The moon is the natural satellite of the earth. You may have noticed that the moon is slightly different every other day. This is because the moon is going through phases.
What is a moon phase?
To understand the reason for the different phases of the moon, you need to understand what a moon cycle is.
Firstly, the moon does not have its light. It reflects the light of the sun. The sun’s rays hit the moon and this is why we can see the moon shine at night.
Secondly, the moon orbits the Earth. It orbits the Earth. Because it is constantly in motion, not all of the moon receives sunlight. This is why we see only a part of the moonshine. The part of the moon that receives the sunlight is the part of the moon you can see from the earth.
What are the different phases of the moon?
Phases of the moon
New moon: This is when the unilluminated face of the moon faces the earth. This is when you see no moon in the sky.
Waxing Crescent: This is when you see the silver of the moon in the sky. When the day-part of the moon is mostly facing away from the earth. This is called a crescent moon and looks like a ‘C’.
First Quarter: The first quarter moon is also known as the half-moon. You can see more of the moon than just a crescent. It rises at noon and sets at midnight.
Waxing Gibbous: The waxing gibbous moon phase is more illuminated than a ‘half-moon’. It is not a complete full moon, but it is not a half moon either.
Full moon: During the full moon phase, the illuminated side of the moon faces the earth and we see a full, circular moon. It tends to light up the night with its silver light.
Waning Gibbous: This is when the moon is turning away again. The moon decreases in size and this phase comes after the full-moon phase.
Third Quarter: The third quarter is also known as the last quarter. The half-illuminated portion of the moon faces the Earth, making the moon look half.
Waning Crescent: During the waning crescent moon phase, you can see only silver or white. This is because only a small portion of the moon faces the earth, making a small crescent illuminated and visible.
What are moon cycles and moon phases?
The moon cycle is the cycle of the moon around the sun.
It takes about 28 days for the moon to orbit the Earth. As the moon orbits the Earth, the moon tends to change its phases. There are 8 different phases of the moon; four primary phases and four secondary phases.
The moon does not have its light. It reflects the light of the sun. And because it is continuously orbiting the Earth, only part of the moon receives the sunlight. The moon absorbs the sunlight and reflects a portion of it. It is this portion of the reflected sunlight that we see from Earth.
Conclusion
It takes 29.5 days for a moon to orbit the Earth. During this moon cycle, the moon goes through 8 different phases. The earth is interesting in itself but, even the heavenly body outside is equally amazing.
FAQs
1. What are the 8 moon cycles?
The 8 moon cycles are waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent.
2. Are all the moon cycles 28 days?
It usually takes 29.5 days for a moon to cycle the Earth. During the sidereal month, it takes 27 days, 7 hours, and 43 minutes to orbit the earth and complete a cycle.
3. How long is a 12-moon cycle?
A lunar year or 12-moon cycle takes about 354 days.
4. Are moon cycles monthly?
Yes, moon cycles complete in a month.
5. What is a full moon cycle?
It is the time interval between a full moon and the repetition of the same phase. It lasts about 29.53 days.
Our universe is so big and many events are constantly taking place. We may not be able to experience all of them because of how vast the universe is. Watching a total solar eclipse is one such celestial event.
People have always been fascinated by this for many years and this year is no different. The total solar eclipse of 2024 is said to last twice the normal eclipse so, here are some precautions you should take before watching the eclipse.
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes in between the earth and the moon. This causes the shadow of the moon to be cast on a portion of the earth. A rare total eclipse is going to take place on April 8, 2024. Parts of the world will be able to experience this celestial event.
What makes it so unique and different from the rest of the eclipse is the length of the eclipse. This eclipse is said to be twice as long as a normal eclipse. But before going out to see this eclipse, you need to keep a few things in mind. Here are a few things you need to make sure are in check.
Things you need to know before watching a total solar eclipse
Glasses with solar filters
It is advised that you get glasses with a solar filter. You may think you could use any of your goggles to watch the eclipse, but that is not the case. All the glasses cannot filter the radiation of the sun that would permanently or temporarily damage your eyesight.
