wandering star meaning in malayalam

അതിവേഗ ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് → മലയാളം ← മലയാളം നിഘണ്ടു

• ചുറ്റിത്തിരിയുക
• അലഞ്ഞുനടക്കുക
• ചുറ്റിതിരിയുക
• നിരർത്ഥകഭാഷണം
• അലഞ്ഞു നടക്കുക
• ചുറ്റിയലയുക
• അലഞ്ഞു നടക്കുന്നവൻ
• അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്നവൻ
• ചുറ്റിസഞ്ചരിക്കുന്നവൻ
• അലഞ്ഞുനടക്കുന്ന

Wanderingly

• അലഞ്ഞു തിരിയൽ
• അലഞ്ഞു തിരിഞ്ഞ്

Wandering plug

• ഏത് വൈദ്യുതി ഗോളത്തിലും ഘടിപ്പിക്കാവുന്ന പ്ലഗ്ഗ്

To wander about

• അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുക

Wandering about

• അലഞ്ഞുനടക്കൽ

A wandering jew

• സ്ഥിരതയില്ലാത്ത ആൾ

അഭിപ്രായങ്ങളും നിർദ്ദേശങ്ങളും രേഖപ്പെടുത്തുക

അവലോകനത്തിനായി സമർപ്പിക്കുക പൂട്ടുക

Wandering Meaning In Malayalam

ലളിതമായ ഉദാഹരണങ്ങളും നിർവചനങ്ങളും ഉപയോഗിച്ച് wandering എന്നതിന്റെ യഥാർത്ഥ അർത്ഥം മനസ്സിലാക്കുക., definitions of wandering.

1 . ഒരിടത്തുനിന്നും മറ്റൊരിടത്തേക്ക് ലക്ഷ്യമില്ലാതെ അലഞ്ഞുനടക്കുന്നു; സഞ്ചാരി.

1 . travelling aimlessly from place to place; itinerant.

Examples of Wandering :

1 . അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്ന ഒരു പ്രസംഗകൻ

1 . a wandering preacher

2 . അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്ന നക്ഷത്രം©4984 കാഴ്ചകൾ.

2 . wandering star©4984 views.

3 . നന്ദി സർ. അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്ന ഓക്ക്.

3 . thank you, mr. wandering oaken.

4 . അവൻ ഒരു പ്രേതത്തെപ്പോലെ നടക്കുന്നു.

4 . he's wandering around like a ghost.

5 . അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയാൻ വേണ്ടി സൃഷ്ടിച്ചതാണ് മരുഭൂമി.

5 . The desert was created for wandering .

6 . പലായനം - മരുഭൂമിയിൽ അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയൽ 17.

6 . the exodus- wandering in the desert 17.

7 . എന്റെ മനസ്സ് അൽപ്പം അലയുന്നതായി ഞാൻ കരുതുന്നു.

7 . i guess my mind's wandering a little bit.

8 . മനുഷ്യൻ വഴിതെറ്റി, കാട്ടിൽ അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്നു.

8 . man is lost and is wandering in a jungle.

9 . വയർലെസ് വീഴ്ച / അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്നത് തടയൽ സംവിധാനം.

9 . wireless fall/ wandering prevention system.

10 . സഹയാത്രികരും ഭവനരഹിതരും ആകുക

10 . to become wandering and homeless companions,

11 . വലിയ ആൽബട്രോസ്: ശക്തമായ ചിറകുകളുള്ള പക്ഷി.

11 . wandering albatrosses: bird with mighty wings.

12 . ഓരോ ആചാരങ്ങളും ഞങ്ങളുടെ അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയാനുള്ള വാതിൽ കാണിച്ചുതന്നു

12 . Each ritual showed up the door for our wandering s

13 . കാട്ടിൽ വഴിതെറ്റി അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്ന ഒരാളെ കണ്ടെത്തി.

13 . a man found himself lost and wandering in a forest.

14 . പിറ്റേന്ന് രാവിലെ ഞങ്ങൾ ഒരു കാർ വാടകയ്‌ക്കെടുത്തു.

14 . the next morning we rented a car and went wandering .

15 . കാറ്റി, ബെൻ ഓഫ് ടു വാൻഡറിംഗ് സോൾസ് എന്നിവരുടെ ഫോട്ടോയും വാചകവും.

15 . Photo and text by Katie and Ben of Two Wandering Soles.

16 . എന്തുകൊണ്ട് അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്ന വേദന ബയോഇനിസിസിൽ ഒരു വലിയ പ്രശ്നമാണ് :.

16 . why wandering pain is such a big problem in bioinesis:.

17 . അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്നത് നിർത്തിയാൽ അവൻ തന്നെ അഭിമുഖീകരിക്കേണ്ടി വരും.

17 . if he stopped wandering , he would have to face himself.

18 . ഈ അവ്യക്തമായ വസ്തു സ്ട്രൈക്ക് സോണിലേക്ക് അലയുന്നു.

18 . this blurry object comes wandering into the strike zone.

19 . വാൻഡറിംഗ് ഹൂ എന്നതിൽ പ്രധാനപ്പെട്ട പ്രശ്നങ്ങൾ കാണുന്നില്ല.

19 . There are important issues missing in the Wandering Who.

20 . ഫെസിന്റെ മദീനയ്ക്ക് ചുറ്റും നടക്കുമ്പോൾ എനിക്ക് തുറിച്ചുനോട്ടങ്ങൾ അനുഭവപ്പെട്ടു.

20 . wandering around the fez medina, i could feel the stares.

Similar Words

Wandering meaning in Malayalam - Learn actual meaning of Wandering with simple examples & definitions. Also you will learn Antonyms , synonyms & best example sentences. This dictionary also provide you 10 languages so you can find meaning of Wandering in Hindi, Tamil , Telugu , Bengali , Kannada , Marathi , Malayalam , Gujarati , Punjabi , Urdu.

© 2024 UpToWord All rights reserved.

• English to Malayalam Dictionary
• GRE Word List
• Word Pronunciation
• Malayalam to English Dictionary
• Malayalam to Malayalam Dictionary
• Multi Language Dictionary (50+ Languages)
• Malayalam Holy Bible.
• English To Malayalam Transliteration.

English To Malayalam Dictionary.

This service is a free English - Malayalam Dictionary with English & Malayalam meaning of more than 125000 words. You can find out equivalent Malayalam meaning, definitions, Synonyms & more of any English word by using this service. The malayalam meaning is displayed with transliterated output (Manglish) as well & that will help people who doesn't know to read Malayalam language. Please support this free service by just sharing with your friends. If you find any bugs in this program please report me at [email protected]

ഈ പ്രോഗ്രാമിൽ എന്തെങ്കിലും തെറ്റുകൾ കണ്ടെത്തിയാൽ ദയവായി [email protected] ൽ അറിയിക്കുക.

Malayalam | മലയാളം

You need to enable javascript to run this website..

Like On Facebook.

• Field Spaniel
• Eastern Gorilla
• Boykin Spaniel
• Black Rhinoceros
• Tibetan Mastiff
• Striped Rocket Frog
• African Bush Elephant
• English Shepherd
• Water Buffalo
• Greenland Dog
• Patas Monkey
• Afghan Hound
• Highland Cattle
• Brazilian Terrier
• Tiger Salamander
• River Dolphin
• Mountain Lion
• Minke Whale
• African Wild Dog
• Giant Schnauzer
• Horned Frog
• Indian Star Tortoise
• Woolly Mammoth
• Leopard Cat
• Javan Rhinoceros
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Eastern Lowland Gorilla
• Desert Tortoise
• Deutsche Bracke
• Common Buzzard
• Aldabra Giant Tortoise
• Western Gorilla
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Caiman Lizard
• Grizzly Bear
• Dogue De Bordeaux
• Siberian Husky
• Doberman Pinscher
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Australian Kelpie Dog
• Welsh Corgi
• Asian Palm Civet
• Komodo Dragon
• Red Knee Tarantula
• Cesky Fousek
• X-Ray Tetra
• Anatolian Shepherd Dog
• Leopard Seal
• Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
• Puffer Fish
• Basenji Dog
• Squirrel Monkey
• Birds Of Paradise
• Stag Beetle
• Nightingale
• Gentoo Penguin
• King Penguin
• Norfolk Terrier
• Appenzeller Dog
• Stellers Sea Cow
• Borneo Elephant
• French Bulldog
• Jack Russel
• Flying Squirrel
• Indochinese Tiger
• Collared Peccary
• Butterfly Fish
• Fire-Bellied Toad
• Rockhopper Penguin
• Irish Setter
• Newfoundland
• Dogo Argentino
• Irish WolfHound
• Bull Mastiff
• Yellow-Eyed Penguin
• Vervet Monkey
• Horseshoe Crab
• Indian Palm Squirrel
• Humpback Whale
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• Bornean Orang-utan
• Fishing Cat
• Sumatran Elephant
• Giant Panda Bear
• West Highland Terrier
• White Rhinoceros
• Alpine Dachsbracke
• Arctic Wolf
• Frilled Lizard
• Japanese Macaque
• Vampire Bat
• Dwarf Crocodile
• Sumatran Tiger
• Bearded Collie
• Alaskan Malamute
• Frigatebird
• Australian Shepherd
• Bedlington Terrier
• Whale Shark
• Fox Terrier
• South China Tiger
• Australian Terrier
• Scorpion Fish
• Mountain Gorilla
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Common Loon
• Bactrian Camel
• Gila Monster
• Australian Mist
• American Foxhound
• Proboscis Monkey
• Neanderthal
• Grey Reef Shark
• Caterpillar
• American Bulldog
• Border Collie
• Pink Fairy Armadillo
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Pied Tamarin
• Water Dragon
• Guinea Fowl
• African Forest Elephant
• American Cocker Spaniel
• Snapping Turtle
• Silver Dollar
• Ibizan Hound
• Egyptian Mau
• Turkish Angora
• Emperor Penguin
• Poison Dart Frog
• American Coonhound
• Bichon Frise
• Rattlesnake
• Tasmanian Devil
• Boston Terrier
• Asiatic Black Bear
• Geoffroys Tamarin
• Arctic Hare
• Little Penguin
• Crested Penguin
• Grey Mouse Lemur
• Finnish Spitz
• German Shepherd
• Spiny Dogfish
• English Cocker Spaniel
• Indian Rhinoceros
• Emperor Tamarin
• Adelie Penguin
• Hummingbird
• Carolina Dog
• Saint Bernard
• Indian Elephant
• Spadefoot Toad
• Golden Retriever
• African Palm Civet
• Sperm Whale
• Spider Monkey
• Bengal Tiger
• Airedale Terrier
• Labrador Retriever
• White Tiger
• Howler Monkey
• Clouded Leopard
• Hercules Beetle
• Cottontop Tamarin
• African Clawed Frog
• Common Toad
• Banded Palm Civet
• English Springer Spaniel
• Galapagos Penguin
• Border Terrier
• Old English Sheepdog
• Sri Lankan Elephant
• Estrela Mountain Dog
• Tiger Shark
• Sumatran Orang-utan
• African Tree Toad
• Hippopotamus
• Roseate Spoonbill
• Elephant Shrew
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Affenpinscher
• American Water Spaniel
• Russian Blue
• Giant African Land Snail
• Masked Palm Civet
• Chinese Crested Dog
• Sabre-Toothed Tiger
• Hammerhead Shark
• Monte Iberia Eleuth
• Western Lowland Gorilla
• Japanese Chin
• Labradoodle
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Raccoon Dog
• Great White Shark
• Entlebucher Mountain Dog
• Pygmy Hippopotamus
• African Penguin
• Bluetick Coonhound
• Tapanuli Orang-utan
• Epagneul Pont Audemer
• African Civet
• Bavarian Mountain Hound
• Curly Coated Retriever
• Yorkshire Terrier
• American Eskimo Dog
• Malayan Civet
• Black Russian Terrier
• Chinstrap Penguin
• Common Frog
• Grasshopper
• Monitor Lizard
• Electric Eel
• Royal Penguin
• Basking Shark
• Spectacled Bear
• Macaroni Penguin
• Stick Insect
• Siberian Tiger
• Golden Oriole
• Glass Lizard
• German Pinscher
• Keel Billed Toucan
• Thorny Devil
• River Turtle
• Black Widow Spider
• Magellanic Penguin
• Clumber Spaniel
• Dusky Dolphin
• Galapagos Tortoise
• Darwin's Frog
• Hermit Crab
• Purple Emperor
• Elephant Seal
• Sand Lizard
• Green Bee-Eater
• Killer Whale
• Blue Lacy Dog
• Radiated Tortoise
• Cairn Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Edible Frog
• Crab-Eating Macaque
• Basset Hound
• Long-Eared Owl
• Norwegian Forest
• Leaf-Tailed Gecko
• Bearded Dragon
• Asian Giant Hornet
• Siamese Fighting Fish
• Golden Lion Tamarin
• Burrowing Frog
• Sumatran Rhinoceros
• Pond Skater
• Red-handed Tamarin
• Bottle Nosed Dolphin
• Asian Elephant
• White Faced Capuchin
• Zebra Shark
• Malayan Tiger
• Flat Coat Retriever
• Cross River Gorilla
• Woolly Monkey
• Pygmy Marmoset
• Umbrellabird
• Nurse Shark
• Bolognese Dog
• Leopard Tortoise
• Marine Toad
• Humboldt Penguin
• Boysenberry
• Pomegranate
• Huckleberry
• Bell Pepper
• Salal Berry
• Chili Pepper
• Blackcurrant
• Passionfruit
• Dragonfruit
• Blood Orange
• Purple Mangosteen
• Canary Melon

