Mind Blowing Facts About Stars You Probably Never Knew

Stars are perhaps the most captivating objects in the sky. No child could have sung “Twinkle, twinkle, little star” and not wonder what they are. While much has already been written about stars, man continues to explore to better understand these astronomical objects scattered around our vast, mysterious universe. Here are the ten most interesting facts about stars you may have never heard before.

1. There could be over a Septillion Stars in the universe -

Some people say that there are more stars than there are grains of sand on the face of the earth. But no one would try to count them individually for the universe is so vast. For instance, the Milky Way galaxy, where our solar system belongs , is said to have 100 billion stars. This is just one galaxy. Scientists estimate that there are likely to be over 100 billion to 1 trillion galaxies in the universe.  If you multiply that, you would have 10 sextillion to 1 septillion stars!

2. No, the stars do not twinkle.

To your inner child’s dismay, stars do not twinkle. They may look like they are twinkling because of the turbulent state of our atmosphere . It is quite hazy in our horizon that makes stars look like they are blinking. As the light from a star shines through the earth’s atmosphere, it passes through layers that have different densities. Hence, a star appears as though it changes in color and brightness or, in other words, twinkles.

3. The sun, the closest star to Earth, is moving.

You may have heard from your grade school teacher that the sun is a stationary object which the Earth and other planets in the solar system revolve around. Well, that may be true in relation to earth and a fair approximation of the relationships between the sun and the planets. But the truth is, the sun including the entire solar system is moving. Revolves around the Milky Way but at a very slow rate of 828,000 kilometers per hour. In fact, it would take around 230 million years for it to complete its orbit around the galaxy!

4. It would take you roughly 35,000 years to reach the nearest star next to the Sun.


The star known as Proxima Centauri is the nearest star next to the Sun and it is about 4.2 light years or 40,000,000,000,000 kilometers away from Earth. In other words, if that star casts a light upon Earth, the light will travel for 4.2 years before it reaches us. To have a greater sense of how far this is, imagine the Earth an inch away from the Sun and Proxima Centauri would be at a far distance of 4.2 miles! If you ride a spacecraft with the speed of Voyager 2, it should take you 35,000 years before you get there!

5. The Sun produces the energy equivalent to 100 billion typical hydrogen bombs every second!

It converts 4 million metric tons of hydrogen every second into energy. If only this energy can be harnessed, it would sustain the needs of mankind for 500,000 years, and that is just for one second. If you take the largest known star VY Canis Majoris which is roughly 2,000 times the size of the Sun, its energy output would be unimaginable.

6. One day, the sun will die.

All things must come to an end, that includes the Sun. The Sun is said to be a middle-aged star that was formed out of a solar nebula about 5 billion years ago and it will die in about 6 billion years. Scientists have studied the life of stars including that of the Sun. They believe that 3.5 billion years from today, the Sun will shine 40 percent brighter than it does at present. The heat will be so high, it will make oceans boil and the resulting water vapor will be lost forever to space. In this phase, Earth will become like that of Venus – hot and dry, and life will no longer be possible on the surface of the Earth. The core of the Sun will run out of hydrogen and will become unstable until it expands and blasts. But the Sun’s death is estimated to be complete in a trillion years’ period.


7. All you need are clouds of dust with great turbulence within to create a star.

Stars are born out of dust clouds that are scattered throughout space. The turbulence or instability deep within these dust clouds give rise to knots which eventually develop mass allowing gas and dust to collapse. While the cloud collapses, the object at the center starts to heat up. This hot core amidst the clouds will eventually become a star one day.

8. You would need 1,100 years to circle the largest known star in the uniiverse.

The largest star in the universe is the VY Canis Majoris. It is 2,800,000,000 kilometers in diameter. It would take you 1,100 years to complete an orbit around it if you are aboard a passenger airplane that flies at 900 kilometers per hour. Scientists estimate that this star is around 1,800 to 2,000 times the size of the Sun.

9. The larger the star, the shorter the life span.

If you think larger stars are more invincible than smaller ones, you’re mistaken. More massive stars may have larger amounts of hydrogen to fuel its nuclear reactions than smaller ones, but they have shorter lives because they use up their energy at a much faster rate than the smaller stars.

10. If you look at the stars, you are actually looking back in time.

This is because light from stars and galaxies in far away distances take a long time, about thousands or even millions of years, before it can reach the Earth. The largest star is said to be 4,900 light years away from the earth. If you are looking at it now, you are actually seeing how it was 4,900 years ago! Cool!

When A Handsome Guy Says "I Don't Have A Girlfriend"?

