Tiff

• Only 3 of 4 forces are unified: Strong/weak nuclear force n electromagnetic force.

• Quarks combined to form electrons. 

• Stars formed during the Dark ages were classified as Population III stars.

• Denser lumps of matter around the universe gave rise to the rapid formation of stars as gravity pulls them :.

• Most early galaxies are spiral.

• The solar system formed from a cloud of gas and dust called solar nebula.

• Sun ignited to clear the ss. 

• Planetesimals formed from small bits of dust and gas.

• Terrestrial planets formed closer to the Sun.

• Rate of collision decreased, decreasing heat generated.

• Orbits of large objects were swept clean of debris due to the gravitational field strength.

• Moon likely formed after a Mars-sized body, Thea, collided with Earth. 

• Moon moves farther away each year.

Types of black holes

• Stellar black holes- Formed from collapsed stars

• Supermassive blackholes- Caused by merging black holes and absorbing other matter and objects. 

Can be formed as long as collapsed Stars are greater than 5 solar masses. ( stars must be 20 solar masses to occur)

• (Theroy) Primordial black holes

Nuclear Fusion

When 2 diff molecules collide with each other till the point they fuse tgt. This releases massive amount of energy.

Low mass stars

Stars with 25% solar mass will become red giant. during helium Fusion. Incapable of fusing helium.

Intermediate mass stars

• heavier but not enough for a huge explosion

• capable of fusing helium into Co2 and O2

• shortens life span

• turn into red giants

• eventually collapses into white dwarfs.

White Dwarfs

• Remains of Low intermediate Mass stars

• Extremely dense

• have the mass of the Sun while volume of Earth

• When a star collapse on itself, remaining mass is compressed into the core, making it extremely heavy.

High mass stars

• Most extreme stars in the universe

• 10 to 70 times heavier than our Sun

• Enough to cause massive explosion and form other celestial bodies

Supernovas

• cores are usually obliterated or turns into other things

• white dwarfs are very uncommon to appear

• when runs out of fuel, there won't be enough energy to counter own gravity

• as it shrinks quickly, it creates massive shock waves.

Type I supernovas

• Involves 1 white dwarf orbiting another star

• other star could be bigger or another white dwarf

• leads to white dwarf exploding

• same explosion could also create 2 white dwarfs colliding

• white dwarf usually accumulates matter from other star. known as 'runaway nuclear reaction'.

Neutron stars

• huge stars after exploding

Pulsars

• most comon form of neutron stars

• emit pulses of strong energy

• have very strong magnetic fields which shoots particles from each pole

• can see pulses as the beam of energy is not aligned with the spinning exces.

Magnetars

•  In neutron star, magnetic field is trillions of times that of the Earths magenetic field

• magnetar magnetic field is another 1000 times stronger

• huge magnetic field

• movement in crust causes neutron star to release vast amounts of energy in form of electromagnetic radiation.

Blackholes formation

• When star falls, an imaginary surface called " event horizon" forms

• point where light cannot escape from black hole gravity.

• under influence of strong gravitational forces, time starts to slow down

The last fall

• when stars explode, the planets that reside near the star will get vaporised as the star goes through the red giant phase and expands rapidly

Death of black holes

• survive by pulling objects into event horizon

• space becomes so vast that black holes can't 'consume' matter; nothing happen

Reflection 3/9

1. Not much but the most interesting would be neutron stars

2.  The videos as I get to rest my hand.

And please  go slower

EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL LIFE

Habitability (The basis of life)

• All known life, water and sufficient amounts of certain air qualities are the basis for existence

• Important elements: Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen and Nitrogen

Habitable Zone(goldilocks zone)

• where planets can be at a sufficient temperature that is not too cold or hot so we can gauge possible planets that contain life

Fermi Paradox

• contradiction for the lack of evidence and high probability 

• was made casual conversation between physics

• An "evolutionary path" in which intelligent life would have to take b4 discovering other colonies of ET origin 

1. Right star system

2. Reproductive mol

3. Prokaryotic cell

4. Eukaryotic cell

5. Ability to reproduce

6. Multi-cell life

7. Tool using animals with intelligence

8. An advancing civilisation with the possibility of colonisation explosion

9. Colonization Exploration

• absence of any sign of intelligent life in space would mean that one of the steps is improbable to work

• If one step fails, said intelligent life would start from scratch.

