Extraordinary, Fascinating And Inspiring Facts About The Universe.
The universe is so vast it’s extremely difficult to
know the full extent of its complexities. Humans can only scratch at the
surface of its immensity, but whenever we do we pick up remarkable
information, and images, which are awe inspiring and baffling in equal
measure.
Here we have over 60 fascinating facts about the universe
Here we have over 60 fascinating facts about the universe
1. Even When You’re Standing Still, You’re Still Moving
A human body, or any object on the Earth, is never at rest. Even when you’re asleep in bed, you’re moving pretty fast. Our Milky Way Galaxy is rotating at 225 kilometers per second, and hurling through the cosmos at an estimated 305 kilometers per second. Add those figures together, and we're racing through space at around 530 kilometers, or 330 miles per second. So in one minute’s time, you’ve traveled almost 20,000 kilometers, or more than 12,000 miles. .
And your friends always complain that you never go anywhere.
A human body, or any object on the Earth, is never at rest. Even when you’re asleep in bed, you’re moving pretty fast. Our Milky Way Galaxy is rotating at 225 kilometers per second, and hurling through the cosmos at an estimated 305 kilometers per second. Add those figures together, and we're racing through space at around 530 kilometers, or 330 miles per second. So in one minute’s time, you’ve traveled almost 20,000 kilometers, or more than 12,000 miles. .
And your friends always complain that you never go anywhere.
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2. There Are at Least 10 Billion Trillion Stars in the Universe.
That’s a very big number. When you really think about it,10 billion trillion stars makes the cult of sun worship seem a little obsolete, although our star, the sun, is very important to us. Without it, life on earth wouldn’t be possible. Let’s put 10 billion trillion stars into perspective, For those of you who know a bit of math, that would be 10 to the power of 22 stars, or written out, it would be 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. There are probably more stars in existence than grains of sand on all of the world’s beaches. If only 1% of those stars had Earth-like planets, the universe would literally be teeming with life.
That’s a very big number. When you really think about it,10 billion trillion stars makes the cult of sun worship seem a little obsolete, although our star, the sun, is very important to us. Without it, life on earth wouldn’t be possible. Let’s put 10 billion trillion stars into perspective, For those of you who know a bit of math, that would be 10 to the power of 22 stars, or written out, it would be 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. There are probably more stars in existence than grains of sand on all of the world’s beaches. If only 1% of those stars had Earth-like planets, the universe would literally be teeming with life.
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3. When you look into the night sky, you are looking back in time.
The stars we see in the night sky are very far away from us, so far the star light we see has taken a long time to travel across space to reach our eyes. This means whenever we look out into the night and gaze at stars we are actually experiencing how they looked in the past. For example, the bright star Vega is relatively close to us at 25 light-years away, so the light we see left the star 25 years ago.
The stars we see in the night sky are very far away from us, so far the star light we see has taken a long time to travel across space to reach our eyes. This means whenever we look out into the night and gaze at stars we are actually experiencing how they looked in the past. For example, the bright star Vega is relatively close to us at 25 light-years away, so the light we see left the star 25 years ago.
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4. The Hubble telescope allows us to look back billions of years into the past.
The Hubble Telescope enables us to look towards very distant objects in the universe. Thanks to this remarkable piece of engineering NASA has been able to create some incredible images, one of which is the Hubble Ultra Deep Field. Created using images from the telescope from 2003 and 2004, the incredible picture displays a tiny patch of the sky in immense detail; it contains 10,000 objects, most of them younggalaxies, and acts as a portal back in time. Inone picture we are transported 13 billion years into the past, just 400 to 800 million years after the Big Bang, which is early in terms of the universe’s history.
The Hubble Telescope enables us to look towards very distant objects in the universe. Thanks to this remarkable piece of engineering NASA has been able to create some incredible images, one of which is the Hubble Ultra Deep Field. Created using images from the telescope from 2003 and 2004, the incredible picture displays a tiny patch of the sky in immense detail; it contains 10,000 objects, most of them younggalaxies, and acts as a portal back in time. Inone picture we are transported 13 billion years into the past, just 400 to 800 million years after the Big Bang, which is early in terms of the universe’s history.
