Tag Archives: technology

Clear Path to the Stars

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

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Frickin’ Laser Beams

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

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HINS-Light > Purell?

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

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Virgin Galactic

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

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How Technology Changed the Sky

Technology shapes modern astronomy. When thinking about the night sky, one thing that strikes me as particularly fascinating is that humans have been observing and analyzing this same sky for many thousands of years.  However, it has had such different meaning for each successive group to observe it.  Although we see the same movements and […] Continue reading

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App-stronomy

I downloaded the app “Distant Suns” on my i-phone after reading about cool astronomy apps online.  “Distant Suns” is an app that uses your location to show you the night sky right above your head.  It has labeled constellations, planets, … Continue reading Continue reading

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App-stronomy

I downloaded the app “Distant Suns” on my i-phone after reading about cool astronomy apps online.  “Distant Suns” is an app that uses your location to show you the night sky right above your head.  It has labeled constellations, planets, … Continue reading Continue reading

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App-stronomy

I downloaded the app “Distant Suns” on my i-phone after reading about cool astronomy apps online.  “Distant Suns” is an app that uses your location to show you the night sky right above your head.  It has labeled constellations, planets, … Continue reading Continue reading

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