SPARKS, Nev., May 01, 2020 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), the global aerospace and national security leader owned by Eren and Fatih Ozmen, marked National Space Day by announcing the name of its first orbital vehicle set to launch under contract with NASA: Dream Chaser Tenacity.
“Tenacity is in SNC’s DNA,” said SNC Chairwoman and President Eren Ozmen.
“Every critical moment in SNC’s history of innovation has called for tenacity, in overcoming challenges in order to support and protect explorers and heroes. As the nation faces this current challenge, we want this vehicle to be a beacon of hope that American ingenuity – and tenacity – will bring brighter days ahead.”
SNC’s Dream Chaser spacecraft, known as “America’s Spaceplane™,” is the world’s only non-capsule, commercial spacecraft and is capable of a runway landing. Under a NASA contract, it will perform cargo delivery and disposal services to and from the International Space Station on at least six NASA missions.
“Dream Chaser is a story of grit and tenacity on the part of SNC’s team,” said John Curry, SNC’s Program Director for Dream Chaser. “NASA’s vision and ours for a next gen space shuttle with a gentle runway landing has weathered tough economic and budget resources and competing visions. The team and engineers working on Dream Chaser have believed in its superior design, knowing tenacity would lead to Dream Chaser flying in space and returning humans and science back to Earth safely.”
NASA this week selected the Dynetics team, of which SNC is an integral part, to support its Artemis mission to the moon. SNC is leading development of the crew module for NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS) program, which will ferry astronauts and supplies to and from the moon’s surface. The program is designed to provide new science and material resources and leverage the moon as a proving ground for future Mars missions. NASA’s goal is to land astronauts on the moon by 2024 and establish sustainable missions by 2028.
About Dream Chaser Spaceplane & Shooting Star Cargo Module
Owned and operated by SNC, the Dream Chaser spaceplane is a reusable, multi-mission space utility vehicle. It is capable of transportation services to and from low-Earth orbit and is the only commercial, lifting-body vehicle capable of a runway landing. The Dream Chaser Cargo System was selected by
NASA to provide cargo delivery and disposal services to the International Space Station under the Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) contract. All Dream Chaser CRS-2 cargo missions are planned to land at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. The Shooting Star cargo module is a 15-foot attachment to Dream Chaser that provide extra storage for payloads, flexible mission options and facilitates cargo disposal upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Owned by Chairwoman and President Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen, SNC is a trusted leader in solving the world’s toughest challenges through best-of-breed, open architecture engineering in Space Systems, Commercial Solutions, and National Security and Defense. SNC is recognized among the three most innovative U.S. companies in space, as a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America’s fastest growing companies. SNC’s 55-year legacy of state-of-the art civil, military and commercial solutions includes delivering more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems and components to customers worldwide, and participation in more than 450 missions to space, including Mars.


After reading each question below, click on the “pop-up” box after the question to activate it. Then click on the answer you think is correct. If you want to change an answer, click on that box again and select another choice.
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|1. Approximately how long does it take for light emitted from the sun to reach the earth?|
|2. Although it used to be widely accepted that there were 9 planets in our solar system, in 2006 the International Astronomical Union reduced the number to 8, disqualifying which one as a planet?|
|3. Which is not one of Jupiter’s moons?|
|4. What is a theorized region of outer space possessing so much concentrated mass that no nearby object—not even light—can escape its gravitational pull?|
|5. The Crab Nebula is the result of what type of cataclysmic explosion, which occurs at the end of a star’s lifetime when its nuclear fuel is exhausted and its mass no longer is supported by the release of nuclear energy?|
|6. What celestial objects are a mixture of ices (both water and frozen gases) and dust—often referred to as “dirty snowballs”—and have highly elliptical orbits around the sun?|
|7. Which constellation is not viewable from most of the earth’s Northern Hemisphere (north of 27° north latitude)?|
|8. It takes over 25,000 years for the earth to wobble once. During that cycle, the north pole points to consecutive points around a great circle in the northern sky. This phenomenon is referred to as what?|
|9. The Perseid Meteor Shower, observable in mid-August each year, originates from what comet?|
|10. Besides the sun, what is the brightest star observable from earth?|
If there is any blank space under “Your Answers,” it means that you did not answer that question. You can go back and make any changes in your answers before you click on the “Score Quiz” button, which will cause the right responses to appear under “Correct Answers.”
|Your Answers:||Correct Answers:|
Return to Ted’s General Knowledge Quizzes
Return to Ted’s HOMEPAGE


Transitions Optical has opened a competition for an eye care professional to win a trip to space next year.
The winner will travel to the upper atmosphere and edge of space aboard a Mig 29 Russian military aircraft. They will be first sent to a Russian military base as part of the £15,000 experience.
Entrants collect points by registering the unique codes on the back of Transitions lens certificates of authenticity and other sales related activity. Visit www.Transitionsnet.co.uk for more details. The competition runs until September 30 2012.


Launched in 2006, New Horizons is the fastest spacecraft to ever leave Earth. It crossed the orbit of Jupiter the next year and has been traveling nearly a million miles a day—but it still took 9.5 years for the spacecraft to reach Pluto and its moons.
With less than 24 hours to go until New Horizons tears past Pluto, all systems are go for what’s shaping up to be a near-perfect flyby.
Pluto is officially the largest (known) object in the Kuiper belt, the zone of icy debris that floats beyond the orbit of Neptune. The dwarf planet is 2,370 kilometers across, give or take 20 kilometers.
Even though far better data will be collected over the next 24 hours, mission scientists are having fun speculating about everything they’re seeing so far.
In fact, New Horizons is going so fast—more than 30,000 miles per hour—that the spacecraft will pass by Pluto in just three minutes.
The entire close encounter lasts for hours, though, with New Horizons making hundreds of observations of Pluto and its five bizarre moons. The first of the highest-resolution images will be released Wednesday afternoon, and the rest of the data will trickle in over the next 16 months.
On Saturday, New Horizons got one of its last looks at this side of Pluto, which faces its moon Charon. Captured from a distance of 2.5 million miles from Pluto, the photo shows mysterious geometric features above the equator, along with sinewy dark splotches.
The New Horizons spacecraft, illustrated here flying past Pluto, traveled about 3 billion miles to visit the dwarf planet and its five known moons.
Pluto and its large moon Charon (left) look distinctly different. This is a composite image from July 11.
And the question arises….just what are we going to learn about pluto?
Well, New Horizons will take a good, detailed look at Pluto and its large moon Charon (in fact, Charon is so large it forms a binary system with Pluto). Scientists are curious about Pluto’s terrains and composition, whether there’s evidence for geologic activity, and what the planet’s thin, nitrogen atmosphere is doing. They’ll also be looking for clues to how the Pluto system formed and evolved—and many of those clues might lie in the features of the four small moons Nix, Hydra, Kerberos, and Styx.
Pluto Family Portrait
After New Horizons passes Pluto, it will continue sailing on into the Kuiper Belt, which is a vast, icy debris ring outside the orbit of Neptune. If NASA approves it, New Horizons will sail past and study another icy world within the next five years. The spacecraft carries enough fuel for that encounter (it’ll use the propellent to adjust its course), and will still be able to send data back to Earth, even though that body is nearly a billion miles farther out. Ultimately, it will continue heading out of the solar system, much as NASA’s Voyager I and II spacecraft are doing.
Check out: National Geographic for more specific info. and answers to questions raised…


The Pointing Alien to the Stars statue, featuring an extraterrestrial figure with a hand outstretched towards the cosmos, is a captivating emblem of interstellar wonder. For those who harbor dreams of exploring the final frontier, this cement standing alien statue is an essential addition to their collection of UFO collectibles. Crafted in America with meticulous attention to detail from premium cast stone, each statue is a testament to artistry and quality. Hand-painted one paranormal visitor at a time, it encapsulates the allure of close encounters with the unknown. Secure this beloved Science Fiction-inspired masterpiece before it embarks on a cosmic voyage back to Mars, becoming a cherished possession for all earthlings who share a fascination with the mysteries of space.


