Is there a distance at which a satellite will orbit a body indefinitely? Is this distance a universal constant? [more inside]
posted by doublehappy on Oct 16, 2009 - 28 answers

Our son is getting too old for the animals on his wall, and we'd like to do a space theme (rockets, the real planets, etc). We've found that by enlarging an image and printing it out on clear label paper, we can make murals using our favorite illustrations, either found online or in books (technique originally posted here). So, we're looking for cool illustrations of the planets, rockets, etc. Preferably with a Mary Blairish, 1950's feel. Any suggestions, either on the internet or book recommendations?
posted by ericbop on Aug 4, 2009 - 11 answers

Planetary magnetic fields and life: Is there any reason to believe that strong magnetic fields on rocky inner planets are relatively uncommon? [more inside]
posted by leotrotsky on Jul 27, 2009 - 13 answers

Where do I find nerdy T-shirts and other clothes for a 4 year old in Europe? And by nerdy I mean space, science, alphabet, math all the usual autistic obsessions. :-) [more inside]
posted by pootler on Dec 7, 2008 - 11 answers

Seeking the definitive recording of Gustav Holst's The Planets. [more inside]
posted by bach on May 15, 2008 - 9 answers

I'm working on a computer simulation of the solar system, but I need data on the positions and velocities on planets and their moons. (more inside) [more inside]
posted by deansfurniture5 on Mar 17, 2008 - 5 answers

Would an expanding Sun really swallow the inner planets? [more inside]
posted by Burhanistan on Feb 5, 2008 - 17 answers

Why hasn't anyone invented cheap space probes? Some kind of thing that could be sent up en mass to gather just base data we don't have on all the planets/moons/etc . . .? [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] on Aug 18, 2007 - 34 answers

Given our current state of technology and the world's nuclear armaments, I ask the question that the world needs an answer to: Could we destroy Mars? [more inside]
posted by TwelveTwo on Dec 24, 2005 - 41 answers

How would I determine sunlight levels for the planets in the outer solar system? [more inside]
posted by nightengine on Aug 26, 2005 - 8 answers

I want to buy my son, who is turning six, a telescope for his birthday. I don't want to spend a fortune, but one site I looked at for advice said anything less than $300 is a piece of junk. Anyone have any advice (including specific models) on one I can by this budding astronomer for $100 or less?
posted by alexg23 on Jul 25, 2005 - 22 answers

ScientificIlliterateFilter: If the sun's gravity is so strong as to keep whole planets circling it in orbit (even ones million of miles away), how come light and heat (incredibly fragile things compared to planets) can escape as rays (or whatever they are)?
posted by amberglow on Nov 14, 2004 - 53 answers