Physical Science

A gravitational keyhole, also known as resonance keyhole, is a small section in a planet’s gravitational region where gravity would alter the orbit of a passing asteroid, causing that asteroid to change its path on a future orbital approach. The…
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In November 2010, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) announced yet another breakthrough: the capture of a number of antihydrogen atoms (a form of antimatter) for the first time. Antimatter is a form of antiparticle theorized to exist by…
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In this article I will discuss two radioactive decays from radioactive atoms such as Uranium238.  In addition I will discuss two important nuclear reactions that are mediated by the nuclear weak force.  The nucleus of atoms is usually a stable…
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“To be or not to be” that is the question. What about “To atoms or not to Atoms”? The question seems very obvious, but at the same time is very tricky if we take it literally. I don’t know what…
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The easiest way to explain atoms, molecules and matter to kids, is with visual displays or games.  Just reading a book or seeing things on a chalkboard, will not impress the average student.  Nor will it inspire them to read further,…
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Since its discovery by Russian astronomers in Sept. 2012, comet ISON has become the subject of much speculation and excitement. ISON is a sun-grazing comet, which means its orbit will take it extremely close to the sun. If ISON survives…
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A chemical equation is a mathematical representation of a chemical reaction. A well balanced chemical equation is exact. It has the actual numbers of the molecules or atoms that are involved in the reaction. Chemical equations are similar to recipes….
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Few things are more gratifying to the creatively competitive than hoodwinking one’s fellow humans. Coupling a desire for fame with a mischievous streak can spell great entertainment for one person, and vast cultural adaptation for the rest of us. Whenever…
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Scientists have wondered how is it that Earth is the only planet in our solar system that has a large, single moon? It’s a mystery, especially in light of our knowledge of the other planets in the solar system. Mercury…
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Mariner 10 was launched at Cape Canaveral on November 3, 1973, at 5:45 UTC. The launch vehicle was an Atlas-Centaur 34. Its mass was 1108.704 pounds. This mass included 176 pounds of scientific payload and 44 pounds of hydrazine fuel….
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