There are some pretty interesting facts about space and the universe out there. If you thought you knew quite a bit about planets and space, then think again! You haven’t seen anything yet!

The universe is vast, including dust, light, planets, and unidentified objects. Over the years, we’ve learned some of the most interesting facts about space and our solar system.

During these years, we’ve watched Pluto lose planet status, we’ve watched scientists and astrologers discover many potentially habitable planets, and we’ve watched as strange lights flickered in deep space – maybe a sign of intelligent life.

Telescopes around the world bring us closer to celestial bodies that we will probably never touch. But who knows! What unbelievable facts and truths await us when we strive to learn more?

In case you didn’t know, here are a few of those interesting facts about space to ponder upon.

1. The light that reaches the Earth from the Sun is 30,000 years old.

 Although we know that light rays take approximately 8 minutes to reach the Earth from the surface of the Sun,  the energy produced in the core of the Sun needs 30,000 years to reach its surface. It passes through all the thick layers of particles that the star consists of. Talk about slowly generating power and light, now that’s patient.

2. If two metals come into contact in space, they will be stuck together forever!

Unbelievable facts … but true. If two pieces of metal, that are not coated with another material (for example, plastic) make contact with each other outside the Earth, they are stuck forever.

Unlike on our planet, the atmosphere does not create a layer of oxidized particles between the two metals, which ultimately would prevent them from sticking together.

3. Saturn would float if placed in the water.

While it may sound strange, the density of the planet Saturn is so small that if we put it in a huge glass of water, it would not sink. The density of Saturn is about 0,687 g/cm3 and that of water is 0,998 g/cm3 – and there you have it! Nevertheless, we would need a really huge glass of water to conduct this experiment!

4. The Moon is slowly moving away from the Earth.

Scientists have found that every year the moon recedes from Earth by 3.8 cm. This happens due to the effect of the tides on earth. As a result of this, the Earth is rotating more and more slowly, at a rate which, however, can not be perceived by us.

This is because the duration of an entire day (ie rotation of the planet around itself) reduces each century only by 0.002 seconds.

5. We are continuously moving through space at 530 km per second.

The Milky Way galaxy, where our solar system is located, spins at the speed of 225 km/s. Moreover, the galaxy is moving through space at the speed of 305 km/s (however, some scientists do not consider this calculation accurate).

So considering the above data, we could say that every passing moment we are about 19,000 km away from where we were a moment ago in space!

Wow! Unbelievable

Although these facts may seem a bit simple, in the greater scheme of things, they are quite fantastic. There are many interesting facts about space and the universe that we have yet to learn. Over time, more magic and beauty of space will be revealed to us. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

References:

  1. https://www.space.com
  2. https://www.universetoday.com

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