bombardier beetle pulsed chemical spray

Bombardier beetles release spray in bursts

The beetle stores chemicals in separate chambers. When they react, they heat nearly to boiling, and pressure sends a noxious spray out in rapid bursts. Valves protect the beetle’s organs. Each burst brings in fresh chemicals that cool the chamber and help keep its enzymes from overheating.

The Moon pulls Earth's tides more strongly than the Sun

The Sun's overall gravitational pull on Earth is much stronger than the Moon's. But tides depend on how much gravity changes across Earth, and that change is more sensitive to distance. Because the Moon is so much closer, its tidal effect is more than twice the Sun's.

One exploding star can briefly outshine an entire galaxy

When certain stars explode as supernovae, their brightness can increase enormously in a short time. At peak luminosity, a single explosion may rival or exceed the combined light of billions of stars in its host galaxy. The event can then fade over weeks or months, leaving behind expanding debris and sometimes a neutron star or black hole.

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bombardier beetle pulsed chemical spray

Bombardier beetles release spray in bursts

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