Solar eclipse needs special glasses to safely watch. And even though 3D glasses look similar to eclipse glasses, you should not use them.
Time of the total eclipse
Keep track of the time of the eclipse. They do not last very long so double-check the time of the eclipse so that you don’t miss out. This is a very rare event; if you have the chance, you should make sure you experience this surreal celestial event. It is said to begin at 11:07 am, starting at Mexico’s Pacific coast.
If you live in the United States, make sure you get your eclipse glasses ready before noon. And if you’re in Canada, you will be experiencing the eclipse from around 2 pm which will end in the evening. Keep yourself updated with the eclipse news so you don’t miss out.
The 2024 total solar eclipse can be seen in many cities across North America. Here are some important places and the times when the eclipse will happen there.
The data information is sourced from the NASA website.
USA total eclipse time:
Location
Partial Begins
Totality Begins
Maximum
Totality Ends
Partial Ends
Dallas, Texas
12:23 p.m. CDT
1:40 p.m. CDT
1:42 p.m. CDT
1:44 p.m. CDT
3:02 p.m. CDT
Idabel, Oklahoma
12:28 p.m. CDT
1:45 p.m. CDT
1:47 p.m. CDT
1:49 p.m. CDT
3:06 p.m. CDT
Little Rock, Arkansas
12:33 p.m. CDT
1:51 p.m. CDT
1:52 p.m. CDT
1:54 p.m. CDT
3:11 p.m. CDT
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
12:39 p.m. CDT
1:56 p.m. CDT
1:56 p.m. CDT
2:00 p.m. CDT
3:15 p.m. CDT
Paducah, Kentucky
12:42 p.m. CDT
2:00 p.m. CDT
2:01 p.m. CDT
2:02 p.m. CDT
3:18 p.m. CDT
Carbondale, Illinois
12:42 p.m. CDT
1:59 p.m. CDT
2:01 p.m. CDT
2:03 p.m. CDT
3:18 p.m. CDT
Evansville, Indiana
12:45 p.m. CDT
2:02 p.m. CDT
2:04 p.m. CDT
2:05 p.m. CDT
3:20 p.m. CDT
Cleveland, Ohio
1:59 p.m. EDT
3:13 p.m. EDT
3:15 p.m. EDT
3:17 p.m. EDT
4:29 p.m. EDT
Erie, Pennsylvania
2:02 p.m. EDT
3:16 p.m. EDT
3:18 p.m. EDT
3:20 p.m. EDT
4:30 p.m. EDT
Buffalo, New York
2:04 p.m. EDT
3:18 p.m. EDT
3:20 p.m. EDT
3:22 p.m. EDT
4:32 p.m. EDT
Burlington, Vermont
2:14 p.m. EDT
3:26 p.m. EDT
3:27 p.m. EDT
3:29 p.m. EDT
4:37 p.m. EDT
Lancaster, New Hampshire
2:16 p.m. EDT
3:27 p.m. EDT
3:29 p.m. EDT
3:30 p.m. EDT
4:38 p.m. EDT
Caribou, Maine
2:22 p.m. EDT
3:32 p.m. EDT
3:33 p.m. EDT
3:34 p.m. EDT
4:40 p.m. EDT
Canada total eclipse time:
Location
Partial Begins
Total Begins
Maximum
Total Ends
Partial Ends
New Brunswick, Fredericton
2:21 PM ADT
4:32 PM ADT
4:38 PM ADT
4:38 PM ADT
5:43 PM ADT
Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie
12:54 PM EDT
3:12 PM EDT
3:27 PM EDT
3:27 PM EDT
4:36 PM EDT
Quebec, Montreal
2:08 PM EDT
3:24 PM EDT
3:24 PM EDT
3:24 PM EDT
5:44 PM ADT
Nova Scotia, Halifax
3:23 PM ADT
4:39 PM ADT
4:41 PM ADT
4:41 PM ADT
5:46 PM ADT
Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown
3:26 PM ADT
4:35 PM ADT
4:38 PM ADT
4:38 PM ADT
5:44 PM ADT
Newfoundland, St. John’s
2:25 PM EDT
5:09 PM NDT
5:16 PM NDT
5:16 PM NDT
6:18 PM NDT
Mexico total eclipse time:
Location
Partial Begins
Total Begins
Maximum
Total Ends
Partial Ends
Mazatlán, Sinaloa
10:28 AM MDT
12:28 PM MDT
12:30 PM MDT
12:32 PM MDT
2:00 PM MDT
Durango, Durango
10:51 AM MDT
12:08 PM CST
12:23 PM CST
12:23 PM CST
1:43 PM CST
Torreón, Coahuila
10:58 AM CST
12:16 PM CST
12:32 PM CST
12:32 PM CST
1:51 PM CST
Please keep in mind that these times are close estimates and might differ a bit depending on where you are in the city. Make sure to watch the eclipse safely by using suitable eye protection!
