November 17, 2023
Have you ever heard the saying, “Watch out for pennies falling from the sky”? It’s a quirky way to remind us that sometimes, urban myths can strike closer to home than we think. This article tackles the tall tale head-on: could a penny dropped from a skyscraper height really be fatal? We’ll unpack the physics …
November 16, 2023
Have you ever gazed up at the evening sky, entranced by the moon’s grandeur as it looms large on the horizon, only to wonder if your eyes are playing tricks on you? “Why does the moon get bigger when it’s closer to the horizon?” tackles this celestial conundrum head-on. Unveiling the intricate dance between our …
November 15, 2023
In the cosmic theatre, the supernova is the ultimate spectacle—a star’s dramatic demise, outshining entire galaxies and scattering the seeds of creation. Yet, this stellar cataclysm is more than a distant light show; it’s a fundamental force shaping our very existence. The obliteration of a star by a supernova feels remote, but it’s intimately tied …
November 15, 2023
Ever pondered why satellite networks are sprawling with more than just a couple of satellites? It’s a common query, given that a single satellite has the capacity to observe half of our planet. This article is set to unravel this cosmic conundrum, shedding light on the intricate dance of satellites above us. We’ll delve into …
November 15, 2023
Ever wondered why a laser beam, as bright and powerful as it seems, can become almost invisible when viewed from the side? It’s a perplexing phenomenon that raises questions about the nature of lasers and our perception of them. This article dives into the heart of this mystery, unravelling the factors that influence laser brightness …
November 15, 2023
Have you ever wondered how astronomers unlock the secrets of the universe’s past? “How does looking at distant galaxies allow us to look back in time?” is a question that takes us on a cosmic journey, revealing the intricate connection between space, time, and the very fabric of our universe. By delving into the mysteries …
November 15, 2023
Meteorites, those enigmatic space rocks that journey from the far reaches of our solar system to our very doorstep, have long captured our imagination and curiosity. But what really happens when they make contact with Earth? Contrary to popular belief, these celestial visitors are not scorching hot, but rather, they tell a story of a …
November 15, 2023
Ever looked up at the night sky, seen those captivating star spikes, and wondered, “Why do they form perfect crosses?” You’re not alone! This phenomenon, known as diffraction spikes, has intrigued sky gazers and photographers alike. In this article, we’re diving deep into the heart of these luminous crosses, unravelling the science behind them, and …
November 13, 2023
Ever wondered how astronomers can confidently unravel the mysteries of the universe while bound to a single vantage point on Earth? It’s a cosmic conundrum that has perplexed minds for centuries. In this article, we’re diving deep into the world of astronomical observations, tackling the challenges posed by Earth’s limitations, and showcasing the innovative techniques …
November 11, 2023
Ever wondered about the overall electric charge of the universe? It’s a question that boggles the mind and sparks curiosity, holding profound implications for our understanding of the cosmos. Many of us grapple with the complexities of the universe, feeling overwhelmed by its vastness and the mysteries it harbours. This article is here to guide …
October 11, 2020
First of all, there definitely is a lot of gravity in space. Gravity is a force that is very prevalent in space, even if it is not strong everywhere. In relation to the surface of Earth, gravity is obviously weaker the further from Earth you go, but gravity is still there in space. Gravity can …
October 11, 2020
The quick answer is that, according to observations made by astronomers, there is no edge to the universe. The universe is constantly expanding meaning that space spreads out infinitely in every direction. Galaxies and nebulas and stars fill out all of the space throughout this infinite universe. There are two observations that make this believable. Firstly, …
October 5, 2020
The short answer is that it the expansion of the universe is not what makes space a vacuum. What we call a vacuum in outer space is actually caused by gravity. And when we say, ‘outer space’, it refers to the whole area of space that is not considered the atmosphere of planets or stars. And …
October 5, 2020
In principle, yes, time does go faster at the top of a building compared to the bottom. This is because time will go faster the further you are from Earth’s surface when you compare it to someone who is on the surface of Earth still. This is something that Albert Einstein predicted when he developed his …
October 5, 2020
The short answer is that sound does not travel in space at all. Since sound is received by our ears in the form of vibrating air and there is virtually no air in space, there is nothing to vibrate to make a sound. You could even imagine the loudest sounds you can think of, like a …
October 3, 2020
Thanks for your interest in our profession! It is exciting that you picked Astronomy for your report. Here’s a list of answers to your question written by some of my colleagues at the University of Santa Cruz: Astronomy as a Career. I’d like to add that as an astronomer, there are two main paths to the …
October 3, 2020
Does a sunset in the west and a moonrise in the east ever happen at exactly the same time? Yes, a sunset and moonrise can occur at about the same time. Specifically, it occurs on the night of a full moon! Let’s convince ourselves of why this is… Whenever we think about sunrises/sunsets in relation …
October 3, 2020
What are the degree requirements and verification required to become an astronomer? There are now diverse career trajectories for astronomers inside and outside of academia. Please check out this website compiled by the American Astronomical Society to see what other jobs are available to astronomers. To answer your question I will focus on a traditional career track …