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Space Exploration

ESA and NASA start work on asteroid deflection system which could one day save civilization

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A massive asteroid impact is one of the greatest threats to life on this planet, and for human civilization in particular. Although a catastrophic collision is pretty unlikely, we’re remarkably ill-prepared to deal with it if such an event would occur. This is starting to change, however, as the European Space Agency (ESA) has recently started work on a project which could one day save humanity from a history-altering disaster.

Called the Asteroid Impact Mission (or AIM), it consists of a probe set to be launched in October 2020, which will then make its way to an asteroid known as Didymos. The target is a binary system made up of a larger, 800 meter object, and a smaller, 170 meter companion orbiting it, informally dubbed Didymoon. AIM will fly alongside Didymos at a distance of 10 to 35 km, from where it will conduct a series of measurements, while also dispatching a series of tiny CubeSats to take a closer look at the smaller object, as well as full-sized lander (the second time an ESA spacecraft will attempt something similar since Rosetta’s Philae landed on a comet in November 2014). This is expected to gather valuable information regarding the formation of our Solar System (since asteroids are some of the objects orbiting the Sun and have been largely unchanged in the last few billions of years) and the structure and composition of the asteroid, but it will also be there to witness the second, more spectacular phase of the mission.

AIM is just one part of a project called AIDA (Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment), conducted in collaboration with NASA and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, among others. In late 2022, with Didymos “just” 11 million km from Earth (that’s less than thirty times the distance from our planet to the Moon), NASA’s part of the mission will arrive at its destination. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) is a spacecraft weighing in at more than 300 kg, designed to crash into Didymoon at 6.25 km/s, and slightly alter its orbit. How slightly? Scientists aren’t sure, but AIM will hopefully still be close enough to find out (about 100 km away at the moment of impact).

The estimated change in velocity is somewhere on the order of 4 mm/s, which doesn’t seem like much when your goal is to stop a dangerous space rock from hitting our planet. But keep in mind this adds up over time, and also the Earth itself moves at about 30 km/s and has a diameter of about 12,700 km, making it a really small target when considering the scale of the Solar System. At huge distances and great speeds, the slightest of deflections can make a big difference!

Taken separately, each of these probes will reveal really interesting data. AIM will be the first probe to rendezvous with and study a binary asteroid, gathering data about its structure and helping scientists understand how these objects formed. Meanwhile, the change in the asteroid’s orbit after the impact with DART will also be measurable from Earth. This means that even if, for some reason, one of the AIDA’s two components won’t be launched or won’t work properly, the mission could still be at least partially successful.

Together, however, the two spacecraft could do some really amazing science. AIM will not only measure the size and shape of the impact crater, but also determine the characteristics of the ejected materials, thus providing valuable insights we might once need in order to move a city-killer asteroid (like the 170 meter Didymoon) into an orbit which is safe for us. This is important, since asteroids aren’t exactly solid chunks of material with fully understood properties and structures. You wouldn’t want, for instance, to hit one with a rocket only to see it break apart and continue hurtling to Earth as a hail of space rocks.

It’s nice to know that in just a few years we’ll be sending a space mission to smack an asteroid right in the face and change its path through the Solar System, though it doesn’t seem we’ll actually need to resort to something like this any time soon. Our truce with the Universe has been holding for some time, and there aren’t any signs of this changing for the foreseeable future.

Who doesn’t enjoy listening to a good story. Personally I love reading about the people who inspire me and what it took for them to achieve their success. As I am a bit of a self confessed tech geek I think there is no better way to discover these stories than by reading every day some articles or the newspaper . My bookcases are filled with good tech biographies, they remind me that anyone can be a success. So even if you come from an underprivileged part of society or you aren’t the smartest person in the room we all have a chance to reach the top. The same message shines in my beliefs. All it takes to succeed is a good idea, a little risk and a lot of hard work and any geek can become a success. VENI VIDI VICI .

