Stars are massive celestial bodies made up of hot plasma. They are the building blocks of galaxies and emit light and heat across the universe. Some of the brightest stars include Sirius, Canopus and Alpha Centauri. Scientists use the study of stars to learn more about the origins and behavior of the universe.
What are Galaxies?
Galaxies are huge systems made up of stars, planetary systems, gas and dust. These systems can range in size from a few million stars to even trillions of stars. Our home galaxy, the Milky Way, is just one of millions of galaxies in the observable universe. Galaxies are critical to understanding the history and formation of the universe.
What are Planets?
Planets are celestial bodies that orbit a star and are massive enough to take on a spherical shape. They can be composed of rocks, gas, ice or any combination of the three. While our solar system has eight planets, scientists believe that exoplanets – planets that orbit outside of our solar system – could number in the billions. Studying planets can help us understand the likelihood of life beyond Earth.
How do Scientists Study Outer Space?
Scientists use a variety of tools and methods to study outer space. Telescopes, like the Hubble Space Telescope, allow scientists to observe distant objects and galaxies. Satellites can track and gather data on planets and solar systems. NASA and other space programs also launch spacecraft to explore our solar system and beyond. These scientific efforts help us to learn more about the universe.
Conclusion
The study of outer space, stars, galaxies and planets is essential to understanding our origins and our place in the universe. As we continue to explore, we’ll unlock mysteries that were once thought impossible to solve. Every discovery made today is a foundation for discovering more tomorrow.