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The International Sciences Institute
@tisi.org.uk
The world’s place for everything Earth and Space science. Learn more about us at tisi.org.uk.
Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, A. Ginsburg (University of Florida), N. Budaiev (University of Florida), T. Yoo (University of Florida). Image processing: A. Pagan (STScI)
October 8, 2026 at 4:21 AM
Source: S1 — Monterey Bay Aquarium. (n.d.). Moon Jelly. www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals-the-...; S2 — Stegman, R. (2022, January 3). What is a Moon Jellyfish? oceanconservancy.org/blog/2022/01...

Image Credit: Monterey Bay Aquarium
Moon jelly
The moon jelly is named for their translucent, moon-like bell.
www.montereybayaquarium.org
October 2, 2026 at 2:18 PM
The results of this experiment were interesting — once they did return to Earth, there were clear signs that they were having issues acclimating to Earth’s environment after being raised in a place with low-to-no gravity.
October 2, 2026 at 2:18 PM
In 1991, NASA launched 2,478 Jellyfish polyps (aka Jellyfish babies) into Space. They wanted to see how being raised in low gravity over a period of time would alter their behavior once they returned to Earth.
October 2, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Unlike other sea animals that have fins and skeletons that allow them to propel themselves through water, Moon Jellyfish use their bells. As they open and contract their bells, a vortex is created that creates a high-pressure wall of water, enabling the Jellyfish to move.
October 2, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Moon Jellyfish derive their name from their translucent, moon-like bell body shape. These fascinating creatures grow up to 24 in (60 cm) in diameter and are considered an invertebrate species. Their diet consists of zooplankton, which is abundantly found in the open sea, where they often dwell.
October 2, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Source: NASA. (n.d.). Earth. science.nasa.gov/earth/facts/

Image Credit: Img 1 — Reto Stöckli, Nazmi El Saleous, and Marit Jentoft-Nilsen, NASA GSFC; Img 2 — Nature; Img 3 — KidsPress Magazine

Image Note: Some images include artistic illustrations
Facts About Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the fifth largest planet. It's the only place we know of inhabited by living things.
science.nasa.gov
October 1, 2026 at 12:12 AM
The formation of our Moon was a likely result of a collision that occurred billions of years ago, at a time when Earth was at its younger stage as a planet. A colossal, Mars-sized body is believed to have collided with Earth, ejecting material into space that later clumped together to form the Moon.
October 1, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Earth's relationship with the Moon is unique, being that Earth is the only planet in our solar system with one Moon. Located 238,855 mi (384,400 km) away, the Moon provides critical benefits, including stabilizing Earth's wobbles, thus making our climate less variable over thousands of years.
October 1, 2026 at 12:12 AM
On its axis, Earth tilts at 23.4 degrees, which enables our yearly cycle of seasons, in which the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun and the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away, with their positions alternating every 6 months.
October 1, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Our planet is 93,327,712 mi (150,196,428 km) from the Sun and completes 1 orbit around the star every 365.25 days, with the extra quarter (.25) accumulating so that a leap day is added every 4 years. Earth also spins on its axis every 23.9 hours while orbiting the Sun, creating our days and nights.
October 1, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Earth — like Venus and Mars — has volcanoes, mountains, and valleys. The lithosphere, comprising the crust/upper mantle, is divided into large, constantly moving plates. However, most of Earth's surface is ocean, covering 71% of the planet's surface with an average depth of around 2.3 mi (3.6 km).
October 1, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Between the outer core and crust is the mantle, an incredibly hot layer of molten rock about 1,800 mi (2,900 km) thick with the consistency of caramel. And lastly, the outermost layer of Earth is Earth's crust, a layer that averages about 19 miles (30 kilometers) deep on land.
October 1, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Earth’s structure is stratified, with a solid inner core about 759 mi (1,221 km) in radius, composed mainly of iron and nickel, and reaching temperatures up to 9,800°F (5,400°C). Enveloping the inner core is the outer core, a layer about 1,400 mi (2,300 km) thick, made of iron and nickel fluids.
October 1, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Earth’s atmosphere, comprising 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other ingredients, is the perfect assemblage of gases that not only protects us from harmful radiation and meteoroids but supports our ability to live and breathe.
October 1, 2026 at 12:12 AM
As far as science currently knows, our planet is the only known cosmic body containing life and capable of sustaining life — supported by hospitable temperatures, liquid water, and a mix of chemicals.
October 1, 2026 at 12:12 AM
The creation and development of what we know as Earth are believed to have begun around 4.5 billion years ago, as swirling gas and dust were drawn together by gravity and gradually accumulated through a process known as accretion.
October 1, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Earth, a term derived from Old English and Germanic, meaning "the ground," is the 5th largest planet in our solar system with an equatorial diameter of 7,926 mi (12,756 km).
October 1, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Source: NASA. (2025). Hubble Surveys Supernova-Rich Spiral. science.nasa.gov/missions/hub...

Image Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, L. Galbany, S. Jha, K. Noll, A. Riess
Hubble Surveys Supernova-Rich Spiral - NASA Science
This Hubble image features the face-on spiral galaxy NGC 1309. Numerous background galaxies are visible through or are alongside the spiral.
science.nasa.gov
September 30, 2026 at 7:12 PM
SN 2002fk was categorized as a Type Ia supernova, which is brighter and more energetic than a Type Iax supernova. Both supernovae contributed immensely to the scientific interest behind NGC 1309’s exploration.
September 30, 2026 at 7:12 PM
SN 2012Z, a Type Iax supernova that originated from a white dwarf, underwent a weak explosion that left behind a “zombie star,” which shone brighter than it did before the explosion.
September 30, 2026 at 7:12 PM
The galaxy is made up of bluish stars, dark brown gas clouds, and a pearly-white core. Interestingly enough, this galaxy hosted 2 very different supernovae, known as SN 2002fk and SN 2012Z.
September 30, 2026 at 7:12 PM