Physical Science

THE COSMOS IS CONNECTED. When the Hubble telescope gives us all those wonderful, colorful images from space and space and space, and however far it goes out there,the obvious question that arises is,Is there anybody out there? I suppose since…
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There are two “Big Bangs” – there is the one that marks the beginning of the universe and it is this which most of us are by now familiar. But then there is the other, more pertinent one, that will…
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A sky map is exactly what the name implies, it is an accurate, detailed visual image of space and the objects that are in space, as far as we can see with our latest technology. The earliest sky maps depicted…
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What is the fundamental purpose of space exploration? Frank White attempts to answer that question in “The Overview Effect” consisted of developing a philosophy of space and describing what future human civilizations in space might be like. This was a…
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As so often happens, the answer to a question depends on just what the words in the question mean to the person making the inquiry.  It is true here as well.  To avoid comparing apples and oranges, let’s agree now…
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Ask someone in the Northern Hemisphere to name a constellation and there is a good chance that their response will be the Big Dipper, or the Plough, as it is also referred to.The Big Dipper is after all one of…
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It’s believed that Christ was crucified and that Julius Caesar was assassinated under full moons. Men turn into werewolves, people go mad and witches ride when the moon is full. It’s unlucky to look at a new moon through glass,…
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When compared to that hypothetical road trip your family may take across ten states to the Grand Canyon, Mars is considerably further away. Let’s put this into perspective: If you happen to be standing in your back yard some night,…
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The phases of the Moon run through a constant cycle of about 29.5 days.  The period of time is a bit shorter than a month (29.5 x 12 = 354 days, while the sidereal year is 365.24 days).  The extra…
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After Operation Blue Book and the Condon Commission report it is amusing to consider the disavowal that  “air force personnel are not authorized to comment on unidentified flying objects.”  Remember this if you ever have a question at an air show.   An easy but…
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