Search Word | പദം തിരയുക

English meaning.

• That which wanders.
• Travelling with no preset route; roaming.
• Irregular turning of the eyes.
• Aimless thought.
• Straying from a desired path.
• Disordered speech or delirium.
• Present participle of wander.

Malayalam Meaning

സമതുല്യമായത് : equivalent words for wandering.

Unsettled , Indirect

പരാമര്‍ശം : Cross Reference words for wandering

Devious , Delirious , Deviation , Delirium , Aberration , Wandering Abscess , Wandering Spiders , Wandering Cells , Wandering Jew , Wandering Shearwater

Variant for wandering

Verb stem for wandering, പ്രാസം : rhymes with wandering.

Pondering , Squandering

ഒരേ സാഹചര്യം : Same Context words for wandering

Excursion , Wanderer , Foray , Sojourn , Pilgrimage , Vigil , Stroll , Toil , Explorations , Journey

Examples | ഉദാഹരണങ്ങൾ

Found wrong meaning for wandering , like & share..

English - Malayalam Dictionary

Jenson ..That's My Name!!

Follow Me »»

***** The Parts Of Malayalam Dictionaries' ( English-Malayalam , Malayalam-Malayalam & Malayalam-English ) Data are from Olam dataset (OdBL) .

• English - Malayalam Translator
• Translator Widget for Website
• Privacy Policy

Wandering - Malayalam translation, synonyms, definition, meaning, pronunciation, transcription, antonyms, examples

Definition, meaning: wandering.

Wandering refers to the act of moving aimlessly or without a specific destination. It is often associated with leisurely strolls, spontaneous exploration, or meandering paths. People may engage in wandering to relax, clear their thoughts, or enjoy the beauty of nature. Wandering can be a form of mindfulness practice, allowing individuals to be present in the moment and appreciate their ... Read more

Similar words: wandering

• be wandering - അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുക
• i arrived here in my wanderings - എന്റെ അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയലിലാണ് ഞാൻ ഇവിടെ എത്തിയത്
• go wandering - അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുക
• it wandering - അത് അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്നു
• you live like a wandering knight - അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്ന ഒരു പട്ടാളക്കാരനെപ്പോലെയാണ് നിങ്ങൾ ജീവിക്കുന്നത്
• just in case you go wandering off - നിങ്ങൾ അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയാൻ പോകുകയാണെങ്കിൽ
• by wandering - അലഞ്ഞുതിരിഞ്ഞ്
• wandering into - അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്നു
• of wandering - അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്നതിന്റെ
• lead a wandering life - അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്ന ജീവിതം നയിക്കുക
• wandering away - അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്നു
• from wandering - അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്നതിൽ നിന്ന്
• years of wandering - അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്ന വർഷങ്ങൾ
• partners with wandering hearts - അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്ന ഹൃദയങ്ങളുള്ള പങ്കാളികൾ
• wandering welding - അലഞ്ഞുതിരിയുന്ന വെൽഡിംഗ്

Synonyms: wandering

Antonyms: not found.

star - meaning in malayalam

Why planets are referred to as wandering stars in astronomy

Our home is located on Earth, which is one of the eight major planets within our solar system. Apart from Earth, the Sun’s extensive family consists of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. These planets are relatively smaller in size compared to the Sun, and they orbit around it. They are visible to us because they reflect some of the sunlight that reaches them. This brings up the question, why are planets called wandering stars? (Nowadays, they are referred to as “wandering luminaries.”) What is the connection between planets and stars, and why do they wander?

Stars and Planets: Similar but Different

It’s evident that stars and planets belong to distinct categories. Stars are enormous, gas-filled celestial bodies that emit light due to their extreme heat. On the other hand, planets, such as those found in our solar system, do not emit light as they are too cold for that (although they can be detected in infrared light!). Additionally, planets can have different compositions, ranging from gas giants like Jupiter to rocky planets like Mars and Earth, and even predominantly metallic ones like Mercury. Despite not glowing like stars, humans have been aware of the existence of planets for thousands of years.

But why is this so? It’s because planets reflect sunlight, making them visible to us in the sky .

Until 500 years ago, people had little knowledge about the nature of planets. There was a lack of understanding regarding their size, composition, and even their distance from Earth. However, observers could still identify what appeared to be planets in the night sky. Ancient astronomers closely observed these celestial bodies and documented their behavior.

So, what do planets look like when observed without the aid of a telescope? They resemble ordinary stars, to the point that individuals not particularly interested in astronomy would struggle to differentiate them. For instance, Saturn would appear indistinguishable from other stars to the naked eye. Although planets like Jupiter or Venus are noticeably brighter than typical stars, it still required additional knowledge to recognize them as planets rather than extremely luminous stars.

Stars that Wander: Planets

The ancient people possessed the wisdom to differentiate between planets and stars, recognizing that planets were not fixed like the stars in the sky.

While planets may appear similar to stars, they possess a remarkable quality – they are constantly in motion against the backdrop of the static stars.

The stars themselves remain stationary, unless we consider the daily movement of the stars from east (where they rise) to west (where they set). The planets, along with the Moon and the Sun, also experience this daily motion. Nowadays, we understand that this universal east-west movement of the sky is caused by the Earth rotating on its axis. However, no matter how much you observe the sky with the naked eye, you cannot detect any additional motion in the stars. Our ancient ancestors were well aware of the fact that the stars do not change their position. This is why the depictions of constellations have remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years.

It is of utmost significance that the celestial bodies exhibit distinct patterns of motion: certain planets traverse their orbits at a rapid pace, while others move at a more leisurely pace. Notably, there are two planets, Mercury and Venus, that consistently appear in close proximity to the Sun in the sky, whereas three other planets, namely Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, can be observed on the opposite side of the sky, far away from the Sun.

The retrograde motion of Mars occurs when it appears to move backward against the backdrop of stars. This composite image is created by stitching together multiple consecutive images of Mars captured during its opposition phase. Each subsequent image was taken one week after the previous one. Photo credit: Cenk E. Tezel, Tunç Tezel (TWAN)/APOD

Normally, planets traverse the sky from right to left (i.e., from west to east) relative to the stars. However, there are times when they pause and reverse their direction. They then pause again and resume their eastward motion, creating enigmatic loops. One common characteristic of all planets is that they exclusively navigate through the zodiacal constellations, just like the Sun and the Moon.

If the planets were to move in an organized manner, they would likely be referred to as “moving luminaries” or something similar. However, that is not the case, as planets are known as wandering stars! The reason for this is the complex and irregular motion of planets against the backdrop of ordinary stars, which led people to dub them as “wanderers” or “wandering” luminaries. Interestingly, the term “planet” itself translates from ancient Greek as “wandering”.

Here is an illustration that demonstrates why planets are called wandering stars. This animation showcases three bright stars positioned near the horizon: Saturn, Jupiter, and the reddish Mars. Each subsequent frame corresponds to the following day, with the full length representing four weeks. It is evident from the animation how Mars swiftly moves in relation to the stars and the two other planets. Figure: Stellarium/Evgeny Zolotavkin

The principles governing the movement of celestial bodies

Ancient astronomers were perplexed by the peculiar motion of the planets. It appeared to be highly unpredictable and almost chaotic, yet there was an underlying pattern to these movements. Could it be that the planets adhered to certain laws? Was there a concealed order dictating their motion?

The geocentric system of the world

For countless centuries, astronomers have dedicated themselves to uncovering the laws that govern the celestial bodies. Among the ancient Greek scholars, a theory emerged that elegantly explained the motion of the planets in the heavens. This theory not only provided accurate predictions of their future positions, but also positioned Earth as the center of the universe. According to this theory, known as the geocentric system, the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars all orbited around Earth in perfect circular paths.