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5. There’s a giant cloud of alcohol in Sagittarius B.
Sagittarius B is a vast molecular cloud of gas and dust floating near the centre of the Milky Way, 26,000 light-years from Earth, 463,000,000,000 kilometres in diameter and, amazingly, it contains 10-billion-billion-billion litres of alcohol. The vinyl alcoholin the cloud is far from the most flavour some tipple in the universe, but it is an important organic molecule which offers some clues how the first building blocks of life-forming substances are produced.
Sagittarius B is a vast molecular cloud of gas and dust floating near the centre of the Milky Way, 26,000 light-years from Earth, 463,000,000,000 kilometres in diameter and, amazingly, it contains 10-billion-billion-billion litres of alcohol. The vinyl alcoholin the cloud is far from the most flavour some tipple in the universe, but it is an important organic molecule which offers some clues how the first building blocks of life-forming substances are produced.
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6. It takes 225 million years for our Sun to travel round the galaxy.
Whilst the Earth and the other planets within our solar system orbit around the Sun, the Sun itself is orbiting around the centre of our galaxy, the Milky Way. It takes the Sun 225 million years to perform a complete circuit of the galaxy. The last time the Sun was in its current position in the galaxy the super-continent Pangaea was just about starting to break apart and early dinosaurs were making an appearance.
Whilst the Earth and the other planets within our solar system orbit around the Sun, the Sun itself is orbiting around the centre of our galaxy, the Milky Way. It takes the Sun 225 million years to perform a complete circuit of the galaxy. The last time the Sun was in its current position in the galaxy the super-continent Pangaea was just about starting to break apart and early dinosaurs were making an appearance.
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7. Our solar system’s biggest mountain is on Mars.
Olympus Mons on Mars is the tallest mountain on any of the planets of the Solar System. The mountain is a gigantic shield volcano (similar to volcanoes found in the Haiiwain Islands) standing at 26 kilometres tall and sprawling 600 kilometres across. To put this into scale, this makes the mountain almost three times the height of Mount Everest.
image: thinglink. com
Olympus Mons on Mars is the tallest mountain on any of the planets of the Solar System. The mountain is a gigantic shield volcano (similar to volcanoes found in the Haiiwain Islands) standing at 26 kilometres tall and sprawling 600 kilometres across. To put this into scale, this makes the mountain almost three times the height of Mount Everest.
image: thinglink. com
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8. A year on Venus is shorter than its day.
Venus is the slowest rotating planet in our Solar System, so slow it takes longer to fully rotate than it does to complete its orbit. This means Venus has days that last longer than its years. It’s also home to one of the most inhospitable environments imaginable, with constant electronic storms, high CO2 readings, and it’s shrouded by clouds of sulfuric acid.
Venus is the slowest rotating planet in our Solar System, so slow it takes longer to fully rotate than it does to complete its orbit. This means Venus has days that last longer than its years. It’s also home to one of the most inhospitable environments imaginable, with constant electronic storms, high CO2 readings, and it’s shrouded by clouds of sulfuric acid.
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9. Neutron stars are the fastest spinning objects known in the universe.
Neutron stars are thought to be the fastest spinning objects in the universe. Pulsars are a particular type of neutron star that emits a beam of radiation which can be observed as a pulse of light as the star spins. The rate of this pulse allows astronomers to measure the rotation.
It has an equator spinning at 24% the speed of light, which translates to over 70,000 kilometres per second.
10. A spoonful of a neutron star weighs about a billion ton.
Neutron stars spin incredibly quickly and are also incredibly dense. It is estimated, if you could collect a tablespoon of matter from the centre of a neutron star, it would weigh about one billion tons.
Neutron stars are thought to be the fastest spinning objects in the universe. Pulsars are a particular type of neutron star that emits a beam of radiation which can be observed as a pulse of light as the star spins. The rate of this pulse allows astronomers to measure the rotation.
It has an equator spinning at 24% the speed of light, which translates to over 70,000 kilometres per second.
