Author Archives: wslopes

All about Aurora

Posted on May 4, 2021 by wslopes

The Northern Lights are one of the most intriguing phenomena of the natural world, and have been attributed to many different things throughout history. The name itself comes from Galileo, who names them after the Roman goddess Aurora, who in Greek was known as Eos and described as rosy-fingered. Many cultures have their own interpretationsContinue reading “All about Aurora” Continue reading →

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Protein and the Tardigrade

Posted on May 4, 2021 by wslopes

The poster child of extremophiles, the tardigrade, is well known for its abilities to survive the heights of the Himalayas and the vacuum of space. Also, it has the fitting nickname of the “water bear”, and the similarities to a bear might extend further past just looks. Tardigrades have been completely reanimated after being driedContinue reading “Protein and the Tardigrade” Continue reading →

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The New Space-Based Instrument of American Imperialism– The Space Force

Posted on April 17, 2021 by wslopes

At first glance, I thought the newest branch of the US Military, Donald Trump’s “Space Force”, was going to be tasked with things such as dealing with more existential threats from Space, such as a life ending asteroid or something. While I was confused as to why this would warrant a 6th branch of theContinue reading “The New Space-Based Instrument of American Imperialism– The Space Force” Continue reading →

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Halley in History

Posted on April 17, 2021 by wslopes

Halley’s comet is one thought to have been noted in history millennia before it was ever realized that it was the same comet passing Earth every 75 years. The first official record of the comet’s passing was 239 BCE by Chinese astronomers, but it’s thought that it might have been recorded by the Ancient GreeksContinue reading “Halley in History” Continue reading →

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Elon Musk and Mars

Posted on March 23, 2021 by wslopes

Anyone who has been on Twitter, or the internet, for the matter, in recent years is sure to have come across the antics of Elon Musk. Whether it be because of his marrying of hyperpop/ electric grunge artist Grimes, his being a billionaire, Azealia Banks breaking in and hiding in his mansion for several days,Continue reading “Elon Musk and Mars” Continue reading →

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Fusion in Warfare

Posted on March 22, 2021 by wslopes

The world of nuclear warheads and atomic bombs is one best left in the hypothetical. It is scary to think how we are all essentially alive at the will of those in possession of said nuclear weapons. While the prospect of their eventual use is frightening, the fact that we are able to create suchContinue reading “Fusion in Warfare” Continue reading →

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Mound 72

Posted on February 28, 2021 by wslopes

Image Source Mound 72 is a very interesting example of the knowledge early Native Americans had about astronomy in at least 950 CE. Mound 72 is the sight of one of several “woodhenges” created by the Cahokia people of south west Illinois. These woodhenges were all relatively identical in relation to the positioning of theContinue reading “Mound 72” Continue reading →

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Copernicus in Context

Posted on February 17, 2021 by wslopes

Nicholas Copernicus was born February 19th, 1473 and died May 24th, 1543. He was important to astronomy because he contested the commonly accepted geocentric model of the solar system and universe, favoring a heliocentric one. This not only led to one of the greatest advancements in astronomy, but it also helped open the door toContinue reading “Copernicus in Context” Continue reading →

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Celebrating the Vernal Equinox

Posted on February 8, 2021 by wslopes

Spring is a season that is characteristically associated with birth and life. It symbolizes an end to Winter and the transition to the (personally) much more favorable, Summer. While I probably enjoy Summer more than Spring overall, there is something about the feeling I get seeing all the plants grow, the leaves come back, tonsContinue reading “Celebrating the Vernal Equinox” Continue reading →

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Introduction

Posted on February 1, 2021 by wslopes

Hello! My name is Will Lopes (rhymes with ropes) and I’m from the Jersey Shore. I’m a freshman and am very undecided, but I like languages, so I will probably at least have a Spanish or Portuguese minor, but that’s all I know so far. I am super excited to take this class and beContinue reading “Introduction” Continue reading →

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