Sign in

The International Sciences Institute (ISI)

@isi.institute
24K followers 9 following 109 posts

The world’s place for everything Earth and Space science. Learn more about ISI at isi.institute.

PostsRepliesMedia
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 02/10/2026
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
montereybayaquarium.org
Moon jelly
The moon jelly is named for their translucent, moon-like bell.
030
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 02/10/2026
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.
110
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 02/10/2026
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.
110
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 02/10/2026
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.
110
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 02/10/2026
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.
110
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 02/10/2026
From the ocean to the moon flows the Moon Jellyfish.
Translucent moon jellyfish drifting through deep blue water.
1191
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 01/10/2026
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
science.nasa.gov
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.
060
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 01/10/2026
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.
140
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 01/10/2026
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.
110
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 01/10/2026
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.
110
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 01/10/2026
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.
110
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 01/10/2026
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).
110
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 01/10/2026
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.
Cutaway diagram showing Earth’s crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.
120
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 01/10/2026
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.
Cutaway diagram showing Earth’s crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.
110
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 01/10/2026
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.
110
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 01/10/2026
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.
210
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 01/10/2026
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.
Artistic depiction of a molten young Earth being bombarded by debris.
110
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 01/10/2026
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).
110
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 01/10/2026
🌍 Our planet, our home — Earth.
Earth viewed from space with the Americas visible and the Moon in the distance.
1254
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 30/09/2026
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
science.nasa.gov
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.
0100
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 30/09/2026
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.
171
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 30/09/2026
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.
140
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 30/09/2026
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.
140
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 30/09/2026
NGC 1309 is a spiral galaxy shining 100 million light-years away in the constellation Eridanus.
140
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 30/09/2026
This is NGC 1309, observed by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. The image features NGC 1309 among hundreds of distant galaxies.
Face-on view of NGC 1309, a blue spiral galaxy with a bright pearly core, surrounded by numerous distant background galaxies.
2609
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 30/09/2026
Source: NASA. (2025). NGC 5335. science.nasa.gov/asset/hubble... Image Credit: NASA, ESA, STScI; Image Processing — Alyssa Pagan (STScI)
science.nasa.gov
NGC 5335 - NASA Science
Hubble captured in exquisite detail a face-on view of a remarkable-looking galaxy, the barred spiral NGC 5335.
052
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 30/09/2026
Interestingly enough, these galactic bars are incredibly dynamic — they come and go over 2-billion-year intervals, with around 30% of observed galaxies possessing one — including our own Milky Way.
161
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 30/09/2026
The galaxy features scattered, patchy streams of star formation across its disk. Slicing across its center is a prominent bar structure made up of stars and gas, which directs material toward its center to fuel the birth of new stars.
141
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 30/09/2026
This is NGC 5335, a barred spiral galaxy around 225 million light-years away from Earth, in the constellation Virgo.
141
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 30/09/2026
NGC 5335, captured serving a striking slice of star power.
NGC 5335, a barred spiral galaxy with a bright central bar, blue star-forming regions, and a dark star-filled background.
112025
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 29/09/2026
Source: NASA. (n.d.). Black Hole Basics. science.nasa.gov/universe/bla... Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Ralf Crawford (STScI) Image Note: This is an artistic illustration from NASA
science.nasa.gov
Black Holes - NASA Science
