We removed every ad from Universe Today. Here's what happened.

SpaceX's Rocket Explained So Simply A Kid Could Understand

Rocket science is difficult stuff, but we don't always necessarily have to explain it that way. It's important at times to break science down as simply as we can, for purposes ranging from simple understanding to making it accessible to children.

A couple of days ago, SpaceX posted a brilliant parody of a famous xkcd cartoon to describe the organization's Falcon 9 rocket. Called "Bird 9", it describes the components of the rocket using only the words that are used most often in speech.

The result is brilliant, with the top of the rocket called "stuff going into space" and the rocket stage aiming for a drone landing soon nicknamed "part that folds out when the first part is just above the big boat". We won't spoil any more for you; click on the infographic below so you can see it in its full glory. We've also included the original xkcd cartoon for reference.

xkcd's "Up Goer Five." Credit: xkcd

Q&A+ Our latest video — free on Patreon We Hardly See Other Planets. What's The Point of Searching for Life Out There The extended edition: ad-free, with extra content. Free to watch — no account needed. ▶  Watch it free