Author Archives: serenakumar

Super-Earths spotted in the sky!

Posted on April 30, 2015 by serenakumar

Hey everyone! This semester in Astronomy 201, I have learned a lot. Coming with almost no prior background in astronomy, I was truly shocked and astounded to learn so many things about the Earth, the solar system around us, and the universe as a whole. One thing in particular that interested me was learning about… Continue reading →

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Extremophiles

Posted on April 30, 2015 by serenakumar

Hey everyone! Extremophiles are organisms that can survive in extreme environments (hence the name). They can survive in places with extreme pressures and temperatures, and can thrive where most other life forms on Earth would perish. Most extremophiles are microbes. The American Museum of Natural History, located in New York City, has opened up a… Continue reading →

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Astronomy’s Importance on Earth

Posted on April 10, 2015 by serenakumar

Hello everyone! Before taking this course, I only knew very basic knowledge of topics relating to astronomy. I didn’t think it was very important to know why we needed to know about the celestial beings outside of the Earth in which we live. However, now after learning about the myriad objects outside of Earth, I realize… Continue reading →

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NASA’s Exploration of Pluto!

Posted on April 10, 2015 by serenakumar

Hello everyone! Some exciting new has been happening in the astronomy world. NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is launching a space mission to the dwarf planet Pluto, a feat that has never been accomplished before! This is super exciting because this mission will potentially give us a much clearer idea of what is happening… Continue reading →

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Solar Eclipse

Posted on March 20, 2015 by serenakumar

Today, residents of Europe got to see something truly spectacular. In the early morning hours, a solar eclipse occurred (a total solar eclipse was viewed by residents of islands in the far North of Europe). This eclipse coincided with the Spring equinox (which occurs on the first day of Spring) as well as a Supermoon, which… Continue reading →

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Climate Change

Posted on March 20, 2015 by serenakumar

Today, one of the most pressing issues in society is climate change. The Earth, due to pollution and the ensuing increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, is experiencing global warming. Average temperatures around the globe have increased a few degrees Celsius in the past few decades. While that may not seem like a lot,… Continue reading →

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SkyView App

Posted on February 14, 2015 by serenakumar

With the prevalence of advanced technology in today’s society, it is no surprise that there have been many mobile applications, or ‘apps’ dedicated towards astronomy that are available to purchase and peruse for astronomy lovers. One app that caught my interest was the SkyView App. The SkyView App is free on iTunes and on the… Continue reading →

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Tides

Posted on February 14, 2015 by serenakumar

Have you ever been to a beach and wondered why at some times of the day, the ocean water reached further onto the land than at other times of the day?  You may have heard the terms ‘high tide’ and ‘low tide’. Tides are caused by the gravitational force of the sun and moon, as… Continue reading →

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Historical Astronomers in Context

Posted on February 4, 2015 by serenakumar

Hello! For my homework assignment, I researched some basic information about Nicholas Copernicus, the Polish astronomer. Copernicus was born on February 19, 1473, and died on May 24, 1543. You can find more information on Copernicus’ life here! There were many fascinating events and people that lived during Copernicus’ lifetime. In 1492, when Copernicus was 19,… Continue reading →

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Zodiac Signs

Posted on January 25, 2015 by serenakumar

Hi! Have you ever opened a newspaper or magazine, and seen an astrology page showing horoscopes for people with different zodiac signs? Zodiac signs are twelve signs ( Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn) that correspond to roughly a month a year. The signs were named for the 12… Continue reading →

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