Author Archives: Michael Natinsky

Lyft Making a Transition to Carbon-Neutral rides

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Michael Natinsky

Since the inception of ride share companies like Uber and Lyft, environmental critics have argued that these companies simply put more cars on the road, leading to increased carbon in the atmosphere. They claim that this would lead to greater air pollution. Also, many complained that an increase in these services would lessen the amount … Continue reading Lyft Making a Transition to Carbon-Neutral rides → Continue reading →

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The Fermi Paradox

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Michael Natinsky

The basis of the Fermi Paradox is that the probability of another intelligent civilization existing in the universe is so high considering the number of stars and the fact that each star has on average one planet, but this means that the probability of us finding evidence for such is also so high. The Drake … Continue reading The Fermi Paradox → Continue reading →

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The Most Mysterious Star

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Michael Natinsky

Between these two constellations lies a star that scientists are just not able to figure out. As we’ve learned in class, a star’s light emission usually has minuscule dips as its planets orbit. But this star, which is not even visible to the human eye, seems to have a massive and constant bundle of matter … Continue reading The Most Mysterious Star → Continue reading →

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Halley’s Comet

Posted on April 9, 2018 by Michael Natinsky

  Halley’s Comet is named after the English astronomer Edmond Halley who first believed that there were three separate comets during the years from 1531 to 1682. He then discovered that all three of these appearances were the same comet. Edmond was the first to prove that comets could orbit the sun. It travels around … Continue reading Halley’s Comet → Continue reading →

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Blog Post 4

Posted on March 17, 2018 by Michael Natinsky

Image from Environment Blog It is important to understand that Climate Change is something that normally happens to planets. Earth will be around for a while. It does not matter if it goes through climate change; the Earth will remain. It is the humans and animals who will die off if the planet warms immensely. … Continue reading Blog Post 4 → Continue reading →

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The Odds of Finding Life Outside of Earth

Posted on February 11, 2018 by Michael Natinsky

While we assume that there is no life on other planets in our solar system, the probability that there is life somewhere out there seems pretty high. It is a difficult question because we know how special earth is. It is the perfect distance away from the sun for life to form. If the Earth’s … Continue reading The Odds of Finding Life Outside of Earth → Continue reading →

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Tides and their effect on human life

Posted on February 11, 2018 by Michael Natinsky

People around the world aim to predict the highest and lowest tides using tide tables. Spring tides happen due to the gravitational pull from both the moon and sun. When the moon and sun are pulling from the same direction, the tide is more intense and this is called a spring tide. This usually occurs … Continue reading Tides and their effect on human life → Continue reading →

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Historical Astronomers in Context: Tycho Brahe

Posted on February 5, 2018 by Michael Natinsky

Tycho Brahe was born on December 14, 1546 and he died on October 24, 1601. During the time of Tycho’s life, two significant historical events (among others) occurred. In 1560’s Europe, there was a great famine in which roughly 50% of all born infants would die within twelve months. The average life expectancy was about 45 years old. Also, In … Continue reading Historical Astronomers in Context: Tycho Brahe → Continue reading →

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Precession: How Will Life on Earth Differ With Summer in January?

Posted on January 21, 2018 by Michael Natinsky

Precession is often referred to as “orbital variation.” An easy demonstration of precession is a top spinning. As a top spins on a surface, it moves around in a circular or elliptical path. But while it moves, the direction of its tilt is also changing. The same is true for planets as they orbit stars. … Continue reading Precession: How Will Life on Earth Differ With Summer in January? → Continue reading →

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Post #0

Posted on January 17, 2018 by Michael Natinsky

I’m Michael, and I am a freshman at Vanderbilt University. This photo was taken in Venice Beach, California, one of my favorite places. Although I’m from frigid Chicago, Illinois, I hope to some day end up there. This tapestry now hangs in my dorm room.Venice Beach Continue reading →

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