Author Archives: Peter Taylor

Dear Aliens – a retrospect

Posted on May 4, 2021 by Peter Taylor

Well, that’s a wrap. With the inevitability of Earth’s annual progression around the writhing sphere of fire and fusion that sustains our life, another semester comes to a close and another class comes to an end. However, just as all things must end, all things must begin. Days, summers, worlds, perspectives, you name it. SoContinue reading “Dear Aliens – a retrospect” Continue reading →

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solar system superlatives: Earth

Posted on May 4, 2021 by Peter Taylor

Welcome to the last episode of solar system superlatives. I know it’s hard to believe, but, alas, all good things must end. In an effort to dry the tears brimming in all our eyes, I wanted to end this blog series on a happy note and on a celebration of vitality – by looking atContinue reading “solar system superlatives: Earth” Continue reading →

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solar system superlatives: Planet 9

Posted on April 17, 2021 by Peter Taylor

Welcome back! Today, we are going to learn about the current leader in our Solar System’s ongoing game of hide-and-seek: Planet Nine. First, a disclaimer. No one actually knows if Planet Nine is real or not. It’s existence is only hypothesized, and we have literally never seen it. But, for now, let’s assume its realContinue reading “solar system superlatives: Planet 9” Continue reading →

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solar system superlatives: Saturn

Posted on April 15, 2021 by Peter Taylor

Welcome back to solar system superlatives! Last time, we learned about Mars and the breathtaking enormity of Olympus Mons, the largest mountain in our solar system. Now, let’s take a look at my personal favorite of the giants: Saturn. Needless to say, Saturn wins the prize of “coolest rings in the solar system.” Just takeContinue reading “solar system superlatives: Saturn” Continue reading →

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earth’s rings?

Posted on March 21, 2021 by Peter Taylor

Ever look at a picture of Saturn (or anything else with rings) and think “Wow, I wonder what those rings are made of?” Spoiler alert – they’re just very pretty rocks and ices and dusts. How about this one – Ever look up at the Moon (or any other moon) and think “Wow, I wonderContinue reading “earth’s rings?” Continue reading →

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solar system superlatives: Mars

Posted on March 20, 2021 by Peter Taylor

Welcome to solar system superlatives – a blog series where we’ll learn about some of the craziest phenomena found in our solar system. First up, Mars. Mars is home to some of our solar system’s most impressive geological formations. Olympus Mons, for instance is the largest mountain in the solar system, and, as I amContinue reading “solar system superlatives: Mars” Continue reading →

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waves and particles and dualities oh my

Posted on February 26, 2021 by Peter Taylor

What is light? It’s a simple question, really. And simple questions have simple answers, right? Sometimes they do, yes. But, tragically, this time it doesn’t. Most people know light acts light a wave. It refracts (thanks Pink Floyd), reflects, and diffracts just light waves are supposed to. Similarly, the electromagnetic spectrum illustrates the wave-like propertiesContinue reading “waves and particles and dualities oh my” Continue reading →

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Historical Astronomers in Context

Posted on February 13, 2021 by Peter Taylor

Tycho Brahe: (12/14/1546 – 10/24/1601) The St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre occurred in Paris on August 24th and 25th in 1572. This massacre was orchestrated by the Catholic Catherine de Medici, carried out by Catholic noblemen and citizens, and resulted in the slaughter of French Huguenots (protestants). In February 1570, Queen Elizabeth I of England wasContinue reading “Historical Astronomers in Context” Continue reading →

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Astrolonomy?

Posted on February 5, 2021 by Peter Taylor

A little over two weeks ago, we entered arguably one the thirteen coolest months of the zodiac: Aquarius. (Yes, we still love you Ophiuchus). But what does that really even mean? What is Aquarius? Well, as I am sure you can tell from the constellation, Aquarius is clearly a water-bearer. But it is also muchContinue reading “Astrolonomy?” Continue reading →

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introduction

Posted on January 31, 2021 by Peter Taylor

Hi everyone! My name is Peter, and I am a sophomore at Vanderbilt. I am currently planning on majoring in Economics and minoring in Psychology and English. I am really looking forward to this class and learning more about astronomy. Also, I like photography, so here is a picture I took of some penguins oneContinue reading “introduction” Continue reading →

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