10. A spoonful of a neutron star weighs about a billion ton.
Neutron stars spin incredibly quickly and are also incredibly dense. It is estimated, if you could collect a tablespoon of matter from the centre of a neutron star, it would weigh about one billion tons.
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11. Voyager 1 captured the most distant photograph of Earth.
In 1990, as part of the spacecraft’s ongoing mission, Voyager 1 turned its camera back on our home planet and took a picture. This became known as The Pale Blue Dot. Seen from 6 billion kilometres away, the Earth appears as a tiny blue speck in the depths of space. Astronomer Carl Sagan, who first suggested the idea of the photograph, noted, “From this distant vantage point, the Earth might not seem of any particular interest. Butfor us, it’s different. Consider again that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us.”
Image: http://pics-about-space.com/earth-from-voyager-1-distance?p=2
In 1990, as part of the spacecraft’s ongoing mission, Voyager 1 turned its camera back on our home planet and took a picture. This became known as The Pale Blue Dot. Seen from 6 billion kilometres away, the Earth appears as a tiny blue speck in the depths of space. Astronomer Carl Sagan, who first suggested the idea of the photograph, noted, “From this distant vantage point, the Earth might not seem of any particular interest. Butfor us, it’s different. Consider again that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us.”
Image: http://pics-about-space.com/earth-from-voyager-1-distance?p=2
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12. There could be 500 million planets capable of supporting life in our galaxy.
Scientists searching for extraterrestrial life focus on “Goldilocks Planets“; these are planets which fall into a star’s habitable zone. Planet Earth seems to have exactly the right conditions for life to exist its distance from the Sun means the temperature is right, water can exist as a liquid solid and a gas, and there are the right combination of chemical compounds available to build complex life forms. Other planets thought to have similar features are known as Goldilocks planets. In the Milky Way alone there are estimated to be 500 million potential Goldilocks planets, so if life can exist in places other than Earth there is a huge number of potential planets on which it might thrive. If these numbers are applied to all the galaxies in the universe there could be a staggering variety of planets capable of supporting life. Of course, we have no evidence life exists elsewhere, but if it does there are plenty of places for it to set up home.
Scientists searching for extraterrestrial life focus on “Goldilocks Planets“; these are planets which fall into a star’s habitable zone. Planet Earth seems to have exactly the right conditions for life to exist its distance from the Sun means the temperature is right, water can exist as a liquid solid and a gas, and there are the right combination of chemical compounds available to build complex life forms. Other planets thought to have similar features are known as Goldilocks planets. In the Milky Way alone there are estimated to be 500 million potential Goldilocks planets, so if life can exist in places other than Earth there is a huge number of potential planets on which it might thrive. If these numbers are applied to all the galaxies in the universe there could be a staggering variety of planets capable of supporting life. Of course, we have no evidence life exists elsewhere, but if it does there are plenty of places for it to set up home.
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13. In space the skin on your feet peels off.
This is a pretty gross fact but in the micro-gravity environment, astronauts are not using their feet to walk. Therefore the skin on their feet starts to soften and flakes off. As laundry facilities do not exist in space, astronauts will wear the same underwear and socks for a few days. Those socks then need to be taken off very gently. If not those dead skin cells will float around in the weightless environment.
image: http://zeenews.india.com/news/space/nasa-set-to-burn-astronauts-poop-in-space_1797560.html
This is a pretty gross fact but in the micro-gravity environment, astronauts are not using their feet to walk. Therefore the skin on their feet starts to soften and flakes off. As laundry facilities do not exist in space, astronauts will wear the same underwear and socks for a few days. Those socks then need to be taken off very gently. If not those dead skin cells will float around in the weightless environment.
image: http://zeenews.india.com/news/space/nasa-set-to-burn-astronauts-poop-in-space_1797560.html
14. The astronauts were placed in quarantine after returning from the moon.
The Apollo 11 crew consisting of Michael Collins, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were quarantined after they returned to earth.
The Apollo 11 crew consisting of Michael Collins, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were quarantined after they returned to earth.