Yes it has happened to me several times-it might be during a conversation or when it's posed to me as a question.People always become ambivalent and doubtful each time i made it clear i don't have a girlfriend!

I don't think it sounds absurd,but the response each time is always 'you must be lying' because they think every handsome guy out there will have multitude of girlfriends....but my own case is aberrant!

I don't see that as a problem because i'll definitely get one when the time is right.I'm not a teenager because folks here might be insinuating that.

 Your humble contributions please.

U.S. Airstrikes Hit ISIS inside Syria For The First Time

(CNN) -- The airstrikes Tuesday took place in the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa, a U.S. official told CNN. It's the first strikes against the terror group inside the country since President Barack Obama's announcement this month that he was prepared to expand the American efforts beyond targets in Iraq.

All foreign partners participating in the strikes with the United States are Arab countries, a senior U.S. military official told CNN. [b] Those nations include Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. [/b]

Diplomatic sources told CNN that Qatar was also involved,though it was not clear whether Qatar actually conducted airstrikes itself.

 The U.S. and "partner nation forces" began striking ISIS targets using fighters, bombers and Tomahawk missiles,Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby said, though he didn't specify a geographic location.

Citing the ongoing operations, Kirby said the Pentagon would not provide additional details immediately. But a U.S. military official said the strikes are meant to target the ability of ISIS to command and control, resupply and train.

[url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/22/world/meast/isis-threatens-west/index.html] Western allies rejects ISIS leader's threat [/url]

Tomahawk missiles launched from the sea initiated the strike, followed by bombers and fighters, a senior U.S. military official told CNN.

The goal with this first move is to have an initial, definitive blow, the official said, describing the pace of the operation as intense.

Most of the spots hit were hard targets, like buildings, a senior U.S. official told CNN. "This is the punch in the nose to the bully that we talked about on the playground," former Delta Force officer James Reese said. "ISIS is the bully, and we just
punched him in the nose." Until now, ISIS has been able to take over cities and operate in Syria with near impunity. Now,it's coming under attack.

With the airstrikes, the United States enters a new level of engagement in the ongoing Syrian civil war. Obama had resisted U.S. military action in Syria, but as the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq made sweeping advances in both Middle Eastern neighbors, calls for such a step grew.

"I have made it clear that we will hunt down terrorists who threaten our country, wherever they are," Obama said in a September 10 speech. "That means I will not hesitate to take action against ISIL in Syria, as well as Iraq. This is a core principle of my presidency: if you threaten America, you will find no safe haven."

The message of the speech was clear -- it was a matter of when, not if -- the United States would carry out airstrikes inside Syria.

A U.S. intelligence official said that while law enforcement is aware the airstrikes against ISIS in Syria could incite a response, there is no evidence to suggest any terrorist strike is in the works against the United States.

Last week, U.S. officials told CNN that the military had everything in place it needed to strike ISIS inside Syria and was awaiting Obama's go-ahead to do so.

For weeks, intelligence and military targeting specialists have been working around the clock on a list of targets, the officials said. It is unlikely that the President reviewed all the targets individuall, but was presented broad guidance with analysis about the risks of bombing inside Syria, as well as the rewards in terms of attacking ISIS.

 http://edition.cnn.com/2014/09/22/world/meast/u-s-airstrikes-isis-syria/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

RELATIONSHIP: Gestures That Girlfriends Love.

1. Unexpected Hug From Behind
A hug from behind says you wanted to be close to her so badly that you couldn't even wait for her to turn around. Especially when it's a surprise, it's a great way to show you care. Make sure it's your girlfriend though, random girls aren't as enthused with surprise hugs.


2. Giving Precise Compliments
Rather than saying "you look pretty" (actually, you should say that too) compliment her on a specific piece of jewelry, or the way her hair looks, or the color of her dress. It's more authentic than a blanket compliment. Compliment her often but not so much that it becomes insincere.


3. Walk Between Her and The Street
it's nice to let her know you care about her. Don't demand it, but when walking on the sidewalk subtly staying between her and traffic is incredibly sweet.


]4. Put Your Arm Around her and rub her arm
A persons arm might be the most platonic place on the body, which is why it's such a cute spot to rub. It says I care about you so much I just want to touch you


[5. Hand on her back as you walk in a crowd
Not in a forceful or territorial way, but more to asure that she's still there next to you. It also shows how proud you are to be with her.


]6. Bring up details from Past conversations
Girls know they drone on sometimes, but it's the boyfriend's duty to listen. Let her know you've been listening by casually bringing up things she's mentioned in past conversations. In fact this one can be applied to all your friends, not just that special someone.