The Drake Equation:

https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/news/1350/are-we-alone-in-the-universe-revisiting-the-drake-equation/

The Dark Forest Theory

• VERY hypothetical and complicated

Communication ( Radio waves)

• Find possible ET life

• SETI are scientific searches using electromagnetic radiation for signs or transmission

Technosignatures:

• Use as a sort of lighthouse

Seager Equation

• Rework of the drake equation

• focuses more on biosignature

http://planetfuraha.blogspot.com/2018/11/equations-ii-seager-equation.html

Reflections 23/3

The thing I learned to me that stood out the most would be the Fermi Paradox. The main reason I started being interested in Astro was because of the possibility of ET life. However, I guess over time my interest diverged into other parts of Astro. I'm not sure how it can be applied but maybe I would find out as time goes by. Personally, what I really what to learn more would be about astrophysics or quantum physics. 

BLACK HOLES

Introduction to Blackholes

• Introductory Video: https://youtu.be/hu6hIhW00Fk

• A place in space where gravity pulls so much that not even the speed of light can pass through it.

• Cant see as string gravity pulls all the surrounding light to its centre. 

• Scientists can observe the effects of black holes

• Sizes vary greatly. The smallest can be as small as one atom while the largest can be as big as a few million Earths and have a mass = to 4 million Suns.

•  4 Types of blackholes: Stellar-mass, Intermediate, Supermassive and Miniature.

• Stellar-mass: most common black holes ranging from 5 to 10 times of the mass of the Sun.

• Intermediate:  Significantly more massive than the Stellar-mass black hole. However, it has less mass than a supermassive. Intermediate-range from 100-1 000 000 times larger than the Sun.

• Supermassive: Largest type of black hole, ranging from millions to billions of times the mass of the Sun. 

• Miniature (hypothetical): Tiny black holes the size that is = or above 22.1 micrograms(one-millionth of a gram).

Blackholes creation

• Stellar-mass: centre of a very big star falls upon itself or collapses. When this happens, it causes a supernova ( an exploding star that blasts part of the star into space.

• Intermediate: Too massive to be formed by the collapse of a single star. One theory as to how intermediate stars are formed is that stellar black holes gravitationally attract other merging black holes or compact objects. The merging forms an intermediate black hole.

• Supermassive: Formation is still unconfirmed. Some suggest that supermassive black holes form out ps the collapse of massive clouds of gas during the early stage of the formation of the universe.

• Miniature: Formed soon after the creation of the universe. It is called a primordial black hole and is most widely accepted hypothesis for the possible creation of micro black holes.

Blackhole photography

1) Event horizon telescope

2) Very Long Baseline Interferometry

Parts of a black hole

• 6 main parts + 2 aspects: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2019/nasa-visualization-shows-a-black-hole-s-warped-world/

• The event horizon: defines the boundary where the velocity needed to escape exceeds the speed of light,

• The singularity: a place where matter is compressed down to an infinitely tiny point, and all conceptions of time and space completely break down

• Spaghettification: Singularity is found at the centre of a black hole that exerts a strong Fg for any object that falls in.

Theories

• White Holes: Polar opposites of black holes. Contain a singularity but can operate in reverse to a black hole. Nothing can enter the event horizon of a white hole and any material inside gets ejected immediately. 

• Wormholes: The two holes ( black and white ) would exist in separate places in space, a tunnel would bridge them. It describes Einstein's theory os relativity that connects 2 distant point in space or time via tunnel. But, they would not be useful as it is super unstable and if a particle dropped towards to event horizon of a WH, it would nvr reach since nthing can enter a WH. The only way to enter would be to cross the event horizon of the BH on the other side. However, once an object crosses the event horizon, it could nvr leave. Hence, objects can enter a wormhole but can't leave.

• Wormhole image: http://physicsbuzz.physicscentral.com/2014/11/what-does-journey-through-wormhole.html

Wormholes and time-travel:

Wormholes would act as a time machine. Special relativity dictates that moving clocks run slowly. In other words, someone racing around at nearly the speed of light would not advance into their own future as quickly as someone standing still. If scientists could construct a wormhole, initially, the 2 ends would be synchronised in time. But if 1 end were to accelerate at nearly the speed of light, that end would start lagging behind. 2 entrances would then be brought 2gether but 1 of the entrance would be in the past of the other.