By Laura Shrake
At the MacAdam Student Observatory, students can observe the details of the night sky amid the bright lights of UK’s campus and the bustle and sirens of Lexington.
Inside the observatory, which sits atop Parking Structure No. 2 on Rose Street, three graduate students operate the telescope and explain what the observers are looking at in the sky.
“There are so many interesting things to look at in the night sky,” physics graduate student Eckhart Spalding said. “It’s hard to choose just one.”
But if he had to choose just one, he said the planets are the most interesting to examine. The telescope can easily show the rings of Saturn and large moons if they are in the right position.
“(The telescope) has the largest telescope lens on campus,” observatory director Tim Knauer said.
The observatory is convenient and easy to use, Eckhart said.
The biggest problem visitors encounter is light pollution from being on campus and in the city. However, Eckhart said the lighting conditions are sufficient for the research he is conducting.
“The good thing about the observatory is that it’s completely run by the computer,” physics graduate student Kyle McCarthy said. “There’s not a lot of down time … the computer tells the telescope where to go and students can just walk right up to the telescope and look.”
The telescope itself cost about $35,000, and including the instruments that support and move the telescope, Knauer estimates the cost to be between $60,000 and $70,000.
“The telescope is right at the break point (between) the biggest amateur telescope and the smallest professional telescope,” said Keith MacAdam, a professor emeritus at UK.
MacAdam said the observatory established in his name has relatively secure funding through an endowment he and his wife set up.
“(The endowment) will keep this thing going,” MacAdam said. “I wanted to support this because … it’s the best way to get a knowledge, love and appreciation for physical science into the community.”
Entering its sixth year, the observatory is dedicated to teaching undergraduate students in astronomy classes.
Knauer said undergraduate students in Astronomy 191 and 192 are required to visit the observatory for 30 minutes one evening in the semester to report on what they see.
The observatory is also open to off-campus groups and students.


Kennedy Space Center
While traveling through Florida this winter, we visited the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex. It is located on Cape Canaveral and, in addition to on-site attractions, offers tours by bus, allowing visitors to see the Saturn V rocket, rocket launchpads, and the vehicle assembly building.
The concrete pad in the photo below is the launchpad used to send the Apollo spacecraft to the moon. You may notice that the fence is curved outward; we were told this is to keep alligators from wandering onto the launchpad.
This is the vehicle assembly building. The American flag in the upper left corner is 22 stories tall!
This is the Apollo control room, containing original equipment. Sitting in the room you can imagine it as it once was, bustling with activity as history was made.
This cute little bus transported astronauts to the launch site.
The next three images show the Saturn V rocket, quite an impressive display in person.
This is the lunar landing module – so small!
This is a surface rover, built from spare parts but identical to the one used on the moon. The wheels are metal mesh.
These two photos show the space shuttle Atlantis – it’s like a delivery truck built for space. The giant arm in the photo below was used for docking onto the space station.
Rocket engines. The three main engines on Atlantis generated over 37 million horsepower. Wow.
A replica space shuttle stack, complete with two solid-fuel boosters, sits outside the building that houses Atlantis.
Report written by Mattea Brown, E.I.T.


Have any member is have interest of universe? What is take on universe if what we be learn is not really? Please not having flat earth thought. I believing universe is living being. Our self is like a microscopic bacteria for living being. Is same like with body. Believe universe is alive like having heartbeat pain thoughts. Maybe we are similar as cells? Is fascinate for me having universe thought.
I have sometimes looked at another person and wondered why I am me and how life is limited by me only being able to experience life inside myself and how life is like for others inside themselves.
My interest in the universe lies almost solely with its inevitable end, with a little room left over for how it might have begun, and almost no interest in what is happening in-between. Of the four most prevailing theories of how it all might end - the Big Freeze, the Big Crunch, the Big Rip, and the Big Change - the one I’m hoping for most is the Big Change, as that will be an absolute clean-sweep. Start again from scratch. The most profound reboot in existence. Although currently, the one that seems most likely to occur from what we’re seeing is the Big Rip, which is a little less pleasing, but will happen a lot sooner than the others, so it’s got its plus side.
As for the nature of the universe, while I believe that it is entirely possible that an Intelligent Force may have created it and set it all in motion (God, basically, but not necessarily of any currently held belief), I don’t think that Intelligence is interacting with it anymore, if it ever did beyond starting it. And as such, I think the universe is just matter and energy; just mindless, uncaring, unfeeling, unjudging matter and energy that neither notices us, nor would care if it did. Maybe the Intelligence that perhaps made it all notices us and cares, but He/She/It/They is or are not actively participating in anything that happens, even if that was once the case, so it plays no part in the universe’s current state or its eventual conclusion.
My two cents.
You speak as if any of us would be alive to see it.
The world and universe existed for millions of years supposedly before the first simple organisms appeared. I am pretty sure we will all be extinct millions of years before the Earth ends - unless humans at that time are able to colonize space but that could still very well be true as any cataclysm large enough to destroy Earth would probably have destroyed/rebooted the entire system and humanity will have long died off before that (maybe).
That is the prevailing scientific theory. Sentient life would go extinct long before any possible end of the universe. But on the bright side our universe is younger than we thought it was by 2 billion years and one of the Big Freeze I think was decried as impossible either that or it was the rip.
Related to feeling weird about the Universe and the possibility of life within another person, I once had a bizarre dream where I was trapped in the body of George Lucas and I was about to sign off on the sale of Lucasfilm to Disney.
It was so real… I still remember it all…
Bob Iger : “All you have to do is sign George and we’ll take it all off your hands.”
Me: “What are you talking about?”
Iger: "Lucas film. "
I recall excusing myself and checking the bathroom mirror… I was really George Lucas. I go back.
Me: “You mean Star Wars?”
Iger: “The whole thing, George. Just like we talked about.”
Me: “Why would I ever give you Star Wars?!?”
Iger: “You were tired George. You didn’t like fans saying stuff about the changes you did. Han shot second and all that.”
Me: “That’s bullshit, Bob! Han ALWAYS shot first!”
Iger (to my lawyer): “You talk to him.”
Also for some weird reason it was happening in a room overlooking the Comic Con show floor… It made me wonder why we were finishing the deal here…
Then I woke up…
No, I know none of us will be around. But that’s irrelevant. I’m so disgusted with the inherent flaw of reality’s very existence that anything that would result in its total, absolute break down and dissolution is something I cheer for, and in the case of the Big Change, if physicists are even partially correct, would fundamentally alter the very fabric of reality that all of existence would simply blink out into nothingness, or the universe would basically start over with entirely new laws and principles the likes of which we can scarcely dream. That comforts me, in a vindictive sort of way.
Besides, even if we were alive to see it, both the Big Change and the Big Rip would happen so quickly, literally in a fraction of a nanosecond, we’d all be in the Twilight Zone thirty seconds before we even knew what happened.
I think it was actually the Big Crunch. The Big Freeze is the current front runner, with the Big Rip gaining traction on it the more we see the effects of Dark Energy. The Big Change is a big maybe, but best of the lot in my book.
Sometimes I wonder if this hasn’t all happened before… How do we know we’re not in the 100,000th iteration of all life?
Christ, I hope not. That’s a record player that does not need to be left in repeat mode. Any reality this inherently, fundamentally awful doesn’t deserve to get more than one go-round, and I think it’s time the plug was pulled as is. Somebody wake up Azathoth already!
What if as Happen inside mass effect is true? We not Finding other planet for having life because universe is only allow one planet with living creature one times until next cycle. So many waste for space. So huge.
I am not aware this is true in Mass Effect. What I remember in Mass Effect is Reaper always erase all life when life advance too much and make advanced machine creatures.
Many planet in Mass Effect have living creatures. Example human, turian, asari, etc.
If you’ve got the time this is certainly worth a watch. I found it really interesting, especially towards the end
No matter how bad it gets, nothing is forever.
Which inherent flaw exactly?
What makes you so sure that the laws and principles would change?
What is it with this extremely negative outlook?
Lots of theories talk about a neverending repeating cycle like you just described. Another possiblity is that we are simply a simulation, however weird and counterintuitive that sounds.
Interesting phrase that could be read in different definitions. One is that nothing will last forever, a very common phrase. Another definition would be the concept of nothingness in the quantum fields, which does basically exist forever.
I think that was disproven on grounds that any Intelligence with the capacity to create this simulation would have no motivation to simulate us.
That if such Simulation Interest is deemed factual then the existence of such Intelligence means a potentially infinite set of nested simulations.
Weird conclusion to draw, and based on what? Humanity at this point already loves simulations.
How does a near infinite set of simulations disprove our reality being a simulation?
The first because we would be “too mundane” or not interesting enough for something that intelligent.
But also that if it were then it is highly probable there are infinite (not near infinite actually infinite) simulations (we are simulation that create other simulation, they too can be simulation, and so on) which is not possible because then nothing would be able to progress. A bit like “moving the start line backwards forever”.
That’s a huge assumption on your part. Besides, it’s hard to grasp what counts as entertainment for such a civilization. Try explaining a squirrel the point of an amusement park, it simply won’t grasp it. Same for this civilization, it could simply be a form of entertainment to watch and observe a simulation they created. Hell, on a much smaller scale we do the same with games like the sims.
Again, that is a flawed conclusion. You are also assuming that a simulation will be allowed to simulate universes themselves. Also lets assume were a simulation, we then got simulated in a world where creating simulations of such scale ourselves is simply not possible.
To then claim that nothing would be able to progress is off aswell. It doesn’t mean that literally everything everywhere is a simulation.
I know and think a lot about this subject, but I can’t express it without confusion
I also had dreams… Two of them. Both had my father in them. It’s peculiar. I’m older now then he ever was by twenty years. So, in a sense, he’s the younger man. Anyway, the first one I don’t remember too well but, it was about meeting him in town somewhere and he give me some money. I think I lost it. The second one, it was like we was both back in older times and I was on horseback going through the mountains of a night. Going through this pass in the mountains. It was cold and there was snow on the ground and he rode past me and kept on going. Never said nothing going by – just rode on past. And he had his blanket wrapped around him and his head down. When he rode past, I seen he was carrying fire in a horn the way people used to do, and I-I could see the horn from the light inside of it – about the color of the moon. And in the dream I knew that he was going on ahead and he was fixing to make a fire somewhere out there in all that dark and all that cold. And I knew that whenever I got there, he’d be there. And then I woke up.