7. Say thank you even after small things
When she wakes you up in the morning so you're not late, when she hands you a towel as you get out of the shower, when she makes the meal she knows you like. Also make eye contact with her as you say it, she'll love it.

JOKES

JOKE 1
 An Igbo man mistakenly sent 2million Naira to a wrong phone number via Mobile Money. He realized that before the person would withdraw the whole money, he had to think of what to do if he was to get his money back. To the person's phone number, he immediately sent a text:

"Hello Dark and Worthy Initiate, I hope you are okay. I believe you’ve received the money I sent you for the initiation ceremony into Eternal Mystical Order Of Glorious Satanism in the Ancient Ogboni Fraternity, scheduled to happen at 12midnight tomorrow. That money is only for transport. You shall receive more for pocket money and there are riches awaiting you. 2 weeks after the initiation, the family member closest to you will die under mysterious circumstances and
this death will unlock your ticket to wealth, ability to fly at night and change into all kinds of animals to deliver your various assignments. Remember, you can buy your own syringe and needle meant to draw your blood before you enter the temple. Please don’t be late because the Viceroy of Satan himself will be present to officiate the ceremony. Thanks in advance. But incase you are not ready to join yet, please send back the money otherwise you will die in the next 24hrs". 3 Minutes later, he got a Mobile Money message: 'You have received 2million Naira in your mobile money... If na U gt d Alert, wetin U go do???? ;D ;D

JOKE 2
 Police officers were at a road block. One of them stops a trailer:
POLICEMAN: Where is your permit?
DRIVER: (Hands in his permit)
POLICEMAN: Do you have an extinguisher?
DRIVER: Yes, its there…
POLICEMAN: Light up your indicators.
DRIVER: (Light his indicators)
POLICEMAN: Do you have a seat belt?
DRIVER: Yes, I have.
POLICEMAN: Hunk your horn let me hear.
The driver hunks his horn. The policeman turns to his fellow officers and says the man has everything and they decided to let him go. As the driver was about to drive away, one of the police officers suddenly shouts:
POLICEMAN: Is your SIM-card registered?
DRIVER: (Completely surprised) No.
POLICEMAN: Park! Park there!!! How can you drive without registering your number? What if you are involvein an accident, how will we identify you? ;D ;D

JOKE 3
Akpos was on the bed with his wife, sleeping. He dreamt he was in heaven. When he got to heaven’s gate, he met an angel who started showing him everything. After a while Akpos asked the angel; can i piss here?.
Angel replied ; it’s not allowed but you can. A short while later again, Akpos asked; can i mess here ?.
Angel replied ; it’s not allowed but you can. Minutes later,again, Akpos asked; can i poo here ?. Angel replied ; it’s not allowed but you can.
Akpos saw a flower and asked the angel; can i use the flower to clean my butt ?.
Angel said; it’s not allowed but you can. As Akpos was about to use the flower to clean his butt, a hot slap landed on his face….then his Wife shouted; you piss for bed, i no talk, you mess, i leave you, i no talk, you poo on top bed, i leave you, i no talk.You now want to use my wrapper clean your bottom, You dey
mad ?.. ;D ;D

JOKE 4
 E get one particular restaurant wey I dey chop 4 wuse zone 5 E get one oyinbo wey dey always come chop there too

Anytime dis oyinbo chop finish, he go shout "Hey", so I wonder wetin dey make am shout.

I decided to chop wetin d oyinbo dey always chop so maybe me sef go shout too. When I reach d restaurant yesterday evening, I order wetin d man dey chop.

Dem tell me say na chicken & red wine, so i chop am, but i no shout, I collect extra plate, but i no still shout. I say dis oyinbo na mumu o, why e dey always shout like dat now

Na then i just vex ask 4 my bill. The waiter tell me say one plate of chicken & red wine na N75,000 then d extra plate too na another N75,000. Na then I shout hey! heyy!! heyyy!!! !!!! heyyyyyyyyyyyyy yyyyyyyyyyyyyyy yyyyyyyyyyyyyyy yyyyyyyyyyyyyy yyyyyyyyyyyy ..
I still dey shout till now ;D ;D

CAREER: 5 Career Questions You Must Always Ask

Many things happen in our life, without us asking the reasons why. Though it’s a fact that some things are bound to happen. But you know, asking the right questions most at times will lead you through a successful life, as it’s said that: “A person who asks can never be misled”. Do you know that, if you can ask the right questions, you will definitely get the right answers. Today, I am challenging you to ask yourself these 5 questions always in
any aspect of your life, be it Studies, Business, Career, job hunt etc. If you can ask these questions, you will surely get it right

