All Questions

March 4, 2024

Quick Answer: Venus is called Earth’s twin due to its similar size, mass, structure, and composition, including a central core, molten mantle, and solid crust. Key Takeaways: Venus is often referred to as Earth’s twin because they are similar in size, mass, and internal structure, with Venus having a diameter and mass about 95% and

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March 4, 2024

Quick Answer: Venus is the hottest planet due to its thick carbon dioxide atmosphere, which creates an extreme greenhouse effect, trapping solar heat efficiently. Key Takeaways: Venus’s extreme heat is primarily due to its thick atmosphere composed of carbon dioxide, which traps heat through a runaway greenhouse effect, far more intense than Earth’s, leading to

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March 4, 2024

Quick Answer: Yes, Venus can be seen without a telescope as one of the brightest objects in the sky, especially during dawn or dusk. Key Takeaways: Venus is visible to the naked eye as one of the brightest objects in the sky, especially during its Morning Star or Evening Star phases at dawn or dusk,

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March 4, 2024

Quick Answer: Venus is Earth’s “twin,” with extreme greenhouse effects, retrograde rotation, days longer than its year, and surface temperatures hot enough to melt lead. Key Takeaways: Venus is Earth’s “twin planet” with a similar size and mass, but it has a hostile environment with extreme greenhouse effects causing surface temperatures hot enough to melt

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March 4, 2024

Quick Answer: One day on Venus lasts about 243 Earth days due to its slow retrograde rotation. Key Takeaways: A day on Venus lasts about 243 Earth days due to its slow rotation, which is longer than a Venusian year, which takes about 225 Earth days. Venus spins in the opposite direction of most planets,

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March 4, 2024

Quick Answer: Venus rotates in the opposite direction due to a massive impact or gravitational interactions that altered its spin over billions of years. Key Takeaways: Venus rotates in the opposite direction to most planets in the Solar System, a phenomenon known as retrograde rotation, which results in the Sun rising in the west and

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March 4, 2024

Quick Answer: The Venera missions revealed Venus’s harsh atmosphere, high pressure, extreme temperatures, and evidence of volcanic activity, reshaping our understanding of the planet. Key Takeaways: The Venera missions revealed Venus’s atmosphere to be predominantly carbon dioxide with sulfuric acid clouds, and surface pressures and temperatures that are extremely high, challenging earlier assumptions of Venus

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March 4, 2024

Quick Answer: Venus does not have any moons, as confirmed by extensive astronomical research and data from space missions like Magellan. Key Takeaways: Venus is currently known to be a moonless planet, a conclusion supported by extensive astronomical research and data from missions like NASA’s Magellan spacecraft, which found no evidence of natural satellites. The

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March 4, 2024

Quick Answer: The biggest challenges of exploring Venus include extreme heat, crushing atmospheric pressure, corrosive sulfuric acid clouds, and navigating its active volcanic landscape. Key Takeaways: Venus’s extreme environment, with surface temperatures high enough to melt lead and atmospheric pressure 92 times that of Earth, presents significant challenges for spacecraft design and material durability. The

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March 4, 2024

Quick Answer: Recent missions and studies suggest Venus may have active volcanism, indicated by surface changes, sulfur dioxide spikes, and potential lava flows. Key Takeaways: Venus may have active volcanoes, suggested by signs like thermal hotspots, sulfur dioxide spikes, and changing surface features, which could indicate ongoing geological activity and potential habitats for life. Spacecraft

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: The Caloris Basin is a massive impact crater on Mercury, crucial for understanding planetary geology and Mercury’s history. Key Takeaways: The Caloris Basin is a massive impact crater on Mercury, about 1,550 kilometers in diameter, which provides scientists with a window into the planet’s geological history and the early Solar System’s violent events.

