ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Space physics

Hey! So today we're going to learn about space physics! It's a big word, but it's all about understanding how things work in space.

Imagine you are floating in space. There is no gravity, no air, and no sound. Space physics is all about figuring out how objects like planets, stars, and galaxies interact with each other in this space environment.

One of the most important things to know about space physics is gravity. Remember how everything on Earth is pulled down by gravity towards the center of the Earth? Well, in space, planets and other objects are also pulled together by their gravity. This is why planets orbit, or go around, their stars or moons.

But did you know there's something else that can move objects in space too? It's called magnetic fields. Basically, magnetism is a force that can push or pull certain materials. Giant stars, planets and even galaxies all have magnetic fields that can interact with each other. Scientists study these magnetic fields to better understand how objects in space move and behave.

Another important thing to know about space physics is radiation. Radiation is a type of energy that can travel through space. Space is filled with different types of radiation, from light and heat to harmful radiation like x-rays and gamma rays. Scientists study this radiation to figure out how it affects objects in space, including astronauts and satellites.

So, in conclusion, space physics is all about understanding how different objects interact in space. Scientists study things like gravity, magnetic fields and radiation to better understand how objects like planets, stars and galaxies move and behave. And now you, my little friend, know a bit about space physics too!