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Cool and Interesting Facts About the Andromeda Galaxy

May 13, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

For centuries it was believed that Andromeda is part of our Milky Way. It was only in the early 20th century when it was discovered that Andromeda was in fact, a separate galaxy. Scientists now know that it is the largest and brightest galaxy in the sky. It is also the most remote object visible to the naked eye. Andromeda is the most nearest galaxy to our Milky Way Galaxy. The Milky Way contains our planet earth and the rest of the solar system.

The Andromeda Galaxy
Author: Kees Scherer/Flickr

Andromeda is spiral shaped and one of the most massive galaxies in our part of the universe.

In moderately dark skies the galaxy is visible as an elongated, hazy patch, slightly brighter in the center, and fading away on the edges until it blends into the sky’s background.

Andromeda gets its name from the Andromeda Constellation. The galaxy is located near one of the edges of this constellation and hence it was named the Andromeda Galaxy. The word Andromeda is actually a name from Greek mythology. According to Greek legends, Andromeda was a Princess and the daughter of King Cepheus and his Queen Cassiopeia.

The Andromeda Constellation. The object labelled M31 is the Andromeda Galaxy, located at one of the constellation’s edges.
Author: Keilana (derived from work of Roberto Mura) / (CC BY-SA 3.0)

This Galaxy was first described in 964 by Abdul Rahman Sufi, a Muslim astronomer from Persia. Abdul Rahman mentioned the galaxy in his book called the “Book of Fixed Stars”. He described the Andromeda as a “nebulous smear”.

The Andromeda is also known as the Messier 31 or M31. The name comes from Charles Messier, a French astronomer who documented the Galaxy in his catalog called “Catalogue of Nebulae and Star Clusters”, published in 1771. The number 31 actually signifies that it was the 31st object on Messier’s list of astronomical objects.

Occasionally, it is also known as the NGC 224. This designation came from the New General Catalogue (NGC), a detailed list of astronomical objects documented by British astronomer, John Louis Emil Dreyer in 1888.

The first ever photograph of the Andromeda Galaxy

Up until the early 20th century, astronomers believed, Andromeda was a part of the Milky Way. This theory was proven wrong in 1920 when American astronomer Edwin Powell Hubble determined conclusively that Andromeda was not part of the Milky Way, and a separate galaxy far away from the Milky Way.

The first photograph of the galaxy was taken in 1887 by Issac Roberts, a Welsh astronomer

The total mass of the Andromeda is estimated to be about 1.8×1042kg making it one of the biggest galaxies in our local part of the universe.

Andromeda observed in the night sky.
Author: Joshua Tree / (CC BY 2.0)

Andromeda is gigantic. Scientists estimate the total number of stars in the galaxy to be around 1 trillion. This is about twice the number of stars estimated to be in the Milky Way Galaxy.

Andromeda Galaxy is at a distance of 2.2 million light years away from earth and hence the most remote object one can observe with the naked eye. This means that if we observe the Andromeda with our eye at any particular time, the bright light coming from the galaxy and reaching our eyes is actually 2.2 million years old. So, what we observe of Andromeda at any given moment with our eye actually happened or took place 2.2 million years ago. Amazing, isn’t it?

Scientists say that Andromeda was formed about 10 billion years ago from the collision and merger of smaller galaxies.

Colorful rings inside the Galaxy
Courtesy: ESA/NASA/JPL-Caltech/B. Schulz (NHSC)

Andromeda Galaxy has a diameter of about 220,000 light-years, which means if someone travels at the speed of light, it would take 220,000 years for them to travel from one edge of the galaxy to another.

Astronomers believe that the Andromeda has at least 2 Spiral Arms. Spiral arms are areas in a galaxy with strong star formation and are called spiral because of the spiral shape they take on, due to the galaxy rotating on its own axis.

Andromeda is also enveloped in a massive halo of gas and it is estimated that the halo contains half the mass of the stars in the Andromeda itself. Halos are giant spheres encircling a galaxy. They may contain old stars, hot gases or even dark matter. Halos play an important part in star formation in galaxies, controlling the rate at which new stars form.

Andromeda’s spirals can be seen quite clearly in this photo
Courtesy: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Andromeda’s halo is invisible and dark. It can’t be seen when observing the galaxy. Scientists were only able to discover the halo after observing bright objects in the galaxy behind the halo and observing changes in light patterns due to the halo. This halo is believed to contain gases and an abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium.