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15. One million Earths can fit inside the Sun.
Ancient astronomers once believed the Earth was at the centre of the Universe but now we know that the Sun is at the centre of our Solar System and our planets orbit the Sun. The Sun makes up 99.8% of the entire mass of the whole Solar System. One million Earths would be needed to be the same size as the Sun.
Ancient astronomers once believed the Earth was at the centre of the Universe but now we know that the Sun is at the centre of our Solar System and our planets orbit the Sun. The Sun makes up 99.8% of the entire mass of the whole Solar System. One million Earths would be needed to be the same size as the Sun.
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16. You become taller in Space.
Another change to the human body in micro-gravity is that spine straightens out, as gravity is not pushing you down. In fact you can be up to as much as 5cm taller in the Space Station.
http://www.space.com/19116-astronauts-taller-space-spines.html
Another change to the human body in micro-gravity is that spine straightens out, as gravity is not pushing you down. In fact you can be up to as much as 5cm taller in the Space Station.
http://www.space.com/19116-astronauts-taller-space-spines.html
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17. Space is not that far away.
Space officially begins at the universal marker of the Karman Line. This invisible boundary is 100km above the Earth. In theory if you could drive your car upwards, you could be in space in less than hour.
https://aplanetruth.info/2015/04/15/28-if-space-is-a-vacuum-how-do-spaceships-navigate/?_e_pi_=7%2CPAGE_ID10%2C2502417716
Space officially begins at the universal marker of the Karman Line. This invisible boundary is 100km above the Earth. In theory if you could drive your car upwards, you could be in space in less than hour.
https://aplanetruth.info/2015/04/15/28-if-space-is-a-vacuum-how-do-spaceships-navigate/?_e_pi_=7%2CPAGE_ID10%2C2502417716
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18. The hottest planet is not the closest planet to the Sun.
Even though Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, it is not actually the hottest. Mercury does not have any atmosphere meaning that this planet is only hot in the daytime when it is directly facing the Sun. At this stage temperatures can rise to 425°C but at night the planet’s temperature can drop down to a freezing -180°C. Venus is the hottest planet. Its thick clouds trap the Sun’s heat causing Venus to be a sizzling 500°C all of the time.
Even though Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, it is not actually the hottest. Mercury does not have any atmosphere meaning that this planet is only hot in the daytime when it is directly facing the Sun. At this stage temperatures can rise to 425°C but at night the planet’s temperature can drop down to a freezing -180°C. Venus is the hottest planet. Its thick clouds trap the Sun’s heat causing Venus to be a sizzling 500°C all of the time.
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19. The furthest man-made object is Voyager 1.
In 1977, Voyager 1 and 2 were launched. Their primary mission was to visit Jupiter and Saturn. Voyager 2 continued onto Uranus and Neptune; Voyager 1 has now made its way into interstellar space. Voyager 1 is further away from Earth than the distance between the Sun and Pluto. Both craft carry a golden record on board, which will act like a time-capsule of Earth. It has greetings from Earth as well as different kinds of music. It also has noises of rocket engines, the sea, people talking, animal’s sounds and lots of images. All of which sum up the Earth. United States President Jimmy Carter said at the time “This record represents our hope and our determination, and our good will in a vast and awesome universe.” These messages have been recorded as electronic impulses which can be translated into written words. If any aliens find it then can enjoy some Louis Armstrong as well some Peruvian panpipes.
In 1977, Voyager 1 and 2 were launched. Their primary mission was to visit Jupiter and Saturn. Voyager 2 continued onto Uranus and Neptune; Voyager 1 has now made its way into interstellar space. Voyager 1 is further away from Earth than the distance between the Sun and Pluto. Both craft carry a golden record on board, which will act like a time-capsule of Earth. It has greetings from Earth as well as different kinds of music. It also has noises of rocket engines, the sea, people talking, animal’s sounds and lots of images. All of which sum up the Earth. United States President Jimmy Carter said at the time “This record represents our hope and our determination, and our good will in a vast and awesome universe.” These messages have been recorded as electronic impulses which can be translated into written words. If any aliens find it then can enjoy some Louis Armstrong as well some Peruvian panpipes.
