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Tag: universetoday

  • Sunday Science: Space Program Update

    July 8th, 2011 marked an unprecedented time in the space program.
    For the first time since 1962, America didn’t have a way to put astronauts into space from US soil.

    There are many people who feel we have more than enough problems to deal with here on Earth, and we are just wasting time and money by trying to go to space.
    While I certainly won’t debate that we have plenty of problems here on Earth, the benefits that come from the space program are enjoyed by everyone today.
    Satellites, GPS and countless more innovations are direct products of the space program.
    So yes, right now is a dark time in US technology. If we continue down this path, then we cede vital innovations to Europe and China. These same innovations will inspire a new generation of American youth to move into the sciences.

    But a new day is dawning.
    Boeing, SpaceX and Sierra Nevada Corp, with contributions from NASA, are developing the next generation of capsules designed to carry astronauts into space, launched from American soil.

    Space Capsule
    A new day

    Ken Kremer wrote an article on UniverseToday.com that has all the details. Go read, go learn.

    And if you need more information on why our space program is important, please read what Neil deGrasse Tyson has to say.
    This is a smart man, so please listen to him…

  • Sunday Science: Galaxies

    Galaxies.

    Now there is a BIG topic.
    The basic definition of a galaxy is a system of millions or billions of stars, together with gas and dust, held together by gravitational attraction.

    Earth is a part of the Milky Way galaxy, which is one of hundreds of billions of galaxies in the Observable Universe.
    But just how big is a galaxy?  Our galaxy is roughly 100,000-120,000 light years in diameter.

    Wow, thats pretty big, you say?

    Well, for comparison, the largest known galaxy, IC 1101, is estimated to be 5.5 MILLION light years wide.
    Million.
    That’s equal to 50 Milky Way galaxies side by side.

    Like I said, it’s a big topic.

    Jason Major wrote an article about the size of the galaxies over at UniverseToday.com, and included a  galactic comparison chart by Rhys Taylor that will make you feel very tiny.

    Go learn more about our Universe!  It does a body good!