For the first time ever scientists have observed a collision of two neutron stars. They used two different kinds of methodologies, gravitational waves and light.
These ground-breaking results were presented yesterday by the research teams behind the discovery of gravitational waves – work which recently earned three of their leading researchers the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics. 11 fellows from the EU funded project GraWIToN have participated in this observation. The project is funded with €3.7 million under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.
Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, Carlos Moedas, underlined the extraordinary nature of the observation: “Today marks a new approach in astronomy. From now on researchers are able to both see and hear cosmic events to better understand them. I am proud that EU funding contributed to their pioneering revelations.”
Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, emphasised that “this discovery again proves that our investment in excellent researchers leads to important scientific breakthroughs. Here, the results have the potential to revolutionise astrophysics, but the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions support research that helps us tackle the big challenges facing Europe across the board”.
The discovery will further deepen our grasp of the universe demonstrating that gold and platinum are formed in large cosmic collisions. The research was conducted by the LIGO observatory in the US, the Virgo detector in Italy, and other facilities including the European Southern Observatory (ESO). The EU has supported ESO with over €14 million in the past ten years.


To enhance what the children have been learning about 'Space' as part of our whole school topic this term, we welcomed 'Space Odyssey' to school today.
The 'Space Odyssey' mobile planetarium gave the children a wonderful 360 degree, 3D digital dome experience. The multi-sensory activity was tailored specifically to the learning needs of each key stage and was greeted with great enthusiasm and delight from everyone, adults and children alike!
Our favourite comment of the morning had to be from Elena in Year F who, when seeing the dome for the first time said, "Oh wow!, this is awesome!".
We would like to say a very big thank you to Simon Ould from 'Space Odyssey' for sharing his enthusiasm about Space with us and making this such a great learning experience for the children.


How Long Does It Take To Get to the Moon in a Car?
The Moon, Earth’s only natural satellite, has always fascinated humanity. It is a celestial body located approximately 238,855 miles away from our planet. As we gaze up at the night sky, it’s natural to wonder: How long would it take to reach the Moon in a car? Well, let’s delve into this intriguing question.
To put it simply, it’s impossible to drive a car to the Moon. The distance is far too vast, and the challenges are insurmountable. However, let’s embark on a hypothetical journey for the sake of curiosity. If it were possible to drive a car to the Moon, how long would it take?
Assuming an average speed of 60 miles per hour, it would take approximately 3,981 hours or around 166 days to reach the Moon. This calculation is based on the average distance between Earth and the Moon. However, it’s essential to consider the lack of roads, the absence of breathable air, and the need for a spacecraft to navigate through space.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I drive to the Moon from the United Kingdom?
No, driving to the Moon is not possible. It requires a spacecraft and advanced technology.
2. How long does it take to reach the Moon in a spaceship?
A typical journey to the Moon takes around three days, depending on the spacecraft and mission.
3. Can astronauts see the United Kingdom from the Moon?
No, astronauts cannot see specific countries from the Moon. The view from the lunar surface is limited to Earth as a whole.
4. Has anyone from the United Kingdom been to the Moon?
No, no one from the United Kingdom has set foot on the Moon. Only American astronauts have achieved this feat.
5. How far is the Moon from the United Kingdom?
The distance between the United Kingdom and the Moon is approximately 238,855 miles.
6. Can I visit the Moon as a tourist?
Currently, space tourism is not readily available for the general public. However, private companies are developing plans for future lunar tourism.
7. Are there any plans for a manned lunar mission in the future?
Yes, several space agencies, including NASA and private companies, have plans for future manned lunar missions and even establishing a lunar base.
While it’s not feasible to drive a car to the Moon, technological advancements have allowed humans to explore and study this celestial body in other ways. The dream of reaching the Moon still fascinates us, and with continued advancements, it may become a reality for future generations.


Here is an archive of slides from some of my public and semi-public
presentations on this topic. Standalone slide presentations are stored
as PDF files. If additional files were used, the set is collected in a
Last Modified: Tue Nov 24 23:41:16 2009
- Presentation at the American Astronomical Society, 207th Meeting, January 10, 2006
- Washington DC.
Major revisions over the previous version are draft
updates to the Setterfield c-decay curve, inclusion of Gentry's
erroneous galaxy cluster analysis, and simple solar claims.


The first episode traces the development of the four rocky planets in our solar system : Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. They were born at the same time from the same material, yet have gone entirely different paths. What forces are at work behind it? Why has Earth thrived whilst the others have faded away? Advanced space missions reveal the moments when the fate of these worlds turned.
6 months after rescuing his family from Golding, Harry Clayton is a very different man. He hasnt laid a bet in 186 days and has sworn off using the power of the bracelet - until he meets a woman with an identical bracelet.


