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The Sun & Spots

The Sun & Spots

The Sun is a massive, hot star at the center of our solar system. It's primarily made of hydrogen and helium, with extreme temperatures at its core. The Sun's energy comes from nuclear fusion, emitting a tremendous amount of light and heat. It takes about 8 minutes for its light to reach Earth, and its gravity keeps our solar system in check. The Sun is around 4.6 billion years old and is vital for life on Earth as it provides the light and warmth necessary for photosynthesis.

Sunspots are temporary dark areas on the Sun's surface that appear cooler than the surrounding regions due to strong magnetic activity. Sunspots are typically planet-sized. These dark spots are caused by intense magnetic fields inhibiting the flow of heat from the Sun's interior to its surface, making them appear cooler and darker in contrast to the surrounding, hotter solar surface. Sunspots are part of the Sun's 11-year solar activity cycle.

Sombrero Galaxy

Sombrero Galaxy

Pinwheel Galaxy

Pinwheel Galaxy

Located 21 million light-years away in the Ursa Major constellation, this spiral galaxy recently dazzled astronomers with the spectacular detonation of a supernova, showcasing the dynamic nature of this utterly breathtaking universe. 🌠✨ Space For Us was able to capture the supernova in the first slide. In the second slide, you can see the Pinwheel Galaxy’s supernova before and after its detection.

A supernova is a colossal stellar explosion that occurs when a massive star reaches the end of its life cycle. The explosion releases an immense amount of energy, outshining entire galaxies for a brief period. Supernovae play a crucial role in the distribution of elements in the universe and can leave behind dense remnants like neutron stars or black holes.

The Moon

The Moon

20230619 Space For Us - POLAROID (031525).png
Wild Duck Cluster

Wild Duck Cluster

The Wild Duck Cluster is a cosmic gem, boasting the densest known open cluster—a beautiful congregation of stars born from the same molecular cloud, loosely bound together by gravity. M11, situated 6,000 light years away from Earth, has been shining brightly for approximately 220 million years!

Whirlpool Galaxy

Whirlpool Galaxy

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The Sun & Spots
Sombrero Galaxy
Pinwheel Galaxy
The Moon
20230619 Space For Us - POLAROID (031525).png
Wild Duck Cluster
Whirlpool Galaxy

SPACE FOR US

Space For Us is dedicated to making STEAM resources and careers in space sciences more visible and accessible to underserved communities, particularly minorities and BIPOC individuals of all ages, while also promoting dark sky protection and advocacy. Regardless of background, everyone should be able to explore and contribute to the infinite possibilities of space exploration and astronomy.

 
 

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