Making an eclipse projector
You can also have fun in the eclipse and do a little science project and make an eclipse projector. To make this, you need to cover a small hole in a cardboard box and cover it with aluminum foil. Create a small hole in the foil and hold it against the sun so light can pass through it.
This will project an image of the sun on the second piece of cardboard. You may have to adjust the distance between the two pieces to get a clear image. Now you can see the eclipse safely.
Protect your skin
If you’re in the Southwest region, then you could be in the sun for a while. So, keep your sunscreen ready and keep an umbrella close by. You will be grateful for the shade you have. If you don’t, you could get sunburnt and they are not fun.
Keep your camera on standby
The total eclipse will last for a time less than you expect it to last. So, keep all of your equipment ready. The eclipse of April 8 2024 is supposed to last for twice as long as a normal eclipse.
Which parts of the world will experience the total solar eclipse of 2024?
Mexico’s Pacific coast is going to experience a total solar eclipse at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. Then the eclipse will go across the United States, touching down in Texas, and journeying through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
The eclipse will then make its way into Canada, gracing Southern Ontario, and continuing through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. Finally, as the sun sets, the eclipse will end on continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.
It is a remarkable event that you cannot miss out on. Mark the date on the calendar, and make a checklist of things you need to keep in mind before looking at the total solar eclipse. Let your close friends and family know about it too!
Make sure you are well-equipped to see the solar eclipse. You will need solar-filter eclipse glasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella to have a pleasant experience.
What should we not do during the solar eclipse?
You should not look directly at the sun during the solar eclipse. It can blind you partially or fully(temporarily or permanently).
Is it safe to look at a total solar eclipse?
Even if it is dark, it is not safe to look at a total solar eclipse without specialized protection.
What happens during a total eclipse?
During a total solar eclipse, the moon comes in between the earth and the sun which casts a shadow on the earth.
Should I look at the eclipse?
You can watch the eclipse with eclipse-safe equipment, even your camera needs protection.
How rare is a total eclipse?
An eclipse occurs every 1.5 years.
Should I not go out during the solar eclipse?
You can go out during the solar eclipse but do not look at the eclipse with naked eyes.
Being an astronaut is such an amazing thing, you get to explore the world outside of the one we reside in. It is natural to want to know more about them. This article will walk you through 10 surprising facts about astronauts that are sure to blow your mind.
1. The oldest man in Space
John Glenn was the oldest man to be in outer space. He was 77 years old when he took off in Space Shuttle Discovery. There truly is no age limit for things you are passionate about.
2. First meal on the moon
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first astronauts on the moon. They landed on the moon on July 20, 1996. They had bacon cubes, peaches, 3 sugar cookies, a pineapple grapefruit drink, and coffee for their first meal.
3. The time machine effect
According to Einstein’s theory of relativity, astronauts in space go back 10 million seconds in time, but they get back to normal when they enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Every time an astronaut circles the earth’s orbit, they return a few seconds.
4. Skin peeling off of astronauts
This may not be a popular news but, the skin of the astronauts in space tends to peel. This is because they do not walk like on Earth, making their soles feel soft and flakey. This does not usually smell or irritate, but they keep this in check using steroid cream.
