Category: Astronomy

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Why aren’t Sednoids classified as dwarf planets?

 February 21, 2025 February 21, 2025
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      JSUadmin JSUadmin
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Sednoids, a term typically used to describe distant trans-Neptunian objects like Sedna, aren’t classified as dwarf planets mainly because they do not meet all of the criteria set forth by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for such a classification. According to the IAU’s definition, for an object to be considered a dwarf planet, it must […]

At 40 years old, is it too late to begin a career in astronomy if I’ve always had a passion for it?

 February 21, 2025 February 21, 2025
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      JSUadmin JSUadmin
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It’s never too late to start a new career in a field you’re passionate about, including astronomy. Many people successfully transition into new careers later in life with dedication and perseverance. Here are a few steps to help you explore this path: Evaluate Your Current Situation: Consider your current responsibilities, such as financial stability and […]

Could this field/career path be suitable for me?

 February 21, 2025 February 21, 2025
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      JSUadmin JSUadmin
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Determining whether a field or career path is viable for you involves several considerations. First, assess your interests and passions: Are you genuinely drawn to this field? Enjoying what you do is crucial for long-term satisfaction and motivation. Next, evaluate your skillset and see how it aligns with the demands of the field. Consider if […]

What methods do astronomers use to study circumstellar disks for evidence of planet formation?

 February 21, 2025 February 21, 2025
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Astronomers study circumstellar disks by utilizing a combination of observational techniques and theoretical modeling to uncover evidence of planet formation. These disks of gas and dust around young stars are considered stellar nurseries where planets form. To analyze these structures, astronomers employ several advanced methods: Observational Techniques: Infrared Observations: Instruments on ground-based telescopes and space […]

What Insights About Sustainability Can We Gain from Studying Celestial Systems?

 February 21, 2025 February 21, 2025
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      JSUadmin JSUadmin
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Celestial systems, such as planets, stars, and galaxies, offer valuable perspectives on sustainability by embodying intricate and stable interactions that ensure balance and longevity. The first lesson we can derive from these systems is the importance of equilibrium. Celestial bodies maintain orbits and interactions through a delicate balance of gravitational forces, which can be likened […]

Is it possible for a light beam to stabilize the atmosphere in order to improve adaptive optics?

 February 21, 2025 February 21, 2025
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      JSUadmin JSUadmin
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Adaptive optics is a technology used to enhance the performance of optical systems by reducing the effect of wavefront distortions, commonly caused by atmospheric turbulence. This turbulence can degrade the quality of images obtained from ground-based telescopes. One approach to minimizing these distortions involves using a laser beam to correct the atmosphere’s effects in real-time. […]

Can someone identify the name of this nebula?

 February 21, 2025 February 21, 2025
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      JSUadmin JSUadmin
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To accurately identify a nebula, it’s useful to consider a few key characteristics, as nebulae come in various shapes, colors, and sizes, each with distinct features. Nebulae are generally categorized into emission, reflection, dark, or planetary, so let’s break these down: Emission Nebula: These are often vibrant and colorful due to ionized gases emitting light. […]

Does anyone recall this Christmas comet?

 February 21, 2025 February 21, 2025
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The Christmas comet likely refers to a comet that becomes prominently visible around the time of the holiday season, often catching the public’s attention due to its timing and bright visibility. Over the years, there have been several “Christmas comets,” such as Comet 46P/Wirtanen, which appeared prominently in December 2018. These types of comets can […]

What is the name of the “grand design” spiral galaxy seen in Hubble’s photo of M101?

 February 21, 2025 February 21, 2025
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The “grand design” spiral galaxy visible in Hubble’s photo of M101 is known as the Pinwheel Galaxy. Its official designation is Messier 101 (M101), and it is located in the constellation Ursa Major. What distinguishes M101 as a “grand design” spiral is its well-defined structure with prominent, graceful spiral arms. Grand design spirals typically have […]

Do radio waves experience attenuation in space?

 February 21, 2025 February 21, 2025
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Radio waves do experience some level of attenuation when traveling through space, but the extent of this attenuation is significantly less than within Earth’s atmosphere. In the vacuum of space, the primary factor causing attenuation is the spreading of the wavefront over large distances, known as free-space path loss. This occurs because the energy emitted […]