Escape velocity I, also referred to as circular velocity, is the speed that a body must reach to enter Earth's orbit. Correspondingly, escape velocity II is the speed that must be reached for a body to leave the Earth's orbit completely. Escape velocity III is the velocity a body must reach for it to leave the solar system, and escape velocity IV is the velocity that a body must reach to leave our galaxy. 1)
The collision of two galaxy clusters produced a gigantic shock wave which, due to the gas pressure, formed a bullet-shaped cone, hence the name “Bullet Cluster.” Dark matter was detected indirectly by comparing the spatial distribution of gravitational lensing magnitudes with that of ordinary matter, identified with X-ray sources. 2)
The moon's ground reflects more light toward its source than in other directions. This property is rare on Earth, but quite common among rocky celestial bodies. 3)
The Lich (PSR 1257+12) is a pulsar in the constellation Virgo around which orbit the first extrasolar planets discovered by Alexander Wolszczan. The proper name for the star Lich was chosen in a public contest. It is derived from the lyre, a fictional undead creature capable of controlling other undead through magic. It is a reference to a pulsar, which is a star that has “died” but still shines. 4)
Geochemical maps of the moon's surface show that its crust contains large amounts of anorthositic rocks, which agrees with the theory of the former existence of an ocean of magma. From an elemental point of view, it consists primarily of oxygen (43 percent), silicon (21 percent), iron (9 percent), calcium (9 percent), and aluminum (10 percent). 5)
We can see as many as five planets with the naked eye: Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Interestingly, Earth is the only planet in the solar system whose name does not come from that of a god. 6)
Astronauts on the International Space Station observe 16 sunrises and sunsets in one 24-hour period. 7)
To date, the youngest astronaut was Oliver Daemen, who flew into space at age 19. 8)
William Shatner is the oldest astronaut as he flew his last space mission at age 90. 9)
In microgravity conditions, the human heart beats a little slower than on Earth. 10)
The helmet shield from the space suit is covered with a thin layer of gold. This allows the helmet to reflect harmful radiation from the sun well. 11)
Space has a smell, although of course, it is difficult for humans to smell it because outside the space station they must always be in a spacesuit. The smell, however, is perceptible after the airlock is opened, such as from a spacewalk. Astronauts compare it to heated metal, the smell of a barbecue, or static electricity (the situation when, for example, you take off your “electrified” clothes). Ozone is most likely responsible for this smell. 12)
No sound will be heard in space. Sound waves cannot propagate in a vacuum, so even if something happens in space that would make noise on Earth (such as two objects colliding), there will be silence in space. 13)
Alyssa Carson is a 21-year-old girl who wants to be selected by NASA to be part of a seven-person crew for a space mission that will fly to Mars in 2033. The Mars One mission is tasked with establishing the first human colony on the previously unconquered planet. After Mars One Ventures declared bankruptcy, the mission came into question. 14)
It takes about 100,000 years for photons to reach the surface from the Sun's core and leave the star. 15)
Venus is a special planet in the Solar System. It is the only planet that rotates in the opposite direction, i.e. backwards to the Sun. 16)
In the atmosphere of one of Jupiter's moons, Europa, scientists have discovered water vapor. In turn, the presence of sodium chloride, which is the primary ingredient in kitchen salt, was noted on the surface of Europa itself. 17)