1. Who is your mentor?
A mentor is a person who you look up to in life, this is the person who has climbed the ladder successfully and has made it in life. In fact this is like a teacher who teaches you the rudiments of life. So, do you have a mentor? Or do you think that you can learn it all alone? You see, the fact in this our generation is that mentorship has been dealt a real
blow, maybe due to the purported “lack of mentors ” or that most people don’t just care to have one. And the result can be seen overwhelmingly in our society, as most people engage in many activities these days but sooner or later, they find it
difficult to cope and continue. This is largely because they didn’t learn from the masters who have once been in their shoes. So, I challenge you today friend, who is your mentor?


2. Who are your friends?
Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are. Right, isn’t it? Now let me ask you these questions? Why must you be careful with your choice of friends? Do friends really have any impact in your life? Is it possible to succeed/fail due to your
choice of friends? Okay let me tell you this, Friends are as important in your life as your family. Your choice of friends really shows the kind of person you are. You can make or mar
your future with them. In fact good friends are catalysts who help in your career. Do you know that some people are celebrated today because they chose the right friends, while some people are failures today because they chose the wrong
friends? So, make friends with the right people and see your life change positively.


3. How do you associate with people?
The people you meet daily have a role to play in your life. Though it is true that we are created differently, but no matter what we have to associate with different people daily. It’s important to know that you have to be generally good with
people; likewise you must be tough with tough people.
Everybody requires a specific way of association and you must understand that too. Don’t be full of yourself, no matter your achievement. Don’t belittle people no matter how little they seem. Open your arms to everybody and treat people fairly,
don’t discriminate too. Your association with people matters a lot and it goes a long way to affect your life.


4. How do you manage failures?
Did I hear you say, managing failures? Or why should I be concerned about managing failures. But let me tell you this, failures are bound to happen in one way or the other in any facet of your life. In fact it is nonsensical for you to think that
you can succeed without necessarily stumbling . But, most at times people approach failure with the wrong mindset, some people  quit as soon as they fail (forgetting the saying that quitters never win). Managing failures is really essential in your life. Do you know that most of the successful people you see today, have once failed? It seems as though, they won’t
make it in life but they were resilient and became success stories today. Or have you forgotten that the downfall of a man is not the end of his life, but a man who isn’t able to manage failure is deemed to fail. Remember that many would have succeeded today if they didn’t quit when it was tough. Ask yourself today, how do I manage that difficult situation which I am facing? Whatever you do to that today will definitely define your tomorrow.


5. Are you independent?
You might be wondering what I actually meant by this, but how independent you’re going a  a long way to play a crucial part in your life. By independence here, it encompasses many things but I am actually talking about your mind. Are you truly
independent minded, how often do you take decisions based on personal conviction. How ready are you to take risks personally irrespective of what people say. Hope you are not the type who is obsessed with the crowd. Always trying to
follow whatever others do, Even if they are wrong?
You know, the people are wrong sometimes if not most of the time. So, basing your decision on whatever others do is truly detrimental to your growth as a person. Friend, be decisive today, do that which you are really convinced about, and see your career blossom. It’s really tough but you have no better choice than to be truly independent .


On a Final Note:
These are five questions you really need to sincerely ask yourself if you want a positive change in your life. These are tested and trusted questions for the achievers. If you have successfully been implementing any or all of it, this is the
time to continue in that spirit. But if you have not been doing any of it before, this is the time to sit, ponder, and change for the better. Time, they say waits for no one, act fast today and I assure you that you will never regret it.


Over to You:
Do these questions mean anything to you? Have you been taking note of them before? Or do you have more questions that you think should always be asked?

http://naijainspirationalhub.com/5-questions-you-must-ask/

About this blog

IN THE NAME OF GOD THE BENEFICENT THE MERCIFUL.

All Praises and adoration is due to him alone for giving me the privilege to write a blog of my own

I am Yusuf Adigun from Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. I live in the city of Ibadan, I am a student of finance and banking.

This blog is created for fun, and also for illuminating the readers mind in every aspect of life that i am able to touch, aspects such as education, career, relationship, history, religion, et cetera.


Been a novice in writing a blog, you will sure love my blog when am adapted to it. So please bear with me any error you might found in my write ups.

Welcome to my world and thanks for coming you can drop your comment on post has anonymous, that is if you are not a blogger.

One again thanks for coming.