Venus is the only planet in our solar system to spin backward, in a clockwise direction. All other planets rotate counterclockwise.

As of early 2026, there are 421 confirmed moons orbiting the planets in our solar system, 165 orbit Saturn.

Although Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, the atmosphere on Venus is so inhospitable that it is the solar system’s hottest planet. Temperatures there are typically around 860°F.

NASA astronaut’s space suits have a tiny patch of Velcro sewn into their helmets so that astronauts can scratch their noses.

The first food eaten in outer space was a carton of applesauce John Glenn ate on board the Friendship 7 mission in 1962.

The first soft drink consumed in space was Coca-Cola.

The first song played in space was “Jingle Bells”.

Neil Armstrong’s application to join the Apollo 11 mission to travel to the Moon was submitted a week after submissions were closed. (A friend who worked at NASA broke the rules and added his name to the pile of applicants despite it being late.)