10. Panspermia is the theory that life is transmitted like a virus from planet to planet by asteroid and comet impacts.
9. A meteorite discovered in Antarctica was found to originate from Mars, and after careful examination some scientists believe it shows fossilized evidence of microscopic organisms- giving serious credibility to the Panspermia theory. It's thought that this meteorite was launched into space from Mars when a massive asteroid struck the planet, sending debris hurtling out of the atmosphere.
8. In 2008 an ESA mission sent tardigrades- tiny microscopic organisms- into space. After ten days of exposure to the vacuum of space, ultraviolet radiation from the sun, and cosmic rays, they were returned to Earth still alive. Before the tardigrades, only some lichen and bacteria were known to survive exposure to space- meaning Panspermia may be a valid theory for the origin of life on earth.
7. Because there is no atmosphere on the moon, the footprints and tire prints left on the Moon by American astronauts will never disappear- unless an asteroid impact wipes them out.
6. Many scientists think that without Jupiter life on earth would be impossible. That's because the giant of our solar system exerts such a strong gravity that it pulls in many comets and asteroids that might have impacted on Earth.
5. Once thought rare outside of the Earth, water has been found practically everywhere in the solar system- even on Mercury where scientists never dreamed it would be possible.
4. In 2011 NASA's Messenger probe discovered water ice in craters on Mercury's north pole. That's despite a surface temperature of 800 degrees Fahrenheit (427 degrees celsius) on the day side.
3. Not only does the earth rotate as it orbits the sun, but the sun itself also rotates at a rate of once every 25-35 days.
2. Earth is the only Solar System planet not named after a god.
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| pluto |
1. Pluto is smaller in diameter than the United States.