Question 1

What are cosmic velocities?

Accepted Answer

First: orbit (7.9 km/s). Second: escape Earth (11.2 km/s). Third: escape Sun (16.6 km/s). Fourth: escape galaxy.

Question 2

How fast is escape velocity from Earth?

Accepted Answer

11.2 km/s (25,000 mph). Rockets must exceed this to leave Earth's gravity. Moon requires only 2.4 km/s.

Question 3

What's the fastest speed possible?

Accepted Answer

The speed of light (299,792,458 m/s or about 670 million mph) is the universal speed limit. Nothing with mass can reach it.

Question 4

Why do pilots and sailors use knots?

Accepted Answer

One knot = one nautical mile per hour. Nautical miles relate directly to Earth's latitude (1 nm = 1 minute of latitude), simplifying navigation.

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