts with the vital protection they need while they explore the unknown reaches of space. But just how much does a NASA space suit cost?
The short answer is that a NASA space suit can cost anywhere from $12 million to $22 million. This cost includes the suit itself, the life support system, and the other components necessary to operate the suit. The cost of a NASA space suit is high for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the suit must be able to withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures of space, as well as the radiation from the sun. It must also be able to keep the astronaut safe from the vacuum of space, as well as any micrometeoroids or debris that might come its way.
9- Trees Vs Stars
We have more trees on earth than stars in the Milky Way. This is an astonishing fact about space, but it’s true. Trees are essential for life on Earth, providing us with oxygen, food, and shelter. They also help regulate the climate and protect us from the effects of climate change. Meanwhile, stars in the Milky Way provide us with light, heat, and energy. Without them, life on Earth wouldn’t be possible.
The sheer number of trees on Earth is mind-boggling. Scientists estimate that there are approximately 3 trillion trees on the planet, which is more than seven times the number of stars in the Milky Way. That’s a lot of trees!
This difference in numbers is due to the fact that trees are much smaller than stars. While stars can range in size from tiny neutron stars to huge supergiants. But most trees on Earth are just a few meters tall. So, even though there are fewer stars in the Milky Way, the sheer number of trees on Earth makes up for it.
8- A Day on Venus
Photo Credit: Universetoday
A day on Venus is longer than its year. Venus rotates on its axis in 243 days, while its orbit around the Sun takes 225 Earth days. This means that Venus takes more time to complete one rotation on its axis, than it takes to complete one orbit around the Sun, giving it a day that is longer than its year.
In addition to having a day that is longer than its year, Venus also has a very slow axial tilt. Which means that its rotational axis is almost perpendicular to the plane of its orbit. This low tilt results in a very stable climate, with little seasonal variation. However, its thick atmosphere traps heat, resulting in a surface temperature that is almost 400 degrees Celsius.
7- Size of Sun
The Sun is responsible for providing 99% of the mass in our Solar System. Its gravity holds together the planets, asteroids and all other objects in the Solar System, and its light and heat sustain life here on Earth. The Sun is a truly remarkable star, and its power and influence on our lives can not be overstated.
The Sun is an enormous ball of gas and plasma, consisting primarily of hydrogen and helium. It is so massive that an estimated 333,000 Earths could fit inside it. Its immense gravity keeps the planets and other objects orbiting around it, providing order and stability to the Solar System.
The Sun’s light and heat also play a vital role. Its light provides the energy that plants need to grow, and its heat helps to regulate the temperature here on Earth. Without the Sun, our planet would be a cold, lifeless place.
6- Sunset on Mars
Photo Credit: PBS
Witnessing a sunset on Mars is an awe-inspiring experience, as the sky turns a deep, vibrant blue. This phenomenon is caused by the way the atmosphere of the Red Planet reflects light from the Sun. As the Sun sets on the Martian horizon, its light passes through the atmosphere, which is composed mainly of carbon dioxide. This gas is able to scatter the blue part of the Sun’s light, making the sky look blue.
This effect was first observed by the first Mars rover, Sojourner, which arrived on the planet in 1997. Since then, the phenomenon has been captured in stunning detail by the many spacecraft that have explored Mars. With its unique atmosphere, Mars is the only place in the Solar System where you can witness a blue sunset. It is a truly remarkable sight and one that will stay with you forever.
5- Saturn Will Float
Photo Credit: NASA
Saturn’s low density and high buoyancy will allow it to float on water. This unique property of the gas giant is known since the 17th century and was first observed by scientist and astronomer, Giovanni Domenico Cassini. Since then, many studies have been conducted to explore Saturn’s buoyancy. It has been found that the planet’s average density is lower than that of water, making it possible for Saturn to float.
This is because Saturn is composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, two gases that are lighter than water. In addition, the planet’s core is believed to contain a large amount of liquid metallic hydrogen, which is even lighter than the gas and provides extra buoyancy. This combination of hydrogen and helium, plus the high atmospheric pressure of the planet, gives Saturn its extraordinary ability to float
4- Space is Silent
The silence of space has been an enduring mystery since the dawn of time. For centuries, mankind has speculated about the unseen void beyond our atmosphere. We’ve sent unmanned probes and astronauts to explore this unknown realm, but even with all of our technology, we still know very little about the great beyond.
The vacuum of space is silent in more ways than one. Physically, there is no sound in space, since sound waves need a medium, such as air, to travel through. This is why astronauts use radios and other communication devices to talk with each other while on spacewalks.
3- Expansion of the Universe
Photo Credit: Harvard
The universe is an ever-expanding entity, growing in size and complexity with each passing moment. Its vastness is impossible to comprehend, with galaxies and stars stretching across unimaginable distances. Scientists have been studying the universe for centuries, and its mysteries remain largely unsolved. It is believed that the universe began with the Big Bang, an explosive event that created all of the matter and energy that exists today. As time has passed, this matter and energy have been pulled apart by the force of gravity, creating the stars, galaxies, and other structures that make up the universe.
As the universe continues to expand, the galaxies move away from each other at an ever-increasing rate, creating an even greater distance between them. This expansion is thought to be driven by dark energy, an unknown form of energy that is pushing the universe apart. The rate of expansion is still a matter of debate, but recent observations suggest that it is accelerating.
2- Footprints on Moon
The footprints left on the moon by the astronauts of the Apollo missions will remain there indefinitely, as the moon has no atmosphere to erode them away. Though the moon has no atmosphere to speak of, it still has an effect on the footprints. Exposure to the lunar environment causes the footprints to become darker over time, while the lack of wind, rain, and other weather conditions keeps them relatively intact. Interestingly, the footprints are estimated to last at least 10 million years, which is far longer than the average human lifespan!
The footprints are a reminder of the incredible achievements of the Apollo missions. They represent a momentous step in space exploration and hold an important place in our history. Apollo astronauts were the first humans ever to set foot on another world, and though their footprints are small in the grand scheme of things, they serve as a reminder of the immense potential of human exploration.
1- Metal Sticks
Space cold welding is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs when two metals come into contact in the vast vacuum of space. This process, also known as “contact welding”, occurs when two pieces of metal are in direct contact with each other in the vacuum of space and experience a reaction that creates an atomic bond between them. This bond is so strong that the two pieces of metal become almost inseparable and are unable to be pulled apart without extreme force.
The process of space cold welding is extremely complex and requires specific conditions to take place. The two pieces of metal must be in perfect alignment, with no air or other particles between them. Additionally, both pieces of metal must be relatively clean, since any debris or oxidation on the surface of the metal can prevent the welding from happening. Finally, the two pieces of metal must be subjected to an extremely low temperature, since the lower the temperature, the more likely it is that the two pieces will weld together.
