Astronomy questions
13 fact-checked questions — tap any to predict the answer, then read why.
- Why does Earth have a glowing sodium layer high above it?
- Why do some SpaceX launches have such narrow launch windows?
- That giant glowing “jellyfish” isn’t fire—what is it?
- Why do aurora forecasts improve closer to the event?
- Why might you still miss auroras after a good forecast?
- Why can the same Kp mean different chances in different places?
- Why is the Kp index used in aurora forecasts?
- Why does magnetic-field direction matter in aurora forecasts?
- Why do forecasters track solar-wind speed and density?
- Why can auroras peak a while after a solar eruption?
- Why doesn't every solar eruption bring bright auroras to Earth?
- Which solar events most often boost auroras?
- Why do aurora forecasters watch the Sun first?