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Category Archives: Observables
THE SUN
OK K.O.! To put it simply, the Sun is fascinating. A simple symbol that all children put in the upper corner of their drawings is actually so much more. The Sun is what holds together our Solar System. Standing at a whopping size with a diameter of 865,000 miles (over 100 times bigger than that […] Continue reading
The Universe’s Greatest Mystery That Threatens the Fabric of Physics
Wikipedia The foundational aspect of science is that a scientific theory that explains something about the natural world must be repeatedly tested and confirmed. If it cannot apply to every situation that meets the requisite parameters, then it is not a theory. Some information or calibration is missing, and the theory will be refined. Dark […] Continue reading
Posted in Light, Observables, Physics, Science, Universe
Tagged astro2110, blog4, general relativity
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Blog 2: Ancient Mayan Astronomy
Thousands of years before telescopes and computers, the ancient Mayans had the ability to predict eclipses and track retrograde motion. They are some of the most advanced astronomers of the ancient world. Astronomy was a central part of Mayan culture. Calendars were based on the movements of the Sun, moon, and planets and festivals, rituals, and […] Continue reading
Posted in Class, Observables
Tagged archaeoastronomy, astro2110, blog2, history
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Blog 1: Eclipse Chasers
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will happen in North America. For those in Nashville, a mere 2-3 hour drive will allow viewers to witness it. For some, it is worth the journey to witness this rare occurrence, and for others perhaps not. For a select few, however, it is always worth the […] Continue reading
Blog 1: Asymmetry of the Moon
By looking at the image above, it’s clear to see that the dark splotches we’ve come to associate with our closest cosmic neighbor, the Moon, are only seen on one side! The farside of the moon is much more uniform with a lot more craters than the side we see. This stark difference has puzzled […] Continue reading
Posted in Class, Moons, Observables
Tagged astro2110, blog1, craters, Moon, Solar System
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The Vast Size and Scale of the Universe
BBC Science Focus The Universe is also used as a reference point to display somethings enormity. “I love you more than anything in the world” is massively trumped by “I love you more than anything in the Universe.” But what does this really mean? How much can the universe really hold? How big is it […] Continue reading
Posted in Observables, Universe
Tagged astro2110, blog1
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The Zodiac and Ascribing Meaning to a Random Existence
Britannica The twelve Zodiac signs are the most famous (and infamous, if you talk to scientists) way of imposing order and grouping onto our lives. Personality tests, Harry Potter houses (which have to be the laziest version out there), “What sandwich am I?” quizzes, these all apply a person’s traits and responses to fundamental questions […] Continue reading
Night Sky App
I downloaded the Night Sky app at the beginning of this semester, before I even knew I would be taking this class. On a late night walk back from the library, my friend and I noticed an unusually bright star in the sky. Interested to find out what it was, I downloaded this app and […] Continue reading
Posted in Instruments, Observables
Tagged app, astro2110, blog1, Solar System
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The Statistics of Life
Artist interpretation of Kepler-452b, currently the most Earthlike planet discovered, which could potentially have an atmosphere and life Source: NASA Ames/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle When faced with an effectively boundless universe, it inevitable to ask the question of how many other lifeforms are out there. In asking this question we tend to be a bit biased, looking […] Continue reading
Posted in Aliens, Class, Observables
Tagged astro2110, blog7, drakeequation, Kepler, life, Uncategorized
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the fermi paradox
Sir Arthur C. Clarke, a British science fiction author, said that “two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying”. And he was exactly right! The more that we learn about and explore the universe, the more we learn about the possibility of life out there, […] Continue reading
Posted in Aliens, Class, Observables
Tagged aliens, astro2110, blog7, Class, fermi, life, Observables
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