Although, the galaxy is so huge and bright that it can be seen anytime of the year, the best time to get a good view is during autumn nights, when the sky is dark and clear.

The Andromeda Galaxy is approaching the Milky Way at a speed of 110km/s. Scientists believe that our Milky Way and the Andromeda will collide after 4 billion years. Imagine that!

Andromeda Galaxy
Author: Stephen Rahn/Flickr

Moreover, the Andromeda also has 14 dwarf or satellite galaxies. These galaxies are heavily influenced by interactions with their nearby parent galaxies and are constantly orbiting around them. M32 and M110 are Andromeda’s most prominent satellite galaxies.

The Andromeda is estimated to have at least 35 black-holes, one of which is at the core or nuclei of the Galaxy. This black-hole at the center has a mass of about 2×1038 kg, which is at least 100 million times more than the mass of our Sun.

At least 450-460 globular clusters orbit the Andromeda. Globular clusters are spherical clusters of mostly old stars that orbit their nearby larger galaxy. The spherical shape of these clusters is due to gravity binding them together. Typically, these are found in the outer regions of a galaxy, specifically the halo region.

Andromeda Galaxy
Author: Michael S Adler / (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Although it’s the largest galaxy in our part of the universe, the Andromeda Galaxy contains less dark matter than our Milky Way.

For now much of what we know about the Andromeda is still a mystery. Scientists still have a lot to discover about this galaxy which is so much similar to our Milky Way. Some say the Andromeda may even have planets like our Milky Way. And who knows, maybe these yet to be discovered planets support life like our Earth does. If this were true, maybe one day we’ll get to meet some friendly or not so friendly aliens who might actually even look like us and have the same DNA as humans.

A deep image of the Galaxy
Author: Giuseppe Donatiello/Flickr

10 Interesting Facts About Lunar Eclipse

May 11, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

Lunar Eclipse is an astronomical event which happens when the Moon passes behind the shadow of the Earth. The Sun always creates this shadow around the earth. This is a very rare occasion when the Sun, Earth, and the Moon are all exactly lined up and the Moon passes behind this shadow.

Lunar Eclipse
Author: Bannuclicks / (CC BY-SA 4.0)

When the Moon goes through the umbral shadow of the Earth then a lunar eclipse is very easy to see, and viewed from any place of the earth at night.

The moon has a speed of about one kilometer/second through the shadow. Thus, a lunar eclipse has a total of almost 3 hours plus 40 minutes and approximately 107 minutes.

A lunar eclipse may be seen from anywhere at night on the Earth.

A selenehelion is also called selenelion that is occurring, when the eclipsed Moon as well as the Sun is observed at similar time just after sunrise or before sunset.

A lunar eclipse occurs only at the time of the full moon and may occur less than 3 times in one year.

A lunar eclipse is viewed from all hemispheres and at the same time, it is seen by everyone who has full moon sight. A lunar eclipse time may span in many hours due to local time zones.

Another type of lunar Eclipse is Penumbral Lunar Eclipse which is occurring after passing through the shadow of penumbral shadow. These events are subtle as well as slight to observe therefore these are only for academic interest.

Partial Lunar Eclipse is another type of lunar eclipse which happens only when one portion of the moon passes against the umbral shadow of Earth. These can also be viewed from an unaided eye.

When the full moon passes through the umbral shadow of the earth then Total Lunar Eclipse occurs. A myth is famous in Egyptian that the eclipse is like a sow which swallows the moon for a small time.

16 Cool Facts about the Amazon River and its Drainage Basin

May 8, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

With an approximate length of 6400km, the Amazon River is considered the second largest river in the world after the Nile. The river’s main source is believed to be the Apurimac River, in Peru. It runs through Brazil. Peru, Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, Venezuela and Guyana. The river forms the largest drainage basin on earth and also contains the largest tropical rainforest in the world. The river is also the largest in South America. After flowing eastwards, the river eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

Amazon River in Brazil
Author: CIAT / (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Given below are some cool and interesting facts about the Amazon river and its drainage basin:

Even though it’s shorter than the Nile, the Amazon River contains more water than the Nile, Mississippi and Yangtze River combined. The river is also sometimes called the River Sea.

It has the largest drainage basin on earth with an approximate area of about 7,050,000 km2.

Amazon River has an average water flow rate of 209000m3/s. This is the greater than the flow rates of the Congo, Orinoco, Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna, Madeira, Yangtze and the  Negro rivers combined.

