Follow the reluctant adventures in the life of a Welsh astrophysicist sent around the world for some reason, wherein I photograph potatoes and destroy galaxies in the name of science. And don't forget about my website, www.rhysy.net



Monday, 18 May 2015

Ask An Astronomer Anything At All About Astronomy (V)

Ten questions added this time.

1) What size asteroid would cause a mass extinction ?
A large mountain.

2) Is there anything that could stop a planet from orbiting its star ?
None worth worrying about.

3) Why do we use the Roman names for the planets instead of the Greek ?
Because those idiot Greeks forgot to conquer Europe.

4) Can we see an object after it crosses the event horizon of a black hole ?
Nope.

5) What are the first extraterrestrials we discover likely to be like ?
Pinky-purple with hats for feet.

6) If space is flat, can we travel into another dimension ?
No.

7) When we measure the Cosmic Microwave Background, does the telescope have to point away from the Galaxy ?
No, but it's better that way.

8) Are planets born in planetary nurseries ?
No.

9) Why do stars born in stellar nurseries have similar compositions ?
Because gas clouds are pretty boring places who don't like variety.

10) Do supernovae influence planet formation ?
Not directly, but they do influence star formation.

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