Stargazing Calendar for June 2023
Hello fellow stargazers! June offers a range of astronomical events, including Mars and M44's close approach, many conjunctions, and asteroid Parthenope at opposition. Meteor showers like the Daytime Arietids and June Bootids also grace the sky. Don't miss them!
String Theory in Simple Words
The biggest dilemma of Einstein’s life represents the search of a unified theory. Scientists all over the world are currently engrossed in the quest of a unified theory where we unify all the laws of physics, be it Quantum mechanics or the Classical physics: all the laws collated in one single framework which could predict anything and everything. Currently, we have multiple theories and suggestions for the unified theory but the very promising and compelling one is “the string theory.”
Top Mistakes Beginning Astronomers Make
Amateur astronomy is not for everybody, just like golf or football is not for everybody, but if you are sure that you want to take up the hobby of gazing at the Universe (or at least some of it) in your free time, you need to get the basics right. Getting it wrong, like so many other beginner amateurs have done, means that your expensive new equipment will almost certainly end up gathering dust in your garage - never to see starlight again.
Saturn’s Moon Mimas Looks Like Pac-Man In Infrared
In an earlier article we have showed you how Saturn's moon Mimas totally looks like the Death Star from the Star Wars movies. Now it seems that Mimas also looks like Pac-Man from the 1980s video game when seen in infrared.
Stargazing Calendar for May 2023
Hello fellow stargazers! This month the big event will be a penumbral lunar eclipse, but there are also two meteor showers, two comets at perihelion, many conjunctions, and one near-Earth object making a close approach to Earth.
How Do Spacecraft Withstand Re-Entry into Earth’s Atmosphere?
If you’re lucky when you look up in the sky at night, you might see a shooting star. As you’re making your wish, what you’re actually seeing is a small piece of rock or space junk burning up in the atmosphere. The friction of re-entry causes the shooting star to ignite and burn, which is why you see a brief flash of light.
What Are The Benefits of 3D Printing in Space?
Will 3D printers be commonplace in space? What are the benefits of 3D printing in space and will we see more of it in the future? Learn more!
How Will the Internet of Things Change Space Exploration?
The Internet of Things has the potential to change our world immensely. It will present new opportunities, as well as new challenges. IoT refers to the idea of connecting virtually any electronic device to the Internet and connecting them through the Internet to each other. Astronomers have also jumped in on the IoT conversation, and it turns out they have some issues with the up-and-coming network of connected devices.
Did You Know Polyurethane Foam Made the Space Shuttle Possible?
Sometimes it's all in the details. Something as simple as polyurethane foam made the modern space shuttle a possibility. This crucial material opened up a range of new options for spacecraft, as well as everyday objects.
What Is a Hybrid Solar Eclipse and How to Observe It
A hybrid solar eclipse is a rare type of solar eclipse that combines features of both total and annular eclipses. A hybrid eclipse, also known as an annular-total eclipse, happens when the Moon's distance from Earth and position in orbit are just right to provide a spectacular celestial show.
Exciting Future Uses of Textiles in Space
When we think about space-age technology and exploring the Cosmos, we usually think of metals, foils and ceramics. But what about textiles? As many NASA engineers can tell you, textiles have always been an unsung hero in the world of material science. But if the future of space exploration pans out the way engineers expect, humanity's status as a spacefaring species will see the inclusion of — and even come to depend on — advanced new types of fabrics, textiles and membranes.
Common Tools Used to Gather Data in Space
As a species, we're working on expanding our horizons — literally — by making our first forays into outer space. Despite this push toward space exploration, there is still a lot about the universe around us that we don't know, and a lot that we don't even know to ask about yet. On top of that, much of the data that we could be collecting from outer space is invisible to the human eye. What tools are scientists using to gather data in space?