The highest toll paid by a ship to cross the Panama Canal was by the Crown Princess on May 2, 1993 in the amount of $141,349.97 U.S. funds.
A giraffe can go longer without water than a camel.
A galactic year is 250 million Earth-years. This is the time it takes for our solar system to make one revolution around the Milky Way Galaxy.
A M A Z I N G F A C T S
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Welcome to the SURP at U of T Astro website!
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) in astronomy and astrophysics at the University of Toronto is a unique experience for undergraduate students in astronomy, physics, or engineering to prepare for a career in scientific research.
The 16-week program, which runs annually from early May through mid August, aims to provide research opportunities with astronomers from the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, the David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics (DADDAA), and the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics.
Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to:
For summer 2021, SURP will run from May 3 through August 20, provide an estimated stipend of $9,595 for the 16-week period, and be held remotely due to COVID-19. The program will have all components listed above, and specific details will be provided at the start of the program.
|26 May||Jeremy Webb||Big Picture/Setting up the scene|
|02 Jun||J. J. Zanazzi||From Newton to Zahn: Orbital Dynamics and Tidal Evolution in Stellar and Planetary/Exoplanetary Systems|
|09 Jun||Kartheik Iyer||The Hitchhiker's Guide to Galaxy Evolution|
|16 Jun||Ted Mackereth||Getting to know the Galaxy: the Milky Way and its stellar populations|
|23 Jun||Jennifer Chan||Probing cosmic magnetic fields with light|
|07 Jul||Masen Lamb||Instrumentation and science with adaptive optics|
|21 Jul||Josh Speagle||From "Chi by Eye" to MCMC: An Introduction to Estimating Errors in Astronomy|
|28 Jul||James McKee||Pulsars: Theory and Application|
|04 Aug||Ilana MacDonald||An introduction to gravitational waves|
|11 Aug||Keir Rogers||Cosmology|
|18 Aug||Jenna Freudenburg||Scaling the Wall: Understanding Cosmic Evolution through Large-Scale Structure|
Line-intensity mapping (LIM) surveys in the next decade will produce observations of fluctuations in integrated line intensity across large cosmological volumes, targeting various radio and sub-millimetre lines that all trace matter and galaxies in different ways. One key way to maximise the value of LIM surveys will be through cross-correlations between (or even within) surveys, which should allow inference of more information with more confidence compared to analysing only auto-correlations for each target line. However, forecasting such cross-correlations requires self-consistent, physically motivated line-emission models that can be applied to large cosmological simulations. The project will build on existing simulation frameworks to explore potential LIM cross-correlation scenarios, with an eye on their viability for near- and far-future surveys. The student will gain skills related to analysis of numerical simulations, as well as understanding of high-redshift astrophysics and cosmology. Given the wide range of possibilities, details will change to match the student's exact interests.
Originally the subject of science-fiction, astronomers have now detected several dozen “Tatooine planets,” or planets in orbit around two stars (which orbit one-another). In fact, astronomers have discovered so many Tatooine planets that their existence may constrain the past orbital history of the two stars. As the two stars orbit each other, the gravitational pull from one star on the other causes the gas within each star to “slosh,” which dissipates energy and causes the stars to move closer to one another, a process called “tidal circularization and migration.” For this project, the researcher will do simulations of planets orbiting two stars, while the stars are undergoing tidal circularization and migration. The researcher will then place unique constraints on the past history of the two orbiting stars, using the presence or absence of detected Tatooine planets.
Image credit: JPL/Caltech
This project will focus on understanding the evolution of our universe across cosmic time, investigating how we can combine measurements from two upcoming instruments to disentangle different kinds of astrophysical signals from galaxies. Combining these measurements, spectra of Carbon Monoxide (CO) from galaxies and infrared images of galaxies, will help us understand the epoch of reionization, when starlight from young galaxies started playing an important role in the evolution of the universe, and the peak of star formation, when galaxies started to resemble the populations we see today.
TIME is an instrument being developed to study the faint objects in our universe using line intensity mapping (LIM). TIME will measure ionized carbon emission from redshift (z) of 5 to 9 to probe the evolution of our universe during the epoch of reionization. TIME will also measure low-redshift CO fluctuations and map molecular gas in the epoch of peak cosmic star formation from redshift 0.5 to 2. The Roman Space Telescope is an upcoming NASA observatory that will take infrared images of tens of millions of galaxies out to z ~= 2, which will overlap spatially with the CO foreground that TIME will observe.This project will look at how many galaxies we expect to see with TIME in each voxel of the lower redshift survey and determine how many of these Roman could detect with its legacy imaging survey. It will explore what we can learn about galaxy formation, large-scale structure, and cosmic evolution by combining these two measurements.
In this era of multi-wavelength, wide-field surveys, it's become a challenge to organize and visualize how these different initiatives are related to one another. In this project, we will develop a web-based (HTML/JS/CSS) interface to develop an optimal strategy for visualizing the celestial positions of the locations and properties of the gamut of astronomical surveys on-sky. The project will involve figuring out how to interface with existing information from surveys, through Python, and developing a pipeline to generate the web-based visuals.
Fuzzy Dark Matter (FDM) is a newly proposed dark matter model consists of ultralight axions of mass 10-22 eV. They behave like Cold Dark Matter on large scales with significant change on scales below a few kpc (the de Broglie wavelength of FDM). The dynamics of FDM is described by a complex scalar field governing by the Schrodinger-Poisson equation. The wave nature of FDM leads to new interesting phenomena. For example, FDM halo has vortices almost everywhere with density fluctuation of order unity. At the centre of the FDM halo, a soliton core is formed and oscillate due to the interference between different eigenstates. The new phenomena of FDM can have observable effects on stellar dynamics, gravitational lensing and pulsar timing. In this project, the student will perform calculations of FDM model to understand its properties and observable signatures. The student can also use the SPoS code to simulate FDM evolutions. Potential topics to explore include the tidal disruption of FDM, lensing effects of FDM, cosmological evolution of FDM with baryons depending on the student's interests.
Galaxies form in the Universe via hierarchical assembly: smaller clumps conglomerate together to form ever larger structures and eventually the galaxies we observe at the present day. The specific way that galaxies assemble (i.e. fast or slow, early or late) likely impacts on the way they look today. For example, we believe that the Milky Way and other disc galaxies must not have many major merging events, since these might disturb the stars in their discs.
In this project, the student will construct the histories of galaxies from the EAGLE simulations of galaxy evolution. Since the simulations track galaxies from their birth up to the present day, they provide a unique way to study how galaxies assemble in a realistic universe. By studying how different histories lead to different populations of galaxies at the present day, the student will determine how well a galaxy’s assembly history can determine its final properties. This project will develop skills in data analysis using Python and the EAGLE SQL galaxy database and provide an introduction to cosmological simulations and observational constraints in the local universe.
The Milky Way offers up solutions to the problem of galaxy formation and evolution on a star-by-star basis, allowing us to test models for galaxy evolution in our Galactic back-yard. In order to make these tests as useful as possible, however, we need to properly understand how representative of a ‘typical’ spiral galaxy the Milky Way actually is. Of course, this idea begs the question of what even constitutes a ‘typical’ galaxy? A lot of effort has been made in recent years to approach this problem observationally, by selecting galaxies in large surveys that have similar bulk properties to those we can measure for the Milky Way. However, very few studies have approached this question from the vantage point of simulations of galaxy formation.
In this project the student will use the EAGLE suite of cosmological simulations of galaxy formation to examine the question of what it means for a galaxy to be ‘typical’, and also to examine how we might improve our selection of ‘Milky Way Analogues’ in observational data sets. The project may also involve studying analogues of our near neighbour, the Andromeda galaxy (M31), in the simulations, contrasting them with the Milky Way analogues. The project will develop skills in data analysis using Python and the EAGLE SQL galaxy database and provide an introduction to cosmological simulations and observational constraints from the Milky Way for interested students.
Magnetic fields are present throughout the universe, including the interstellar medium (ISM) in our Galaxy. One of our best tools for studying ISM magnetism is radio polarization, particularly the Faraday rotation effect which causes the polarization of radio emission to be modified by the magnetic field. Faraday tomography is a method of analyzing radio polarization data that tries to characterize emission by the position on the sky and the strength of the Faraday rotation, creating complex pseudo-3D cubes of the polarized sky. Interpreting these cubes is a challenge, but the spectral line community have developed tools for their own data, which has a lot of similarities to Faraday tomography results.
This project will be to investigate the use of spectral line component fitting tools for Faraday tomography data, modifying the tools as necessary to work for polarization and testing them with low-frequency Faraday tomography data. Once successful, the focus will be split between producing a tool that can be used by the radio polarization community, and analyzing the results coming out of the tools. Over the course of the project the student will become familiar with radio polarization concepts, programming and version control, data exploration and visualization, and Galactic magnetism.
Tidal and other sedimentary deposits record the number of days per month, the number of months per year, and the number of hours per day, over the last 3.2 Gyrs of Earth's history. These records suggest that atmospheric thermal tides, produced by sunlight heating Earth's atmosphere, produced a torque similar in magnitude to the ocean tides produced by the Moon. The student will use the Markov Chain Monte Carlo code Stan to use a comprehensive tidal model, combined with the geologic data, to constrain the strength of the thermal tide over geologic time. This will also yield a measurement of the mean surface temperature of Earth over billions of years.
It is believed that stars form by gravitational collapse of dense and cold structures located in molecular clouds. However, the process that leads to the formation of these over-densities is still unclear. Radiative condensation of the diffuse warm neutral medium (WNM) is a plausible mechanism for producing the cold neutral medium (CNM), and in turn the CNM, being denser, is thought to be a critical initial step leading the atomic-to-molecular (HI-to-H2) transition. Huge efforts have been made to understand the formation of molecular gas, but the step that led to the formation of the cold HI still remains unclear. Numerical simulations abound. Furthermore, a large amount of data has been collected over the last decade and so we now have access to arcmin spatial resolution observations to study the transition.
Among these data sets, the GHIGLS 21-cm line survey at 10' resolution covers over 1000 deg2 and gives us the possibility to look at different environments of the Galaxy. Some large areas of this have been studied at 1' resolution in the DHIGLS survey. The first goal of this admittedly open-ended project is to analyze the multiphase structure of intermediate latitude HI fields in these surveys. In particular, to get started the student(s) will focus their work on analyzing GHIGLS data on a specific region, e.g., the intermediate velocity clouds G86 or Draco, HI structures located at the disk halo interface that hint at and/or show the formation of CNM and/or molecular (H2) gas.
As a very first step specifically related to honing computing skills, the student(s) will have the opportunity to probe the phase transition in HI by making use of the ROHSA multi-Gaussian decomposition code. This step will familiarize them with handling archival HI spectral data stored in data cubes, extracting spectra, and manipulating spectra (integrals, moments, etc.), as well as visualization. It will also introduce them to the ROHSA optimization tool for inverse problem solving applied to astrophysical observations such as the 21-cm line.
The end result is an original assessment of the distribution of the gas among the thermal phases and their physical properties. Through this scientific investigation, the students will contribute to original research and publish results on some interesting astrophysical questions, while acquiring a wide range of skills, from new statistical tools (ROHSA) to popular programming languages (python, LATEX) and management tools (GitHub, Overleaf, Notion).
In later steps (the open-ended possibilities!), it will be possible to start a comparison with other tracers of the interstellar medium, such as the thermal emission by dust grains seen by the Herschel and Planck satellites (the latter including polarization). This opens up many interesting questions for inquiry, e.g., Does the thermal condensation shaping the neutral interstellar medium reveal any signature of a change in the properties of this dusty fluid (for example, an evolution of the dust emissivity)?
Based on similar projects undertaken by students last winter, last summer, and during this year, we have good evidence that such projects can be quite successful even under the restrictions imposed by COVID-19.
We will analyze super-computer simulations of star clusters and their tidal debris in cosmological simulations to understand the relationship between the stars and the dark matter. Time permitting we will link the simulation results to observations of stars in the Milky Way and Local Group.
This project focuses on understanding the history and evolution of our universe about 1 billion years after the big bang using a new instrument called TIME. TIME is an instrument being developed to study the faint objects in our universe using a technique called line intensity mapping (LIM). TIME will measure ionized carbon ([CII]) emission from redshift 5 to 9 to probe the evolution of our universe during the epoch of reionization to understand how first stars and galaxies formed and ionized the neutral hydrogen in our universe. TIME will also measure low-redshift carbon monoxide fluctuations and map molecular gas in the epoch of peak cosmic star formation from redshift 0.5 to 2. This project will focus on the TIME data analysis pipeline and developing tools to filter the data and remove atmospheric contamination to the data to assure robust scientific results.
Image credit: Jon Hunacek
Most of the mass in the Universe exists in the form of dark matter, an enigmatic substance with unknown particle properties that only appears to interact gravitationally with baryonic matter. Viable dark matter particle candidates span over thirty orders of magnitude in mass, ranging from supersymmetric particles at the GeV scale to ultra-light bosons with particle masses of 10-22 eV. In theories with ultra-light dark matter, the de Broglie wavelength of the particle is comparable to the size of a galaxy, so quantum mechanical phenomena manifest on galactic length scales. Collapsed dark matter structures that form in this scenario have dense central cores, and exhibit wave-like density fluctuations on galactic scales of ~1kpc.
Gravitational lensing, or the deflection of light by gravitational fields, provides a unique and elegant means with which to probe dark matter structure in the Universe. In particular, in strong gravitational lenses the deflection by a foreground galaxy and its associated dark matter is so extreme that four highly magnified images of a single background source appear. The brightness of these images is extremely sensitive to small-scale dark matter structure between the observer and the source, and can therefore reveal the presence of the density fluctuations predicted by ultra-light dark matter theories. The student's role in this project will be to explore the application of strong gravitational lensing to constrain theories of ultra-light dark matter. This can involve theoretical work to compute the density profiles of the dark matter structures that affect lensing data, or computational investigation of the strong lensing effects of ultra-light dark matter.
