Astronomy Trivia

The Milky Way refers to our galaxy, which is a vast system of stars, planets, and other celestial objects. It is the galaxy that contains our solar system and is home to billions of stars, including our own sun. The term "Milky Way" is derived from its appearance as a hazy band of light that stretches across the night sky, caused by the combined light of countless stars. Therefore, the answer "Our Galaxy" is correct.

Mercury is the nearest planet to the Sun. It is the closest planet to the Sun in our solar system, with an average distance of about 36 million miles. Its proximity to the Sun means that it has a very short orbital period, completing one orbit in just 88 Earth days. This close proximity also results in extreme temperatures on the planet, with scorching hot temperatures during the day and freezing cold temperatures at night.

Neptune has 14 moons orbiting around it, as of 2023. However, please note that new moons could potentially be discovered in the future, and I recommend checking the latest astronomical sources for the most up-to-date information on the number of moons around Neptune.

The Sun and the planets were created from a huge Nebula of gases and dust. This is known as the nebular hypothesis, which suggests that a massive cloud of gas and dust collapsed under its own gravity, forming a rotating disk. The central region of the disk became the Sun, while the surrounding material gradually came together to form the planets. This hypothesis is supported by scientific evidence such as the composition of the planets and the presence of similar nebulae in other star-forming regions.

From space, Earth appears as a giant blue ball. This is because the majority of Earth's surface is covered by water, which reflects sunlight and gives the planet a blue color when viewed from space. The blue color is further enhanced by the Earth's atmosphere, which scatters sunlight in all directions and makes the planet appear blue.

70% of Earth's surface is covered with water. This is because the Earth is predominantly covered by oceans, which make up about 97% of the planet's water. Additionally, there are also other bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and glaciers that contribute to the overall water coverage. The remaining 30% of Earth's surface is comprised of landmasses, including continents and islands.

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. It has a diameter of about 86,881 miles, making it more than 11 times the size of Earth. Its immense size is due to its composition, consisting mainly of hydrogen and helium. Jupiter also has a strong gravitational pull, which is why it is often referred to as a "gas giant." Its size and mass have a significant impact on the surrounding planets and asteroids, influencing their orbits and gravitational interactions.

The development of the first practical telescope is often attributed to the Dutch scientist Hans Lippershey in the early 17th century. He is credited with applying for a patent for a device that could magnify distant objects, leading to the creation of the telescope. While Lippershey is often associated with the invention of the telescope, it's worth noting that there were other individuals working on similar concepts around the same time.

In 1957, the Russians sent a satellite into space. This marked a significant milestone in space exploration as it was the first artificial satellite to be launched into orbit around the Earth. Known as Sputnik 1, it was a small, spherical satellite that transmitted radio signals back to Earth. Its launch by the Soviet Union sparked the Space Age and initiated the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Neil Armstrong was the leader of the Apollo 11 mission. He was the first person to walk on the moon and is a renowned astronaut. His leadership and expertise were crucial in the success of the mission, making him the correct answer.