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It's important to be clear in your own mind about information and what it means for you. As a novice never feel you can't ask a question. You can and you should.
It's important to be clear in your own mind about information and what it means for you. As a novice never feel you can't ask a question. You can and you should.
There are really two main branches of astronomy:-
There are really two main branches of astronomy:-
optical astronomy (the study of celestial objects in the visible band) and non-optical astronomy (the use of instruments to study objects in the radio through gamma-ray wavelengths).
optical astronomy (the study of celestial objects in the visible band) and non-optical astronomy (the use of instruments to study objects in the radio through gamma-ray wavelengths).
Optical Astronomy: Today, when we think about optical astronomy, we most instantly visualize the amazing images from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), or close up images of the planets taken by various space probes.
Optical Astronomy: Today, when we think about optical astronomy, we most instantly visualize the amazing images from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), or close up images of the planets taken by various space probes.
What most people don’t realize though, is that these images also yield volumes of information about the structure, nature and evolution of objects in our Universe.
What most people don’t realize though, is that these images also yield volumes of information about the structure, nature and evolution of objects in our Universe.
Non-optical Astronomy: While optical telescopes are sometimes considered the only pure instruments for doing astronomy research, there are other types of observatories that make significant contributions to our understanding of the Universe. These instruments have allowed us to create a picture of our universe that spans the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from low energy radio signals, to ultra high energy gamma-rays. They give us information about the evolution and physics of some of the Universe’s most dynamic treasures, such as neutron stars and black holes. And it is because of these endeavours that we have learned about the structure of galaxies including our Milky Way.
Non-optical Astronomy: While optical telescopes are sometimes considered the only pure instruments for doing astronomy research, there are other types of observatories that make significant contributions to our understanding of the Universe. These instruments have allowed us to create a picture of our universe that spans the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from low energy radio signals, to ultra high energy gamma-rays. They give us information about the evolution and physics of some of the Universe’s most dynamic treasures, such as neutron stars and black holes. And it is because of these endeavours that we have learned about the structure of galaxies including our Milky Way.
Even though man has studied the heavens for thousands of years, we still know very little about the Universe we live in. And as we continue to learn more, we are consistently amazed, and sometimes confused, by what we learn.
Even though man has studied the heavens for thousands of years, we still know very little about the Universe we live in. And as we continue to learn more, we are consistently amazed, and sometimes confused, by what we learn.
Some things to talk about
Some things to talk about
Here is a collection of ten amazing, interesting, and strange astronomy facts, in no particular order which you might like to consider and talk about.
Here is a collection of ten amazing, interesting, and strange astronomy facts, in no particular order which you might like to consider and talk about.
(1) Scientists believe that we can only see about 5% of the matter in the Universe. The rest is made up of invisible matter (called Dark Matter) and a mysterious form of energy known as Dark Energy.
(1) Scientists believe that we can only see about 5% of the matter in the Universe. The rest is made up of invisible matter (called Dark Matter) and a mysterious form of energy known as Dark Energy.
(2) Neutron stars are so dense, that a soup can full of neutron star material would have more mass than the Moon.
(2) Neutron stars are so dense, that a soup can full of neutron star material would have more mass than the Moon.
(3) The Sun produces so much energy, that every second the core releases the equivalent of 100 billion nuclear bombs.
(3) The Sun produces so much energy, that every second the core releases the equivalent of 100 billion nuclear bombs.
(4) Galileo Galilei is often incorrectly credited with the invention of the telescope. Instead, historians now believe the Dutch eyeglass maker Johannes Lippershey as its creator. Galileo was, however, probably the first to use the device to study the heavens.
(4) Galileo Galilei is often incorrectly credited with the invention of the telescope. Instead, historians now believe the Dutch eyeglass maker Johannes Lippershey as its creator. Galileo was, however, probably the first to use the device to study the heavens.
(5) Black Holes are so dense, and produce such intense gravity, that even light can not escape. Theoretical physicists predict that there are situations under which light can escape (which is called Hawking radiation).
