What’s the closest thing to a time machine? Looking up at the night sky—because every star you see is light that’s traveled years (sometimes thousands) to reach you. With so many mysteries up there, it’s no wonder people have endless space questions. That’s why the “All Space Questions Thread” is back for the week of October 12, 2025—a friendly place to ask anything about the universe.

What Is the All Space Questions Thread?

The All Space Questions Thread is a weekly open discussion where anyone can post their burning questions about space. Whether you’re a stargazer wondering about black holes or a student curious about how rockets work, this is the thread to turn to. It’s moderated to keep things organized and welcoming, so everyone gets a chance to learn.

Sorting comments by “new” helps you find the latest questions and answers. This avoids great questions getting buried and makes it easy to spot fresh discussions. If you see someone asking about space elsewhere online, you can gently direct them to the thread so they get the best possible answer.

What Kinds of Space Questions Can You Ask?

There’s truly no limit to what you can ask in the All Space Questions Thread. Some examples of popular space questions include:

• How do rockets work and what fuels do they use?
• Why does the Moon have phases?
• What’s inside a black hole?
• How do astronauts stay safe during spacewalks?
• Is there life on other planets?
• How big is the universe?
• What causes meteor showers?
• How do telescopes work?

The thread is designed for everyone, from kids just learning about the solar system to adults who want to dig into advanced astronomy. Don’t worry about your question being too simple or too complex—chances are, someone else is wondering the same thing.

Answering Popular Space Questions

Let’s look at a couple of classic space questions that come up often in the thread:

How do rockets work?
Rockets move by pushing exhaust gases out of their engines at high speed, which propels them in the opposite direction—think of it like letting go of a balloon and watching it zoom around. The most common fuel combination for space launches is liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. For a deeper dive into rocket science, check out NASA’s explanation of rocket basics.

Why does the Moon have phases?
The phases of the Moon happen because as the Moon orbits Earth, we see different parts of its sunlit side. When the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, it’s a new moon; when it’s on the opposite side, we see a full moon. You can find a helpful visual on this topic from the NASA Solar System Exploration page.

Is there life beyond Earth?
Scientists are still searching, using telescopes and even robotic missions, but as of now there’s no confirmed evidence. Projects like the search for exoplanets are helping us get closer to an answer.

Why Community Q&A Threads Matter

Having one big thread for all space questions each week keeps discussions organized and helps people find answers without sifting through multiple posts. It also builds a sense of community. When you participate, you’re not just getting answers—you’re helping others learn too.

Some benefits of participating include:

• Getting clear, reliable answers from knowledgeable people
• Discovering new topics you hadn’t thought about before
• Connecting with fellow space fans
• Staying updated on recent discoveries or events

And remember: even experts started by asking simple questions!

An Anecdote from the Thread

A while back, someone asked why astronauts float inside the International Space Station. The best answer came from a retired science teacher who explained that astronauts are actually falling around Earth in orbit—so they feel weightless. That simple explanation clicked for dozens of readers, sparking more questions about gravity and orbits. It shows how one good answer can open up a whole universe of curiosity.

Ready to Ask Your Space Questions?

Whether you want to know how telescopes let us see distant galaxies or why Mars looks red, the All Space Questions Thread is open for you. Don’t be shy—ask away! What’s one thing about space you’ve always wondered but never asked?