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20. Nasa probe makes history as it enters into gas giant's orbit after epic 1.8 BILLION mile journey.
The solar-powered spacecraft which left Earth five years ago has made history by entering into Jupiter's orbit.
The solar-powered spacecraft which left Earth five years ago has made history by entering into Jupiter's orbit.
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21. The gloves included in the space suit have silicon rubber fingertips whichallow the astronaut some sense of touch.
22. The full cost of a space suit is about $11 million although 70% of this is for the backpack and the control module.
22. The full cost of a space suit is about $11 million although 70% of this is for the backpack and the control module.
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23. Spacecrafts have double hulls (outer coverings) which protect them against other space objects that crash into them.
24. Spacecrafts toilets have to get rid of waste in low gravity conditions, Astronauts have to sit on a device which sucks away the waste. Solid waste is dried up and dumped in space, but the water is saved for reuse.
25. The red color of Mars is due to oxidized (rusted) iron in its soil.
26. Planets have magnetic field around them because of the liquid iron in their cores. As the planets rotate, so the iron swirls, generating electric currents that create the magnetic field.
27. It’s believed that it was the impact of a big meteorite may have chilled the earth and wiped out all the dinosaurs.
24. Spacecrafts toilets have to get rid of waste in low gravity conditions, Astronauts have to sit on a device which sucks away the waste. Solid waste is dried up and dumped in space, but the water is saved for reuse.
25. The red color of Mars is due to oxidized (rusted) iron in its soil.
26. Planets have magnetic field around them because of the liquid iron in their cores. As the planets rotate, so the iron swirls, generating electric currents that create the magnetic field.
27. It’s believed that it was the impact of a big meteorite may have chilled the earth and wiped out all the dinosaurs.
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28. In summer in Uranus, the sun does not set for 20
years. In winter, darkness lasts for 20 years. In autumn, the sun rises
and sets every 9 hours.
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29. Solar flares reach temperatures of 10 million °C and have the energy of a million atom bombs.
30. The moon is the only other world that humans have set foot on. Because the moon has no atmosphere or wind, the footprints planted in its dusty surface in 1969 by the Apollo astronauts are still there today, perfectly preserved.
30. The moon is the only other world that humans have set foot on. Because the moon has no atmosphere or wind, the footprints planted in its dusty surface in 1969 by the Apollo astronauts are still there today, perfectly preserved.
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31. Saturn ring closeup.
Saturn’s rings are sets of thin rings of ice, dust and tiny rocks, which orbit the planet around its equator.
Image: http://valentinespace.weebly.com/the-planet-with-rings.html
cc: dominique
Saturn’s rings are sets of thin rings of ice, dust and tiny rocks, which orbit the planet around its equator.
Image: http://valentinespace.weebly.com/the-planet-with-rings.html
cc: dominique
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32. There may be 20 trillion galaxies in the universe.
33. Jupiter’s moon Europa may have oceans of water beneath its dry surface and it is a major target in the search for life in the Solar System.
source: http://www.amazingspacefacts.50webs.com/
33. Jupiter’s moon Europa may have oceans of water beneath its dry surface and it is a major target in the search for life in the Solar System.
source: http://www.amazingspacefacts.50webs.com/
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34. It is estimated that there are as many as
370,000 pieces of space junk floating in Earth's orbit, travelling at
speeds of up to 22,000 mph. They're abandoned satellites, rockets/old
rockets.
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35. There is a diamond floating in our galaxy that is bigger than Earth.
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36. There is a planet called HD189733b where it rains glass sideways.
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35. Satellites are programmed to avoid meteorites so
that they don’t get destroyed. Of over 8,000 satellites orbiting the
Earth, only one has ever been hit and destroyed by a meteorite.
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36.An asteroid impact some 65 million years ago
contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs. (It was one of several
factors that affected all life on Earth at that time.)
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37. 225 million years is the time taken by our solar
system to rotatearound the Milky way. Dinosaurs just began to roam on
the Earth, the last time Earth was in its current position.
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