#Physics #Astronomy #ScienceQuestions #AskAnythingWednesday
🚀 Welcome to our weekly feature, Ask Anything Wednesday – this week we are focusing on **Physics, Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Science**! Do you have a burning question about these topics that you’ve been wanting to ask? Perhaps something a bit too far-fetched for a typical post? Well, you’re in luck because in this thread you can ask any science-related question you have, no matter how big or small!
Let’s break down the process of asking and answering questions on AskAnythingWednesday.
**Asking Questions:**
When posting your question, make sure to keep it science-related and within the theme of this week’s focus on Physics, Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Science. Please note that off-topic questions will be removed to keep the thread manageable in size for both our readers and panellists.
**Answering Questions:**
If you’re responding to a question, make sure you’re truly an expert in the field. This subreddit is moderated, and all responses are held to a high standard of quality. Peer-reviewed sources are always appreciated, and anecdotes are not appropriate. Always aim for accuracy and reliability in your responses to maintain the integrity of the discussion.
Now that we’ve covered the guidelines for AskAnythingWednesday, let’s dive into some amazing science-related questions that have been asked in the thread!
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## What Is Dark Matter and Why Is It Important in Understanding the Universe?
Dark matter is one of the most intriguing mysteries in the field of astronomy. It’s an invisible substance that makes up about 27% of the universe, yet it neither reflects nor emits light. We know it’s there because of its gravitational effects on surrounding matter and light.
### What We Know About Dark Matter:
1. It does not interact with electromagnetic force, making it invisible to telescopes.
2. It’s essential in explaining the gravitational effects that hold galaxies together.
3. Scientists are still trying to understand the true nature of dark matter, and many experiments are underway to detect it directly.
## The Phenomenon of Black Holes and Their Role in Shaping the Cosmos
Black holes are perhaps the most enigmatic entities in the universe. They are formed when massive stars collapse under their own gravity at the end of their life cycle. The gravitational pull of black holes is so intense that nothing, not even light, can escape from them.
### Fascinating Facts About Black Holes:
– When an object crosses the event horizon of a black hole, it is considered beyond the point of no return.
– The study of black holes has provided invaluable insights into the fabric of space-time and the behavior of matter under extreme conditions.
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As we can see, the questions in AskAnythingWednesday cover a wide range of thought-provoking topics in the realms of physics, astronomy, earth, and planetary science. The engagement and collaboration in this space truly reflect the spirit of scientific inquiry. If you have a question or want to delve into the world of science, don’t hesitate to join the discussion. And remember, no question is too big or small for AskAnythingWednesday!
Hello! Thanks for considering my question!
I’ve been a huge sci-fi fan for as long as I can remember.
Space travel to the far corners of our galaxy and beyond intrigues me. So my question is this:
How can humans live and thrive in a space environment?
We are learning more about our micro and macro biomes and how we’re all interconnected with Earth’s ecosystem.
I honestly can’t imagine how we can colonise other worlds or even travel long distances in space without taking the tiny world of our microscopic Flora and fauna into account. A sterile spaceship environment seems like it would kill us slowly without our little “friends” that we take for granted! I hope this makes sense!
Have a great day and I look forward to reading all the Q and A here today.