Whenever asked which planet is closest to Earth, most will answer Venus due to the fact that at their closest points together Venus comes closer than Mars does. However, the order may not be as apparent at first glance due to planetary orbits that are not circular but instead elliptical in shape. Venus Venus, often…
On Monday, Jupiter will pass closer than ever before in 59 years – providing an excellent opportunity for telescopes and binoculars. People often respond that Venus is the closest planet to our home planet; however, according to a new study this assumption is actually incorrect. Venus Answering “What is the closest planet to Earth?” usually…
Venus is often referred to as Earth’s sister planet because they share many similar characteristics such as size and density. Venus can come closer than any other planet in our Solar System to approaching us at its closest point – typically reaching this threshold every 115 months or so. However, recent research indicates that Mercury…
Scientists from Belgium’s University of Liege have announced the discovery of an Earth-like planet orbiting within its star’s habitable zone. It was originally discovered using NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope and later confirmed by ground telescopes. Wolf 1069b offers 16 days of sunshine per year; yet due to certain characteristics it cannot support life. 1. Size…
If asked by an average person which planet was closest to Earth, most would likely say Venus. After all, Venus comes before Mars chronologically and has an orbit that aligns it closely with most other planets in our Solar System. But is that true? A recent study suggests Mercury as being closer than all the…
Astronomers on a search for extraterrestrial life have located “Earth’s twin” outside our solar system – Proxima Centauri b – orbiting its nearest star. Scientists discovered the planet by tracking how its host star’s light reflects off of it; its host star lies only 11.2 days away, making this world potentially habitable. Proxima Centauri Proxima…
When asked which planet is closest to Earth, most would likely answer Venus – which makes sense given that it travels along its shortest orbit more frequently and thus comes closer to us more frequently. Mercury is actually the correct answer: from now until early August it is in opposition with Earth and this proximity…
Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system, boasting its Great Red Spot that nearly covers as much surface area as our own planet! People typically calculate which planet comes closest to Earth in size by subtracting their average distances from the Sun; however, due to the nature of elliptical orbits, which one actually…
Tonight, Jupiter will be visible close to Earth and should shine brighter than all the stars combined. When viewing it with proper binoculars, its striped bands and three or four of its Galilean moons should become evident. Venus reappears in evening twilight shortly after sunset, rising low over the west-north-western horizon before joining an 11…
