Safe and sound within the confines of our daily routines, it's hard to imagine the uncharted vastness that is Outer Space. Want to brush up on your astronomy knowledge? Here are three commonly-held truths about astronomy and Outer Space that are actually false.

The North Star is the brightest star in the night sky.
The North Star is actually of average brightness. It only appears to be the brightest star because of its close proximity to the North Celestial Pole (NCP). However, it remains true that if you're in the northern hemisphere, you can always determine your direction by looking for the North Star. 

It takes the Earth one year (365 days) to orbit the Sun.
To complete one revolution, it takes the Earth a period of 365.24 days (approximately 365-1/4 days).

There's no gravity on the Moon.
The Moon does have significant gravity; it just has less than the Earth's.

44 Common Misconceptions About Astronomy [SCC Physics Department]
Heavenly Errors: Misconceptions about the real nature of the universe [University of Maine]
Introduction to Astronomy [ASD Planetarium]

With the large number of tablets on the market today, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your specific needs. These high-quality options are each equipped with various features that make checking email, watching movies, and browsing the web easier and more portable:

iPad Mini
The iPad Mini is an all-around great choice for anyone looking for a more portable computing experience. This 7" tablet features 3.1 million pixels, advanced wireless technologies, 10 hours of battery life, and the ability to use Apple apps like GarageBand, iMovie, and Pages completely for free.

iPad Air
The iPad Air is the perfect tablet for users looking for the most portable, lightweight design for frequent travelling or commuting. It weighs only one pound and is 20% thinner than even the iPad Mini, but the iPad Air still features powerful apps, ultrafast wireless, and 3.1 million pixels for the best user experience. A 10" screen makes the iPad Air appealing for watching Netflix.

Nexus 7
Google's Android-powered Nexus 7 tablet is an efficient, capable choice that's also quite affordable. With a 7" display screen, 2.3 million pixels, 2GB of RAM, and hundreds of apps, the Nexus 7 is a deal at just $229.

Public Domain/Public domain

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season with all the warmth and splendor this time of year has to offer. Happy Holidays!