Plants, like people, undergo their own life cycle. Beginning as seeds containing everything needed for them to blossom into full-grown plants, the seeds are dispersed across the land by water, air or animals (except ferns and bryophytes ). When seeds reach soil with sufficient essential elements they undergo germination and begin growing into fully formed…
Orion is the spacecraft designed to transport astronauts between Earth, the International Space Station, lunar orbit and Mars. It was specifically developed with safety, durability and affordability in mind. Orion will launch on top of a Space Launch System rocket and feature an escape tower to protect astronauts during reentry. When Orion returns to Earth,…
Each stage in a butterfly cycle involves complete metamorphosis. From egg, larva, pupa and adult stages. Once a caterpillar has reached maturity, they form a protective outer shell called a chrysalis that shields them until they’re ready to transform into butterflies. Caterpillar Stage When butterfly eggs hatch and develop into larva, they quickly transform into…
Spacecraft are subjected to rigorous conditions during launch, operation in hostile space environments, and long-term radiation risks during deep space missions. A spacecraft’s components must include power systems capable of turning sunlight into electricity as well as thermal control subsystems to protect equipment against extreme temperature changes. Propulsion subsystem consists of engines and devices which…
Flowers play an essential part in our ecosystem. Not only are they beautiful, attracting pollinators and providing food to animals; but flowers also filter toxins out, recycle carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, and generate oxygen through photosynthesis. All plants go through an annual cycle of growth, flowering and producing seeds. Seedlings produce flowers which…
Ladybugs are beautiful insects to have around our gardens. Not only do they keep pesky insects at bay, they help our plants flourish by eating away at harmful aphids that would otherwise spread disease and disrupt growth. An interesting fact about them is their immunity to their own toxins! They will eat anything soft enough…
On December 24th, Borman, Anders and Lovell fired the third stage’s engines to align for a lunar flyby and make preparations for translunar injection. Capcom Michael Collins gave approval and declared: ‘All clear for translunar injection!” Houston trajectory specialists and computer wizards were overjoyed, knowing their calculations had come out correctly for once! What an…
Apollo 11 marks a monumental event: it marked the first time humans set foot on the Moon and thus altered history forever. Museums across the nation are gearing up for an exciting summer of space-related events and exhibits, and here are a few. Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit will be on display at the Smithsonian National Air…
Each sea turtle species has a specific diet depending on its habitat and available food sources, with different-shaped jaws to efficiently consume their favorite dishes. Green sea turtles feature finely serrated beaks to scrape algae off rocks and feed on seagrasses; hatchlings of these turtles are omnivorous. Hawksbills feature bird-like beaks for accessing cracks in…