5. Weightlessness in space
The astronauts feel intensely weightless because the fluids in the body get distributed. The blood and lymph in the legs get redistributed by the pressure. This makes them feel nauseous and sick. This weightlessness is not the best sensation and causes severe disorientation. It takes time for the astronauts to get used to it.
6. Chocolatier in Space
Helen Sharman worked at Mars, a chocolate bar company. He was a chemist there. When she heard of the opening for applicants to be the first British explorer, she applied and was selected out of 13,000 applicants. She was only 26 years old and went out into the space more than just once.
7. Valentina Tereshkova’s whereabouts
When Valentina left for training to become an astronaut, she told her mother that she was in camp training to be a pro skydiver. It was later when the entire landing was what Tereshkova was training for. She was shocked when she saw her daughter in space when the shuttle orbited the Earth.
8. Height requirement
Not every passionate person can be an astronaut. There are several checklists that they need to clear before they are considered to be a part of the space team. Height is one such requirement. The astronauts need to be taller than 5’2 feet. But not every tall person gets a pass. You cannot be an astronaut if you are taller than 6’3 feet.
9. Astronauts from the first moon landing were in quarantine
People did not know much about space, so naturally the first astronauts who landed on the moon on Apollo 11 were quarantined when they returned from space. This was to ensure that the astronauts were not infected with any deadly virus or radiation. They continued doing this till Apollo 14, after which they declared that the moon did not affect the astronaut’s health in a contagious way.
10. Coming back to earth is very overwhelming
Space is an empty vacuum and you don’t have much sound in the rocket too. So when astronauts come back home, it is not just the sense of being back that feels overwhelming but it is the noise and all the other earthly sounds. It is not just the physical body that needs time to adjust, it is the mental health that needs time for adjustments too.
These were some of the surprising facts about astronauts. You probably learned something new. Being an astronomer is a very cool job, but it comes with a lot of work. Some people are driven like Valentina and John Glenn, but their gender or age did not stop them from pursuing what their hearts desired.
Have you ever wondered what happens when an astronaut farts in space? If you have, then this article is for you and if you have not, then you learn something new every day (you should keep reading).
So what are the possible outcomes when an astronaut farts in space:
No Sound: Farts would not make the same audible noises as they do on Earth because there is no medium for sound waves to pass through in the vacuum of space.
Diffusion: The atmosphere within the cabin would absorb the gas that was expelled from the astronaut’s body. The scent may spread throughout the spacecraft due to the more uniform dispersion of gases in the microgravity environment of space.
Filtration and Circulation: To keep the crew’s environment healthy and breathable, most spacecraft use air filtration systems. By filtering and circulating the air, these systems could perhaps lower the concentration of any offensive scents.
What happens when the fart gets out in space?
An astronaut farts in space
No Sound: There is no medium for sound waves to travel through space’s vacuum. As a result, if an astronaut lets off the gas, it will happen quietly and without making any noise. It is like a quiet cosmic outburst.
No Smell: In the absence of air, there is no medium for the aromatic compounds generated during flatulence to disperse. As a result, the smell of flatulence won’t enter the atmosphere of the spacecraft, providing relief from smells for every passenger.
Internal Pressure: The gas expands when an astronaut exhales because of the internal pressure in their body. Because there are no external air pressure gradients, there is no possibility of an explosion or other dangerous outcomes, even though this could cause some little discomfort.
Floating Gas Bubble: The astronaut is surrounded by a little bubble made of gas expelled during flatulence. The bubble will stay hanging in the spacecraft’s microgravity environment until it eventually dissolves if no gravitational forces are pulling it down.
Recycled Air: To preserve a livable and healthy atmosphere, contemporary spaceships are outfitted with advanced air filtering technologies. By effectively recycling and purifying the air, these systems guarantee that any gas released is eventually filtered out and reintegrated into the spacecraft’s air supply, supporting long-term life support systems.