Astronomy

The initial observation of the magnetic fields surrounding the supermassive black hole within our galaxy is quite remarkable

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The team responsible for capturing the initial photograph of a black hole has now unveiled a fresh image of Sagittarius A*, the colossal black hole located at the core of the Milky Way. This new image is observed using polarized light, marking the first instance of such a visual representation. The recorded image depicts the magnetic field patterns encircling the black hole, resembling those observed in the vicinity of M87*. This observation implies the potential presence of robust, twisted, and well-structured magnetic fields within black holes.

In order to create a single array of dimensions equal to Earth’s, radio telescopes located all over the world are utilized by the Event Horizon Telescope, an international collaboration that makes it possible to image a black hole. Should you have that kind of resolution in your vision, you could see a doughnut on the moon. The initial visual representation of Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) and the significantly larger and more potent black hole located at the core of the enormous elliptical galaxy Messier 87 has been provided. In 2021, it successfully detected the magnetic fields of M87*, marking the first instance of a black hole being detected using polarized light.

The team has successfully utilized the polarization of light to visualize the magnetic fields of Sgr A*, marking the first instance of such an application. Light is generated through the oscillation of electromagnetic waves, and when these waves oscillate in a specific direction, they are referred to as polarized. 3D glasses function by utilizing two lenses with distinct polarization, allowing just a portion of the light to enter. This enables our brains to generate a three-dimensional image within our mind. Polarized light reduces glare from strong light sources, allowing the researchers to see the black hole’s edge more clearly and precisely delineate the magnetic field lines inside of it.

“We have acquired polarimetric images of the black hole located at the center of our galaxy, Sgr A*, at the event horizon scale for the first time,” stated Professor Mariafelicia De Laurentis, Deputy Project Scientist at the EHT and professor at the University of Naples Federico II, in an interview .

The polarization of light allows for the observation of a highly intricate and well-organized magnetic structure surrounding the black hole, as depicted in these photos. The inclusion of polarized light in these photographs is critical, as it enables us to visually perceive and comprehend the intricate structure of the magnetic field around the black hole, a vital element that cannot be adequately represented by non-polarized light alone.

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Plasma, composed of charged particles, exhibits motion along the magnetic field lines surrounding a supermassive black hole. When these particles rotate, they generate a polarization pattern on the light that is oriented at a right angle to the magnetic field. The measurement of polarization provides precise information regarding the manner in which the magnetic field is around the supermassive black hole.

According to Professor De Laurentis, the significance of polarization in the examination of black holes lies in its ability to furnish valuable insights on the geometry and dynamics of the magnetic fields encompassing the black hole. These fields are of significant importance in the processes of accretion and jet emissions since they have a direct impact on the observation of black holes and our comprehension of the underlying physics that control these extraordinary entities.

The processes of accretion and jet emissions are not commonly observed in our neighboring supermassive black hole. Sagittarius A* is rather tranquil and serene compared to other black holes, which is advantageous because even at a distance of 26,000 light-years, an active supermassive black hole may still exert a significant influence. These objects have the ability to influence the fate of a whole galaxy.

However, the magnetic fields play a crucial role in the emission of high-energy jets for M87*. The phenomenon of the supermassive black hole emitting jets of particles with velocities approaching the speed of light, spanning around 5,000 light-years from M87*, has been documented. The observation of identical magnetic structures that drive extensive phenomena in M87 within our own supermassive black hole implies the existence of fundamental mechanisms that are common to all black holes.

According to Professor De Laurentis, the magnetic fields play a crucial role in regulating the accumulation of mass within black holes and the expulsion of very intense jets, which are considered to be some of the most remarkable occurrences in the cosmos. Understanding these areas lets us look into the strange things that happen close to black holes, which means testing theories of gravity and magnetohydrodynamics in situations where Einstein’s general relativity is very important.