Hawking radiation

• Quantum fluctuations:

• Annihilation: 

• Eons: thousand million years

• Video: https://youtu.be/QqsLTNkzvaY

• Thermal radiation predicted to be spontaneously emitted by BH. It arises from the steady conversion of quantum vaccum flunctuations into pairs of particles, one of which escapes at infinity while the other is trapped inside the BH horizon.

• Video: https://youtu.be/r5Pcqkhmp_0

Refelction 30/3

I learnt that wormholes can actually be used as time machine and now have more in depth knowledge on the event horizon and singularity. Maybe one day in the future i might help make a time machine but that most likely will be in my next life. Again, i really want to explore more on the topic of astro and quantum physics but also constellations. Also, less Kahoot please.

EXOPLANET

What are exoplanets?

• Planets outside the solar system and orbit other stars

• Free floating planets are called rouge planets. They orbit the galactic centre and r untethered to any stars.

• Video: https://youtu.be/EUU0-ZpFoK4

Examples of Exoplanets

• Goldilock's zone (again). A habital zone where it is not too hot or too cold. A perfect place for life to exist.

• Kepler-186f : One of the first exoplanet to be found within the goldilocks zone. Very close to the size of Earth.

• HD 209458 b (nickname: Osiris): First planet to be seen in transit.

• 51 Pegasi b: First giant  exoplanet  found. Half the mass of Jupiter.

• Kepler-444 system: Oldest known planetary system. Has 5 terrestrial - sized planets all in orbital resonance. Shows that the milky way is not the oldest

• Kepler-22b: possible water world

• kepler-69c

• Kepler-452: the first Earth-sized planet found in the habital zone

• Kpelr 62b

History of Exoplanet

• Carl Sagan: Astronomer, plantery scientist, cosmologist, astrophysicist etc. Best known for hid contribution to extra terrestrial life including an experimental demo.

• Video: https://youtu.be/q-yqVHrQP2Q

• After Carl Sagan's theory, In 1992, astronomers discovered the first astroplanet. But, it didn't rlly come in any form they'd expected. It was found by detecting pulsars. 

• 97% of exoplanets have been discovered by indirect techniques of detection

How to detect Exoplanet.

• Dopplor spectroscopy: 

• Centre of Gravity: In space, 2 or more objects orbiting around each other also have a centre of mass. Point where objects orbit. The point is called barycentre of the objects. It is usually closest to the object with the most mass.

• As exoplanets orbit around the stars, the barycentre of a sun is important. If a star has planets, the star orbits around a barycentre that is not at its very centre. 

• Mass of a Sun is mostly significant that that of a planet. The centre of mass of the system usuallly lies within the stars, causing the orbit ti manifest as a "wobble" in the stars.

• Transits-timing variation: A method of detecting exoplanet where observing planets variations in the timing of a transit.

• Video: https://youtu.be/rqQ1xKsNIQE

• Pulsar : Pulsars are rotating neutron stars observed to have pulses of radiation at very regular intervals that range from millisecond to seconds. Have strong magnetic fields which funnel jets of particles out the 2 magnetic poles.

• Pulsar timing: Track the motion of pulsars, the orbit parameters can be determined and exoplanets can be detected. However, they r very rare, limiting its use.

• Direct imaging: Parent star is usually brighter than the planet so light most likely be blocked by them. Planets found by this method usually r brown dwarfs which r dim.

• Gravitational microlencing: Premesied in general gravity where the light from a star can be bent by the gravity of an object between the earth and the source star. The object acts as a lens while the gravity distorts the light. But, this technique relies on a chance alignment between the source of the star, the lens star and the observer. Does not commonly happen. 

• Astrometry: Measuring the star's position accurately and detect how position changes over time. Since the star orbit s the baycentre of a planet, the star's position in the sky can be used to detect signs of its orbit. 

Refelxtion 6/4

I learnt different ways to detect exoplanets and multiple different exoplanets. I also learnt more about Carl Sagan.  When conditions are favourable, I can try and detect exoplanets. Can we please learn about astrophysics and astrology. Also, please less Kahoot or less multi-choice questions in kahoot. You can also have more kahoot but less questions :))). 