Ancient astronomers employed intricate geometric constructions to forecast the planetary positions in the celestial sphere. Source: Claudius Ptolemy. Almagest

However, as time passed, the theory ceased to yield precise predictions: minor inaccuracies accrued and the planets deviated from their projected trajectories. Consequently, the theory necessitated enhancement, but also became more convoluted. Thus, epicycles, deferents, equants, and other intricate geometric concepts were introduced to account for the planets’ loops, acceleration, and deceleration.

The revolutionary heliocentric model of the universe

After several millennia of the geocentric model dominating astronomical thought, a groundbreaking discovery was made around 500 years ago by the brilliant Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus . He proposed a radical reimagining of the cosmos, placing the Sun at the center instead of Earth. According to this revolutionary heliocentric system, all planets, including Earth, orbit around the Sun. This momentous shift in perspective also redefined Earth’s status, elevating it from being merely the “center of the world,” the “firmament,” or the “dark ball,” to an actual planet. The term “heliocentric” originates from the Greek word helios, meaning the sun.

After another fifty years, Johannes Kepler, a German mathematician, formulated Kepler’s famous three laws. Specifically, the first law states that instead of moving in circles, the planets move on ellipses with the Sun at one of the focal points. It didn’t take long for Sir Isaac Newton to derive Kepler’s laws from the law of gravitation.

Thanks to the Copernican world system and Kepler’s laws, it became possible to predict the positions of the planets in the sky for centuries, and even millennia, to come. Equally important is the fact that these discoveries caused a true revolution in humanity’s conception of the universe’s structure.

Put simply, astronomy is the scientific field dedicated to researching the sky and celestial bodies. In ancient times, astronomers observed everything that occurred in the sky above the clouds – the sun and stars, the moon and planets, the northern lights and meteors, which are commonly known as “shooting stars.” Astronomers also paid attention to rare cosmic events like supernovae and the formation of new stars, as well as the appearance of comets with tails. Additionally, atmospheric phenomena like halos that occasionally encircle the moon or sun fell within the purview of astronomers.

In the present day, astronomers focus solely on studying objects and physical processes that exist beyond Earth’s dense atmosphere. They investigate cosmic bodies and the universe as a whole. In essence, astronomers explore the structure, origin, and development of celestial bodies.

Astronomers’ hard work has not been in vain. In the last few centuries, they have constructed a remarkable, awe-inspiring, and captivating depiction of the universe.

A collection of galaxies in the constellation of Veronica’s Hair. Image: NASA/Hubble

It transpires that we inhabit an immense, ever-expanding universe that is approximately fourteen billion years old. Our Universe is so vast that even light, which moves faster than anything else, takes billions of years to reach its far-flung corners (due to the Universe’s expansion, it will never be able to traverse it in the usual manner). The universe houses trillions of galaxies, each composed of billions upon billions of stars. Galaxies can be likened to islands of stars, separated by vast, almost entirely starless regions.

We are located within one of the many galaxies in the universe, known as the Milky Way . The Milky Way consists of approximately 400 billion stars, including our very own Sun. Every star visible in the night sky belongs to the Milky Way.

The Sun is classified as an average star – not too large or small, bright or dim, or heavy or light. It falls somewhere in the middle among the vast assortment of stars.

Surrounding the Sun are eight major planets, several dwarf planets, countless asteroids, comets, and numerous smaller celestial bodies such as rocks and meteoroids. Collectively, these entities form the solar system.

Not too long ago, the existence of similar systems around other stars was uncertain. However, over the past three decades, astronomers have developed techniques to detect and investigate such systems. It has been discovered that nearly every star within our galaxy possesses at least one planet. It won’t be long before scientists are able to distinguish Earth-like planets that bear resemblance to our own planet.

Over the mountains in Slovakia, the Milky Way can be seen. Photo credit goes to Vaclav Hyza.

Currently, there exist numerous captivating books that showcase stunning color illustrations, providing detailed descriptions of the planets within our solar system, stars, the structure of the Milky Way, and other galaxies. Additionally, these books delve into the history and evolution of the entire universe. However, what is often left unmentioned is the fact that a vast number of these magnificent celestial objects are visible to the naked eye, should one wish to partake in such observation. In certain instances, a small telescope or even binoculars may be required, while in other cases, one’s eyes alone may suffice in witnessing various astronomical phenomena.

Astronomy: A Fascinating Hobby

Astronomy, often considered an exact science akin to math or physics, requires a deep understanding of physics and sometimes even chemistry, as well as specialized mathematical tools and programming skills. Furthermore, it involves a continuous process of refining existing knowledge and diligently searching for the unknown.

While astronomers themselves view their profession as highly romantic, many individuals find the abundance of formulas and calculations daunting and uninteresting.

If you happen to be one of those people, I want to assure you that you do not need to possess a mathematical mind in order to engage in astronomy and appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the night sky!

So, what do you require to get started?

To begin with, all you really need is an unobstructed and, if possible, dimly lit sky. (Finding such a sky is increasingly challenging in modern times!) If you derive pleasure from gazing at the celestial bodies, including stars, constellations, meteors, the moon, and the planets’ motion, you might want to delve deeper into the vast expanse of the night sky. In that case, you have the option to select either a pair of binoculars or an affordable telescope for your overall observations.

The Celestron Astromaster 130 eq is an affordable amateur telescope designed for observing the stars using an equatorial mount (tripod). Source: Rother Valley Optics

As you continue your stargazing journey, you will discover certain objects or types of observations that you prefer over others. When this happens, it may be time to invest in specialized equipment that is more expensive but offers better quality.

Perhaps the resources you currently possess will suffice, and you will derive pleasure from leisurely strolls beneath the celestial bodies. Alternatively, there may come a time when you realize that observing the cosmos is simply not your cup of tea, and you move on. Similar to any pastime, amateur astronomy primarily offers amusement and relaxation, with everything else following suit. If you fail to experience positive emotions while gazing upon the starry expanse, then it is best to abstain.

By the way, if I were in your shoes, I would not underestimate the intellectual aspect of astronomical observations. Were you aware that contemporary astronomy enthusiasts frequently make astounding discoveries? They stumble upon uncharted celestial entities such as asteroids and comets, variable stars, supernovae, newborn stars, and even previously unknown nebulae!

You have the opportunity to personally make a groundbreaking discovery in the field of astronomy! (Of course, this won’t happen right away, but after gaining some basic experience in observing celestial phenomena.) This is no laughing matter! With a plethora of state-of-the-art telescopes now available to professional astronomers, the possibilities are endless! The reality is that large telescopes are primarily utilized for observing specific celestial objects – nobody would use the Hubble Space Telescope to search for new comets or closely monitor Jupiter. That’s precisely why ambitious amateur astronomers have ample opportunities to contribute.

If you’re interested in learning more about the endeavors of amateur astronomers, you can find additional information here.

Astronomy does not have the ability to forecast or determine a person’s destiny or personality based on the stars. This is the realm of astrology. Astronomers often take offense when they are mistakenly referred to as astrologers. In reality, astronomers firmly believe that it is impossible to predict the future of individuals or the world solely based on the movements of celestial bodies.

However, there exists a correlation between astronomy and astrology. In earlier times, when the scientific method had not yet been established, the distinction between astronomy and astrology was not well-defined. In reality, the advancement of astronomy in ancient times was driven not only by practical necessities like the calendar, but also by the astrological desires of those in power. Seeking knowledge of the future, monarchs and rulers provided patronage to astrologers, thereby indirectly fostering the progress of astronomy, since without it, the prediction of the positions of celestial bodies in the future would be unattainable.

How to get started with studying astronomy?

If you have an interest in the night sky but lack knowledge about astronomy, it can be challenging to begin observing. Even when reading popular online articles, it is often difficult to distinguish between planets and stars. What are the various phases of the moon? What are faint stars? What is a conjunction of planets? And what do terms like brilliance, brightness, and luminosity mean?

There are moments when the objects studied in astronomy can be unclear. For instance, you might not understand the differences between planets and stars or what galaxies are.

When faced with a plethora of unfamiliar jargon, confusion is bound to follow. That’s why it’s best to start by delving into popular astronomy books or engaging with astronomy forums, where you can discover a wealth of straightforward and valuable information. Alternatively, you can peruse the introductory articles available on this website.

With the aim of aiding astronomy novices in catching up, I trust that this article will prove beneficial.

In the vast expanse of space, there may exist countless planets unattached to a central star. Termed nomad planets (also referred to as floating, interstellar, or orphan planets), astronomers and enthusiasts of science fiction have long been captivated by the possibility of their existence.

These planets can emerge after being expelled from their orbits between solar systems, or they can form when an interstellar cloud collapses. In any case, they eventually traverse the Milky Way. Can Earth also transform into such a planet? Can a rogue planet pass through our solar system? The discovery of rogue planets compels us to reconsider some fundamental concepts, from the formation of planets to their placement in orbit.

Simultaneously, these wanderers have made us realize that we are not as solitary as we previously believed on a planetary scale. In reality, we may have numerous additional contenders for habitable planets besides exoplanets. Indeed, nomadic planets could potentially harbor life.

Frightening aspects of planetary nomads

The concept of nomadic planets was first brought to the public’s attention in the middle of 2011, thanks to a research conducted by Takahiro Sumi, an astrophysicist from Osaka University in Japan. Sumi and his team utilized gravitational microlensing, a method commonly used to identify exoplanets across the galaxy. By observing the distortion of light from a background source, such as a star, caused by an object passing between the source and Earth, they were able to temporarily magnify the light. In their study, Sumi and his colleagues discovered 10 planets with a mass similar to Jupiter that appeared to be moving without following a recognizable orbit.

As previously mentioned, the hypothesis suggests that these objects might have originated from the same gas and dust clouds that give rise to stars, or alternatively, they could have been captured by solar systems and removed from their original orbits. Consequently, solar systems have the potential to attract and retain nomadic planets, resulting in their placement in wide orbits. It’s entirely plausible that our solar system once harbored a greater number of planets than our current knowledge encompasses.

There exists the possibility that Earth could come into contact with such a rogue planet, albeit the likelihood is small. However, our galaxy is teeming with smaller, more dispersed threats that pose an equal amount of danger. The chances of our demise at the hands of a comet or an asteroid measuring a few kilometers in diameter are significantly higher.

Sumi’s initial research indicated that every star in our galaxy may possess two or three wandering planets. However, a subsequent investigation conducted by the Kavli Institute at Stanford, less than a year later, revised this estimation, suggesting that each star in the Milky Way could potentially harbor up to 100,000 nomadic planets.