This image of Sagittarius A* represents a significant advancement in comprehending the behavior of black holes and their impact on the galaxies they inhabit. Additionally, it serves as an excellent platform for testing theoretical models that describe the actions of black holes.

The aforementioned observations signify a significant technical achievement, demonstrating the capability of contemporary astronomy instruments and protocols. According to Professor De Laurentis, their work established a precedent for subsequent observational efforts and theoretical investigations, thereby expanding the frontiers of our comprehension of the cosmos.

The upcoming iteration of the Event Horizon Telescope will exhibit enhanced performance.

The research findings are documented in two scholarly articles published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

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Astronomy

The alteration of Earth’s shape could potentially lead to a worldwide timekeeping crisis

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If no action is taken, global timekeeping may be on the verge of a significant issue that may disrupt various aspects, including computer networks and financial markets. The responsible factor, intriguingly, is the melting of polar ice resulting from climate change.

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is employed globally to establish a uniform and standardized temporal standard, hence facilitating many activities such as communication, navigation, scientific inquiry, and trade.

The calculation of this time measurement is derived from data obtained from approximately 450 atomic clocks, which are highly precise timekeeping systems that utilize the extremely stable “vibrations” of atoms to measure time. Unfortunately, it does not precisely match astronomical time, which is based on the Earth’s rotation.

The Earth’s rotation exceeds the duration of a day as specified by atomic clocks by a few milliseconds, and the speed of the Earth’s spin can fluctuate due to numerous variables. In order to accommodate this, leap seconds are incorporated into the Universal Time Coordinate (UTC) at regular intervals to ensure its synchronization with astronomical time.

Strange and somewhat unfamiliar changes that have been occurring in Earth’s primarily liquid core and solid mantle in recent decades have accelerated its rotation. However, this phenomenon has been attributed to the inclusion of leap seconds.

Currently, novel forces are beginning to arise that have the potential to further disrupt Earth’s rotating velocity and disrupt global timekeeping.

The investigation of Earth’s rotation and its correlation with the melting of polar ice has lately garnered attention from Duncan Carr Agnew, a geophysicist affiliated with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego.

The phenomenon of climate change has resulted in the rapid melting of ice caps in Greenland and Antarctica, leading to significant alterations in the Earth’s form and a more pronounced reduction in its angular velocity compared to previous periods.

Agnew contends that due to the deceleration of Earth’s rotation, the Universal Time Coordinate (UTC) will require a negative leap second, namely a minute with only 59 seconds, around approximately 2029.

“In the past, it was anticipated that leap seconds would consistently yield positive results and occur with increasing frequency.” According to Agnew’s remark, when examining alterations in the Earth’s rotation, which are responsible for leap seconds, and analyzing the underlying factors contributing to these changes, it is highly probable that a negative outcome is probable.

“A single second may not seem significant, but in a modern interconnected society, making a mistake about time could result in significant complications,” he stated.

Irrespective of the phenomenon of climate change, it is probable that alterations in Earth’s liquid core alone may have compelled a negative leap second by the year 2026. Nevertheless, Agnew’s calculations indicate that alterations in the quantity of polar ice have postponed this inevitability by a further three years, reaching 2029. Climate change is currently exerting an impact on the worldwide timekeeping system.

Failure to incorporate the negative leap second may result in global timekeeping becoming unevenly synced, leading to significant disruptions in computer systems and telecommunications networks.

The research’s press release implies that the condition may give rise to a predicament similar to the Y2K bug panic. However, it is worth considering whether this is a genuine issue.

During the late 1990s, there existed a prevailing sense of apprehension regarding the potential failure of computer systems worldwide in the new millennium. This apprehension stemmed from the lack of preparedness of computers to effectively format and store calendar data in and after the year 2000. Individuals came up with the idea of a computer-induced apocalypse in which aircraft would descended from the atmosphere, financial accounts would be reset to their initial balances, and nuclear weapons would deploy automatically. Undoubtedly, the fears were greatly exaggerated, and only a small number of inaccuracies were actually documented.