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Mercury is larger and denser than the Moon, with more mass and gravity, and experiences more extreme temperature fluctuations due to its thin exosphere and proximity to the Sun. Key Takeaways: Mercury is larger than Earth’s Moon with a diameter of 3,032 miles compared to the Moon’s 2,159 miles, and it has a

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Scientists study Mercury using telescopes with optical, infrared, and ultraviolet capabilities, and by analyzing data from space missions and radar astronomy. Key Takeaways: Scientists study Mercury’s extreme temperature fluctuations and elliptical orbit to gain insights into planetary formation and behavior, utilizing telescopes and space missions to observe its surface and geological history. Technological

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Mercury’s magnetic field is unique due to its weak strength, asymmetry, dynamic nature, and the planet’s large iron core and slow, unusual rotation. Key Takeaways: Mercury’s magnetic field is about 1% the strength of Earth’s and is uniquely tilted, indicating complex interactions with solar wind and providing insights into the planet’s internal structure

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Mercury’s eccentric orbit and slow rotation cause extreme temperature fluctuations, with scorching days and freezing nights, affecting its geology and potential for ice at the poles. Key Takeaways: Mercury’s highly eccentric orbit brings it extremely close to the Sun at perihelion, causing surface temperatures to soar up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, while at

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: ESA and JAXA’s BepiColombo mission is en route to Mercury, with arrival expected in 2025. NASA is considering future missions to investigate Mercury’s exosphere and ice deposits. Key Takeaways: BepiColombo, a collaboration between ESA and JAXA, is en route to Mercury with a 2025 arrival goal, aiming to study the planet’s magnetic field,

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Mercury’s extreme temperatures, lack of atmosphere, and intense solar radiation make it an unlikely habitat for life as we know it. Key Takeaways: Mercury’s extreme temperatures and lack of a substantial atmosphere make its surface one of the least hospitable places for life in the solar system, with surface conditions fluctuating between scorching

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Mercury’s high density is due to its large iron-rich core, which makes up about 60% of its volume, likely resulting from a massive impact early in its history. Key Takeaways: Mercury’s high density is primarily due to its large iron-rich core, which makes up about 60% of its volume, suggesting a past event,

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Mercury’s major surface features include craters, smooth and inter-crater plains, scarps, cliffs, ridges, valleys, and evidence of past volcanic activity and tectonism. Key Takeaways: Mercury’s surface is heavily cratered due to a history of impacts from comets and asteroids, with the Caloris Basin being a prominent feature, indicative of the planet’s violent past.

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Our understanding of Mercury has evolved from ancient deity associations to detailed knowledge of its magnetic field, geology, and ice presence, thanks to advancing observation technology and space missions. Key Takeaways: Ancient civilizations like the Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans were the first to observe Mercury, attributing religious significance to it and recognizing its

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Yes, there is water on Mercury, primarily as ice in permanently shadowed craters near its poles, despite extreme surface temperatures. Key Takeaways: Despite Mercury’s extreme temperatures, water ice exists in its permanently shadowed polar craters, where conditions allow it to remain stable and avoid sublimation. NASA’s MESSENGER mission and Earth-based radar observations have

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Sending spacecraft to Mercury faces extreme temperatures, weak atmosphere, intense solar radiation, high velocity, and challenging orbital dynamics for landing and communication. Key Takeaways: Mercury’s extreme temperature fluctuations and weak atmosphere require spacecraft to have advanced thermal control systems and robust shielding to protect against micrometeoroid impacts and intense solar radiation. Navigating to

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Mercury has zero moons due to its proximity to the Sun and small gravitational influence, which prevent it from capturing or retaining natural satellites. Key Takeaways: Mercury has zero moons, a fact attributed to its close proximity to the Sun, which exerts a strong gravitational pull, making it difficult for the planet to

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: MESSENGER discovered Mercury’s water ice in shadowed craters, a dynamic magnetic field, geological activity, a thin atmosphere, and a large iron core. Key Takeaways: MESSENGER revealed that Mercury harbors water ice in its permanently shadowed polar craters, defying previous assumptions about the planet’s extreme proximity to the Sun and expanding our understanding of

