Space is full of mind-boggling mysteries that challenge what we think we know. From bizarre weather patterns on distant planets to cosmic phenomena that defy our understanding, the universe is packed with strange and fascinating facts. Did you know that it rains diamonds on Saturn and Jupiter? Or that there’s a giant cloud of alcohol floating in space? In this article, we’ll dive into some of the weirdest and most unexpected facts about our solar system.
Walking To The Moon
The Moon is about 384,400 km (238,855 miles) from Earth. The average human walking speed is 5kph (3.1mph), which means that it would take 76,880 hours, 3,203 days, or 8.8 years to walk to the Moon without any rest.
Why Is Mars Red?
Have you ever wondered why Mars is red? Well, it turns out that it’s due to oxidization, or rusting, of iron in the rocks and dust of Mars. According to NASA, “This dust gets kicked up into the atmosphere and from a distance makes the planet appear mostly red. Mars also has two small moons, known as Phobos and Deimos, that may be captured asteroids.
Mercury’s Harsh Environment
Mercury’s environment is not suitable for life as we know it. Mercury’s temperatures and solar radiation are too extreme for organisms to adapt to. According to NASA, “Mercury’s surface temperatures are both extremely hot and cold. Because the planet is so close to the Sun, day temperatures can reach highs of 800°F (430°C). Without an atmosphere to retain that heat at night, temperatures can dip as low as -290°F (-180°C).”
Exploring Jupiter
Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system, and according to NASA, “If Jupiter was a hollow shell, 1,000 Earths could fit inside.” But this planet is also known for its Great Red Spot, which is a massive storm said to be about twice the size of Earth. This storm has raged for over a century. Jupiter is a gas giant with no Earth-like surface. NASA has said, “If it has a solid inner core at all, it’s likely only about the size of Earth.”
The Hottest Planet In Our Solar System
Venus is the second planet from the Sun but is still hotter than Mercury, which is the closest planet to the Sun. According to UCL, “This is because the atmosphere is very thick and is made up of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. It also has traces of nitrogen, and the clouds on Venus are made up of sulphuric acid!” According to NASA, “Venus is permanently shrouded in thick, toxic clouds of sulfuric acid that start at an altitude of 28 to 43 miles (45 to 70 kilometers). The clouds smell like rotten eggs!”
References:
NASA – Mars
Astronomy.com – 20 Unusual Space Facts
NASA – Mercury
NASA – Venus
NASA – Jupiter
Resources:
Quora
UCL