Black holes are among the most mysterious cosmic objects, much studied but not fully understood. These objects aren’t really holes. They’re huge
060
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 29/09/2026
Black Holes can also be encircled by rings of gas and dust known as Accretion disks, which emit light across a myriad of wavelengths — X-rays being one of them.
160
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 29/09/2026
It is also believed that most Milky Way-sized galaxies possess monster black holes at their centers. Ours has a mass of about 4 million times that of the Sun and is known as Sagittarius A*.
130
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 29/09/2026
Interesting things we do know about Black Holes include Gaia BH1 being the closest known Black Hole to Earth at 1,500 light-years away, while QSO J0313-1806 is 13 billion light-years distant. On a massive scale, TON 618 is among the largest known Black Hole at 66 billion times the Sun’s mass.
130
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 29/09/2026
Though, invisible does not mean non-existent. Black Holes are studied based on their relational effects on the matter/light around them, i.e., the distortion and bending of light from distant objects (gravitational lensing), or through the way a Black Hole’s gravity causes a nearby star to orbit.
130
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 29/09/2026
And because of their inability to emit or reflect light, Black Holes are practically invisible to what our current technology can visibly detect and see.
130
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 29/09/2026
Black Holes contain immense amounts of matter that is compressed into a tiny space, which creates a gravity so powerful that even light is unable to escape from within their event horizons.
130
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 29/09/2026
Black Holes are among the most mysterious cosmic phenomena.
A glowing black hole surrounded by a bright, swirling orange accretion disk, with blue-white bursts of light near its center.
35912
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 28/09/2026
Source: NASA. (n.d.). Messier 51. science.nasa.gov/mission/hubb... Image Credit: NASA, ESA, S. Beckwith (STScI) and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)
science.nasa.gov
Messier 51 (The Whirlpool Galaxy) - NASA Science
This Hubble image features Messier 51 (M51) also known as the Whirlpool Galaxy. Messier 51's spiral arms are star-forming factories.
0100
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 28/09/2026
The galaxy was discovered by Charles Messier in 1773. It has an apparent magnitude of 8.4 and is visible through a small telescope. Messier 51’s closeness to Earth also allows researchers the benefit of studying the structure and star-forming processes of a classic spiral galaxy.
1100
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 28/09/2026
The close relationship shared between these two galaxies also triggers new star formation through the strong tidal forces created by their interaction.
180
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 28/09/2026
Interestingly, the Whirlpool’s arms are said to be the result of a close encounter with NGC 5195, a small, yellowish galaxy at the outermost tip that has been gliding past the Whirlpool for hundreds of millions of years.
1100
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 28/09/2026
Messier 51 is a mesmerizing spiral galaxy with poised, curving arms filled with pink star-forming regions and blue strands of star clusters.
170
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 28/09/2026
31 million light-years away from Earth, in the constellation Canes Venatici, whirls Messier 51 — otherwise known as the Whirlpool Galaxy.
The Whirlpool Galaxy with sweeping spiral arms and its smaller companion galaxy, NGC 5195.
936272
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 27/09/2026
Source: NASA. (2020). NGC 6302: The “Butterfly Nebula.” science.nasa.gov/asset/hubble... Image Credit: NASA, ESA, Joel Kastner (RIT)
science.nasa.gov
NGC 6302: The "Butterfly Nebula" - NASA Science
Hubble was recently retrained on NGC 6302, known as the "Butterfly Nebula," to observe it across a more complete spectrum of light, from near-ultraviolet to near-infrared, helping researchers better u...
082
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 27/09/2026
The wings of the Butterfly are regions of gas heated to more than 36,000° F, tearing across space at more than 600,000 miles per hour — an intermingling display of cosmic power and beauty.
161
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 27/09/2026
The star(s) at the center of the Butterfly Nebula serves as the reason behind its appearance. In its death throes, it has cast off layers of gas over the past thousand years.
141
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 27/09/2026
The Butterfly Nebula, also known as NGC 6302, lies between 2,500 and 3,800 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius.
141
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 27/09/2026
🦋 The Butterfly Nebula’s wings of glory blossoming into the universe.
The Butterfly Nebula in all its glory, tilted to the right in a diagonal position, with two slightly symmetrical wings of gas bursting outward in a blend of colors — blues, purples, golds, and yellows — warm and luminous against a black background draped in stars.
229258
The International Sciences Institute (ISI) @isi.institute · 26/09/2026
Source: NASA. (2018, February 22). The Pillars of Creation. www.nasa.gov/image-articl... Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; J. DePasquale, A. Koekemoer, A. Pagan (STScI)
nasa.gov
The Pillars of Creation - NASA
These towering tendrils of cosmic dust and gas sit at the heart of M16, or the Eagle Nebula.
071