Amazon flowing inside Indiana, Peru
Author: Jason Hollinger / (CC BY 2.0)

The river has more than 1100 tributaries.

It contains more than 5000 different kind of fish species. Some of them are very deadly can kill humans. These include the Piranha, Candiru Fish, Pacu, Electric Eel, Arapaima and Payara fish.

The Amazon is also a home to a lot of deadliest species of animals, insects and reptiles.

The Amazon Rainforest in the Amazon drainage basin is the largest tropical rainforest on earth and occupies an area of about 5,500,000 km2. The forest is often called as the “Lungs of our planet” because it absorbs about 25% of total Carbon Dioxide emissions produced.

Amazon River and its rainforest
Author: lubasi / (CC BY-SA 2.0)

More than one third of all living species reside in the Amazon forest.

The Amazon River and its rainforests are home to not only some incredible species of animals and birds but thousands of fruits and anti-cancer plants are also found in it.

The Amazon River contains about one fifth of all the freshwater on earth. It is also responsible for pouring 25% of the world’s fresh water into oceans.

Sunset over the Amazon
Author: Joshjrowe / (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The river has a width of 5 miles in several places. During the wet season, when the river volume is at its peak the width can increase up to 15 miles.

About 90% of the Amazon rainforest plants are yet to be studied and researched by scientists.

It is said that about 50 or more tribes living in different inner parts of the Amazon rainforest have never had any contact with the modern world.

The Amazon Rainforest
Author: Anna & Michal / (CC BY 2.0)

The Amazon rainforest is being deforested very brutally. It is estimated that if the current rate of deforestation in the forest continues, by the year 2030, 27% of the rainforest will be without trees.

Monthly, over hundreds of the different species of plants, animals and birds living in the forest come under the threat of extinction. Many species have already gone extinct.

It is also believed, that many undiscovered species of the Amazon may already have gone extinct.

NASA’s satellite image of the Amazon River

Health Facts About Pomegranates

May 5, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

Pomegranates are not ordinary fruits. Many people consider pomegranates to be the King of all Fruits. This delicious fruit is packed richly with minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients. A lot of research has been conducted on the fruit’s nutrient properties and its health benefits. Scientists are learning more about the fruit and we hope that in the future, more health benefits will be discovered.

Pomegranates
Author: Ella Olsson / (CC BY 2.0)

The pomegranate is also known as the Chinese Apple or the Granada, and it is well known for its juice and fruit.

The origins of the pomegranate are in Persia and India.

Pomegranates are grown in early spring through late summer between the months of February and September. Pomegranates grow in warm climates.

Pomegranates are similar to grapefruits in size and are red in color.

Author: Augustus Binu / (CC BY-SA 3.0)

This fruit with softball shape has high nutritional value with low calories.

This fruit contains high amounts of vitamin C, and other vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin B5, and vitamin E.

Additionally, it is packed with numerous minerals such as potassium, calcium, as well as iron.These compounds improve body health, prevent ageing and increase immunity.

Author: Prathyush Thomas

Pomegranates have a lot of seeds within themselves. These seeds are full of fiber. Pomegranate seeds also prevent clotting and coagulation of blood and hence act as a blood thinner. This can prevent blood clots in arteries.

Studies have shown that pomegranates also help in reducing bad cholesterol levels and triglycerides in the human body.

Pomegranates can prevent heart disease and also reduce blood pressure.

Pomegranate Juice
Author: Ella Olsson / (CC BY 2.0)

Pomegranates also fight enzymes that damage bone cartilage, hence ensuring and prolonging bone health.

Studies have shown that consuming pomegranate juice improves our visual and verbal memory.

Pomegranates also have anti-inflammatory properties and can have positive health effects on people suffering with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Author: John Morgan / (CC BY 2.0)

Research has also shown that people who consume pomegranates, have lower levels of the stress hormone Cortisol, hence pomegranates can contribute to reducing stress in our body.

This fruit also contains compounds that prevent plaque formation, hence ensuring healthy teeth and gums.

Pomegranates have three times more antioxidants than any other antioxidant-rich food; it consists of numerous polyphenol such as flavonoids, tannins, catechins, ellagic acid, and anthocyanins. These phytochemicals increase the ability of pomegranate fruits to decrease the effects of disease and tissue damage.