(5) Black Holes are so dense, and produce such intense gravity, that even light can not escape. Theoretical physicists predict that there are situations under which light can escape (which is called Hawking radiation).
(6) Light from distant stars and galaxies takes so long to reach us, that we are actually seeing objects as they appeared hundreds, thousands or even millions of years ago. So, as we look up at the sky, we are really looking back in time.
(6) Light from distant stars and galaxies takes so long to reach us, that we are actually seeing objects as they appeared hundreds, thousands or even millions of years ago. So, as we look up at the sky, we are really looking back in time.
(7) The Crab Nebula was produced by a supernova explosion in 1054 A.D. The Chinese and Arab astronomers at the time noted that the explosion was so bright, that it was visible during the day, and lit up the night sky for months.
(7) The Crab Nebula was produced by a supernova explosion in 1054 A.D. The Chinese and Arab astronomers at the time noted that the explosion was so bright, that it was visible during the day, and lit up the night sky for months.
(8) Shooting stars are usually just tiny dust particles falling through our atmosphere. Comets sometimes pass through Earth’s orbit, leaving trails of dust behind. Then as Earth plows through the dust in its path, the particles heat up, creating the streaks in the night sky.
(8) Shooting stars are usually just tiny dust particles falling through our atmosphere. Comets sometimes pass through Earth’s orbit, leaving trails of dust behind. Then as Earth plows through the dust in its path, the particles heat up, creating the streaks in the night sky.
(9) Even though Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, temperatures can reach -280 degrees F. Why? Since Mercury has almost no atmosphere, there is nothing to trap heat near the surface. So, the dark side of Mercury (the side facing away from the Sun) is very cold.
(9) Even though Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, temperatures can reach -280 degrees F. Why? Since Mercury has almost no atmosphere, there is nothing to trap heat near the surface. So, the dark side of Mercury (the side facing away from the Sun) is very cold.
(10) Venus is considerably hotter than Mercury, even though it is further away from the Sun. The thickness of Venus’ atmosphere traps heat near the surface of the planet.
(10) Venus is considerably hotter than Mercury, even though it is further away from the Sun. The thickness of Venus’ atmosphere traps heat near the surface of the planet.
Since the beginning of time humans have marvelled at nature and what it provides. The things above below and within us have fascinated many.
Since the beginning of time humans have marvelled at nature and what it provides. The things above below and within us have fascinated many.
Gather and understand information to the best of your ability. If you don’t know simply ask. Never fudge it and pretend you know or understand. Seek clarification and test what you hear against the things which are known and clearly agreed upon. Make notes for yourself and share them with your Astronomy friends. These notes arise out of my own interest in the wonders of Astronomy. As a new comer I soon came to realise there is much to be learned and understood about the ever expanding panorama which is the Sky. As a new Astronomer listen intently and engage in conversation about what is before you.
Gather and understand information to the best of your ability. If you don’t know simply ask. Never fudge it and pretend you know or understand. Seek clarification and test what you hear against the things which are known and clearly agreed upon. Make notes for yourself and share them with your Astronomy friends. These notes arise out of my own interest in the wonders of Astronomy. As a new comer I soon came to realise there is much to be learned and understood about the ever expanding panorama which is the Sky. As a new Astronomer listen intently and engage in conversation about what is before you.
Many think Astronomy is about seeing the panorama of deep space. I have very real difficulty seeing the stars and appreciate it when people take the time to help my understanding. Astronomy may be about looking and seeing but for me understanding and visualization in the mind is as important. I enjoy reading about what others have seen and documented.
Many think Astronomy is about seeing the panorama of deep space. I have very real difficulty seeing the stars and appreciate it when people take the time to help my understanding. Astronomy may be about looking and seeing but for me understanding and visualization in the mind is as important. I enjoy reading about what others have seen and documented.
One of the most important tools for a new Astronomer is
One of the most important tools for a new Astronomer is
'the art of 'reflective conversation'
'the art of 'reflective conversation'
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