The Sun’s gravity holds together our Solar System, keeping planets, asteroids, meteoroids, as well as microscopic debris in orbit around it. At its core lies nuclear fusion processes which turn hydrogen into helium; all this heat makes up our star. This video from BBC Planet Earth series, hosted by David Attenborough. Volume Comparing planet sizes…
Since 1610, when scientists first made telescopic observations of Mars through telescopes, scientists have been mapping and studying it. Recently, three missions – China’s Tianwen-1 probe, United Arab Emirates Hope probe and NASA Perseverance rover – have used Mars’ 26 month orbital period to gather new information. Orbiters have provided more clarity, disproving theories about…
Many people ask which planet is nearest the earth, yet finding an accurate answer can be challenging due to how all planets orbit elliptically rather than circularly and can come close at different times. Mercury tends to be closer than Venus on average, even though it often goes unnoticed in comparison with larger and more…
Due to its closeness to the Sun, Mercury experiences extreme temperatures during daylight. At nighttime without an atmosphere to retain warmth, however, its warmth quickly dissipates into space. Earth is second only in density and features an immense iron core, while Venus boasts greyish-brown skin with bright streaks known as crater rays. Temperature Mercury, being…
Mars has long been a source of fascination. Beginning in the 17th century, astronomers used telescopes to observe it closely and discover its polar ice caps. Romans transformed Mars from an ancient god of war into one who represented virility and civic pride, attributing two small moons – Phobos and Deimos – as his guardians….
Saturn will come close to Earth only once every year during what is called opposition, with closeness between 14 August and 26 August being its closest point. Saturn boasts 52 natural satellites or moons; Titan is its most notable. Titan boasts a thick atmosphere similar to Earth. Saturn stands out in our solar system as…
Mars is one of the nine planets in astrology and commonly known by its Hindu name of Mangala. This planet rules Aries zodiac sign and symbolises courage & confidence. Hindu mythology associates Mars with Kartikeya, the warrior god. He was formed from six sparks that fell from Shiva’s eyes into a lake and were nurtured…
Many people will tell you that Venus is the closest planet to our home planet Earth; this can sometimes be true; however, other times this may not always be accurate. Since all the planets in our solar system orbit around Earth in elliptical paths, their distance can change over time – on average Mercury is…
When it comes to finding an Earth-like planet, we may have just made the closest discovery yet – this world lies less than 16 light-years away and is within its star’s habitable zone. Wolf 1069 b is likely tidally locked to its host star, meaning the same side always faces toward it. Yet its closeness…
