15 Interesting Facts About Space and Universe

Introduction:

Are you fascinated by the mysteries of space and the universe? If yes, then you have come to the right place! In this article, we will take a look at 15 interesting facts about space and the universe that will sure to leave you amazed. From the furthest reaches of the cosmos to information about our own planet, there is something here for everyone to learn. So fasten your seatbelts as we dive into the world of the unknown!

Fact 1: Pluto is not a Planet

This one is perhaps the most popular fact on this list. Since its discovery in 1930 by the American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh, Pluto had been classified as the ninth planet in our Solar System. However, in 2006 that all changed. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the term ‘planet’ and determined that Pluto did not meet the criteria necessary to be classified as a planet. As a result, Pluto was demoted to a ‘Dwarf Planet’ status.

Fact 2: The Neutron Star is the Smallest Star in the Universe

The smallest star in the universe is the Neutron Star. This type of star is formed when a star more than 8 times more massive than the sun dies in a supernova explosion. It is so dense that a single teaspoon of it would weigh around 5 million tonnes! It is also extremely hot and spinning rapidly. Due to its size and temperature, the Neutron Star is unable to undergo fusion and consequently, it cannot generate radiation like other stars in the universe.

Fact 3: The Big Bang Theory Explains the Origins of the Universe

The Big Bang Theory is one of the most widely accepted theories about the origins of the universe. This theory states that at some point in the past, all matter in the universe was condensed into one small, hot and dense point. Following this, a massive and rapid expansion occurred known as the Big Bang, and it continues to occur today at an accelerating rate.

Fact 4: The Universe is Expanding

The universe is expanding every day as a result of the Big Bang. This expansion can be detected using ground-breaking technology, such as the Hubble Space Telescope and other astronomical instrumentation. The universe is not only expanding in size but also in its complexity and structure. Each new discovery provides more insight into the universe and its many mysteries.

Fact 5: We Know About 95% of the Universe

It may come as a surprise, but it is estimated that 95% of the universe remains undetected and unknown. This is due to the fact that most of the universe is made up of the so-called Dark Matter and Dark Energy, which cannot be detected through the typical tools for measuring matter. As a result, much of what humans know about the universe is limited to what is visible to us through telescopes.

Fact 6: Mars is the Closest Planet to Earth

Mars is the closest planet to Earth in the Solar System. It is also one of the most studied planets in the Solar System, with spacecraft from multiple space agencies (such as NASA and the European Space Agency) having been sent there for exploration. Mars is home to many interesting features, such as Valles Marineris, an enormous valley believed to have once been flooded by an ancient ocean.

Fact 7: The Sun is a Star

Most people know that the bright star in our sky, which provides us with light and warmth is called the Sun. What many people may not know however is that the Sun is an actual star! It is actually the closest star to the Earth and its size, age and composition make it similar to other stars in our galaxy.

Fact 8: There are only 8 Planets in the Solar System

Despite once being 9, there are now only 8 planets in our Solar System. As mentioned before, Pluto was demoted from a planet to a dwarf planet in 2006. This means that only the 8 planets closest to our sun (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune) can be considered full-fledged planets.

Fact 9: There are an Estimated 700 Quadrillion Stars

Recent estimates of the number of stars in the universe show that there could be up to 700 quadrillion stars – that is 7 followed by 17 zeroes! This estimate is based on the observable universe, meaning the number of stars could be even higher than that. It is hard to comprehend how big the universe really is, but this fact sure gives a good indication of it!

Fact 10: The International Space Station is Visible from Earth

The International Space Station (ISS) which houses astronauts and scientists from all over the world 24/7 is very much visible from Earth. At certain times of the year, looking up in the night sky you can see it as a bright dot moving across the stars. It orbits the Earth at a speed of approximately 7 and a half kilometres per second and makes an orbit every 92 minutes.

Fact 11: Saturn’s Rings are Made of Ice

The beautiful rings around Saturn have been visible to astronomers since the 17th century. What you may not know is that these rings are actually made of mostly ice particles and boulders of rock. The rings formed when comets, asteroids and other space objects broke up after colliding with Saturn’s gravitational field.

Fact 12: The Sun is 4.6 Billion Years Old

The sun is almost as old as the solar system, and it is estimated to be about 4.6 billion years old. To put this into perspective, that is about 400 times older than the human race! The sun’s age is calculated by studying the ratio of different elements in its chemical makeup.

Fact 13: There are Nearly 1 Trillion Galaxies

The universe is a large and unknown place. Thus far, astronomers have estimated that there are nearly one trillion galaxies in the observable universe. This makes the universe more complex and mysterious than ever before! Every galaxy is composed of hundreds of billions of stars, making the universe all the more enchanting.

Fact 14: Some Stars are Red Dwarfs

Red Dwarfs are small, faint stars which emit only a fraction of the light of other stars and take up to 20 billion years to burn through their fuel. They are by far the most common type of star in the universe, making up about 75% of all stars. Red dwarfs only have around 10% of the brightness of our sun and are one of the coolest type of stars in the universe.

Fact 15: The Moon is Drifting Away from the Earth

The moon is slowly drifting away from the Earth. This is because of the Earth’s gravitational field, which acts like a bulge on the side of the Moon closest to the Earth. This bulge exerts a tiny bit of extra force pushing the Moon away from Earth, causing its orbit to gradually widen. It is estimated that the Moon is now about 1.6 inches further away from Earth than it was just 4 years ago!

Conclusion:

We hope you enjoyed learning about these 15 interesting facts about space and the universe! From dark matter and the Big Bang to the magnificent rings of Saturn and distant galaxies, it is clear that the mysteries of space are infinite. We hope you now have a better understanding of the unique characteristics of the universe and its many mysteries.