ROCKET SCIENCE AND MORE?

Planets name for a game

• Kerbol (Sun)

• Moho(Mercury)

• Eve(Venus)

• Kerbin(Earth)

• Mun(Moon)

• Minmus(doesn't exist)

• Duna(Mars)

• Jool(Jupiter)

• Laythe(Saturn with no rings)

Controls

W: Pitch up

S: Pitch down

A: Left

D: Right

Q: Roll anticlockwise

E: Roll clockwise

R: RCS (Reaction control system)

T: SAS (Stability Assist system)

U: Lights

Spacebar: Stage

F5: Quicksave

F9: Load quicksave

^/v/</>: Change viewing angle

Left shift: Increase throttle

Left control: Decrease throttle

Caps Lock: Fine control

C: Change view

V: Camera mode

H: forward

N: backward

I: Down

K: Up

J: Left

L: Right

X: cut throttle

Z: full throttle

G: landing gear

B: Brakes

M: Orbital Map

0-9: Activate Custom Action group

Backspace: Abort

Construction

Liquid fuel engines

Solid fuel engine

Monopropellent engines 

thrusters

Jet engines

Propellers

Fuels

Liquid fuel(plane)

Rocket fuel

Monopropellent fuel

Zeon fuels

Batteries(for everything)

Crew pods

Control boxes

Why does the rocket lift off: Due to smt called Newton's third law. Every action has an equal reaction

Getting into orbit: Depending on rockets TWR, the time where we start to do the gravity turn changes. 

Landing: 

Burning back burning back

or

Burning back Parachutes

How to land: Fire rocket engine. Touchdown <7m/s or just use parachutes

Rapid Unscheduled assembly: Just don't go there

ROVER 20/4/22: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wp2bHr83PyQI6A8UvGWmvG6Lk6haqUIFEfmA4_GjqaU/edit#

Reflextions

I learnt parts of rovers and introduction to how rovers land on Mars. It can be applied when I am not as lazy to make a cardboard version of a rover. Although you say astrology is boring, I really hope we can start on this topic soon. Astrophysics would also be interesting to elaborate on. 

SFS (PART 2):

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wp2bHr83PyQI6A8UvGWmvG6Lk6haqUIFEfmA4_GjqaU/edit#

Refelxtions 27/4/22

I learnt how to throw rocks and build a rocket that can keep people alive, most likely injured, but alive. I can apply this in real life if I ever have the chance to build a rocket(unlikely). Maybe you can try and let sec1 teach a lesson? I would like to learn the same two things I have been saying for a week, astrology and Astrophysics. 

Satellite

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wp2bHr83PyQI6A8UvGWmvG6Lk6haqUIFEfmA4_GjqaU/edit#

Reflections 4/5/22

I learnt how to make a satellite on SFS. I can apply this irl if I ever have the rare chance of being a part of a satellite project. More time for each Kahoot question and double points.  And can we please start on astrology? Thank you.

ROVER 2.0

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wp2bHr83PyQI6A8UvGWmvG6Lk6haqUIFEfmA4_GjqaU/edit#

Reflections 11/5/22

I learnt I can't drive a plane (in a simulation)properly without crashing. This is helpful because it lets me know I should never become a pilot in real life because I would kill too many people. 

Constellations

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wp2bHr83PyQI6A8UvGWmvG6Lk6haqUIFEfmA4_GjqaU/edit

Reflections 18/5/22

I have learnt the sad stories of some of the more popular constellations and how to identify some of them. This is useful when we go stargazing.:)))). More time to answer Kahoot questions pls. N change the meeting place to somewhere where we don't have to strain our necks in order to see the board.

Astronomical Discoveries

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wp2bHr83PyQI6A8UvGWmvG6Lk6haqUIFEfmA4_GjqaU/edit#heading=h.xlzappp8v5jy

Reflections 29/6/22

We were thought about Gravitational waves, Enceladus, Sounds on Mars, Possibly inhabitable Exo-planets, the expected 3D map of the Milky Way and more about neutron stars. I feel that although videos are good, use shorter ones and go slightly slower. And maybe check through the Kahoot b4 letting us try it. Less multi-select questions. 

