Tag Archives: technology

Magellan to the New World

Posted on March 16, 2013 by a2megal

In class we recently discussed the four primary types of robotic missions that we can send into space: flyby orbiter lander or probe sample return mission In general the concept of sending physical objects into space so that we can collect data about plates, stars, or anything really that we can’t directly observe here on […] Continue reading →

Posted in Instruments | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Magellan to the New World

Mars Suitable for Life

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Megan C

NASA scientists have just finished analyzing a sample of rock Curiosity drilled last month, and the results are certainly promising for the theory that Mars once was home to life. In the sample, they found elements like carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, all of which are essential for life as we know it.  This sample […] Continue reading →

Posted in Aliens | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Mars Suitable for Life

The Webb Space Telescope: the Future of Viewing the Past

Posted on February 20, 2013 by zvgio

Every time you look at the stars , you are looking back in time. The universe is a big place and light takes time to move through it, so if you’re currently admiring Polaris, the photons hitting your eyes have been traveling for about 434 years to reach you. That may seem like a long […] Continue reading →

Posted in Instruments | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on The Webb Space Telescope: the Future of Viewing the Past

Near-Earth Objects: Experiences and Implications

Posted on February 20, 2013 by werdercj

Meteor trail over Eastern Russia. On February 15, 2013, two very significant astronomical events occurred unusually close to us; the highly publicized meteor explosion over a Russian city overshadowed the close approach of a much larger asteroid orbiting Earth.  The contrast between these two events is what struck me as most interesting and informative about […] Continue reading →

Posted in Small SS Objects | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Near-Earth Objects: Experiences and Implications

Hubble Images: Not as Easy as Just Taking Pictures

Posted on February 20, 2013 by zvgio

Most people have heard of the Hubble Space Telescope, a visible light telescope that has been orbiting Earth since 1990, and if they haven’t, they’ve probably at least seen some of it’s images of distant galaxies and majestic nebulae. These pictures are vibrantly colorful and awe-inspiring, but they don’t start off that way. All of […] Continue reading →

Posted in Instruments | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Hubble Images: Not as Easy as Just Taking Pictures

Neutrino Detectors

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Will K

Over the past several decades telescope technology has improved dramatically. Not only are we able to view the galaxy from massive observatories on Earth, but we can capture light through telescopes orbiting in space. Although these advances have allowed us to detect light from many different ranges across the electromagnetic spectrum, telescopes cannot detect all […] Continue reading →

Posted in Instruments | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Neutrino Detectors

Clear Path to the Stars

Posted on February 18, 2013 by a2megal

In class we talked about the different types of telescopes and the different shortcomings of reflecting versus refracting telescopes. In all though, a challenge that all types of ground-based telescopes face is the interference caused by Earth’s atmosphere. This interference causes distortion of EM waves coming through the atmosphere from outer space. The bending of […] Continue reading →

Posted in Instruments | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Clear Path to the Stars

Frickin’ Laser Beams

Posted on February 18, 2013 by burnspress

On July 5, 2012, the world’s largest laser fired a record shattering shot that generated more power than the entire United States does at any given moment. The laser, located in Livermore, California, is housed in a building the size of three football fields dubbed the National Ignition Facility (photo above). The NIF laser is an […] Continue reading →

Posted in Light, Physics, Science, Stars | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Frickin’ Laser Beams

HINS-Light > Purell?

Posted on February 18, 2013 by burnspress

Spectroscopy refers to the interactions between matter and light, or radiated energy, and the dispersion of an object’s light into its various wavelengths (i.e. colors). Dissecting an object’s light through spectroscopy helps modern astronomers determine the physical properties of stars. However, the study of light aids more than just astronomers in scientific battles today. New […] Continue reading →

Posted in Light | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on HINS-Light > Purell?

Virgin Galactic

Posted on February 18, 2013 by indianwm

Sir Richard Branson of Virgin records, Virgin mobile, and many other large companies has brought the dream of space travel to civilians. Finally, non-astronauts are able to roam through space and experience what very few have. This trip, however, is quite expensive and will not be able to be experienced by everyone. The starting price […] Continue reading →

Posted in Space Travel | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Virgin Galactic