A Career in Astrophysics: 5 Degrees for You to Consider
Interested in astrophysics? Explore the top 5 master's degrees to lay the foundation for a successful career, from physics to computer science and more.
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for November 2015
On the night of November 5 and 6 we will witness the peak of the Taurids meteor shower. It is a long-running minor meteor shower producing only about 5-10 meteors per hour at peak, while some meteors can also be seen from September 7 to December 10. However it is unusual in that it consists of two separate streams. The first is produced by dust grains left behind by Asteroid 2004 TG10. The second one is produced by debris left behind by Comet 2P Encke.
Light Pollution – What Is It and Why It’s Bad
Light pollution stems from artificial lighting sources, impacting astronomy, ecosystems, and wildlife; mitigating strategies involve redesigning light sources.
Origin of Our Universe – Gravitational Waves and Cosmic Inflation
Cosmology is confusing, yet extremely interesting! Before we get deeper, we actually got the picture of our universe 380,000 years after the Big Bang. Wondering where did we get this baby picture of our universe? Let’s talk from the start. Our universe 380,000 years after the Big Bang was so hot that all the subatomic particles like protons, electrons were in a state of plasma moving randomly, even light passing through, was scattered or absorbed, which means the whole universe was opaque. After 380,000 years when the universe has cooled and expanded, the electrons and protons combined and formed hydrogen atoms. So finally after moving randomly for 380,000 years, the…
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for October 2015
On October 8 we will witness the Draconids meteor shower. It is a minor meteor shower producing only about 10 meteors per hour originating from dust grains left behind by comet 21P Giacobini-Zinner, which was first discovered in 1900. The Draconids is an unusual shower in that the best viewing is in the early evening instead of early morning like most other showers.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication – Challenges
Vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V) refers to automobiles’ ability to wirelessly share data with one another. The primary goal is to allow vehicles to communicate speed and position to help prevent collisions. Depending how this technology is used, the driver might simply be told they must brake now or risk an accident, or it may take more direct action to stop the event. More and more devices are becoming connected through the cloud, an Internet-based system of software and services that can be accessed through a variety of methods. The future of the automotive industry is no exception, as slowly but surely cars will become connected. Connected cars made after 2010 usually…
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for September 2015
On September 13 there will be a partial solar eclipse. This type of eclipse occurs when the Moon covers only a part of the Sun, sometimes resembling a bite taken out of a cookie. For safety reasons, an eclipse should only be observed with a special solar filter or by looking at the Sun's reflection.
Going from Pollution to Power with Algae
Algae is everywhere. They are in nitrogen-saturated creeks, floating off the coasts, covering your backyard pool. No one knows how many species exist. Maybe 10,000? Maybe 100 times that much? Most microalgae species grow through photosynthesis.
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for August 2015
This month on the night of August 12 and 13 we will witness the Perseids meteor shower, which is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. Some meteors can also be seen from July 17 to August 24. It originates from debris produced by comet Swift-Tuttle, which was discovered in 1862.
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for July 2015
On July 14 NASA's New Horizons spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Pluto after a nine and a half year journey. It was launched on January 19, 2006 and will be the first spacecraft to visit Pluto. New Horizons will give us our first close-up views of the dwarf planet and its moons.
Glass Decorations for Your Home
When it comes to home decoration, usually everyone goes for the same or similar ideas. When we think of interior design, glass isn't really the first material that comes to mind. It is more like wood, steel or something along those lines of thinking. When you really think about it, there is no real reason not to consider glass as one of the primary materials for interior design and decoration, except for some misleading, stereotypical misconceptions.
The Scoop on the Cold Treat War: Why Frozen Yogurt Is Better Than Ice Cream
Scoop up the frozen yogurt if you want a healthier alternative to ice cream. The difference between how the two are made is also the reason why frozen yogurt has a healthier arsenal of cold treat goodness than ice cream does.
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for June 2015
On June 6 the planet Venus will be at greatest eastern elongation. Venus will reach greatest eastern elongation of 45.4 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Venus because it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the bright planet in the western sky after sunset.
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for May 2015
Early this month, on the night of May 5th and 6th we will witness the peak of the Eta Aquarids meteor shower. It is an above average shower, capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. However most of the meteors can be seen in the Southern Hemisphere. For the rest of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the rate can reach about 30 meteors per hour.