Image credit: ESA/Hubble, NASA, Suyu et al.
Upcoming cosmology experiments require lots of innovative software to coordinate observations, manage data collection and process and understand the data. The Simons Observatory (SO) will be a multi-telescope observatory in Chile for creating large and very sensitive maps of the cosmic microwave background to probe for inflation, measure the total mass of the three neutrino species, study the growth of structure, and much more. The Hydrogen Intensity and Real-Time Analysis eXperiment (HIRAX) will be an array of 1024 six-metre radio dishes in South Africa that will use intensity mapping to make huge, 3D maps of the universe between z = 0.8 and 2.5 in order to study dark energy and characterise pulsars and fast radio bursts. Each of SO and HIRAX will start being deployed in 2021.
There are various opportunities for summer research to contribute to the development of software for collecting, processing and understanding the data on either SO or HIRAX. The project can be tailored based on the applicant’s interests coupled with the needs of the experiment and will involve coding, typically in python and perhaps C++. Programming experience is helpful, but the position also offers the opportunity to develop these software skills, which are increasingly important for astrophysics research.
More information on SO and HIRAX is linked from my webpage: http://www.astro.utoronto.ca/~ahincks/
Image credit: HIRAX (left), S. Dicker (right)
Supernovae studies have been central in moving modern astronomy forward, which is best described as “seeding the elements and measuring the Universe.” Young supernovae that are detected within a few hours from the explosion are of particular interest and importance since they have crucial information for how supernovae explode. They are also prime targets for neutrino and/or gravitational wave detection. Using the KMTNet facility, which provides 24-hour continuous sky coverage with three wide-field telescopes in southern hemisphere, we are now detecting elusive young supernovae as well as unusual optical transients previously unidentified. This project is to study those young supernovae and optical transients to understand their nature.
The Balloon-borne Astrophysics group has opportunities for a variety of undergraduate positions in the construction and integration of the SPIDER and SuperBIT balloon-borne telescopes. SPIDER is a mm-wave telescope designed to search for the signature of gravitational waves from the epoch of cosmological inflation in the early Universe. It will make a 3 week flight from Antarctica in December 2021. SuperBIT is a wide-field visible/near UV diffraction-limited imaging telescope designed to measure the distribution of dark matter around over 100 massive galaxy clusters through both strong and weak lensing. It will be integrated over the summer of 2021 in preparation for a 100 day flight in 2022.
Projects include mechanical and electronic engineering, flight and ground software (C, C++, Rust, Python), construction and debugging, data analysis, and flight observation planning. Experience in any of these areas is a plus, but only interest is required.
There are many opportunities on either telescope, and the project will be adjusted to fit the interests of the applicant. For more information about our group, see https://sites.physics.utoronto.ca/barthnetterfield
While interstellar dust only comprises ~1% of the interstellar medium by mass, it scatters >30% of all light. It therefore both is a pervasive systematic in many astronomical observations and also a powerful tracer of Galactic structure. By modeling the integrated effects of intervening dust over millions of visible stars at a wide range of distances, we can construct 3-D dust maps that can be useful for both of these purposes. This project will explore developing and applying new statistical and computational techniques to construct the next generation of 3-D dust maps using both simulated and/or real data. The results will be incorporated into ongoing projects to construct 3-D dust maps using >1 billion stars.
Stars form in clustered environments that either break up soon after formation or continue to evolve as star clusters. The natural end product of a star cluster’s evolution is complete dissolution, as internal and external processes work to continuously strip stars from the cluster. Once a star escapes its host cluster, it populates one of two thin tidal tails that precede and succeed the cluster along its orbit. Once the cluster itself dissolves, all that is left is a stellar stream (see Figure 1). Tails and streams have been shown to be quite sensitive to the evolution and present day structure of their host galaxy, such that significant work goes into modelling and observationally searching for tails and steams. Hence students interested in either observational or theoretical astronomy should consider this project. Potential observational work includes utilizing the GAIA database to search for tidal streams or measure the properties of known streams. Potential theoretical projects include modelling how dwarf galaxies affect tails and streams, modelling stream-stream interactions to compare with GAIA data, and estimating the distribution of exoplanetary systems along tails and streams.
Choosing between different classes of models to describe a given dataset is a common problem in both astronomy and statistics. We will explore the use of several Monte Carlo methods to investigate the use of "Bayes Factors" for model selection and explore how they perform across a suite of simulated globular cluster data.
Machine learning (ML) methods can generate predictions to a wide variety of data, but these predictions do not come with "reliability" flags that tell you whether you should trust them or not. These can be especially important when ML methods are applied to new datasets outside of domains where they have been trained. We will investigate whether we can use of unsupervised dimensionality reduction and clustering algorithms to develop workflows to identify these types of cases using a suite of benchmark ML datasets and, if time permits, some astronomy-focused ones.
We have designed the DMD-MOS fed by the 16-inch telescope with F/18 beam in the seeing-limited resolution of 1.5”, including both spectroscopic and imaging modes within one instrument, as a prototype. As part of this project, students will be involved in complex DMD-MOS investigation (understand the science requirements, calculate the parameters, et al.), and system design (join into the design progress from the sketch, and prepare for the delivery design to manufacture.) This process will superbly help students deeply understand the principle of the complex spectrographs. Based on this, students will work on the program and coding for the spectral data reduction. At the same time, the students will join in the real spectrograph alignment and calibration with the equipment in our advanced optical lab. They will have chance to gain the experience of installing the spectrograph onto the telescope and observing spectral images.
The students who have the engineering or optics related background will be better to fit this position.
On large (galaxy-wide) scales, the appearance (morphology) of galaxies is correlated with their past star formation activity. On the smallest scales within galaxies, the local star formation rate is correlated with the local gas density (also referred to as the Kennicutt-Schmidt law). In this project, students will study the connection between the factors regulating star formation in galaxies on different spatial and temporal scales, and connect different morphological factors of galaxies (such as bars, bulges and spiral arms) with their star formation histories, identifying features that correspond to star formation on different timescales. Depending on the students' interest, this can be done using machine learning methods as well, although some familiarity with programming in python is recommended for that.
The formation and evolution of galaxies are impossible to comprehend using observations alone, making today's cosmological hydrodynamical simulations with multi-scale models of physical processes a critical deciphering tool. However, despite the success of cosmological hydrodynamical simulations largely matching observed galaxy scaling relations, they have yet to reproduce the size evolution of galaxies as observed by the thousands of orbits of extragalactic imaging by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST); the sizes of galaxies are not consistent with observations, nor across different simulations. Is this because the simulations are making galaxies with the wrong sizes? Or is it because they have not yet incorporated the effect of the major culprit that is distorting our observations of galaxies - dust? We can answer this question by applying the effect of dust on simulation outputs to create realistic observed images of galaxies. In this project, we will use state-of-the-art dust radiative transfer package Powderday to create mock "observed" HST images of galaxies from different simulations (SIMBA, IllustrisTNG, EAGLE, and FIRE). The student will thus make apple-to-apple comparisons between the sizes of galaxies in different simulations to the observed sizes of galaxies to settle the question - are the sizes of galaxies in simulations wrong? We will also create mock images for the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope from all the simulations which we will release in a public database. The student will learn to code in python, do statistical analysis, learn about cosmological hydrodynamical simulations, observations with HST and JWST, and will also help with creating the public database.
Galaxy morphologies contain information vital to decoding their evolution. In this project a student will work on comparing the light- and mass-weighted morphologies for a sample of distant galaxies observed with some of the Hubble space telescope's deepest imaging (the Hubble eXtreme Deep Field) to those of galaxies from cutting-edge cosmological simulations to quantify their similarities and differences. Using this analysis in conjunction with the star formation histories of these galaxies, the student will aim to reaffirm what current simulations get right about galaxy evolution, and discover what is still missing in our picture.
Image credit: NASA; ESA; G. Illingworth, D. Magee, and P. Oesch, University of California, Santa Cruz; R. Bouwens, Leiden University; and the HUDF09 Team).
The search for technosignatures (or the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence - SETI) is one of the most profound questions in astronomy. In the era of big data astronomy, SETI work also represents a major data processing challenge that is drawing heavily on the advancement of machine learning algorithms and signal processing techniques. The Breakthrough Listen Initiative is currently conducting the world’s most comprehensive SETI search on the MeerKAT telescope in South Africa, ultimately surveying 1 million nearby stars for artificial radio emission. A similar program is being commissioned on the Very Large Array (VLA) in the US. We are recruiting student(s) to contribute to these two main SETI search projects, specifically regarding data processing and search algorithm optimization. Familiarity with high performance computing/programming would be an asset. The student(s) would also be collaborating closely with the intern cohort of BL@Scale at the UC Berkeley SETI Research Center, as well as other team members on the MeerKAT and the VLA projects.
The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) is a revolutionary new radio telescope, recently completed outside Penticton, BC. In the first two years of operation, CHIME is discovering many new Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs), and this discovery rate is expected to keep course if not further increase. CHIME has brought about a new landscape in the FRB field; for the first time we will be able to study FRB as a population. In order to do that, all these interesting detections will need to be systematically followed up, verified and characterized in an automated manner. In parallel, CHIME is monitoring over 500 known pulsars with an unprecedentedly high cadence. This is a valuable data set for studying temporal variations in pulsars, such as nulling, mode changing and giant pulse, which could contribute to a better understand of the emission mechanism of neutron stars.
There are many opportunities and potential projects using CHIME FRB/Pulsar data, including software and signal processing pipelines, data analysis and visualization, as well as transient astrophysics. The project can be adjusted to fit the interest and skill set of the applicant. As part of CHIME, students will also experience collaborative research environment through weekly interactions with members from other institutions. Students interested in radio signal processing are encouraged to apply. Familiarity with programming would be an asset.
Image credit: Andre Renard, Dunlap Institute
The recent detection of gravitational waves (GWs) was a stunning confirmation of Einstein’s general theory of relativity; the first co-detection of electromagnetic radiation can shed light on the nature of the catastrophic events that spawn GWs. This means simulating “kilonova” light-curves and carefully fitting them to data. But, these simulations are prohibitively computationally expensive. In this project, the student researcher will develop a machine learning (ML) alternative to make the analysis possible. Depending on the interests of the student, they can (i) investigate the most effective ML algorithms (e.g., Gaussian processes, Bayesian neural networks); (ii) make forecasts for the constraining power of future observations; (iii) use the method to analyse current light-curve observations; or any combination of the above.
The project will involve coding in Python and the use of popular scientific machine learning packages (e.g., scikit-learn, GPy, Tensorflow). The student will develop the full range of skills required for the data-focussed astrophysicist, in scientific coding, the use of machine learning packages and the analysis of astronomical data and simulations; with the focus matched to the student’s interests.
The origin of the Universe and the physical nature of most of its contents remain uncertain. However, ongoing observations of the microwave-frequency radiation in the sky can shed light. This is because this radiation (the cosmic microwave background) is the “afterglow” of the Big Bang. The patterns in this light encode information about how the Universe formed (testing models of cosmic “inflation”) and about the masses of sub-atomic particles called neutrinos that are formed in the early Universe.
The challenge is that this primordial signal is obscured by microwave light from the Milky Way. In this project, the student will apply, develop and improve methods for extracting the primordial signal from noisy, contaminated data. This will require testing on sophisticated cosmological simulations of the microwave sky and, further, the student can apply their work to new, high-resolution observations from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope combined with satellite data from the Planck mission. The project will develop skills in scientific Python coding, (wavelet) signal processing and the analysis of cosmological simulations and data.
Magnetic fields are present throughout the universe, including the interstellar medium in galaxies. One of our best tools for studying ISM magnetism is radio polarization, particularly the Faraday rotation effect which causes the polarization of radio emission to be modified by the magnetic field. Radio polarization and Faraday rotation surveys provide a valuable resource for studies of magnetic fields in the Milky Way and other galaxies. In the next few years large radio surveys will dramatically increase the amount of Faraday rotation data we have, from the few tens of thousands of measurements we have now to over a million, dramatically increasing what we can learn scientifically from these measurements. But all of these scientific discoveries using these data will rely on the measurements having trustworthy error bars. This project will focus on testing and refining error analysis in data pipelines for polarization surveys, with the goal of ensuring that all the error bars are as accurate as we can make them. This will involve a mixture of real data and simulations, and will involve testing on data from the specific surveys in question as well as trying to generalize to any radio polarization data. Over the course of this project the student will gain knowledge and skills in radio data processing, scientific programming in Python, statistics and error analysis, and polarimetry.
Massive stars live fast, die young and leave a beautiful transient behind called a supernova explosion. However, despite decades of research the explosion mechanism is not well understood. The first computer simulations of supernova explosions predicted that instead of exploding, the star would collapse under its own self gravity and form a black hole, and even today, different computer codes predict different outcomes for the same kind of progenitor star. In this project we will tackle this issue using a novel approach, combining analytic and computational tools. The successful candidate will help run simulation and analyse their data, and so some experience in python and c++ will be necessary. Prior knowledge of hydrodynamics and stellar structure is preferred, but not required.


