It would be tempting to just say that Saturn is the large planet with the rings, and leave it at that. This would be enough to distinguish the planet from others, for some people. But there are other planets with discernible rings.
However, this large planet has an asteroid ring or belt, something no other [...]

As with many questions about the universe and its creation, the answer depends on whom you ask. There is a huge segment of the world population that does not believe in the big-bang theory or any other scientific explanation for the beginning of our universe. There is another segment of the population, also quite large, [...]

For astronomers of the 20th century and beyond, a constellation is a specific area of what is commonly called space. In the past, the word “constellation” referred to easily visible stars that formed a certain pattern in the night sky. There is still some difference of opinion on the use of this term but some [...]

As one comedian said, comets are not the descendants of one of Santa’s reindeer. Actually, comets are made up primarily of ice (frozen water). There is some odd mixture of dust and small particles, which is picked up along the way. Not only that, but comets usually contain a small amount of basic gases, such [...]

As is the case with the big-bang theory and other questions about our universe, the answer depends on whom you ask. Scientific studies and theory put the age of the universe at more than 13 billion years. This passage of time is measured from the big-bang moment that many scientists believe created the universe.
Studies have [...]

The general opinion in the scientific community is that there is life on other planets somewhere in the Universe. However, astronomers and others may have some problems actually discovering life and showing others that it’s there.
Because the physical evidence from celestial objects such as the Moon and Mars is very limited we don’t have solid [...]

To start on the path toward understanding a solar eclipse we should probably know what an eclipse is, in more general terms. The word “eclipse” dates back hundreds of years. A broad definition of eclipse states that this process makes on object less prominent or less important.
As used in astronomy the term is applied [...]

Galaxies are usually defined and named according to how they appear to us on Earth. We call our galaxy the Milky Way because it seems to be a long path of star that is so close together they form a milky-white band across the night sky. Scientists have identified elliptical galaxies, spiral galaxies and others [...]

While human beings might think that the handful of planets, the Moon and the Sun are all there is to life in the universe, the truth is much larger, so to speak. The celestial bodies we are familiar with are just a part of one galaxy, the Milky Way. And the Milky Way is just [...]

We could give the answer – two – and stop there. But there is so much interesting information about the planet Mars it would be a crime to stop before taking a closer look at what we call the “red planet.”
Let’s get the moons question out of the way first. Mars does indeed have two [...]