Food in Space

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wp2bHr83PyQI6A8UvGWmvG6Lk6haqUIFEfmA4_GjqaU/edit#

Reflections 6/7/22

I have learnt about an astronaut's diet and nutrients in persons daily diet. This is applicable to my science exams.

Stellar Evolution

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wp2bHr83PyQI6A8UvGWmvG6Lk6haqUIFEfmA4_GjqaU/edit#

KSP ( Part IDK )

Reflections 11/1/23

Negative

KSP ( Part IDK )

Reflections 18/1/23

I learnt about sandbox and some KSP controls.

Celestial Measurement Under the Sky

Na

Aliens

Reflections 22/2/23

I learnt about extraterrestrial life2

Gravity

Reflections 8/3/23

Everything can go wrong in space, so don't be an astronaut when you grow up :). 

Good lesson, No lights will be a great improvement.

The Cults of Astronomy

reflections 26/7/23

i have revised my previous knowledge and learnt more of astronomy superstitions. 

10/1/24 reflections

Water rockets was ok. Kind of boring. It was interesting learning how to assemble a telescope. Could be improved by actually using water in water rockets. 

24/1/24 Reflections

I refreshed my memory on KSP and watched the same exact video on the Solar System by National Geography for the 100 times. Please check the weather before planning to do water rockets. 

7/2/24 Reflections

today was ok. Kahoot, too many questions.

24/4/24 Reflections

I refreshed my memory on KSP. Watched a video about the history of space exploration. 

8/5/24 Reflections 

Less water in water rockets = better results. 

26/6/24 Reflections

The first law, states that planets orbit in ellipses with the Sun at one focus, challenges the notion of perfect circular orbits. The second law describes equal areas swept at equal times and reveals the variable speeds of planets in their orbits. The third law, which relates the square of the orbital period to the cube of the semi-major axis, offers a precise mathematical relationship between a planet's distance from the Sun and its orbital period. These principles underscore the harmony and predictability inherent in celestial mechanics.

10/7/24 Reflection

Accretion involves the gradual accumulation of matter due to gravitational attraction, forming larger celestial bodies. The Roche limit defines the minimum distance at which a satellite can orbit a primary body without being torn apart by tidal forces. If an object moves within this limit, it can disintegrate due to the primary's gravitational pull exceeding the object's structural integrity. These concepts are crucial in understanding the formation and stability of planetary rings, moons, and other astronomical structures. Together, they illustrate the delicate balance of forces shaping the cosmos. For lesson improvement, it may be better to have the information displayed in point form so it's easier to digest and have the key information highlighted. 

17/7/24 Reflection

The Milky Way has 8 planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune respectively. The solar system is a testament to the intricate dance of cosmic forces. At its heart, the Sun's gravitational pull orchestrates the motion of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. The solar system's formation from a primordial cloud of gas and dust highlights accretion and differentiation processes. Its diverse celestial objects, each with unique characteristics and histories, offer insights into planetary formation, evolution, and the potential for life beyond Earth. Exploring the solar system deepens our understanding of the universe and our place within it.

31/7/24 Reflection

Astronomical time, marked by celestial events, governs our understanding of days, months, and seasons. The moon profoundly influences Earth's tides through its gravitational pull, causing the rhythmic rise and fall of ocean levels known as high and low tides. During the new and full moons, the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun align, leading to spring tides with higher highs and lower lows. The solstices, occurring in June and December, signify the longest and shortest days, respectively, due to Earth's axial tilt. Equinoxes, occurring in March and September, mark moments when day and night are nearly equal worldwide as the sun crosses the celestial equator. These astronomical phenomena have guided human activities and calendars, highlighting the intricate relationship between Earth and celestial bodies.

19/2/25 Reflection

The main objective of the experiment was to build a DIY spectrometer capable of separating light into its component wavelengths. When we pointed the device at various light sources, sunlight produced a continuous spectrum with visible absorption lines, incandescent bulbs yielded a continuous spectrum with a bias toward red, and LEDs showed distinct, narrow peaks. To obtain clearer spectra, we could use a higher-quality diffraction grating, ensure precise alignment of the components to reduce stray light, and shield the setup from ambient light.

26/3/25 Reflection

We learnt about telescopes again. yES