There are so many things that are considered too little or too absurd to question out loud. But this does not mean these things should not be questioned. Farts in space is one of such things. Remember all questions matter and you should never hesitate to question them.
Our space is mesmerizing and so beautiful. Its mysteriousness has made me wonder what is out there and how it is out there. Many scientists and theorists have come up with varying theories of their own. Many are unproven, but they all make sense because that is just how mysterious our universe is. In this blog, you will go through some interesting space theories.
The white hole theory.
White holes are the exact opposite of black hole, it is a hypothetical region of spacetime. This may be theoretical but it is a very fascinating fact. According to this theory, the white hole deflects sounds and information.
So, a black hole would pull everything towards it but, a white hole would push everything away from it. Now imagine what would happen if they would collide (that is if they can ever collide).
Andromeda Galaxy is the closest galaxy to Earth.
Andromeda Galaxy is the closest galaxy to ours and can be seen from our naked eye. It is dim when looking through our naked eye because it is 20.5 million light-years away, but that does not take away the magic from its existence.
We can only see it from afar, watching it glow. We cannot deny the possibility that there is another life form doing the same with our galaxy Milky Way.
The pocket universe theory.
There is still a lot to explore about our mysterious universe, however, scientists have discovered many possibilities and cool facts about the universe. Pocket dimension theory is also known as bubble universe. It is an interesting theory that talks about the endless possibilities out there. It talks about the realms out there that are similar to ours but, just in different inflationary zones, with access to alternate realities and unimaginable landscapes.
The coronal rain phenomenon.
As beautiful as the name sounds, this is an equally mesmerizing sight to behold. Shame it can only be seen using a very advanced and powerful telescope, Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO).
The corneal rain looks like it’s raining in the sun. This happens when the sun spurts hot plasma and this plasma cools in its magnetic field and is again pulled back.
Venus is Earth’s twin separated.
Venus and Earth have been called ‘twins separated at birth’ because of how similar they are in mass, size, and composition. Now you may question how. One big reason why Venus is inhabitable is because its atmosphere is mainly greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.
This had heated the surface of Venus to the extent that an ordinary life would not be sustained in it. Now does the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide ring a bell? Yes, that is where we’ll be heading if we do not keep the greenhouse gas in check.
Our space is so mysterious and there are lots of interesting space theories but, that only opens more doors for more speculations and assumptions. And the funny thing is that we cannot even just dismiss them because of how bizarre the universe is and the ways it works.
In essence, white holes are black holes’ antithesis since they expel matter and light instead of retaining them.
Is Andromeda Galaxy closest to Earth?
The Andromeda galaxy is the nearest big spiral galaxy to our Milky Way, despite the fact that a number of smaller galaxies are closer.
What Andromeda looks like from Earth?
With a core visible as a somewhat brighter region, the galaxy appears as a bigger, elongated oval shape.
What did Stephen Hawking say about white holes?
Hawking said, “If there are objects called Black Holes, which things can fall into, but not get out, there ought to be other objects, that things can come out of but not fall into. One could call these White Holes.”
What is the meaning of coronal rain?
Many tiny plasma condensations that are directed by magnetic field lines and descend towards the solar surface make up coronal rain.
What is corona around sun?
The outermost region of the Sun’s atmosphere is called the corona. Usually, the intense light coming from the Sun’s surface obscures the corona.
Was Venus like Earth once?
Like Earth, it may have once been an inhabited ocean world, but that was at least a billion years ago. All surface water evaporated due to a runaway greenhouse effect, and the vapor slowly seeped into space. High pressure and temperatures batter the surface of volcanic rock today.
Did life exist in Venus?
It’s feasible that life as we know it may exist in the Venusian atmosphere, even if it’s highly unlikely given the hostile environment of the planet’s surface.
Are pocket universes possible?
Every Universe Might be a Pocket Universe, Including Our Own. In Donnie Darko, tangent universes are blessedly rare, but according to one cosmological model of reality, there might be an infinite number of them, including our own.
Have you ever pondered the cool facts about the Universe? As we go into some incredibly fascinating facts that will wow you with the vast and enigmatic wonders that comprise our cosmic playground, get ready for a cosmic adventure.
