space
Space: The Final Frontier. Exploring space developments and theorizing about how humans fit into the universe.
Does the Earth Have a Hidden Twin?
For several years now we have been hearing about new planetary bodies being discovered inside and outside our solar system. There are suggestions that our familiar companions - Mercury Venus, Mars, and the rest - may not be all there is to the sun's family. There is evidence that one member or more still awaits discovery through scientific research. This idea is not new. With ideas like Planet X and also back a century ago it was widely thought that another planet could be found within the orbit of Mercury. It was even given a name: Vulcan.
By George Gott9 years ago in Futurism
Best Telescopes for Astronomy
Deciding which telescope to buy can often be confusing, especially if you are buying for someone else or if you're new to astronomy and are looking for something entry-level. Whether you're checking out some of the best astronomy books for beginners, or consider yourself an expert along the lines of the pioneers of astronomy, the guidance of this list of the best telescopes for Astronomy will demystify the key to choosing the perfect telescope for your price range.
By Futurism Staff9 years ago in Futurism
Is Pluto a Planet?
Every space-minded child growing up found their niche among the stars once they were able to name all the planets in order from the Sun. For anyone born after 2006, they might find it a little harder as we continue to ask: Is Pluto a planet? Pluto, the true underdog story of the Milkyway, was declassified as a primary planet after it failed to meet the International Astronomical Union's specifications. The world watched on as the baby brother of the planet family was disowned and thrown into a meaningless group of misfit dwarf planets. So while we brush away our tears as we watch everyone’s favorite underdog become stripped of its planetary ties, let’s find the true reasons why we still question whether or not Pluto is a planet.
By Jake Aronskind10 years ago in Futurism
Most Famous Astronauts
More than 500 brave men and women have left Earth’s orbit in the name of science and space exploration, and they all merit adulation. Nevertheless, throughout humanity’s ventures into the Heavens, there have been those astronauts and cosmonauts who, for whatever reason, have stood out from the rest. There are those who became household names and those whose deeds became landmarks in history. From being the first woman in space to being the first person to step foot on the Moon, there are many accomplishments for which the most notorious astronauts should be recognized.
By Richard Haynes10 years ago in Futurism
Thinking About Infinity
The following article was originally published on The Free Advice Man's website here. In 1982, in my eighteenth year, I found myself walking into this bookstore, "East West Books," on 5th Avenue, a couple blocks west of Union Square in Manhattan (New York City). I had walked past the store several times since arriving in 1980. I will get back to what happened in that bookstore soon enough, but I think this is a good time to help set the scene of what my life was like at the time, and how my social metropological surroundings affected the direction of my thoughts at the time.
By Jean-Pierre Fenyo10 years ago in Futurism
Hercules Constellation History
Not only has the story of Hercules painted imaginations worldwide for centuries, but Hercules has also found his place among the starry night. Hercules constellation history is important in order to understand the hero’s place in our sky. Despite Hercules’ great fame and the fact that his constellation is one of the largest in the night sky, his starry figure is made up of fairly dim stars. But don’t worry—this luminous warrior isn’t too hard to find if you know where to look.
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
Aviation Museum Guide
In the short span of aviation history, a legacy of machines and accomplishments has developed. Much of this information exists in the museums of America. Some museums attempt to portray the whole history of aviation; others convey only various aspects of it. For anyone with even the mildest curiosity regarding rockets, airplanes, and flying, aviation museums hold a ticket that will satisfy even the greatest of air travel enthusiasts.
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
Crops in Space
"The world hunger problem is getting worse rather than better," said a Presidential Commission report on World Hunger from 1980. "A major crisis of global food supply—of even more serious dimensions than the present energy crisis—appears likely... unless steps are taken now... Moral obligation alone would justify giving highest priority to the task of overcoming hunger."
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
Jupiter the Red Giant
Jupiter, the king of the planets, is aptly named for the king of the gods. A brilliant, white wanderer through the skies, Jupiter has been praised with countless superlatives since ancient times. The Red Giant, as it is commonly referred to, is the largest in the solar system with a diameter of more than 88,000 miles, more than 11 times the size of Earth.
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
Meaning of the Moon
What has the moon done for you lately? Have you sailed on the tide? Perhaps you've been a bit loony? Did you feel lycanthropic? Did your moonlighting pay for your moonshine? Did you recite "Jack and Jill"? All these phrases refer to the moon, our natural satellite and, by far, the most noticeable object in the night sky. Its changing shape and brightness have long fascinated watchers. Consequently moon lore, beliefs, and stories regarding the meaning of the moon have greatly enriched our culture.
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
Astronaut Gordon Cooper Interview
Which would you consider the greatest challenge: steering a racing car to victory? Piloting an experimental aircraft? Whirling in a centrifuge to find out your body's ultimate limits? Keeping in mind the hundreds of intricate details a spacecraft checkout requires while waiting to be hurled into orbit? Astronaut Gordon Cooper took all those challenges. And that was only the first career for a man who then put the future to work.
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
Atmosphere of Earth
Imagine you are an otherworldly explorer. As part of your survey of the Milky Way, you have come across an interesting stellar system with nine major planets. You have gotten permission from your superiors to investigate the lively third planet. The planet is called “Earth” in one of the many languages used there. In your last report you discussed the development of the planet as part of the entire system. Now you are going to begin a more detailed examination of Earth itself. The most logical place to start is the atmosphere, the envelope of gasses and vapors that gives this planet so much of its character. Since it is always best to begin at the beginning, you review your findings concerning the early history of the atmosphere.
By Futurism Staff10 years ago in Futurism