Several factors contribute to this hypothesis:

• The gravitational influence exerted by the Milky Way;
• The availability of matter necessary for the formation of nomadic planets;
• The manner in which matter organizes itself within a planet, ranging in size from Pluto to Jupiter.

If proven accurate, this theory raises intriguing questions about the formation of planets and the significance of nomadic planets within our galaxy. However, for now, let us focus on the information at hand and explore the various possibilities that lie ahead.

What is the origin of wandering planets?

Let’s explore the possible sources of drifting planets. Much of the current understanding of these celestial bodies is derived from studying our own solar system and other young solar systems in our galaxy.

It is important to note that wandering planets can vary in terms of size and composition. Sumi’s research initially revealed Jupiter-class planets as nomadic entities, suggesting that smaller planets with less mass could also be expelled from their original systems. In fact, smaller planets may be more likely to be ejected from a developing planetary system. On the other hand, larger planets may naturally emerge as outcasts from star-forming clusters.

The concept of ejection is based on the notion that nomadic planets experience gravitational forces from various sources, including other stars and neighboring planets. To illustrate how this process could occur, scientists analyze Jupiter-like planets in different solar systems, which maintain orbits in close proximity to their respective suns. Now, envision a scenario where our own Jupiter gradually reduces its orbit and approaches the sun. With a mass over 300 times greater than that of Earth, Jupiter possesses a substantial gravitational field.

Another suggestion suggests that if a star goes supernova, a planet may be expelled from the solar system. Naturally, some planets would be obliterated in a violent explosion, but those that survive would be propelled outward into space, no longer bound to their original star.

Once outside the solar system, a wandering planet could be influenced by various gravitational forces. Computational simulations have indicated that if a planet is ejected early in the formation of a star cluster, it is likely to be drawn into a wide, unrestricted orbit around a neighboring star. The larger the star, the greater the chance of capturing a wandering planet. Computer models also suggest that it is entirely possible for a wandering planet to be ensnared by the gravitational pull of black holes.

There are other options that involve planets orbiting the Milky Way galaxy in a wide trajectory. This implies that they are still part of the galactic dance floor and moving along with the crowd, but they are not traveling in a pack. Ultimately, it is completely plausible for two wandering planets to encounter each other and create their own binary system – simply a pair of solitary planets engaging in a romantic dance in the vastness of space.

What are the potential conditions on a roaming planet?

We cannot be certain about this until we conduct research on roaming planets. However, there are certain assumptions that can be made based on our observations of planets, dwarf planets, and moons in our own solar system and beyond. Let’s explore some of the possible characteristics of roaming planets.

Presence of day and night? Unlikely. As we already understand, our day and night cycles are determined by our proximity to the sun. Without a nearby sun, traditional day and night cycles would not exist. Consequently, the process of photosynthesis can probably be ruled out.

Can a nomadic planet have an atmosphere? Absolutely, a nomadic planet has the potential to possess an atmosphere. In order for a planet to sustain an atmosphere, it must possess sufficient gravitational force to retain gases and maintain low temperatures to prevent the gases from dissipating and evaporating into space. Take, for example, the farthest reaches of our solar system where even the diminutive Pluto manages to preserve its own atmosphere. Therefore, it is plausible for a nomadic planet to uphold an atmosphere, although it may not meet the same criteria as Earth.

Is it possible for them to possess water? It is probable that certain nomadic planets could contain water – or, more possibly, ice. Through the utilization of unmanned stations and satellites, scientists have discovered ice on Mars and indications of ancient liquid water. Conversely, Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons in our solar system, showcases a surface comprised of ice that conceals an ocean of water. If we manage to detect water on other planets and moons within our own solar system, the probability of its existence on certain nomads is also quite high. When we consider the fact that there are approximately 100,000 nomadic planets for each star in our galaxy, the potential for such occurrences quickly multiplies.

Is it possible for life to exist on rogue planets?

Could interstellar space within our galaxy be teeming with life? It’s a possibility. Based on our understanding of other planets, it is reasonable to assume that wandering planets share some similarities. While the majority of planets we have encountered thus far cannot sustain life as we know it, the sheer number of galactic possibilities suggests that life could indeed exist. This notion has been substantiated by our findings.

In the future, it is possible for humans to inhabit a wandering planet. Proxima Centauri, which is the nearest star to our Sun, is located at a considerable distance of 4.22 light-years away from Earth. These nomadic planets could play a crucial role in human space exploration. Once we venture beyond our solar system, we could make use of these hospitable wandering planets to journey to another star system. On the other hand, given the abundance of planets, it might not even be necessary to travel to another star in order to discover new ones. This vast expanse of darkness between the sun and the stars suddenly becomes full of possibilities – and unanswered questions.

A planet derives from the ancient Greek term “wandering star”.”a wandering star”. The reason for this terminology is that the “actual” stars remain fixed in their positions, while the planets traverse the sky. The ancient Greeks, unaware that they were observing not only stars but also planets, found this behavior perplexing, hence the name.

However, unlike the ancient Greeks, we perceive the planets of the Solar System as our “home” rather than as “wandering” inhabitants of the universe. This is because each planet follows a precisely defined orbit around the Sun. When examining other planetary systems and the behavior of exoplanets, we observe a similar pattern – the planets are not really “wandering” but rather gravitationally “anchored” to their stars.

Do wandering planets truly exist, freely traversing space without a circular orbit? Absolutely, there are such celestial bodies, although it is more fitting to refer to them as rogue planets or even orphan planets. For they are truly devoid not only of companion planets, but even a star to call their own!

Discovering wandering planets is a challenging task due to their small size and lack of light emission. Despite these obstacles, scientists have managed to find a significant number of these elusive celestial objects. The actual number of wandering planets that exist remains a mystery and is potentially overwhelming!

A variety of terms have been used to describe wandering planets, including interstellar planets, wandering planets (commonly used abroad), planemos, free-floating planets, sunless planets, quasi-planets, or simply solitary planets.

It is estimated that the number of wandering planets in our galaxy, the Milky Way, can reach an incredibly high number, surpassing the number of visible stars by up to 100,000 times, which equates to approximately 100 billion. However, unlike stars, these planets are not easy to locate due to their lack of a star to reflect light from.

To detect these homeless planets, scientists use the method of gravitational microlensing, which involves observing the gravitational influence of a massive object passing in front of a star, even though the object itself does not emit light.

What is a wandering planet?

A wandering planet, also known as an interstellar planet, is a celestial object that shares many characteristics with a traditional planet. It is spherical in shape and has a mass similar to that of a planet. However, what sets a wandering planet apart is that it is not gravitationally bound to any star, brown dwarf, or even another planet, although it may have satellites. Unlike planets that orbit around a star or the galactic nucleus, a wandering planet drifts freely through space, unattached to any specific gravitational force.

But where do these wandering planets come from? There are two main theories:

• One possibility is that a wandering planet was once part of a planetary system but was ejected during a cosmic cataclysm. This event could have been caused by a collision with another celestial object or a gravitational disruption within the system.
• Thus, the initial choice remains more suitable in accordance with our definition. This is particularly true since a sub-brown dwarf still suggests a size comparable to that of a few Jupiter masses, signifying a star – a significantly large entity. Meanwhile, researchers, who examined over 2.6 thousand observations of rogue planets conducted between 2010 and 2015, deduced that orphan planets are normally super-Earths. In other words, they are substantial celestial bodies, but their dimensions are more or less comparable to Earth rather than Jupiter.

Is it possible for a nomadic planet to sustain life?

When we discuss a nomadic planet, our minds typically conjure up images of a colossal celestial body made up of rock and ice, similar to Ceres but much larger in scale. However, a nomadic planet doesn’t necessarily have to fit this description. According to astrophysicist Sean Raymond from the Bordeaux Astrophysics Laboratory in France, some of these rogue planets may possess dense atmospheres.

Admittedly, these wandering planets emit very little heat themselves and are not warmed by external sources. Nevertheless, massive objects like Jupiter, drifting through interstellar space, could maintain a dense atmosphere that would prevent the planet’s surface from freezing. This effect would be further enhanced by a thick hydrogen atmosphere that is opaque to infrared radiation, effectively trapping the heat generated by the planet’s core.

Undoubtedly, a wandering planet presents a significantly higher risk compared to a meteorite. However, the vastness of space makes it difficult to truly consider the potential for a collision with a wandering planet.

It has been estimated that a hydrogen pressure greater than one thousand atmospheres would create an almost ideal adiabatic process for an object with the same mass as the Earth. The decay energy of radioactive isotopes would be enough to maintain a positive temperature on the surface, potentially allowing for the existence of liquid water. These conditions could lead to high geological activity and the presence of underwater volcanoes, as well as a strong magnetic field that protects the planet from cosmic radiation. These factors could serve as a potential energy source for the emergence of life.

Is it possible for a planet to be wandering in the solar system?

Almost 300 years ago, the mythical fifth planet in the solar system was first sought after in relation to the Titius-Bode rule, but no evidence was found. The search for the fifth planet (nowadays referred to as the fifth, but the ninth planet) began in modern times, when it was discovered through mathematical modeling of the solar system’s planet orbits that Jupiter’s orbit must have been much closer to the Sun during the system’s formation than it is today.

In order for Jupiter to approach closer, it would have to displace smaller celestial bodies within the system. However, this would result in potential collisions between the planets in the Earth group. Another option would be for Jupiter to “jump” closer, but in doing so, it would risk pushing Uranus or Neptune out of the system.

Both of these scenarios seem unlikely. However, if we hypothesize that during the initial formation of the solar system, there were not four, but five gigantic gas planets, then all the pieces of the puzzle fit together. It is possible that this mysterious fifth gas giant was ejected by Jupiter, either ending up in a far-off orbit or leaving the confines of the solar system altogether. Other gas giants, such as Neptune, have also experienced significant displacement. For instance, Neptune transitioned from a position in close proximity to Jupiter and Saturn to a much more distant orbit beyond Uranus, ultimately settling at the far reaches of the solar system.

The theory of the fifth planet in our solar system (2011) was formulated by astronomer David Nesvorny, who also conducted all the necessary calculations. According to Nesvorny, the likelihood of the “lost” planet having shifted to a distant orbit around the Sun is extremely low, and it is highly probable that it has permanently departed the solar system, becoming a wandering planet or an exiled planet among the realm of space travelers.

This concept traces its origins back to the ancient Greeks. They observed that while the fixed stars in the sky remain in place, the planets, due to their orbit around the Sun, appear to move in relation to the stars. Depending on their position, the planets can be found within a particular constellation, shift to another constellation, or even become invisible.

Ultimately, it was a scientist who first coined the term “lost” planet, and this is how it became widely known.)))

Our understanding of the stars and the universe is extremely limited – everything we think we know is based on mere conjecture and hypotheses. It’s possible that our current understanding is completely off the mark.