Considering the unsatisfactory outcomes of the Y2K panic, it would be imprudent to make speculative conjectures regarding the potential trajectory of this novel issue. However, this is a topic that numerous scientists are beginning to contemplate.

“The addition or testing of a negative leap second has not been done before, thus the potential problems it could cause are unprecedented.” In a commentary article about the study, Dr. Patrizia Tavella, Director of the Time Department at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, states that metrologists worldwide are closely monitoring the ongoing conversation in order to prevent any avoidable hazards.

According to Dr. Tavella, the challenge of implementing the negative leap second and organizing the global effort would be extremely difficult.

The recent research has been published in the esteemed magazine Nature.

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Space Exploration

Can the Sun Exhibit Consciousness? Exploring the Unconventional Realm of Panpsychism

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The inquiry into the essence of consciousness, its origins, and its interconnectedness with the physical realm has been a prominent subject of philosophical and scientific contention throughout the course of human intellectual inquiry. Is there a separation between the mind and body? While there are differing opinions, a third faction posits an intermediate and even more revolutionary notion: all entities in the cosmos possess consciousness, including the Sun.

The term used to describe this perspective on the universe is panpsychism. The concept that consciousness originates from the physical realm is referred to as physicalism; however, our understanding of the factors that give animals consciousness remains ambiguous. The dualist perspective encompasses the notion of thought and matter as distinct entities. Panpsychism serves as a means of connecting the two. Consciousness emerges inside us, as it is inherent in all entities.

Similar concepts have been observed throughout history in various religious and philosophical systems. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in the concept of analytical philosophy. One notable paper, written by biologist Rupert Sheldrake, explores the possibility of the Sun having consciousness. Sheldrake is renowned for his research on morphic resonance, which suggests that similar organisms may have telepathic connections and collective memories.

In a scholarly article published in the Journal of awareness Studies in 2021, Sheldrake presents a compelling argument advocating for the existence of awareness in the Sun and other celestial bodies. The biologist posits that self-organizing systems can exhibit consciousness, awareness, or experience at various levels of complexity. According to Sheldrake, this perspective shifts our focus away from the physical origins of consciousness in a basic system and instead extends awareness to encompass celestial bodies such as stars, solar systems, galaxies, and the entirety of the universe.

According to Sheldrake’s statement to Popular Mechanics, consciousness is not limited to the confines of the brain. Rhythmic electromagnetic fields, which are present in the human brain naturally, appear to mediate the connection between cognitive processes and physiological systems. These entities are also found within and in the vicinity of the sun, potentially serving as the interface connecting the solar mind and the solar body.

There are many philosophical and scientific reasons against panpsychism, but for this paper, we were most interested in what would happen if the Sun and the 100 billion other stars in the Milky Way were all conscious. One possible outcome is that the stars can move by sending out guided jets that take them where they need to go.

According to Sheldrake’s research, some people think that stars don’t move because of dark matter’s gravity but instead move themselves into the right place. Claims that are out of the ordinary always need proof that they are out of the ordinary. Strong stellar jets are found in many things, but stars never use them to move.

Also, the Gaia observatory of the European Space Agency has made a beautiful picture of the Milky Way. It not only shows where almost two billion stars are but also how they are moving. We can turn back time in the Milky Way and see how the stars have moved over billions of years with this information.

Scientists would be very excited about stellar motions that were not subject to gravity because dark matter ought to exist in the universe. Dark matter was first thought of because of the way stars move, as if there were a lot more matter than we could see.

Many of the points made in the study are based on the sun’s complex magnetic field. But if we want to think about something even more complicated, we should check out Uranus’s magnetic field. Uranus’ magnetic field is not centered like the sun’s generator or Earth’s magnetosphere. It may open and close every day, moving around. The question “Is Uranus Conscious?” might not have the same ring to it as “Is the Sun Conscious?”

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