And Other Big Questions About Size And Distance

Size and distance are concepts that have fascinated humans for centuries. We live in a vast universe where objects range from subatomic particles to billions of light-years away. In this article, we will explore some of the big questions surrounding size and distance and delve into the wonders of our incredible universe.

How Big is the Universe?

One of the most intriguing questions about size is the extent of our universe. Scientists estimate that the observable universe has a diameter of about 93 billion light-years. This mind-boggling size encompasses countless galaxies, stars, and planets.

However, it is important to note that the observable universe is just a small fraction of the entire universe, as it represents the region we can observe due to the finite speed of light. The actual size of the universe beyond our observable reach remains unknown, leaving room for further exploration and discovery.

How Many Mice Make an Elephant?: And Other Big Questions About Size and Distance

by Tracey Turner (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	33597 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	48 pages

FREE

The Scale of the Galaxy

Within the vast expanse of the universe, our own galaxy, the Milky Way, holds a prominent place. The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy, with a diameter of approximately 100,000 light-years. It is estimated to house over 100 billion stars, including our very own Sun.

When comparing the size of the Milky Way to other galaxies, it may seem inconceivably large. However, there are galaxies much larger than ours. For instance, the Andromeda Galaxy, our nearest galactic neighbor, is around 220,000 light-years in diameter, making it significantly bigger than the Milky Way.

The Tiny World of Particles

While the universe is filled with objects of astronomical proportions, we mustn't overlook the world of particles, which exist on a completely different scale. Atoms, the building blocks of matter, are incredibly tiny, with diameters on the order of one billionth of a meter.

Within atoms, there are even smaller particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles are about a thousand times smaller than an atom itself. And if we go further down this rabbit hole, we encounter subatomic particles such as quarks and leptons, which are believed to be the fundamental constituents of matter.

Distances in Space

One of the most challenging aspects of understanding the universe is comprehending the vast distances between celestial objects. The immense distances are often described in terms of light-years, which represent the distance light travels in one year.

For example, the closest star to our solar system, Proxima Centauri, is roughly 4.24 light-years away. This means that the light we see from the star today actually started its journey over four years ago. It's mind-blowing to think about how the light we perceive is a glimpse into the past.

When it comes to measuring the distance between galaxies, scientists often use a unit called a megaparsec (Mpc). One parsec is equivalent to about 3.26 million light-years, and a megaparsec is one million parsecs. This unit allows scientists to express galactic distances more conveniently.

The Expanding Universe

As if the size and distances in the universe weren't already mind-bending enough, it turns out that our universe is also expanding. The concept of an expanding universe was first proposed by astronomer Edwin Hubble in the early 20th century, based on his observations of galaxies moving away from us.

The expansion of the universe implies that objects in space are moving away from each other, and the farther apart they are, the faster they are receding. It suggests that the universe began with a Big Bang around 13.8 billion years ago, and everything has been moving apart ever since.

The mysteries of size and distance continue to captivate scientists and researchers. From the immense scale of the universe and galaxies to the microscopic world of particles, the exploration of these concepts pushes the boundaries of human knowledge.

As we delve deeper into the mysteries of our universe, we uncover new questions and unlock new understandings. The vastness of space and the intricate relationships between objects within it remind us of the magnitude and beauty of our existence.

How Many Mice Make an Elephant?: And Other Big Questions About Size and Distance

by Tracey Turner (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	33597 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	48 pages

FREE

WINNER OF THE SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 2021 INFORMATION BOOK AWARD, 8–12 CATEGORY

How Many Mice Make an Elephant? And Other Big Questions about Size and Distance introduces children to this tricky math concept in a fun, relatable way.

Fantastically written by Tracey Turner, questions such as "How many high jumps to the moon?" and "How many ice cubes make an iceberg?" get children to think about just how high, how big, and how far things are, as well as teaching them the math to work it out! The logic behind each comparison is explained in clear, simple steps for children to follow along, helping them to reach the answer. Beautiful illustrations by Aaron Cushley couldn't be further from a math text book, making learning math a truly fun experience.

This wonderfully illustrated take on math-by-stealth includes an by Kjartan Poskitt, author of the bestselling Murderous Math series.

"Guaranteed to engage even the most reluctant of young mathematicians... The perfect choice for classrooms or school libraries." – Judges of the School Library Association 2021 Information Book Award, 8–12 category