[ Instrument network instrument research and development ] Recently, the editor learned that after two years of research by Wang Jian's research group in the Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, the research team of Wang Jian, according to the InSb detector, was 2.5- With high response performance on the 5um band, the infrared sky background measuring instrument for continuous scanning and observation on this band is completed by using the linear variable filter feature of linear change in this band. It has overcome the key technologies of infrared observation weak signal detection, high-gain sensitive amplification, dark current and background noise suppression, high-vacuum and low-temperature packaging, and high-precision digital phase-locked amplification. The relevant results have been published in the well-known journal "JATIS" in this field.
In order to ensure that after the successful construction of these large-scale equipment, the development of infrared observation instruments and the observation and research of infrared astronomy can be carried out smoothly and efficiently, it is necessary to measure the infrared sky background of the relevant candidate sites. 2.5-5um is the beginning of the thermal infrared band, which is the area where the L and M bands are important windows for ground observation. The research team successfully extracted the signal submerged in noise by using phase-locked amplification technology; in order to reduce the influence of the dark current of the detector, The detector is cooled to below -150Â°C; in order to overcome the background thermal noise caused by the instrument, a low-temperature chopper and optical design are carried out. In order to overcome the absorption effect of the ground atmosphere, ground-based infrared telescopes can only observe from several atmospheric windows.
In addition, infrared observation is an important means of astronomical research. For a long time, the development of infrared astronomy research in my country has been limited by the lack of good sites and detectors. Domestic infrared detector technology started late and the development is relatively lagging, coupled with foreign commercial restrictions on infrared equipment in China, making my country's infrared astronomy development seriously lagging behind.
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I bought a brand new intuouse 3 tablet. First of all, I highly recommend buying one if you have the money. They are a must-have item for any digital artist, but only if you get painter classic for the program. I say painter classic and painter classic only because it has THE BEST set of tools. No other painting program I have ever used has such an absolutely perfect and refined life-like simulation of drawing material as Corel's Painter Classic. Get it. Got it? Good! In particular, the tool I use most often is the Sable Tip Paint brush. Next to that would be the fat stroke air brush, then the 2B pencil for general doodling.
Anywho, this is a work in progress called "Europa Has Life". I'm thinking of doing a series of paintings that catalog the first life forms we might encounter on Europa. Europa is a real world and it exists in our very solar system. It's one of the four largest and well known moons of Jupiter the fifth planet from the sun, a gas giant.
Some facts about Europa: Europa is smaller than the size of Earth and has a very thin and cold atmosphere. It has a completely solid surface covered in frozen water. You heard right, frozen WATER!!. H2O. The same stuff we drink here on Earth, it's covering Europa in a solid state. But not only that, Europa also more than likely...very likely has a LIQUID OCEAN of WATER just beneath a few hundred meters of the surface ice. It's theorized that the tremendouse gravitic tidal forces of Jupiter cause Europa to stretch and compress like an acordian which in turn causes the solid surface of the moon to remain geologically active and warm. This warmth generated by the constant squeezing and pulling causes volcanic activity which melts the ice into a luke warm ocean with a frozen crust. The surface is shattered into a million fragments, it looks somewhat like a home made disco mirror ball from space. The fragments are constantly moving, shifting, subsiding, convecting, vexing, colliding, and merging, because of the tidal forces of Jupiter's gravity.
This planetary dynamic might give rise to some very very interesting alien life forms.
Let's look at the odds here. It's not exactly known how long Europa has been a body in this Solar system but we can be sure that Earth has had life on it for a longer period of time than that. Life existed on Earth only about 1 billion years after it was fully formed. Considering that microbes or at least the primary molecular building blocks of life on Earth can hitch a ride on meteors and asteroids, and Earth has probably had life on it since before Europa had a liquid ocean, then one can postulate the possibility that life not only lept from Earth to Mars (or even visa versa!) that life also hopped, skipped, and jumped all the way to Jupiter's tiny satelite Europa. And perhaps those first little spores or nucleaic acids might have simmered in the oceans of Europa and evolved into highly complex and diverse organisms.
Europa is probably just a single whole ocean underneath that icy exterior, which might lead to a lack of huge diversity across its globe, but even still, on Earth, the oceans are the largest biospheres that there are, with many differentiating climates, and then there's the sea floor geography. Life is far more diverse and plentiful in the ocean than on the surface.
However, the thing is, Europa is pretty close to Jupiter and has very little atmosphere and so it is bathed in deadly and intense radiation. But why should something that is lethal to Earth creatures be so harmful to a being from a completely different lineage of life? Why should life depend on liquid water at all come to think of it? Perhaps life had become accustomed to the radiation, or even dependent upon it. Maybe gamma rays are at the foundation of their food chain. Maybe bacteria synthesize the radiation into electrical energy directly by fusing hydrogen atoms at a low temprature. And maybe these bacteria feed small radiation loving shrimp who are consumed by radiation loving sea slugs, who are consumed by radiation loving highly intelligent octopus??? Why not?? Equally extreme lifeforms can be found on Earth, living inside solid rocks, on volcanic vents, living off of methane gas and hydrogen sulfides. Basic biology and chemistry dictates through the simple laws of entropy, thermo dynamics, and the dynamics of the elements themselves show that there are only a few possible ways for life to evolve from the elements as we know them. Carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, iron, calcium, sodium, these are the basic elements for which life can be built upon. Carbon and hydrogen in particular for their amazing covalence properties and ability to store and transfer energy. Then again, the universe tends to be more exotic than we are capable of imagining. Many questions about the cosmos still puzzle us to this day. Life can be in many unrecognizable formats all across the milky way. Life itself, is a question mark. You can't really ask why life spontaniously arrose on Earth, it just seems to be a natural property of Earth-like planets, given enough time in the right conditions, life wont just probably develope, it has to. Or maybe, Earth is one of the most hostile conditions in the cosmos to have ever evolved life. What if some kind of highly advanced species of intelligent organism is populating the surface of every star in the universe and they've been trying to communicate with one another with focused beams of radiation pulses in a kind of mathematical rythem that is unrecognizable as any kind of pattern because we are so accustomed to a type of nature and law which is vastly different to those of the sun people. But I digress.
This painting isn't finished, but It should be in another few days. I'm quite proud of the image of Jupiter in the sky. I did use references too. Speaking of which, I'm sick and fucking tired of these retards in the sci fi digital arts section constantly churning out these pictures of planets they did in photoshop that they learned how to do from a step by step tutorial they read somewhere on DA. First of all, these retards don't know anything about astronomy, astrophysics, geology, the nature of stars and nebula, or even planetary weather patterns, and yet they are winging these pictures of balls with clouds and a sun with a stupid lense flare. OMG!!! OWNZ!! dis planet is da bondz yo! lolz!!!11. What the fuck?! Seriously, look at some refferences, and actually PAINT IT YOURSELF instead of following some instructions and then improvising some of the smaller details with your (complete and utter lack of) "artistic license". I swear to god, if I see one more of those get picked as a daily deviation so help me I'll...
But anyways, questions comments?


