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…
Mercury transits occur when Mercury travels directly between the Sun and an advanced planet, visible to us on Earth and occurring around May or November. Transits can form conjunction (in the same sign as your natal Mercury), sextile, square or opposition depending on which constellation is involved. This transit can bring out diplomacy, charm and…
When asked which planet is nearest the Earth, people typically reply “Venus.” Although this statement may be accurate in most instances, Venus does not always constitute the closest planet. New research proves that Mercury is indeed our nearest planet when measured accurately; scientists used an advanced mathematical technique which takes time into account to demonstrate…
Mars may often be touted as our nearest neighboring planet, yet Venus actually comes closer on average according to a model published in Physics Today. Scientists used a mathematical technique that accounts for time by measuring the distances between multiple points on each planet’s orbit. They ran their simulation for 10,000 years to get accurate…
Usually when asked what planet is closest to Earth, most will answer Venus; however, this may not be accurate. Mercury, Venus and Earth come first; Mars follows; then Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are seen setting and rising after the Sun. These inferior planets set and rise after him. Mercury Mercury, the closest and smallest…
Spacecraft are vehicles designed for travel in outer space. Their systems and instruments vary depending on their mission, from piloted to unpiloted designs. To land on Mars, a lander must separate from its orbiter and descend slowly through its atmosphere, protected from its harsh environment by an aeroshell and heat shield. Phoenix Phoenix was named…
Planets are a popular wallpaper theme on TikToks and other apps, so we decided to bring them into your phone too! These Mars 2020 Mission images let you witness its surface firsthand! These iPhone 6s and 7-sized images fit seamlessly. Enjoy! Mars iDB Wallpapers of the Week continues its space theme by featuring NASA’s Perseverance…
