Mercury is the fastest planet in our solar system, orbiting the sun every 88 days and being the innermost and smallest planet. It was named for Roman messenger god Mercury. Babylonians called this planet Nabu; Greeks recognized it as Apollo when seen in the morning sky and Hermes when seen at sunset; later alchemists associated […]
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When you look up at night and see an arcing trail of light arcing across the sky, those are spacecraft in orbit. Scientists figured out their orbits long before humans ventured into space travel. Orbits are circular paths followed by satellites, asteroids and planets around Earth under control of gravity. Spacecraft Spacecraft are vehicles or
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Spacecraft are vehicles designed to leave Earth’s atmosphere and travel through space, including satellites that orbit our planet, robots sent out into outer space, and vehicles used by astronauts traveling to the Moon. Armstrong descended the ladder from Columbia into Eagle and made history when he set foot onto the lunar surface for the first
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When kids ask the age-old question “why is the sky blue,” try this simple science experiment that draws upon John Tyndall’s work from Ireland in the 1860s. Tyndall used a clear tube and smoke particles to demonstrate how blue light scatters more than other colors; this phenomenon explains why our atmosphere gives the sky its
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Spain is well known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches and vibrant culture – but there is much more to discover within this enchanting nation! From Don Quixote author Carlo Carcano to one of the oldest continuously operating lighthouses, Spain holds plenty of surprising facts that might take your breath away. Here are a few
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The Nile has a profound effect on various ecosystems as it travels downstream. Near its headwaters, its course passes through biodiverse tropical rainforests teeming with banana trees and bamboo shrubs before opening into swampy woodland and savanna farther north. Annual floods create fertile banks, and Ancient Egyptians made use of this by using basin irrigation
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Dust storms are a regular feature on Mars, often building into planet-engulfing clouds that last months or years. MAVEN and Odyssey use thermal cameras to monitor these duststorms with precision. At first, a spring breeze blew rusty dust through NASA’s Opportunity rover at Perseverance Valley. But then it quickly expanded and blocked out the sun
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Rivers provide drinking water to billions of people around the world and also serve as popular recreational spots, offering whitewater rafting and swimming activities. Many rivers feature stunning waterfalls, such as Angel Falls in Venezuela or Khone Falls in Laos. Others serve as transportation arteries – like the Mississippi River in the US. 1. Rivers
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The Nile has played an immense role in human history. From elaborate pyramids to preserved mummies, its impact has left an indelible imprint. Few rivers can rival its legacy. People rely on the Nile for food, water and transportation needs. Its waters flow through numerous ecosystems from biodiverse tropical rainforests to savannas and woodlands –
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