Occasionally, planets embark on their own odyssey through the enigmatic cosmos, existing in solitude without any stellar companion. What causes these nomadic planets to come into existence and what is their purpose?

We are accustomed to perceiving the Solar System as an orderly construction. Each planet dutifully revolves around its parent star, arranged in a precise pattern of ellipses and rings. Even the asteroid belt adheres to its designated orbit. The planets obediently follow their prescribed paths, destined to orbit for eternity. Oh, Pluto, you are not permitted to venture beyond and mingle with the other planets. Instead, you shall have lunch under the watchful gaze of Haumea until we determine an appropriate punishment for your failure to tidy up your play area.

Some planets simply cannot contain themselves. They are akin to rebellious icons such as Jimmy Dean, grizzers, Marlon Brando, and Coldblood Luke. They defy all rules and live by their own code. They resemble the Rolling Stones in this regard. Rather than conforming to the normal pattern of orbiting around a star, these planets become wanderers and venture off into deep space, perhaps in search of recognition, wealth, and excitement.

A wandering planet refers to any planet that does not adhere to the conventional practice of orbiting around a star. Instead of belonging to a specific star system, it orbits around the Milky Way itself or is expelled from our galaxy altogether. Make no mistake, there are numerous planets affected by this phenomenon. According to some estimates, there are billions of wandering planets in the Milky Way.

What is the process by which planets become wandering planets? The answer lies in their formation. Some wandering planets initially originate as part of a star system but undergo certain events that lead to their expulsion into deep space. These events could be triggered by collisions or close encounters with other stars, or even encounters with black holes. When two stars come into close proximity to each other, their gravitational interaction can disrupt the meticulously organized orbital system. As a result, planets may be propelled into orbits that are either closer or farther from their star, collide with the star itself, or achieve escape velocity, causing them to forever abandon their previous orbits.

It may seem impossible, but planets have the ability to take flight when their star vanishes. Occasionally, stars explode into supernovae, causing a powerful blast that propels planets away from their original star at astonishing speeds, scattering them like billiard balls across the room. However, the majority of roaming planets most likely originated during the chaotic early stages of their star systems, when celestial bodies collided with one another. These collisions may have disrupted smaller neighboring planets in the system, with Jupiter being a prime example.

Alternatively, planets could have formed as solitary wanderers in distant nebulas, far removed from any stars. If pockets of hydrogen coalesce into a spherical shape but lack sufficient mass to ignite thermonuclear fusion and become a star, they become another type of wandering planet.

What would the appearance of these planets be? Devoid of illumination from a celestial body, they would exist as an exceedingly frigid realm. This is not merely a metaphorical statement. The outer layers would possess a temperature akin to that of the interstellar expanse, just a few degrees above absolute zero. However, deep beneath the planetary surface, there may still linger residual heat from their formation, thereby presenting the potential for the sustenance of life. Such lifeforms would persist within a cozy, heated enclosure.

Furthermore, it is plausible to speculate that billions of years in the future, the wandering planet could undergo gravitational capture by another star, thus experiencing a reawakening. It may be subjected to irradiation, providing it with a second chance at survival, or it may meet a tragic demise. There exist numerous pathways through which a planet can become a wandering planet. It is even conceivable that there are a greater number of wandering planets within the Milky Way galaxy than there are individual stars themselves.

The article you are currently reading is titled “What is the process of planets becoming wandering planets?”.

To comprehend the distinction between stars and planets, we must initially examine their respective descriptions. A star is a colossal luminous sphere composed of gas undergoing thermonuclear reactions within its core. Conversely, a planet is a frigid, spherical entity devoid of such reactions.

Distinguishing characteristics

Undoubtedly, stars and planets possess several common traits.

Firstly, they are celestial bodies that originate from particles of matter and gases. Secondly, their composition and shape exhibit resemblances (both have a spherical form). Each displays a core, internal and external regions, as well as an atmosphere.

Thirdly, their movements differ slightly, albeit both gravitate within orbits.

Furthermore, these celestial entities are observable even to the unaided eye, owing to their luminosity.

In addition, they compose star systems, yet in these systems, planets revolve around stars.

How planets are distinct from stars

First and foremost, the distinction lies in their luminosity. Both entities possess this characteristic, but there is a crucial difference. Stars generate energy and emit light through nuclear reactions and high temperatures, whereas planets, though luminous, do not emit light but instead reflect starlight.

It is important to note that temperature is directly correlated to the cause of luminosity, making it another distinguishing factor. Stars are incandescent, whereas planets are not.

Unlike stars, planets have a uniform reflection of light due to their cold nature. In contrast, luminaries emit light unevenly due to their high temperature and the thermonuclear fusion processes occurring within them. They flare up and then appear to fade away, which is why the twinkling of luminaries is often discussed.

Therefore, when observing the night sky, it is possible to distinguish the planets within our solar system from the stars. In simple terms, if a bright point of light flickers, it is a star. However, if the light remains constant, it indicates a planet.

Which do you believe is larger, a star or a planet? In reality, a planet is smaller in size compared to a star. It is always significantly smaller than a star.

What are the visual distinctions between planets and stars?

When gazing at the night sky, we are greeted by shining points of light, which can be either stars or planets. But how can we differentiate between the two? It’s actually quite straightforward. Only the planets within our solar system are visible from Earth, while the others remain hidden from our sight. This is because their immense distance and smaller size prevent their reflected light from reaching us.

Movement is another key contrast between these celestial bodies. Planets revolve around a star and also spin on their own axis, whereas stars orbit around the center of their galaxy. While stars may appear stationary in the sky, planets gradually shift their positions over time. This is how ancient civilizations were able to discern planets from stars.

Certainly, there are other distinctive characteristics. It is true that identifying them necessitates the utilization of specialized apparatus. For instance, through spectral analysis, astronomers can ascertain the elemental composition of the entity and thus discern its identity.

So, to summarize, we can highlight the distinctions between a planet and a star: temperature, brightness, size, and their movement. Undoubtedly, there are numerous objects, celestial bodies, and systems in outer space, which, in turn, comprise and create other entities. It resembles a universal chain in which one thing leads to another. And this process is never-ending. However, it possesses its own beauty.

Indeed, it is not always effortless to differentiate cosmic objects from one another. In some cases, basic observations or knowledge suffice, while in others, the assistance of experts and scientists is required. I trust that this article has aided you in comprehending the distinctions between a planet and a star.

It’s not surprising that the discovery of a new exoplanet, unattached to any star, may not generate much excitement anymore. Astronomers have already found numerous such solitary planets in recent years, to the point where they are becoming the norm rather than the exception in the Universe.

In fact, a study conducted in 2011 suggested that the number of orphan planets in our galaxy exceeds the number of typical planets orbiting their parent stars by at least 50 percent. This would mean that there are approximately one billion lonely planets in the Milky Way galaxy.

According to scientists, gas giants may be a minority among the solitary planets that scurry about. “In today’s understanding, we are aware that massive solitary planets are quite uncommon and that typically among them are planets with a mass comparable to that of Neptune or Earth,”

the astronomers stated. – We also have knowledge that massive objects are more likely to have difficulty escaping star systems compared to lighter ones.” Remarkably, these solitary planets are relatively close to us. Future telescopes will provide further insight into these solitary planets that will not be obscured by nearby luminous stars.

These celestial nomads, known as free-floating planets, have been dubbed by scientists as such because they have managed to escape the confines of their original solar systems. However, recent research suggests that these wandering worlds may have actually formed independently, and the sheer number of them is staggering – billions in total.

The truth is, not too long ago scientists made a discovery about the existence of planets that are not bound by the gravitational pull of a star and therefore do not orbit any star.

Last year, astronomers made an exciting finding when they spotted CFBDSIRJ2149, which is the closest known free-floating planet to us. This interesting planet is located 100 light-years away and has a mass ranging between 4 and 7 times that of Jupiter. What’s even more intriguing is that this free-floating planet appears to be a dull dark red color when observed in visible light.

And the most fascinating aspect is that it is just aimlessly drifting through the vastness of space.

Until now, it has been assumed by scientists that these planets, of which only a few are known, were created within existing planetary systems but then somehow became detached and moved away from their parent star due to a significant gravitational event, for example. Alternatively, it was thought that they became separated because the parent star ceased to exist. However, evidence has already been found to support the existence of planets in close proximity to deceased stars.

Recent observations of small, dark clouds known as globulets have revealed that planets can actually form independently, without the need for a pre-existing planetary system. This suggests that there may be a second method of planet formation, in addition to the widely accepted accretion disk theory.

The detection was announced by a group of astronomers hailing from Sweden and Finland who were observing small clouds in the Rosette Nebula, an enormous accumulation of dust and gas located 4,600 light-years away. Within this nebula, there exist numerous “tiny” (in cosmic terms) clouds that have a diameter no greater than the distance between the Sun and Neptune. These small clouds, known as globulets, possess an extremely high density, just slightly less dense than Jupiter’s 13 times the mass. It appears that these specks of gas and dust have the potential to give rise to a planet.

Measurements have indicated that globulets with dense cores have the possibility of collapsing due to their own gravitational force. This occurrence results in the formation of a certain celestial object.

Several of these formations can be classified as brown dwarfs – large celestial bodies that are unable to ignite and become stars. Additionally, considering the velocity at which globulettes move within the nebula – approximately 80,000 kilometers per hour – it is likely that some rogue planets will collide.

“Our hypothesis is that these small spherical formations originated from tall dusty columns of gas that were created by the intense radiation emitted by young stars,” explains an astronomer affiliated with the University of Helsinki. – “They fragmented away from the core of the nebula due to the intense pressure exerted by the central hot stars.”

In the spring of 2011, a groundbreaking study was published which completely revolutionized our understanding of the universe. This study unveiled the existence of 10 solitary planets that are traversing our galaxy in isolation. Basic calculations suggest that this astounding discovery is only the tip of the iceberg, as there are likely millions of these enigmatic black worlds awaiting our exploration. What’s more, simulations of the conditions on these solitary planets indicate that they may even harbor life…

Imagine a desolate black world, hurtling through the vast expanse of our galaxy’s center. It is conceivable that there could be twice as many of these planets as there are stars in the universe. It is even possible that some of these lonesome planets exist in close proximity to our very own solar system…

Over the past few years, humanity has made incredible discoveries, uncovering more than a thousand exoplanets – fascinating worlds that revolve around distant stars. The techniques used to detect these exoplanets are continuously improving, allowing astronomers to expand our understanding of the visible Universe.

Additionally, elliptical galaxies have played a significant role in altering our perception of the cosmos. They have led to a threefold increase in the number of stars in the Universe, while simultaneously reducing the proportion of dark matter present… (for more information, visit Sci-Fact.ru).

