Wonders of Space World Space is a universe full of amazing and mysterious wonders. In humanity’s quest for deeper understanding, much research and exploration is carried out. From distant galaxies to planets in our solar system, here are some noteworthy space wonders. ### 1. Milky Way Galaxy The Milky Way Galaxy is a spiral galaxy containing around 100 to 400 billion stars. The diameter of this galaxy reaches 100,000 light years and has a flat disk shape. At its center, there is a supermassive black hole known as Sagittarius A*, which has a mass of more than 4 million times the mass of the Sun. Recent research using advanced telescopes such as the Event Horizon Telescope provides a clearer picture of the structure and properties of these black holes. ### 2. Orion Nebula The Orion Nebula, located in the constellation Orion, is one of the most visible nebulae from Earth. This place is the location where new stars are born, with gas and dust forming primordial matter. This nebula is about 1,344 light years from Earth and is an important research object for astronomers. The resulting colorful view can be seen using the Hubble telescope, providing deep insight into the star formation process. ### 3. Planet Mars Mars, known as the red planet, has a lot of attraction for space researchers. The discovery of water in the form of ice at the poles and the potential for microbial life in the past are interesting topics. Mars rover missions such as Perseverance and Curiosity have provided new information about the geology and atmosphere of Mars, as well as the potential for future human colonization. ### 4. Supernova A supernova is a very powerful stellar explosion, which occurs at the end of the life of a large star. One of the most famous supernovae was SN 1987A, which was first seen in 1987. This explosion became a starting point for astrophysical research, revealing how heavy elements are formed and distributed throughout the galaxy. ### 5. Black Holes Black holes are regions in space with gravity so strong that not even light can escape. The process of black hole formation occurs when a large star runs out of fuel and collapses under its own gravity. Research on black holes helps scientists understand the laws of physics under extreme conditions, and how they affect the structure of galaxies. ### 6. Ecoplanets Ecoplanets are planets outside the solar system that can support life. The discovery of many ecoplanets in the habitable zone has sparked discussions about the possibility of alien life. For example, the planet Proxima Centauri b, located in the orbit of the star closest to the Sun, is a potential candidate for further exploration. ### 7. The Existence of Dark Matter and Dark Energy More than 80% of the mass of the universe cannot be seen, which is known as dark matter. In addition, about 68% of the total energy in the universe is dark energy, a mystery that drives the accelerated expansion of the universe. Research into these two phenomena is the focus of much modern astronomy and physics research. ### 8. Kuiper Belt and Dwarf Planets The Kuiper Belt is an area in the solar system located beyond the orbit of Neptune, which is inhabited by many small objects and dwarf planets such as Pluto. The discovery and exploration of the Kuiper Belt provides new insights into the origins of the solar system. The New Horizons mission that visited Pluto in 2015 opened a new chapter in the understanding of objects beyond the largest gas planets. ### 9. Gravitational Waves Gravitational waves, which are produced by the movement of massive objects such as colliding black holes, were first detected in 2015 by LIGO. This discovery created a revolution in cosmology, providing a new way to study extreme events in the universe. Gravitational waves offer a new window into understanding the structure and evolution of the universe. ### 10. Exploration of Mars and the Moon Exploration missions to Mars and the Moon, both via rovers and human missions, continue to reveal interesting facts about the potential for habitation beyond Earth. Research into the presence of water and other substances needed to support life continues to be a priority for space agencies such as NASA and ESA.