杏吧原创

In this Voyager 2 image of Saturn, obtained Aug. 11, 1981, from a range of 14.7 million kilometers (9.1 million miles), north is at the upper right edge of the disc. Seen above the planet are the satellites Dione (right) and Enceladus. This false-color print shows a green spot at the south edge of a yellow band; in true color, the spot would appear brown and the band white. A bright yellow spot slightly above and to the left in this image moves eastward relative to the green spot at a rate that allows it to pass the green feature in about 50 days. The convective clouds that appear between the two spots are typical of the region. Here, the smallest visible structures measure about 270 kilometers (170 miles). The Voyager project is managed for NASA by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia01959-voyager-2-image-of-saturn

What is the probability that Voyager 1 or 2 will hit a planet or star?

The likelihood of this happening is extraordinarily low, say our readers, because interstellar space is so vast

Yellow wash scrub sponge placed on wet blue background covered with drops of water in light room during household chores; Shutterstock ID 2167323189; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Why does a slightly damp sponge absorb water better than a dry one?

2F4D4YW Two American crows sitting on a bare branch communicating with each other.

This week鈥檚 new questions

Can you make batteries from tiny black holes? Maybe, say scientists

Tom Gauld on the first work day of the New Year

Twisteddoodles on a volcanic eruption

Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster,01-01-2024,Sir David Attenborough, Steve Etches,Sir David Attenborough and Steve Etches examine the fossilised snout of a pliosaur in the workshop of the Etches Collection Museum, Kimmeridge, Dorset, UK **STRICTLY EMBARGOED NOT FOR PUBLICATION UNTIL 00:01 HRS ON MONDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2023**,BBC Studios,Screengrab

Life

Massive pliosaur skull sheds light on ancient sea reptile

2R2JHWA Diamon ring during the 2023 Australian total solar eclipse in Exmouth

Space

The stargazing events to watch out for in 2024

FE11X8 Cyclist driving, at dusk, in a city street, with and without lights and safety clothing, bike safety, visibility at night

Which bicycle lights are safest and give the best visibility?

2EXM9NK Hand Knuckle Finger Joint Crack. Fingers Snap

How can popped knuckles be so exceptionally loud?

Our readers explain the chemistry behind popping knuckles 鈥� but point out they aren't all that loud when compared with, say, a snapping shrimp

What is the shortest space a parked car can get out of? Part 2

This week鈥檚 new questions

How Bulgarian yogurt could help us colonise Mars

Tom Gauld on the boss’s grand ambitions