What would happen if the Earth stopped spinning?
It is a question that has puzzled scientists for centuries, and there is no definitive answer. But we can make some educated guesses based on what we know about the Earth and its relationship to the sun.
If the Earth stopped rotating, the atmosphere would most certainly fly away into space. The force of gravity would no longer be pulling everything down towards the equator, so things like air and water would start drifting away from the planet’s surface. Without our protective atmosphere, life as we know it would not stand a chance; within minutes or hours, all living creatures on Earth would perish from exposure to solar radiation and lack of oxygen.
In terms of climate change, it is likely that without our planet’s rotation creating different temperature zones around the globe, these zones would become more uniform and temperatures on earth may become colder overall or even increase in some areas (depending on your location). Additionally, rainfall patterns could also change dramatically as winds which that are currently influenced by rotational forces might no longer exist in their current form.
Here is an in-depth depiction of what would happen if the Earth stopped spinning suddenly-
Duration: 07 mins 45 secs
Credits – Unveiled on YouTube
Ever wondered what would happen if the Moon disappeared? Check out the video below for some amazing insight:


11th Geant4 Space Users' Workshop
Hiroshima Institute of Technology, Hiroshima Campus
The Geant4 Space Users' Workshop (G4SUW) is focused on new results in space radiation interactions with components, sensors and shielding analysis, and on Geant4-based tools and developments applicable to space missions.
The Geant4 particle transport toolkit is jointly developed by a world-wide collaboration and is intended for a wide range of applications in HEP, medicine, and space physics and engineering. In recent years, space and astrophysics has become a significant user category, with applications ranging from instrument and detector response verification to space radiation shielding optimization, component effects, support of scientific studies, and analysis of biological effects.
Main topics of G4SUW include:
The workshop is sponsored by
and co-organized by
Hiroshima Institute of Technology,
This workshop is supported by
|workshop local organizer|


