In this episode of Startalk Radio, the hosts explore various misconceptions and fascinating facts about the sun, the moon, and space travel. From the concept of “high noon” to the existence of water molecules on the moon, they delve into the science behind these phenomena and shed light on the mysteries of our celestial neighbors.
Contrary to popular belief, the sun is never directly overhead at 12 noon in the continental United States. The concept of “high noon” originated from Western shootouts and does not reflect the sun’s actual position. However, between 23.5 degrees north and south latitude, the sun can be directly overhead due to the tilt of Earth’s axis.
Looking directly at the sun is dangerous and should always be avoided. The tropics are the regions on Earth where the sun is directly overhead on specific days of the year. As you move closer to the poles, the highest point the sun reaches in a day decreases. For example, at the Arctic Circle, there is a day where the sun never sets during the summer. On the moon, the height of the sun above the horizon is limited, resulting in some craters never receiving sunlight.
The height of the sun above the horizon changes seasonally, with the highest point during the summer solstice and the lowest point during the winter solstice. On the moon, there is no atmosphere or sky to be illuminated by sunlight, explaining the absence of a blue sky. Additionally, stars are not visible in moon photographs due to the bright lunar terrain. NASA’s Artemis 3 mission aims to explore frozen water molecules on the moon’s surface, which can remain frozen in cold traps for billions of years.
NASA’s concept of in situ resource utilization (ISRU) focuses on using resources found on the moon, such as water, instead of relying on supplies from Earth. The low position of the sun at the poles makes them intriguing yet challenging places to explore. Water on the moon could potentially be mined and utilized for various purposes, including ice skating. Weightlessness in space is not due to the absence of gravity, but rather the absence of a net gravitational force. Objects in orbit around Earth are constantly falling towards it but also moving forward at a high speed to maintain their trajectory.
Exploring the sun, moon, and space travel reveals fascinating insights about our celestial neighbors. From debunking misconceptions about the sun’s position to uncovering the potential of water on the moon, these discoveries expand our understanding of the universe. As we continue to explore and utilize resources in space, we gain valuable knowledge that shapes the future of space exploration.