(Encyclopedia) parsecparsecpärˈsĕc [key] [parallax + second], in astronomy, basic unit of length for measuring interstellar and intergalactic distances, equal to 206,265 times the distance from the…
(Encyclopedia) elevation, vertical distance from a datum plane, usually mean sea level to a point above the earth. Often used synonymously with altitude, elevation is the height on the earth's…
(Encyclopedia) syzygysyzygysĭzˈəjē [key], in astronomy, alignment of three bodies of the solar system along a straight or nearly straight line. A planet is in syzygy with the earth and sun when it is…
(Encyclopedia) weight, measure of the force of gravity on a body (see gravitation). Since the weights of different bodies at the same location are proportional to their masses, weight is often used…
WHAT ARE THE MAIN BODIES IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM? HOW DID THE SOLAR SYSTEM FORM? PLANETSFIND OUT MOREOur local star, the Sun, and everything that circles around it is known as the Solar System. The Sun…
COMET HALE-BOPPCOMET ORBITSBIOGRAPHY: EDMOND HALLEY English, 1656-1742METEORSFIND OUT MORESometimes icy lumps left over from the birth of the Solar System visit our skies. We see them as comets…
Scientists of all sorts
There are many different types of scientists, who work on different types of science. Now, when we say "scientist" we usually mean someone who studies the natural sciences.…
by Liz Olson For centuries beginning around 1600, Native Americans settled along the wooded and rich-soil banks of Northern Plains rivers. In the United States the Plains include parts of…
The vernal equinox occurs on March 20, 2016 Related Links Easter Features Spring Poetry The Calendar The Seasons Earth's Seasons: Video and Activities Equinox Seasons for the…
by David Johnson
Even though spacecraft are thoroughly sanitized, scientists have been startled to learn that some 250 species of bacteria and fungi can live and…