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: A day on Mercury lasts about 176 Earth days due to its slow rotation and unique 3:2 spin-orbit resonance. Key Takeaways: A day on Mercury lasts significantly longer than a day on Earth, with one Mercury solar day taking approximately 176 Earth days due to its slow rotation and unique 3:2 spin-orbit resonance,

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Mercury has extreme temperature swings, a massive iron core, and ice in shadowed craters, despite being closest to the Sun. It’s the smallest planet with a very thin atmosphere. Key Takeaways: Mercury completes an orbit around the Sun in just 88 Earth days, making it the planet with the shortest year in our

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Yes, you can see Mercury from Earth with the naked eye during dawn or dusk when it’s at its greatest elongation. Key Takeaways: Mercury can be seen with the naked eye during its greatest elongation from the Sun, typically around dawn or dusk, when the planet is farthest from the Sun’s glare and

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Mercury has extreme temperatures due to its close proximity to the Sun, slow rotation, highly eccentric orbit, and lack of a significant atmosphere. Key Takeaways: Mercury’s proximity to the Sun and its slow rotation result in long, scorching days with temperatures over 800°F and equally long, frigid nights that can drop to -290°F

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March 1, 2024

Quick Answer: Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, completing an orbit every 88 Earth days and experiencing extreme temperature fluctuations. Key Takeaways: Mercury is the smallest and innermost planet in our Solar System, completing an orbit around the Sun in just 88 Earth days due to its close proximity, which also results in

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November 15, 2023

In the cosmic theatre, the supernova is the ultimate spectacle—a star’s dramatic demise, outshining entire galaxies and scattering the seeds of creation. Yet, this stellar cataclysm is more than a distant light show; it’s a fundamental force shaping our very existence. The obliteration of a star by a supernova feels remote, but it’s intimately tied

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November 15, 2023

Ever wondered about the forces shaping the ocean’s tides? While most of us are aware that the moon’s gravity plays a crucial role, the mystery of the far-side bulge, caused by centrifugal force, often goes unnoticed. In this article, we’re diving deep into the intricacies of these natural phenomena, unravelling the complexities of tidal movements

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November 15, 2023

Ever wondered why a laser beam, as bright and powerful as it seems, can become almost invisible when viewed from the side? It’s a perplexing phenomenon that raises questions about the nature of lasers and our perception of them. This article dives into the heart of this mystery, unravelling the factors that influence laser brightness

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November 15, 2023

Meteorites, those enigmatic space rocks that journey from the far reaches of our solar system to our very doorstep, have long captured our imagination and curiosity. But what really happens when they make contact with Earth? Contrary to popular belief, these celestial visitors are not scorching hot, but rather, they tell a story of a

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November 15, 2023

Ever looked up at the night sky, seen those captivating star spikes, and wondered, “Why do they form perfect crosses?” You’re not alone! This phenomenon, known as diffraction spikes, has intrigued sky gazers and photographers alike. In this article, we’re diving deep into the heart of these luminous crosses, unravelling the science behind them, and

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November 15, 2023

Ever wondered why the laws of physics hold true, regardless of whether you’re observing a star in a distant galaxy or a particle under a microscope? This fascinating phenomenon, known as scale invariance, is a cornerstone of physics, providing a unified understanding across different scales of observation. However, grasping this concept can be tricky, leaving

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November 13, 2023

Gazing into the night sky, galaxies appear as serene, stationary fixtures amidst the celestial tapestry. Yet, scientists insist these colossal structures are in a constant state of rotation. Why this disparity between perception and reality? This article delves into the cosmic dance of galaxies, unravelling the enigma of their hidden motion. We’ll navigate through the

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November 13, 2023

Antimatter, with its mysterious nature and negative mass, stands at the forefront of modern physics, challenging our understanding of the universe. But what does this mean for its interaction with gravitational fields, particularly those of stars? This article dives deep into this perplexing question, unravelling the complexities of antimatter and its behaviour in the cosmos.

