Try tuning to my podcast to learn something new about the terrors of the Universe: Black Holes. I briefly describe some theories about the origins and functions of Black Holes.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
Universe and Company Slideshow
Please enjoy a short compilation of some of my favorite computer rendered and real photos of space:
World's Most Famous Telescopes
Take a peek at some of the world's largest and greatest observatories! I encourage you as a reader to check out the Keck Observatories and how telescopes like these revolutionize the way we calculate distance, speed, and even age of distant objects.
For more Google Maps fun beyond our planet check out this awesome link and explore the Moon and Mars! google.com/maps/space/mars
For more Google Maps fun beyond our planet check out this awesome link and explore the Moon and Mars! google.com/maps/space/mars
NASA's New Spacesuit
In early November of 2015 NASA unveiled a new prototype for their new spacesuit, the Z-2.
 |
| This is the current prototype for the Z-2 spacesuit. Most likely subject to many changes between now and 2030! |
This prototype will eventually be refined into a final version that will be used in the projected Mars missions in the 2030s. This design will likely influence newer models that will be used in other planetary explorations. Though it is still in the non-flight stage, the suit will feature a new technology that allows the Mars walkers to "dock" into a ship or terrestrial base which replaces the necessity for airlocks. Compared to the current models, this suit will also offer maximum flexibility for explorers to be able to get in and out of rovers, and retrieve samples and to top it off, a cool aesthetic design. The ideas and original designs for the suit were originally outsourced in a public poll last year. The original look has been tweaked and optimized to took "less like a Teletubby."
Our Great Neighbor
You may already know that the galaxy to which we belong is the Milky Way and that there are a limitless amount of galaxies in the observable universe. Though it may sound like a great distance, approximately 2.5 million light years away there exists our closest neighbor. The Great Andromeda Nebula, better known as the Andromeda Galaxy is a spiral galaxy just like our own. Our great neighbor is larger in size and mass.
One interesting aspect worth noting about Andromeda is its influence on the Milky Way. Scientists speculate that the gravitational pull of this galaxy and our own are close enough to influence each other.
With this in mind, it has been measured that we are being redshifted (moving towards) to Andromeda. In theory, our two bodies will eventually collide and the Milky Way will be absorbed to form a new galaxy made of both.
With this in mind, it has been measured that we are being redshifted (moving towards) to Andromeda. In theory, our two bodies will eventually collide and the Milky Way will be absorbed to form a new galaxy made of both.
FUN FACT! Leading astronomers believe that during the collision the stars within each galaxy are spread so far apart that few if any will directly impact the others. The Super Massive Black Holes in the center of each galaxy will crash into each other at accelerated speeds.
 |
| This is what the Andromeda Galaxy would look like in the sky if it were much brighter. |
Check out this short computer simulation of what the collision might look like!
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
String Theory
Particles as Strings as tiny vibrating strands of energy-strings
Strings are identified as having a mass and charge as well as wavelength and frequency.
Scaled to the universe from Earth, the strings are only as big as a tree.
Extra Dimensions of Space
Strings are identified as having a mass and charge as well as wavelength and frequency.
Scaled to the universe from Earth, the strings are only as big as a tree.
Extra Dimensions of Space
- To allow for variety of properties particles and forces need to be vibrating in more than three dimensions.
Why Strings?
- Unification Theories
- Strings smooth out jittery structures and can work in both realms
- Strings can stretch into membranes (d-branes)
- with enough energy, a d-brane can be as large as a universe!
- The universe may be a d-brane floating in a higher dimension
News: Water Found on Mars
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has officially announced the existence of water on The Red Planet as of September 28, 2015. A few years back this had merely been speculated, however a recent reconnaissance of the planet as well as sand samples on-board the Curiosity rover have provided firm evidence of its existence. According to images produced by high powered spectrometers, the water contains extremely high concentrations of salts, and a mix of chlorates and perchlorates. This concoction is known to have a low freezing point, therefore can remain in a liquid state during Mars' summer with temperatures above -10 degrees Fahrenheit (F). During winter on Mars when temperatures reach as low as -195 degrees F, the water freezes into pockets of ice like the glaziers that are believed to remain under the planet's surface.
This discovery goes beyond the excitement of the water. NASA's Jim Green says that "If you look at Earth, water is an essential ingredient. Wherever we find water, we find life." This theory is becoming widely embraced and recently the assumption has been made that because the water remains a sustainable liquid during the summers of Mars, that organic life can exist.
Though comical, this video explains many of the concepts of this new discovery and what they mean for humankind.
This discovery goes beyond the excitement of the water. NASA's Jim Green says that "If you look at Earth, water is an essential ingredient. Wherever we find water, we find life." This theory is becoming widely embraced and recently the assumption has been made that because the water remains a sustainable liquid during the summers of Mars, that organic life can exist.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)