Author Archives: HB

The Drake Equation

Posted on April 21, 2016 by HB

  The Drake Equation has been one of the most interesting things that I have learned about so far in this course. The video I have linked above does a very good job summarizing the different parts of the Drake Equation and how they are calculated. Towards the end of the video, it also talks … Continue reading The Drake Equation → Continue reading →

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The Drake Equation

Posted on April 21, 2016 by HB

  The Drake Equation has been one of the most interesting things that I have learned about so far in this course. The video I have linked above does a very good job summarizing the different parts of the Drake Equation and how they are calculated. Towards the end of the video, it also talks … Continue reading The Drake Equation → Continue reading →

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A New Set of Eyes in Space

Posted on March 31, 2016 by HB

Or perhaps a new set of mirrors would be more accurate. Today, a scientist and an engineer from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) visited Vanderbilt and gave a talk about what they hope to discover using the telescope and the sheer feats of engineering that made the telescope a reality. The JWST in an … Continue reading A New Set of Eyes in Space → Continue reading →

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7 Things You Should Know About the Kuiper Belt

Posted on March 31, 2016 by HB

1. The Kuiper Belt is an elliptical band of objects beyond Neptune’s orbit extending from 30 to 55 AU. It is similar to the asteroid belt except the objects in the Kuiper Belt are made more from ice than rock. Pluto is a part of the Kuiper Belt and comets can be found there as … Continue reading 7 Things You Should Know About the Kuiper Belt → Continue reading →

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Are We Alone in the Universe?

Posted on March 14, 2016 by HB

And why does that question seem to be so hard to answer? Our universe is vast. There’s no doubt about that. And statistically, we should be able to find life in some way, shape, or form somewhere in the seemingly endless cosmos. For every grain of sand on Earth, there are ten thousand stars in … Continue reading Are We Alone in the Universe? → Continue reading →

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Radioactivity and Practicality

Posted on March 8, 2016 by HB

Radioactivity has several negative associations: cancer, the atomic bomb, Chernobyl, etc. However, there are several practical uses for radioactivity across multiple disciplines. Agriculture: – Fertilizers are labeled with isotopes of nitrogen and phosphorous in order to figure out how much of the nutrients the plants take up and how much is lost to the environment … Continue reading Radioactivity and Practicality → Continue reading →

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Zero Gravity on Earth

Posted on February 14, 2016 by HB

OK Go, a band famous for their awesome music videos, just released the music video for their newest song. And the whole thing was filmed in zero gravity! However, the music video wasn’t filmed in space and the band wasn’t in orbit. So how did they achieve this feat? There are types of planes called … Continue reading Zero Gravity on Earth → Continue reading →

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The Archeoastronomy of Teotihuacán

Posted on February 9, 2016 by HB

Teotihuacán was a prominent ancient Mesoamerican city located in the Mexican highlands. Its legacy inspires civilians and scholars alike. Its stunning architecture, well-preserved art, and obvious influence over a greater area have made it one of the most studied archeological sites in Mexico. Another thing that interests many about Teotihuacán is the layout and construction … Continue reading The Archeoastronomy of Teotihuacán → Continue reading →

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Tycho Brahe in a Historical Context

Posted on February 3, 2016 by HB

  Tycho Brahe, a historically famous and important astronomer, was born on December 14, 1546 and died on October 24, 1601. During his lifetime, two important events occurred: The Counter Reformation (1562): This was a period of Catholic resurgence that occurred as a response to the Protestant Reformation. It was an attempt to return Catholicism to … Continue reading Tycho Brahe in a Historical Context → Continue reading →

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An Unobstructed View

Posted on January 19, 2016 by HB

If you had to guess where the above picture was taken, what would you say? Iceland? Northern Canada? Alaska? Finland? Believe it or not, the above picture was taken in northern Michigan at Headlands International Dark Sky Park. This park is located west of Mackinaw City and encompasses two miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline. Headlands became … Continue reading An Unobstructed View → Continue reading →

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