I cannot believe that, for once, the lunar eclipse was visible. I have never seen one before.
This time there were no dark clouds in the way as it normally is whenever there's any spectacular sky event happening at all. I looked up the details on when it was going to happen and for how long it would last. At 22:30 CET (10:30 pm) I watched outside the window and noticed that the moon had its bottom left piece "chewed off". At that point it wasn't much to shout about. 30 minutes later it was obvious something big was going to happen. At 23:50 CET (11:50 pm) the moon looked amazing! Somewhat red and partially glowing. Luckily for those who weren't paying attention in Europe or witnessed dark clouds instead of a clear sky, some of you will have another chance to see it in the near future, because unlike solar eclipses lunar eclipses happen regularly. Wikipedia says it happens at the least, 2 times per year. Here is a link also to what it looks like:
Red moon during the eclipse
For those of you in the US who weren't able to witness it, you will have a better chance on August 28th according to NASA.


Blast Off into the Cosmos: Your Guide to Space-Themed Wallpapers
The vast universe has always captured human curiosity, and what better way to keep this curiosity alive daily than with an enchanting space-themed wallpaper? Space wallpapers allow you to carry a piece of the cosmos in your pocket or make it a backdrop to your daily tasks. In this guide, we’ll chart a course through the stars, helping you to find that perfect space-themed wallpaper that aligns with your interests and digital setup.
Why Space-Themed Wallpapers?
The cosmos is a canvas of spectacular color, light, and mystery, transporting us beyond our worldly concerns. Space-themed wallpapers offer:
- A sense of wonder and imagination often lost in adulthood
- A connection to childhood dreams of space exploration and the unknown
Moreover, the intrigue of space taps into our love for sci-fi and astronomy, intertwining with the fabric of popular culture and science. These themes are not just visually striking but are woven from the same threads that inspire blockbuster movies and real-world space missions alike.
Finding the Perfect Space Wallpaper
Chasing down the ideal space backdrop can be a journey of its own. But with countless options available online, both free and premium, it’s more an exciting adventure than a daunting quest. To kickstart your search, begin with the high-quality selections awaiting you at Free Wallpaper Sites. Here’s why they stand out:
- Choice: Access to a diverse array of stunning space visuals
- Quality: Carefully curated wallpapers ensuring a perfect blend of art and resolution
Key Elements of a Great Space Wallpaper
Choosing a space wallpaper is not just about the image itself but also concerns technical aspects. Reflect on these crucial points for the best experience:
- Resolution: A vital factor for clarity, especially on larger screens. Learn more about ensuring your chosen imagery is crisp and vivid by visiting Wallaper Resolution.
- Style: Whether you prefer high-definition photos from NASA or dreamy artistic renditions of the cosmos, style is key to personal satisfaction.
Enhancing Your Setup: Space Wallpapers for All Devices
Your digital device is as much a part of your personal style as your wardrobe. Consider these tips to ensure your space-themed backdrop feels right at home whether you’re using a desktop, smartphone, or tablet:
- Compatibility: Ensure your selected wallpaper fits your screen dimensions
- Aesthetic: Look for designs that complement your device’s color scheme and layout
Those looking to deck out their multi-monitor workstation should not miss the impressive collection at Dual Monitor Wallpapers, because when one screen isn’t enough to showcase the galaxy, two definitely do the trick!
Special Editions: Seasonal and Event-Based Space Wallpapers
Tap into the cosmic calendar by choosing wallpapers that celebrate seasonal stargazing events or blockbuster space movie launches. Seasonal shifts and celestial events often inspire wallpaper trends, so here’s where to focus your telescope:
- Seasonal: Witness how the changing seasons can bring new colors and themes to your favorite space images at Seasonal Wallpapers.
- Event-based: Commemorate exciting events like a Mars rover landing or a Star Wars release with a dynamic themed-wallpaper.
Customization and Personalization with Space Wallpapers
There’s something special about a wallpaper that resonates with your personality. For those passionate about customization, consider Custom Wallpapers to make your cosmic display truly unique:
- Reflect your fascination with a certain astronaut, satellite, or space mission
- Custom imagery celebrating individual achievements in space exploration
Designers’ Choice: Space Wallpapers in Graphic Design
Graphic designers often harness the allure of the cosmos to inspire their work. If you’re looking for design ideas or simply admire the aesthetic, take a look at premium selections tailored for creative professionals at Wallpapers for Graphic Designers. These visuals can serve multiple purposes:
- Embellishing a digital portfolio or presentation
- Powering inspiration for your next interstellar design project
Unique Space Wallpaper Varieties
Beyond the static images of distant galaxies and nebulas, the space wallpaper genre is teeming with innovation. Different varieties include:
- Live Wallpapers: Immerse yourself in an animated celestial dance right on your screen.
- Dynamic Wallpapers: Enjoy wallpapers that change with the time of day or during live space events.
- Minimal Wallpapers: Perfect for those who love simplicity, these focus on the essence of space without the clutter.
Leaving a Personal Mark: From Celebrities to the Stars
Mixing personal taste with intergalactic wonderment yields a wallpaper that’s both stellar and intimate. With Celebrity Wallpapers, you can:
- Find imagery that merges your favorite icons with stellar backdrops
- Create a unique blend of star power that leaps off your screen
Can I find space-themed wallpapers for my specific device model?
Yes, you’ll find a variety of sizes and formats to fit virtually any device, from smartphones to large desktop monitors.
Are custom space-themed wallpapers available?
Indeed, custom options enable you to request specific motifs, chosen colors, or even incorporate personal pictures into a space theme.
Do you have tips for setting up my wallpaper on multiple monitors?
Aligning wallpapers across monitors can be seamless; just ensure you select the right resolutions and consider using panoramic space images for a truly immersive effect.
Space-themed wallpapers are more than just eye candy; they’re a way to bring the vastness and beauty of the cosmos into our daily lives, inspiring wonder and imagination. With the variety of options and customizations available, there’s a galactic backdrop suitable for every stargazing enthusiast. So go ahead, launch your digital environment into orbit and let your screen tell a story as limitless as the universe itself!
## Few Quick Facts
Quick Facts: Space-Themed Wallpapers
- Curiosity & Imagination: These wallpapers keep the cosmos at our fingertips, fueling our daydreams and inspirations.
- Emotional Appeal: Space imagery offers escape and wonder, connecting to the deep-rooted human fascination with the stars.
Culture & Science: They are reflective of our love for science fiction and real astronomical achievements.
Diversity in Choice: A plethora of options from Free Wallpaper Sites ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Technical Quality: Understand the importance of Wallpaper Resolution for clarity and detail.
Multi-Device Compatibility: Find the right fit for every device, from phones to an extensive Dual Monitor Wallpaper setup.
Personalization: Cater to individual tastes with Custom Wallpapers that can feature personal milestones in space exploration.
Graphic Design Use: Wallpapers for Graphic Designers blend the cosmic theme into professional projects.
Celebrities & Space: Combine star-studded passion with the cosmic theme through Celebrity Wallpapers.
- FAQs Addressed: Solutions for device-specific wallpapers, custom requests, and multi-monitor setups.
Understanding the allure behind space-themed wallpapers enriches the selection process, ensuring that your choice not just decorates your screen but resonates with your personal narrative and style. Whether you crave the scientific beauty of a nebula or the escapist fantasy of a sci-fi landscape, the cosmos offers an infinite palette for your digital canvas.