ARE you ready to launch off in to space?

At night space appears as a black blanket dotted with stars but there's more to it than that.

In that patch of deep-sky that we think of as the entire Universe observable to us, is billions of galaxies containing hundreds of billions of stars and other objects.

As scientists and space agencies around the world continue their exploration of space, they discover more about what's out there. 

Australian Regional Media -- the publisher of this website -- brought readers together with astronomer and soon-to-be astrophysicist Gregory Rowbotham to find out some answers to some out-of-this-world brainteasers.

Greg was asked about time travel, why Pluto is no longer a planet, and even how long it takes to train when becoming an astronaut in this hour-long chat.

He also said that exploration of Mars might only come once earthlings are able to establish a permanent base on the moon.

Scroll down to check out the entire conversation between our readers and Mr Rowbotham on Wednesday morning.