Astronomy is the [scientific study of celestial objects]nomy), space, and the universe as a whole. It involves the observation and analysis of stars, planets, moons, comets, galaxies, and other cosmic phenomena. Astronomers seek to understand the origins, evolution, and physical properties of these objects, as well as the laws that govern their motion and interactions
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The universe is mostly invisible, composed of dark matter and dark energy. Only about 4% of the universe is visible as stars, galaxies, and planets, with the remaining 96% being dark matter and dark energy, both of which are undetectable but have a significant impact on the universe’s structure and expansion.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Dark Matter:
This invisible substance accounts for about 26.8% of the universe’s mass-energy. Scientists know it exists because its gravity affects visible objects like stars and galaxies. Dark matter is thought to be composed of previously unknown subatomic particles or even black holes from the Big Bang.
- Dark Energy:
This even more mysterious force makes up about 68.3% of the universe’s mass-energy. It’s believed to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe, pushing galaxies apart. Our best theories, like quantum theory, overestimate its energy density by a factor of one followed by 120 zeroes, [according to BBC Sky at Night Magazine].
In essence, what we can see and study with telescopes is just a tiny fraction of the universe. The vast majority remains hidden, posing major challenges and questions for scientists.
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- The Great Red Spot is shrinking:
Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, a giant storm, is a long-standing feature, but it’s been observed to shrink over time.
In the 21st century, the major diameter of the Great Red Spot has been observed to be shrinking . In 2004 its length was about half that of a century earlier, when it reached a size of 40,000 km (25,000 mi), about three times the diameter of Earth. At the present rate of reduction, it will become circular by 2040.
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- Asteroids can have rings and moons:
While primarily known for their rocky composition, some asteroids have been discovered to have rings and even moons.
some asteroids are known to have moons and rings, though these are not as common as rocky asteroids themselves. About 150 asteroids are known to have small moons orbiting them, and some even have two moons. One asteroid, Chariklo, has also been found to possess a ring system.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Moons:
While asteroids are primarily rocky, some have been discovered to have small moons orbiting them. NASA reports that more than 470 moons orbit asteroids and trans-Neptunian objects. In 1993, the Galileo probe discovered the moon Dactyl orbiting the asteroid Ida.
- Rings:
NASA states that Chariklo, an asteroid located between Saturn and Uranus, was the first asteroid found to have a ring system. This discovery suggests the presence of a moon keeping the rings stable, according to Space.com.
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I just found out that Neptune has only completed one orbit since its discovery
This is one of our favourite facts about space, and perhaps the most memorable (if you want to impress your friends next time you’re sharing cool facts. Neptune takes a whopping 165 years to complete one full orbit around the Sun.
OMG THIS IS UNBELIVABLE!
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