The stars we see are already dead.
This may be sad news for many of you, but about 0.0028% of the visible stars we see are already extinguished. More than 90% of the stars we can see using a powerful telescope are not there. We’re seeing the past because these stars are about 10,000 light-years away.
Our universe is ancient.
Cool facts about the Universe: Our universe is ancient
According to astronomers, our universe is at least 13 billion years old. But seeing how much we have evolved and all the fossils we find, it seems like a reasonable age.
Our space is expanding.
Cool facts about the Universe: Our space is expanding
It’s growing, not sitting still. Imagine galaxies progressively expanding, akin to a continuous cosmic stretch. This growth may be traced back to the enormous event known as the Big Bang. So keep in mind while you read this that space is dynamic and always expanding, solving the mysteries of the universe one stretch at a time.
The space is completely silent.
Cool facts about the Universe: The space is completely silent
Did you know that the quietest location in the universe is space? It’s because there’s nothing to convey sound waves, like air. As you may know, sound travels via molecules of air on Earth, but it has nowhere to go in space. It is thus extremely quiet, like a space library. And don’t worry about echoes because there isn’t any sound. It is like yelling into a black hole when nothing returns your call. Since space has always been a mysterious place there are many interesting space theories. Space is the perfect place to be silent!
A day on Venus equals 243 Earth days.
Cool facts about the Universe: A day on Venus equals 243 Earth days
A day on Venus is not like any other day that we know. Venus takes 243 Earth days to complete a single rotation, compared to Earth’s 24-hour rotation. That implies that it would take you over six months to see the sun rise and set just once if you were on Venus.
What a different type of day it turned out to be. Thus, keep in mind that your day is little compared to a day on Venus the next time you feel like it’s dragging!
There is water in the space.
More than thirty years have passed since we learned! These microscopic water molecules are floating around out there, adding some intrigue to the cosmic environment. Yes, for a long time now, space has been keeping its watery secret. Who would have guessed that the universe would be a little wet?
We are made of the stuff stars are made of.
We are essentially composed of the same cosmic material as stars, as Sagan memorably pointed out. The bottom line is that the heavy elements that make up our bodies, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon, were formed in the intense heat of stars that existed more than 4.5 billion years ago.
Therefore, these celestial bodies that came before us are partially responsible for our existence since they transformed fundamental components into the building blocks of life. We all seem to be made of stardust, with a small portion of the cosmos inside of us.
A day on Venus lasts 243 Earth days, water has been in space for more than 30 years, stars resound from the past, space is silent, our universe is ancient—13 billion years—and it is expanding. According to Sagan, we are created of stardust. Isn’t it mind-blowing?
According to current measurements, the Earth is 4.54 billion years old, and the universe is 13.8 billion years old.
What age are we now?
Referred to officially as the Holocene, the current period started 11,700 years ago following the conclusion of the last major ice age.
Are stars considered alive?
Even though stars are not living things, we refer to their beginnings and endings as “birth and death.” It’s an easy, if fantastical, way to explain the star’s ultimately doomed interaction between matter and energy.
Why do we see the light of dead stars?
It takes years for the light from stars to reach us since they are so far away.
What star stuff are we made of?
Almost all of the elements that we can see and that make up our surroundings, such as oxygen, carbon, and iron, originated inside stars a very long time ago. These elements are listed on the periodic table.
What makes the stars?
A massive incandescent ball of hot gas is called a star. Heat-producing helium is created when hydrogen atoms collide in the gas’s interior, deep within the planet. The process that gives a star its brightness is known as nuclear fusion.
How many Earth days is equal to one day on Venus?
On Venus, a day consists of 243 Earth days. On Venus, a year consists of 225 Earth days.
How many Earth days is a year on Venus?
A Venus year, or one orbit around the Sun, lasts just 225 Earth days, thus your “day” would be much longer—243 Earth days. For example, it would take 117 Earth days to get from dawn to dusk due to the planet’s incredibly sluggish spin.