Furthermore, scientists have long been aware of the existence of brown dwarfs – celestial objects that possess a mass similar to that of planets or gas giants. These fascinating objects undergo thermonuclear reactions, making them distinct from their planetary counterparts. And now, they have also discovered the existence of lonely planets in the vastness of interstellar space.

It is evident that the planet itself cannot be observed directly without the presence of starlight. However, the phenomenon of microlensing – the amplification of light emitted by distant stars due to the gravitational field of a large object obstructing its path – aids astronomers in detecting such dark worlds. This phenomenon was initially predicted in Einstein’s general theory of relativity.

Over the course of 2 years, astronomers from Japan and the United States diligently monitored 50 million stars in the central region of our Galaxy. They utilized 1.8 and 1.3-meter telescopes situated in New Zealand and Chile for this purpose. In total, they documented approximately 500 instances of brightness amplification, and out of those, 10 were attributed to planets rather than other stars. The distance to these identified solitary planets ranged from 10,000 to 20,000 light-years….

Having found ten solitary planets with the same mass as Jupiter is quite a remarkable discovery. This is especially impressive considering that the observation was limited to a very small portion of the sky, and for a planet to be detected, it must be sufficiently large and have crossed the path between a distant star and the Earth observer.

It is a conservative estimate to suggest that there may be millions of planets without suns . On the other end of the spectrum, the highest estimation for the “population” of these new dark worlds is that there could be twice as many solitary planets as there are stars, amounting to between 400 and 800 billion. .

How did such a vast number of solitary planets emerge? The majority of researchers posit that these planets originated in typical solar systems with a single or dual central star, but were subsequently displaced from their orbital paths due to the gravitational influence of other planets or when their parent star came into close proximity with other stars. Observations of exoplanets indicate that the dramatic evolution of solar systems is quite common – hot gas giants frequently undergo orbital changes, resulting in the destruction or ejection of terrestrial planets.

Discovery of the fifth fundamental force of nature… (see on Sci-Fact.ru)

However, there exists another perspective, which suggests that solitary planets (at least some of them) are actually stars that never underwent further development and instead formed independently from primary gas clouds….

Currently, 10 gas giants (similar to Jupiter or Saturn) have been detected, but it is probable that the majority of solitary planets are much smaller in size, comparable to Earth or even smaller. This is because smaller planets are more likely to be expelled from their parent star’s orbit.

Voyager 1 and Voyager 2: a 33-year journey through the stars… (check out on Sci-Fact.ru)

If there truly are numerous Earth-like planets out there, the chances of discovering one in close proximity to Earth are quite high. It might be situated much nearer to us than the nearest stars with planetary systems. Most importantly, there is a possibility that such a planet could support life .

A planet without a sun can sustain life for billions of years, according to a study by geophysicist Dorian Abbot and astrophysicist Eric Switze from the University of Chicago. By simulating a scenario where “the sun goes out,” the researchers found that beneath a thick layer of ice, a kilometer-long layer of liquid water could exist, providing a potential habitat for life. This is true even for planets with masses similar to Earth’s. The study considered a range of planet masses, from one-tenth to ten times that of Earth, and assumed comparable amounts of water.

As a consequence, it was discovered that a solitary planet weighing three times as much as Earth, which was expelled from its own solar system, would maintain a layer of liquid water several kilometers thick beneath a substantial layer of ice. The energy released from the decay of radioactive material would be sufficient to last for 5 billion years, during which the existence of life on the planet is quite feasible.

The principle of panspermia in action: bacteria in outer space survived for 553 days… (read more on Sci-Fact.ru)

Life in the solar system may have spread from Earth during the same period as the extinction of the dinosaurs… (read more on Sci-Fact.ru)

However, this is still insufficient: if volcanic activity persists on the planet, then even in a solitary world that is one-third the size of Earth, it is feasible to preserve water and, consequently, sustain life. Volcanic activity will be accompanied by the release of gases, which, upon freezing, effectively shield the planet from the vastness of interstellar space…

Can intelligent civilizations thrive in such lightless worlds devoid of suns? – Why not? The real question is whether we will be capable of comprehending the beings that inhabit such an alien, according to our standards, environment…

For now, let’s attempt to discover life “at the very least” within our own solar system, such as on Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, where an entire ocean lies hidden beneath an icy surface, or on Titan, one of Saturn’s moons, where there is a hopeful belief that life may exist, but based on entirely different principles than those found on Earth…

(cc) permanent article link: https://sci-fact.ru/archive-1-space-fact/novyj-chernyj-mir-10-odinokix-planet-bez-solnc-vsego-planet-milliony.html

• After a careful recount, it has been determined that there could be anywhere from 361 to 37,964 civilizations in our Galaxy…
• The plants found on planets beyond our solar system exhibit a wide range of colors, including yellow, red, and even black…
• Could life potentially exist on Titan…
• Astronomers are using the Mobile Astronomy Telescope-Robot System to search for gamma-ray bursts…
• The Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft have been on a 33-year journey through the stars…
• Bacteria in outer space have demonstrated the theory of panspermia by surviving for 553 days…
• Elliptical galaxies have significantly increased the number of stars in the Universe by a factor of 3 and decreased the proportion of dark matter…
• Life in the universe might have originated from Earth during the same period when the dinosaurs became extinct…
• Scientists have discovered evidence of the most ancient life forms on our planet. Anaerobic microorganisms existed as far back as 3.4 billion years ago. It is possible that these organisms could have also thrived on other celestial bodies…

Life in the Cosmos Cosmos Planets Astrobiology Astrophysics Milky Way Life Stars Journey to the Stars Exoplanets Solitary Planets Dark Universe Black Universe

Bluzhdajushhie zvezdy

An image with various colors taken by the Pan-STARRS1 telescope displays the planetary body PSO J318.5-22 drifting freely through the vastness of space, situated in the Capricorn constellation. It is an extremely cold and dim world, with its brightness being 100 billion times fainter in optical light when compared to Venus. The majority of its energy is emitted in the infrared spectrum.

These celestial bodies are commonly referred to as vagabonds, outcasts, wanderers, or orphans. These entities have the appearance and size of planets, which is exactly what they are. However, they lack any gravitational connection to a star.

Rogue planets can be found within a galaxy, revolving around a central core. Alternatively, they may fall into the category of intergalactic planets, which are not bound to anything at all. The majority of scientists firmly believe that orphan planets are unable to form independently.

It is highly probable that they originate through a typical process alongside a star. Subsequently, some catastrophic incident (such as a star explosion or collision with another planet) propels them out of their original stellar system. Once they lose their gravitational connection, these celestial bodies embark on a journey until they encounter another star.

Anticipating the Arrival of Nibiru: To Believe or Not?

Let’s delve into the topic of Nibiru once again. Assuming its existence, this mysterious planet would undoubtedly exert a profound influence on the other celestial bodies within our solar system, just as Neptune did in the past. Astronomers, being highly astute individuals, would swiftly recognize any discrepancies between the projected motion of Nibiru and the actual observations, which would indicate the presence of an unknown factor in the equation. Furthermore, the magnitude of Nibiru, comparable to that of Jupiter or even greater, would amplify its impact on the entire solar system. This is due to the correlation between a planet’s mass and its gravitational pull, which becomes more pronounced with a larger celestial body. Discover more about the principles of gravity and weightlessness by exploring our informative articles.

The Intricacies of the Solar System

If you observe the solar system “from a higher perspective,” at present, all the planets ranging from Venus to Neptune revolve as if on the same platter, within the same plane. However, astronomer David Morrison postulates that if an entity like Nibiru were to pass by Earth approximately every 3,600 years, its gravitational pull would disrupt the planetary alignment, causing a disturbance in the order. Furthermore, if Nibiru were indeed real, it would have absconded with the moon from Earth numerous years ago. Lastly, here’s the conclusive piece of evidence: the solar system is incredibly vast. While the planets traverse their orbits at considerable velocities, they still move relatively slowly, which means that even if Nibiru were to approach, we would have detected its presence at least a couple of years before a potential collision.

Subsequently, following a violent conflict with the Holy Inquisition, whereby they vigorously defended their misconceptions, the true nature of these wandering stars was finally revealed.

The heliocentric model, which posits that the Earth is situated at the center of the universe, began to crumble as a result of careful observations of these restless celestial bodies, whose movements were perplexing. Challenging, yet not insurmountable. Who can say what marvels reside in the vast expanse? Perhaps they are celestial beings.

Nonetheless, astronomers honed their telescopes, gradually uncovering that the entities present in that realm are far from angelic.

Learn more: The BepiColombo space mission will unveil the enigmas surrounding Mercury

However, it appears that the system does not actually revolve around the Earth, but around the Sun. In reality, it is much more intricate than it initially appears. For instance, while the Moon does revolve around the Earth, giving conservatives some solace, there are also numerous other planets, like the Earth, that revolve around the Sun, and some of them even have their own moons.

As a result, the complexities of this system eventually caused the Inquisition to fade into obscurity.

Nibiru: the latest updates

As per the widely known narrative, Nibiru is predicted to collide with our home planet at some point in the future, or at least come close enough to cause various natural catastrophes and potentially bring about the downfall of human civilization. However, at present, Nibiru remains purely a work of fiction. Consider it logically: how could something of that magnitude be concealed? If Nibiru truly existed, there would undoubtedly be evidence of its presence scattered throughout the entire solar system. We discovered the outermost planets, Neptune and Uranus, over two centuries ago, and since then, telescopic technology has advanced significantly. Furthermore, it is important to note that all planets have been following their respective orbits for a considerable duration, which means that if Nibiru were real, it would have undoubtedly cleared its orbital path over billions of years.

The comparative sizes of the planets within the solar system

Alright. Suppose Nibiru is moving in a peculiar path. However, if that were true, we would have already observed the proof a while back. Prior to astronomers discovering Neptune (in 1846), they had a suspicion that there must be a massive planet somewhere in the vast expanse beyond. Why? It’s because stargazers noticed that Uranus was consistently veering off from its predicted trajectory. Mathematicians theorized that this was due to the influence of a substantial planet in close proximity. And you know what? This enigmatic planet turned out to be the gigantic gas giant we currently refer to as Neptune.

• What is unique about planets
• What is the duration of a year on Saturn?
• How far is Mars from the sun?
• How many massive planets are there
• Saturn is the planet that is located at the greatest distance from the sun
• Understanding the mechanics of the solar system

SITE SETTINGS

WHAT IS A WANDERING STAR?

