What Happens When a Spacecraft Blows Up?

Space can be an unpredictable place; we’re continually losing pieces of vehicles that exploded on-orbit or experienced violent separation during orbit. Probably the best-known example was when Challenger disintegrated shortly after launch in 1986, killing its crew due to an O-ring failure and rubber seal separation issues on its booster rockets. Debris Researchers still are…

When Will Saturn Lose Its Rings?

Saturn’s iconic rings are disintegrating rapidly. That is because their age was underestimated, causing tons of mass to evaporate every second. Astronomers estimate that Saturn’s rings will only remain visible for another 100 million years or so, according to stargazers’ research. To witness them one last time, stargazers should view Saturn when its rings are…

When Mercury Oxide Is Heated It Decomposes

Mercury oxide decomposes when exposed to heat, producing elemental mercury and liquid metal mercury in an orderly and balanced chemical reaction that was conducted by Antoine Lavoisier who studied chemical reactions as well as classifying substances into elements and compounds. Mercury(II) sulfide is a dense black or red crystalline solid used to produce zinc-mercuric oxide…

Fun Facts About Egypt to Impress Your Friends When You Visit

Egypt is an extremely popular travel destination in the Middle East. Make an impressionful first impression when visiting by learning some fun facts about this great nation! Ancient Egyptians held cats in high esteem. They believed they brought luck and were often worshiped as deities. Ancient Egyptians used mineral-based eye makeup such as malachite and…

When Will Saturn’s Rings Disappear?

Saturn’s rings have long held a special place in our imaginations, but our view may soon become restricted by atmospheric obstructions. NASA’s Cassini probe has unveiled surprising evidence indicating that Saturn’s rings may not have endured nearly as long as previously thought. The Age of the Rings Astronomers have long speculated on how Saturn’s rings…