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November 13, 2023

Ever wondered what keeps a bicycle balanced as it glides down the road? It’s a question that puzzles many, yet the answer lies in the intriguing interplay of physics and skill. Bicycles, with their two slender wheels and lightweight frames, seem to defy gravity, providing a stable ride for those who master the art of

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November 13, 2023

Have you ever wondered about the mysterious ripples that travel through the fabric of our universe? “Can gravity form waves?” is a question that has baffled scientists and astronomy enthusiasts alike. In this article, we dive deep into the world of gravitational waves, uncovering their secrets and exploring their profound impact on our understanding of

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November 13, 2023

Ever wondered how astronomers can confidently unravel the mysteries of the universe while bound to a single vantage point on Earth? It’s a cosmic conundrum that has perplexed minds for centuries. In this article, we’re diving deep into the world of astronomical observations, tackling the challenges posed by Earth’s limitations, and showcasing the innovative techniques

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November 13, 2023

Ever pondered on what keeps the sun in its perpetual twirl? This celestial giant’s rotation is more than just a cosmic pirouette; it’s a vital dance that influences everything from the solar magnetic fields to life here on Earth. Many find the sun’s mechanics mystifying, struggling to grasp how it impacts our daily lives and

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November 13, 2023

In the vast expanse of space, the spectre of warfare looms as nations eye the cosmos for strategic dominance. “What is the range of weapons if used in space?” isn’t just a question for sci-fi aficionados; it’s a pressing concern for global security. As satellites become vital to our infrastructure, the threat of space weapons

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November 11, 2023

Ever wondered about the overall electric charge of the universe? It’s a question that boggles the mind and sparks curiosity, holding profound implications for our understanding of the cosmos. Many of us grapple with the complexities of the universe, feeling overwhelmed by its vastness and the mysteries it harbours. This article is here to guide

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November 11, 2023

Black holes, the universe’s enigmatic giants, have long captivated our imagination, posing questions that seem almost paradoxical in nature. “How does a black hole give off light?” stands out as one of the most intriguing queries. Despite their reputation for devouring everything in their vicinity, black holes are not shrouded in complete darkness. This article

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November 10, 2023

Ever wondered how a guitar would sound in the zero-gravity realm of a space station? It’s a curious question that tickles the imagination and delves into the fascinating intersection of music and space exploration. In this article, we’re exploring the unique acoustics of space, the experiences of astronauts strumming in zero gravity, and the impact

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November 10, 2023

Ever looked up at the sky and wondered how those fluffy clouds manage to hold so much water? You’re not alone! Clouds play a crucial role in our planet’s weather patterns, and understanding their formation is key to deciphering the mysteries of the atmosphere. In this article, we’re diving deep into the world of clouds,

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November 10, 2023

Ever wondered how astronauts manage to stay grounded while zipping through space? “How do space ships make artificial gravity?” is a question that piques the curiosity of many, from space enthusiasts to the casual reader. In this article, we’re diving deep into the world of artificial gravity, unraveling the science behind it, and exploring the

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September 19, 2022

The James Webb  Space Telescope was named after a former administrator who worked for NASA in the 1950s and 60s and oversaw the Apollo program. It is the world’s largest and latest orbiter telescope with a mission length of 5 to 10 years. It cost a whopping 10 billion USD and took about 25 years

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October 20, 2020

In order to answer this question, we first need to define what we mean by up and down in space. And also acknowledge that the only reason ‘up and down’ exists as a binary is because we created them as humans.What is up and what is down?Since we are held to the surface of the

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October 20, 2020

The quickest way to answer this question is to say that the stars are not actually fixed in space, they are in fact always moving. But we are also going to explain how astronomers know this and how stars are actually always moving. Since, you came here for an answer.But they always look so still!Yes,

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October 20, 2020

How to define a space movieWhen we talk about space movies, we can mean one of two things: movies that are simply set in space and science fiction movies.  These are so different in that movies set in space can have the capacity to be incredibly accurate, but science fiction movies are designed to be

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October 20, 2020

The real question should be: what is the speed of gravitational change propagation? This might be a little confusing at first, but this answer will help to make sense of the topic.Other questions that ariseSince this question is quite a big one to ask, there are also some other questions that it uncovers alongside it.