Wandering stars, also called ‘intergalactic stars’, ‘intracluster stars’ or ‘rogue stars’, are stars that are not gravitationally tied to a par ticular galaxy – they exist between galaxies. These stars, first discovered in 1997, probably formed inside galaxies, but were later expelled, perhaps during galaxy mergers or by a close encounter with a supermassive black hole. Astronomers estimate that rogue stars comprise between 15–50 per cent of all stars in galaxy clusters. The Virgo galaxy cluster, for example, contains perhaps 1 trillion rogue stars! Closer to home, at least 675 rogue stars have been found between the Milk y Way and the Andromeda Galaxy. AG

This article is from...

Other Articles in this Issue

Basket - 0 items.

English Malayalam Dictionary | ആംഗലേയം മലയാളം ശബ്ദകോശം

The keyboard uses the ISCII layout developed by the Government of India. It is also used in Windows, Apple and other systems. There is a base layout, and an alternative layout when the Shift key is pressed. If you have any questions about it, please contact us.

• Inflections
• More matches
• Word Finder

wondering - Meaning in Malayalam

Interpreted your input " wondering " as " wonder ".

wonder - Meaning in Malayalam

• ആശ്ചര്യപ്പെടുക

wonder Word Forms & Inflections

Definitions and meaning of wondering in english, wonder noun.

അക്ഷമ , അനാവശ്യ കാര്യങ്ങളില്‍ പ്രവേശിക്കല് , അമിത കുതൂകിയായ , അറിയാനുള്ള ആഗ്രഹം , ആരായുന്ന പ്രകൃതം , ഉത്സാഹം , ഔത്സുക്യം , കൌതുകം , ജിജ്ഞാസുവായ , താല്പര്യം , ശുഷ്കാന്തി

marvel , marvel

അത്ഭുതം, ... Subscribe

• "the wonders of modern science"
• admiration , wonderment

wonder verb

• enquire , inquire
• "He wondered who had built this beautiful church"
• "I wonder whether this was the right thing to do"
• "she wondered whether it would snow tonight"
• "We marvelled at the child's linguistic abilities"

Synonyms of wonder

More matches for wonder.

What is another word for wondering ?

Sentences with the word wondering

Words that rhyme with wondering

English Malayalam Translator

Words starting with

What is wondering meaning in malayalam.

Other languages: wondering meaning in Hindi

Tags for the entry "wondering"

What is wondering meaning in Malayalam, wondering translation in Malayalam, wondering definition, pronunciations and examples of wondering in Malayalam.

SHABDKOSH Apps

Ad-free experience & much more

Confusing words in English

Ways to improve your spoken English skills

Our Apps are nice too!

Dictionary. Translation. Vocabulary. Games. Quotes. Forums. Lists. And more...

Vocabulary & Quizzes

Try our vocabulary lists and quizzes.

Vocabulary Lists

We provide a facility to save words in lists.

Basic Word Lists

Custom word lists.

You can create your own lists to words based on topics.

Login/Register

To manage lists, a member account is necessary.

Share with friends

Social sign-in.

Translation

If you want to access full services of shabdkosh.com

Please help Us by disabling your ad blockers.

or try our SHABDKOSH Premium for ads free experience.

Steps to disable Ads Blockers.

• Click on ad blocker extension icon from browser's toolbar.
• Choose the option that disables or pauses Ad blocker on this page.
• Refresh the page.

Spelling Bee

Hear the words in multiple accents and then enter the spelling. The games gets challenging as you succeed and gets easier if you find the words not so easy.

The game will show the clue or a hint to describe the word which you have to guess. It’s our way of making the classic hangman game!

Antonym Match

Choose the right opposite word from a choice of four possible words. We have thousand of antonym words to play!

Language Resources

Get our apps, keep in touch.

• © 2024 SHABDKOSH.COM, All Rights Reserved.
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

Liked Words

Shabdkosh Premium

Try SHABDKOSH Premium and get

• Ad free experience.
• No limit on translation.
• Bilingual synonyms translations.
• Access to all Vocabulary Lists and Quizzes.
• Copy meanings.

Already a Premium user?

• To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

wandering star

Definition of wandering star

Love words.

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features

Dictionary Entries Near wandering star

wandering spider

wandering tattler

Cite this Entry

“Wandering star.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wandering%20star. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Plural and possessive names: a guide, commonly misspelled words, how to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), absent letters that are heard anyway, how to use accents and diacritical marks, popular in wordplay, it's a scorcher words for the summer heat, flower etymologies for your spring garden, 12 star wars words, 'swash', 'praya', and 12 more beachy words, 8 words for lesser-known musical instruments, games & quizzes.

• Artists add

Wandering Star

53 comments.

Lyrics submitted by Ice

Wandering Star Lyrics as written by Beth Gibbons, Charles William Miller, Geoffrey Paul Barrow, Harold Ray Brown, Howard Scott, Jerry Goldstein, Lee Oskar, Leroy Jordan, Morris Dickerson, Thomas Sylvester Allen

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, O/B/O DistroKid

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

• Highest Rated
• Most Recent
• Oldest First

I find that Biblical stuff quite interesting, cause it may well have been an influence on the lyrics. That's not the same as saying that the song has a Christian message. There's Biblical/Christian imagery in all sorts of non-religious works of art. (Not so keen on the actual preaching and stuff though. I can't think of a less appropriate place for it.)

• No Replies Log in to reply

You know what this song is really about? Get out your family bible. (No I am not Joking.) Look up Jude 13 (Jude is the book right before Revelation- in the back.) It will read someting like this: "stars with no set course, for which the blackness of darkness stands reserved forever"

"Stars" in the bible often represent angels- Satan and his demons are called "falling stars" or "stars with no set course" ---Hmm, does this sound like another way of saying "wandering stars"?

Now-- check this out--- Their Judgment: "...for who it is reserved....the blackness... the darkness... forever." Lookup Revelation 20:1-3 in your bible. It explains that Satan and his demons will be cast into the abyss. (the blackness, the darkness....)

Interesting stuff huh?

Note that she writes from THEIR perspective:

"Please could you stay awhile to share my grief " I think I would be pretty grievous too if I knew I were going to be cast into the abyss.

The real question is, if BEFORE I wrote this; you didn't know this song had demonic influence, how many other songs that you listen to are influenced the same way.......?

It's very interesting to see your bible have modern uses, isn't it? If you are curious about WHEN Satan and his demons will finally be cast into the abyss-- I encourage you to read your bible. If you want a deeper knowledge of your bible, contact the Jehovah's Witnesses in your area. They offer free bible studies and will even travel to your home or other place of convenience. It helped me......

• 3 Replies Log in to reply

Jude 1:13<br /> "wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever."<br /> <br /> Not sure why you're quoting Revelations, but ok.

i dont know why so many people is offended or dissapointed by the biblical references in thos song im nto religious but i have to admit that almost 70% of all the art of all the times has biblical references because is normal it deals with our inner passions guilts morals and all those things we struggle it is not necessary to be religious

you are correct !<br />

I agree with ReActor. Ravendaymon's suggestions are not only valid but intriguing. The idea that she is speaking from Satan's perspective is quite interesting. However, I would suggest that she is speaking from her own perspective. Perhaps she feels as if she, herself is damned, as she seems to be experiencing a living Hell. "please stay awhile to share my grief" this grief is in life. She also seems to desire death to escape: "and the time i will suffer less is when i never have to wake." Therefore, I would suggest that she desires death to escape Hell. I have read parts of the Bible, but read it as myth. And again, I agree with ReActor in that this is not the most appropriate venue to push religion.

Clearly the chorus was taken directly from the book of Jude. I'm surprised that Raven didn't mention the other Biblical allusion, in the line "those who have seen the needle's eye", a reference to Matthew 19:24. Beth seems to be twisting the imagery to fit in with a portrait of alienation from society combined with depression and drug abuse, which is ultimately what I believe this song is about.

(In the dim recesses of my mind, I seem to remember an interview or liner note when this album came out in which Beth credited the chorus to one of her friends who has an interest in biblical imagery.)

My favorite song on the whole album. Clearly the references are biblical. Although things in the bible can be interpreted so many ways...so I don't know that the meaning is locked into anything because of the reference.

I think it is about someone sad/depressed....so much so that the 'wandering stars' (perhaps, as someone said, demons) are ENVIABLE. She's so upset that even an existence like that is more desirable than hers.

"Like a husk, from which all that was, now has fled"

I think that is how she feels...a husk is them empty void that WAS a full, alive piece of corn. She feels empty, and ueseless....but she wants still to be emptier, like the wandering stars. she doesn't want to be.

God, this song is soooooooo beautiful, even though it's very fatalistic.

Wandering Star is what the ancients. Use to call the Planets in the sky. Which is what the Greek word for ante means: wandering star.

This song is absolutly beautiful. look at this

Please could you stay awhile to share my grief For its such a lovely day To have to always feel this way And the time that I will suffer less Is when I never have to wake

beautiful...

i mean wow! the lyrics are just incredible and then the beat. c'mon pplz! totally awesome! this is an awesome jam!

this song just reminds me of preditors taking advantage of young girls, little red riding hood, sigmund freud

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

• Artists - P
• Mysterious Heads
• Wandering Star Lyrics
• Artists - S
• Speedy Ortiz

More Featured Meanings

Most popular lyric tags

More portishead lyrics.

• Roads Lyrics
• The Rip Lyrics
• Glory Box Lyrics
• Sour Times Lyrics
• Machine Gun Lyrics

Wandering stars: A brief history of defining ‘planet’

From wandering star to earth-orbiter, the word ‘planet’ has changed its meaning many times. pluto’s exile is only the most recent..

Illustration by Nichla Smith

If words have power, then the word ‘planet’ must be one of the most powerful in the space community. Whether the subject is the planets in our solar system, dwarf planets like Pluto or Ceres, or exoplanets orbiting other stars, the public is automatically interested. According to planetary scientist and New Horizons ’ principal investigator, Dr Alan Stern, this is because “people don’t live on black holes, or active galactic nuclei, or asteroids: they live on a planet. It’s important to them because that’s where they live.”

I've always found the possibility of other worlds to be both inspirational and humbling. To think that there are planets upon planets waiting out there to be discovered, reminds me of the beautiful mystery of the universe that can both fuel and overwhelm the beautiful mystery of the human brain.

–   Laura, 23, writer and hostess

Humans have observed planets for at least four thousand years. We know that ancient Babylonian astronomers recorded the cycles of Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, ascribing meanings to their positions in the sky. Occasionally, the sun and moon were also included in this list of planets visible to the naked eye. Each planet — including the sun and moon — was associated with a god: Mercury was associated with the god of wisdom, Venus with the goddess of love and war, and the Sun with the god of justice, and so on.

