More Fun Space Facts
I thought you might enjoy some more fun space facts. In this article we will learn about black holes and more.
Black holes-
A black hole occurs when a giant star explodes. The outer layers of the star are spewed out into space and the core of that giant star is left behind. The core then collapses inward making a very small ball. This small ball is called a neutron star.
It’s like squishing a marshmallow into a tiny ball the size of the head of a pin. The marshmallow would no longer be light a fluffy, but would be more dense. All the extra space was taken out and the atoms are packed very close together.
Just a tablespoon of this collapsed star could weigh 10,000 million tons! A neutron star becomes a black hole when it continues to squish into an even smaller ball. This small ball is very dense and VERY heavy. This dense ball contains a great gravitational pull. Everything near this ball is sucked right to it. Some scientist believe objects coming close enough to a black hole can be sucked right out of our universe! Others think that the objects sucked into a black hole are crushed into tiny bits of matter.
The pull of a black hole is so strong that even light rays can not escape. That is why the “black“ holes are so dark.
If the Earth was to collapse as a star does when it becomes a black hole (don‘t worry this will not happen), the Earth would be the size of a PEA!
Aurorae
Well, we missed it. Not long ago there was a chance to see an Aurorae. This is a magnificent light show. In the far north folks get to enjoy this show a good bit, but I am in Maryland (USA) and the chances are rare. Folks in Alaska get to enjoy the show relatively often. An Aurorae is seen in the night sky as glowing sheets of colored light dancing across the sky. When my husband was in Alaska he was treated to this show, but I can only dream of it.
The Aurorae is caused by electrically charged particles in space being sucked toward the Earth’s magnetic field. The reaction these particles have with our atmosphere cause friction. The particles rub against the particles in our atmosphere causing heat and light. We are able to see this as a beautiful light show. You know....the one I missed.
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