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October 20, 2020

To answer this question, we first have to think about how we actually define what a planet is. In space we have different ways of characterizing the astronomical bodies, and of differentiating them from one another.Is there a way to define what a planet it?In science, numbers play the largest role because they are exact

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October 20, 2020

Actually, the wind is not the only factor that causes ocean currents. It is true that the wind plays a role, but it is only a small one compared to some of the other variables involved.  On top of this, the factors that we are about to explain, including wind, act in different ways on

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October 18, 2020

The simple answer is no, gravity does not extend out forever. Although there is a theory that states that it does.Newton’s Law of Universal GravitationNewton’s law states that the force of gravity on one mass due to another mass will depend mainly on their separation. This separation is represented as r where the dependence is

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October 18, 2020

This is an example of a question that has been influenced by science fiction literature and movies that seem to warp the truth on things like this for entertainment. But also, the science itself can be confusing. This answer will debunk the incorrect beliefs that we hold and also explain why they are wrong.So, do

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October 18, 2020

It is true that a star can turn into a planet, but the star has to be a brown dwarf. There are multiple different types of star, all having different properties, but in order for a star to become a planet, it would have to have been a brown dwarf star.Brown dwarfs are stars?Normally, stars

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October 11, 2020

First of all, there definitely is a lot of gravity in space. Gravity is a force that is very prevalent in space, even if it is not strong everywhere. In relation to the surface of Earth, gravity is obviously weaker the further from Earth you go, but gravity is still there in space. Gravity can

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October 11, 2020

The sun never changes its temperature in relation to Earth’s seasons. Since it is literally a ball of fire facilitated by nuclear reactions, its surface stays hot all year round. The extremely high heat of the sun causes it to emit copious amounts of radiation in all directs from its spherical shape. Since the sun

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October 11, 2020

Conversely to the question, the moon is actually not that bright, especially when we compare it to other astronomical objects in space. The reason that the moon appears so bright in our night sky on earth, is because we are comparing the brightness of it to the object around us that are receiving absolutely no

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October 11, 2020

In a short answer: light is not in fact pure energy. It is, however, true that light has no mass. But the fact that light has no mass does not mean that light is pure energy. Light is actually made up of objects called photons. This can be compared to other fundamental quantum objects since

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October 11, 2020

On the contrary, gravity is actually the weakest force. This is true when it comes to the fundamental forces anyway. If you order the four fundamental forces from weakest to strongest, it would look like this: gravity, weak nuclear force, electromagnetic force, and the strong nuclear force. If we are to zoom in on two

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October 11, 2020

Thanks to gravity, the earth does fall. It is actually in a constant state of falling since it is in orbit around the sun. This gravitational pull that the sun has on the earth is useful since it stops earth from catapulting into space. Gravity means that objects are not just drawn to the thing

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October 11, 2020

The quick answer is that, according to observations made by astronomers, there is no edge to the universe. The universe is constantly expanding meaning that space spreads out infinitely in every direction. Galaxies and nebulas and stars fill out all of the space throughout this infinite universe. There are two observations that make this believable. Firstly,

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October 11, 2020

This is a complex question with an even more complex answer. But essentially there is no center of the universe according to current observations. If a center point were to exist, it would need to significant and special in a way that meant it was special to the whole universe collectively. So, this answer will

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October 11, 2020

To begin with, being ‘stuck’ in the night sky is not exclusive to the North star: none of the stars in the night sky actually move enough for our time measurements to comprehend.  They will move over the course of millions of years, meaning we won’t see them move across the sky in our lifetimes. The

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October 11, 2020

Logically, there can be no darkness without the existence of light. Think of a bright day accompanied by the shadows that the sun casts when blocked by something like a streetlamp.  Darkness is simply the absence of light, so it follows that it travels at the speed of light. The absence of light, or darkness, is

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October 6, 2020

In a short and direct answer: the sun’s light and color is white.  You may have heard about the light spectrum that we can see with the human eye being white light. This is because they all come together to form white light. Since we can see the range of seven colors of light in the outside

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