Author:Marco Verch / (CC BY 2.0)

Facts About Tirich Mir(Terich Mir)

May 4, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

Tirich Mir is a mountain located in Chitral Valley, Pakistan. The mountain itself is a part of the Hindu-Kush Range. Tirich Mir is just near the northern border of Pakistan with Afghanistan. The mountain’s name is derived from Wakhi, a language spoken in the remote regions of Northern Pakistan. In Wakhi, Tirich means shadow and Mir means Darkness, hence Tirich Mir translates to King of Darkness. The most probable reason for this name is due to the fact that Tirich Mir casts long shadows over the Wakhan Corridor, which is inside Afghanistan and forms the Northern border of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Tirich Mir (Terich Mir)
Author: Usmanqazi1994 / (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Tirich Mir is the 33rd tallest mountain in the world and the 16th tallest in Pakistan. It’s also the tallest, in the Hindu-Kush mountain range.

Outside the Himalayas and Karokaram ranges, it’s the tallest mountain in the world.

The mountain is known to have a lot of dangerous and deep crevasses. It is believed that many trekkers and climbers have lost their lives by falling into these cracks. The difficult to climb glacier, and bad weather on the mountain is also another threat to climbers. So, the peak should only be scaled by professional climbers.

Tirich Mir can be reached after crossing the small village of Tirich in Chitral, which is also the last village before reaching the mountain.

Tirich Mir, covered in snow and over-looking the Chitral Valley.
Author: Msanamsaeed / (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The valley surrounding the mountain is very fertile and has a lot of fruit plants like apricots, apples, pears, pomegranate, mulberry, persimmon and walnuts.

Tirich Mir has a maximum height of 7708m. The mountain has seven smaller peaks too, all of which are above 7000m.

These summits are Tirich Mir North, Tirich Mir South, Tirich Mir East, Tirich Mir West I , Tirich Mir West II , Tirich Mir West III and Tirich Mir West IV.

The main peak of Tirich Mir(7708m) was first climbed successfully in 1950, by a group of climbers from Norway led by philosopher and writer Arne Naess. The peak was last climbed in 2016 by two French engineers.

Another view of Tirich Mir.
Author: Naveedanjumkhan / (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Tirich Mir North, at 7056m, was climbed by a team of German and Austrian climbers in 1965.

Tirich Mir South, at 7100m, is yet to be climbed successfully. No one has reached the top of this summit.

Tirich Mir East is 7692m tall and was first scaled in 1964 by climbers from Norway.

Tirich Mir West I, at 7487m, was first climbed by a team if Czech climbers in 1967.

Tirich Mir in the background can be seen towering over other peaks.
Author: Skorp.101 / (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Tirich Mir West II, at 7500m, was first scaled successfully in 1974 by climbers from Italy.

Tirich Mir West III, at 7400m, was climbed in 1974 by French mountaineers.

Tirich Mir West IV, at 7338m, was climbed for the first time in 1967 by Austrian climbers.

The mountain’s higher elevations are covered in snow throughout the year and temperatures are quite low. Temperatures recorded on the mountain at a height of 4245m show an annual average temperature ranging from -23°C to 0°C. At even greater heights the temperatures drop to -35°C or even lower than that.

Tirich Mir at night.
Author: KaleemUllah550 / (CC BY-SA 4.0)

15 interesting and shocking facts about water

May 4, 2019 By admin Leave a Comment

Water, as we all know is essential for us.Without any water, life on earth won’t exist.Sadly in today’s world many people don’t have excess to safe drinking water despite the fact that water covers 71% of the earth’s surface. It is believed that a person can survive about a month without food, but only a week without water.

Author: StockPhotosforFree.com / (CC BY 2.0)

Each water molecule is made up of 2 Hydrogen, and 1 Oxygen atom.

Roughly 70% of the adult human body is water.

More than 1 billion people do not have access to clean water.

70% of the freshwater used by humans goes to agriculture.

$60-$80 billion dollars are made in bottled water sales each year over the world.

About 4 million people die each year from water related diseases.

It takes up to 5000 liters of water to produce 1kg of rice.

It takes 11000 liters of water to produce 1 pound of coffee.

A five minute shower in an American household uses more water than a person living in a slum uses in one whole day.

It takes 300 liters of water to make just one Sunday newspaper.

The average toilet uses 8 liters of clean water in a single flush.

Water consumption in a US household is eight times that of an Indian household.

Every 15 seconds, a child dies from water born diseases.

Each year 3.4 million people die from a water related disease.

Simply washing your hands can decrease the chance of getting diarrhea by 35%.

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