This fascination with planets was not unique to the Babylonians. For nearly all of recorded human history, people have ascribed special importance to planets. As Dr Jean-Luc Margot, an astronomer and professor at UCLA, put it, “For thousands of years, people have noticed that these planets are different. That may be why it’s built in to our culture that these objects are special. The sort of objects that, initially, we could see with our naked eye in the night sky, that behaved differently from the stars.”

The Venus Tablet of Ammisaduqa contains a record of the rise and set times of Venus on the horizon in the seventeenth century BC. Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

I like planets because they're a changing part of the night sky. I like trying to identify them. I love conjunctions… It's like, ‘here are two objects which do not have much to do with each other at all actually, but you can see them together when usually you can't!’

– Anna, 31, software engineer

The first known use of the word ‘planet’ in English, according to the Oxford English Dictionary , was in the year 1300 in an account of the lives of Christian saints. In other languages, though, the word dates back much further. The word ‘planet’ comes from the ancient Greek ἀστήρ πλανήτης (astēr planētēs), meaning ‘wandering star’. The ancient Greeks, like the Babylonians, associated the planets with gods, often corresponding with the Babylonian pairings. Other ancient societies, like those in China and India, also connected planets with personal attributes and predictions of future events, in what would later be referred to as astrology.

In the fourth century BC, astronomy became more quantitative, focusing on the scientific and mathematical side of observing the universe beyond Earth. This specialisation split astronomy from astrology and religion. Astrology dealt with the symbolic associations between the planets and everyday life as it still does, largely unchanged, to this day. Astronomers, however, studied the planets using observations and mathematics, determining how far each was from Earth and predicting their paths across the sky.

Planets represent the possibility of a new home for the human race in some distant future — a possibility that seems all the more important as evidence mounts that we might be destroying our planet's environment, or at the least, we know it will not last forever.

– Mark, 50, Associate Professor of History

In the early 16th century, the word ‘planet’ suddenly became much more specialised. Instead of denoting anything that moved with respect to the stars, ‘planet’ meant only objects that orbited the Earth. The same planets the Babylonians knew of, their moons, and Earth itself were included. While the Sun was still widely thought to orbit the Earth, it was no longer considered a planet, as the evidence that it was actually a star continued to grow. By the late 17th century, when the public started to accept astronomers’ realisation that planets orbited the sun, the name had stuck. The moon, since it did not orbit the sun, was struck from the list of planets.

The 19th century brought a crackdown on planets. With just eleven objects categorised as planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus, as well as Vesta, Juno, Ceres, and Pallas), the working definition became dependent on size. Those objects too small to make the cut were downgraded to ‘asteroids’. One might think that this would be a fine line (especially given modern debates over Pluto), but it was not. The largest object to be reclassified, Ceres, was less than one three-hundredth the mass of the smallest planet: Mercury. Also, all of the objects that were reclassified shared similar orbits in what is now called the asteroid belt, between Mars and Jupiter. Shortly after this mass reclassification, in 1846 , Neptune was observed for the first time.

In the 19th century, objects that were too small lost their planet status and reclassified as asteroids.   Artist impression of asteroid belt. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Wikimedia Commons (public domain)

The last object to be officially added to the list of planets was Pluto . A planet beyond Neptune had been theorised for some time before Clyde Tombaugh actually saw Pluto in 1930, as slight wobbles in the orbits of the outer planets suggested a body larger than Earth lay beyond them. In 1915, estimates put Pluto’s mass at about seven times that of Earth. Now we know that Pluto’s mass is only about one five-hundredth that of Earth. It’s easy to see, then, why Pluto was initiated as a planet without question, and also why that confidence in its planethood waned with time.

A planet is big and round and it can be lots of different colours.

–  Olive, 5

In 2006, though, the word ‘planet’ underwent its first major transformation since the reclassification of the asteroid. The International Astronomical Union (IAU), a group of astronomers charged with standardising the names and designations of astronomical objects, decided it was time for a change, stating : “The word ‘planet’ originally described ‘wanderers’ that were known only as moving lights in the sky. Recent discoveries lead us to create a new definition, which we can make using currently available scientific information.” They issued a formal definition of the word ‘planet’ with a new set of criteria. According to the IAU, a planet must: orbit the Sun, have enough mass to remain approximately round due to its own gravity (the hydrostatic equilibrium criterion), and have cleared its orbit of other objects (the dynamical dominance criterion).

The New World Order: papier m â ch é school diagrams just got a little harder. Farry/Wikimedia Commons (public domain)

In the same resolution, the IAU defined a dwarf planet as an object that directly orbits the sun (and thus isn’t a moon), has enough mass, but has not cleared its orbit. Essentially, a dwarf planet is a planet that still smashes into lots of things as it orbits the sun. Because it’s not big enough to obliterate or absorb them, it hits them like a tetherball every time it goes around.

It seems like all of the things that we use to classify a planet a planet causes the classification of 'planet' to align with the properties of the rock we call home... We humans use what we know as a ruler, so when it comes to planets, I'm quite fond of them, because that's where we live — on a planet.

–  Tim, 38, student and mechanical designer

These new IAU definitions have been controversial. Dr Margot described the new definition of ‘planet’ as being “problematic in a few ways. One is that it applies only to our solar system: that’s a problem. And two, it is not quantitative: that’s a problem. And there is, in fact, a third problem, which is that it relies on some idea of roundness, which is not observable, not easily quantifiable, and it’s inherently problematic as a classification tool.” Dr Margot, along with many other scientists, prefers the criterion of dynamical dominance: if an object orbits a star and has cleared its orbit, it is a planet. “The nice thing about dynamical dominance is that we can show fairly easily that any object that is dynamically dominant is going to be round, just because it has enough mass,” he insisted. That makes it simply another measurement of size and mass that sets a higher bar than the hydrostatic equilibrium criterion.

Dr Stern takes exception to the IAU’s definition of ‘planet.’ He prefers the geophysical planet definition, in which any object with enough mass to become round (the hydrostatic equilibrium criterion), but not enough to cause nuclear fusion (which would make it a star), is a planet. The result, he said, is that “you end up with a very large number of planets, in our solar system and in others, as a result. But we’ve just got to get used to the data that there are a lot of planets and that most of them are this really tiny type like Pluto.”

Pluto’s demotion from the planet club had some Pluto lovers up in arms. Why are planets so important to us? Javacolleen/Flickr  (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Pluto’s exclusion from the 'planet club' has caused some degree of public outrage. There have been petitions, “ Save Pluto ” movements, and even outright refusal to believe that Pluto is not a planet. Dr Margot said that “50 years from now, I fully expect that people will not care that Pluto is no longer a planet, just like we no longer care that Ceres and Vesta and Pallas are no longer planets.” 

I like planets because they're all so different, so each one expands our knowledge of how varied the universe is.

–  Jason, 65, retired

Along with many other scientists, Dr Sarah Hörst, assistant professor of Planetary Science at John Hopkins University, “[doesn’t] particularly care one way or another if people consider ‘dwarf’ an adjective or if people are adamant that dwarf planets aren't planets.” Dr Stern, on the other hand, disagrees. When he coined the term 'dwarf planet' in 1991, it was meant as a description analogous to those we use for stars: “Did you know the sun is a dwarf star? That doesn’t make it not a star, does it? It just means that it’s a small star compared to giant stars, and Pluto is a small planet compared to giant planets.”

Regardless of the IAU’s categorisation of Pluto, its definition certainly needs some work: no one will argue that extrasolar planets or exoplanets, which orbit other stars, are not planets. However, excluded by the IAU’s definition, they remain officially uncategorised by the scientific community. The classification scheme for exoplanets remains fairly casual, relying on comparative classifications like 'hot Jupiter' or 'super-Earth.' Even though we can’t see most of these planets yet, classification would simplify and clarify the language astronomers use to describe them. “It wouldn’t serve us very well if we had a classification that required us to wait thousands of years until we can get to the planet, see what it looks like, and then decide whether it’s a planet or not,” Dr Margot explained.

Our traditional meaning of the word planet hasn’t always meant what we think it has. But changing knowledge ingrained in primary school is never easy. Eden, Janine and Jim/Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

They're interesting because we haven't ever had manned missions to any planets. We only have gotten pictures from space probes, and we could get more information about them if we had people looking at them. And we don't, so we don't get as much information. Basically, if we didn't have planets, we couldn't live. ‘Cause we live on a planet. ‘Cause usually when you think of space you don't usually think of Earth. But Earth is a planet.

– Archie, 7, aspiring astronomer

Dr Hörst put it most simply: “The definition might need to evolve; history certainly tells us that our understanding of the solar system and the universe is incomplete at best.” The language that we use is constantly evolving: the word 'galaxy' comes from the Greek for 'milk,' and the only remaining reminder of that is the name of our galaxy, the Milky Way. Perhaps in another thousand years, the original meaning of ‘planet’ will be nearly forgotten, too. We will almost certainly discover new astronomical bodies, and with those new discoveries will come new names. 

Regardless of whether they are planets, dwarf planets, exoplanets, or simply 'worlds,' as many scientists have taken to using as an umbrella term, humans will always be fascinated by them. On that, the astronomers all agree. As Dr Hörst said, “People love planets! People love the unknown, the unexplored, the weird, the beautiful, the different. Planets are all of those things. But so are asteroids and Kuiper Belt Objects and moons.” Classifying these objects is important to how we discuss them, and the word ‘planet’ has a rich and dynamic history. But when we look at those objects  — planets or not — from down here on Earth, what matters most is the awe, fascination, and scientific inquiry that they inspire. 

Edited by Bryonie Scott and Tessa Evans, and supported by Sam Brentnall.

By Leah Crane

Recent articles.

Current Issue

February/March 2019

Previous Issues

December 2018/January 2019

October/November 2018

August/September 2018

June/July 2018

April/May 2018

February/March 2018

August 2017

June/July 2017

February 2017

January 2017

December 2016

November 2016

October 2016

September 2016

August 2016

February 2016

January 2016

December 2015

November 2015

October 2015

September 2015

August 2015

Meaning of Wandering Star by Portishead

Wandering Star

Listen to the full song on Apple Music

The song "Wandering Star" by Portishead conveys a sense of sadness and despair. The lyrics express the idea that there is a state of perpetual darkness and sorrow for those who have suffered greatly. The reference to a 'needle's eye' suggests the idea of being trapped in a cycle of pain and regret. The chorus speaks of those who wander in darkness: 'for whom it is reserved / The blackness, the darkness, forever'. The song speaks to the feeling of being caught in a state of suffering and desolation, unable to find a way out.

This meaning interpretation was written by AI. Help improve it with your feedback

More from this artist

Airbus Reconstruction

Chase the Tear

Trending this week

La La Lost You

88rising & NIKI

사랑으로 (Love.)

​wave to earth

bottom_desktop desktop:[300x250]