This Blog's History
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
Measuring the Wavelength of a Microwave
One of the more interesting science demos I've done with my kids is measuring the speed of light using a microwave. It's not so much that this demo is cool and flashy, but that you can actually measure the speed of light using a microwave through a very simple task! You'll have to read the original post, linked below, to see the procedure, but it worked out very well! We were off by less than 9%!!! Although this won't award us a Nobel prize in physics, it does show you can get decent results through a crude measurement method.
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of years ago.
Measuring the Speed of Light Using a Microwave
Friday, May 31, 2019
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Cara Santa Maria on Twitter
Science on Twitter
There are many negatives with social media but also many positives. Among those positives is the great number of amazing scientists using Twitter to share science news! Not only are there scientists, but there are telescopes and rovers with their own Twitter accounts sharing their findings. You just have to use social media in such a way the positives outweigh the negatives. Following scientists is a great way to gain those positives.
Cara Santa Maria
I've been a big fan of Cara Santa Maria's for some time now. I remember first seeing her as a contributor on a science TV series, either on Discovery, National Geographic, or maybe PBS? I'm not really sure, but it was some science TV series that was excellent! She later joined the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe podcast and hosts her own podcast, Talk Nerdy. I posted several years ago that you should definitely listen to Talk Nerdy for some high quality science talk.
She also has a Twitter account and frequently tweets, usually multiple times per day. Her handle is @CaraSantaMaria. Every tweet is filled with science and she is a great source for sharing science to the public. She can take complicated science topics and explain them in a way understandable to the public and throws some humor into her tweets and podcasts.
There are many, many people you can follow on Twitter, including those primarily tweeting on science. I can't, for the life of me, imagine NOT following Cara Santa Maria. You can't go wrong with following her on Twitter. And if you have the time, definitely listen to her Talk Nerdy podcast and check her out the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe podcast.
There are many negatives with social media but also many positives. Among those positives is the great number of amazing scientists using Twitter to share science news! Not only are there scientists, but there are telescopes and rovers with their own Twitter accounts sharing their findings. You just have to use social media in such a way the positives outweigh the negatives. Following scientists is a great way to gain those positives.
Cara Santa Maria
I've been a big fan of Cara Santa Maria's for some time now. I remember first seeing her as a contributor on a science TV series, either on Discovery, National Geographic, or maybe PBS? I'm not really sure, but it was some science TV series that was excellent! She later joined the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe podcast and hosts her own podcast, Talk Nerdy. I posted several years ago that you should definitely listen to Talk Nerdy for some high quality science talk.
She also has a Twitter account and frequently tweets, usually multiple times per day. Her handle is @CaraSantaMaria. Every tweet is filled with science and she is a great source for sharing science to the public. She can take complicated science topics and explain them in a way understandable to the public and throws some humor into her tweets and podcasts.
There are many, many people you can follow on Twitter, including those primarily tweeting on science. I can't, for the life of me, imagine NOT following Cara Santa Maria. You can't go wrong with following her on Twitter. And if you have the time, definitely listen to her Talk Nerdy podcast and check her out the Skeptic's Guide to the Universe podcast.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Summer Science Camps
This is the last week of May, meaning school is already out or school will be out soon for the summer depending on where you live. June is typically the month when many summer science camps take place. There are some in July and August, but here in the eastern midwest where I live it seems that there are more in June than July/August. Some camps may already be full, but I bet there are quite a few camps with openings for kids. There are single day camps, week camps, overnight camps, etc. If you are the parent of an elementary or middle school child (and high school for the more advanced camps), I highly encourage you to take a look at what is offered in our area or near your area.
Where to look? Check out local universities and colleges, check out your local school district, and check out your local libraries and museums. These are the most common sources offering summer camps to kids. I've taught a summer science camp on and off for several years. Last year was an on year for me, as is this year. This year is a bit different as we received a small grant from NASA to develop a week long engineering challenge camp. I am very excited for this camp. NASA brought me in to the NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio for training and I picked up many great ideas and supply lists for some specific building/engineering challenges!
So check your local sources for science camps. I know many were brought in for the NASA engineering challenge, so you may well have a camp on this offered in your area!
Where to look? Check out local universities and colleges, check out your local school district, and check out your local libraries and museums. These are the most common sources offering summer camps to kids. I've taught a summer science camp on and off for several years. Last year was an on year for me, as is this year. This year is a bit different as we received a small grant from NASA to develop a week long engineering challenge camp. I am very excited for this camp. NASA brought me in to the NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, Ohio for training and I picked up many great ideas and supply lists for some specific building/engineering challenges!
So check your local sources for science camps. I know many were brought in for the NASA engineering challenge, so you may well have a camp on this offered in your area!
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
The Loneliest Magician by Irene Radford
Love of Books
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
The Loneliest Magician by Irene Radford
I recently finished reading The Loneliest Magician, the third book in the Dragon Nimbus series by Irene Radford. This fantasy series doesn't get the same claim to fame as the Wheel of Time, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, etc., series, but I have really enjoyed reading these books. They don't take long to read, although this book took me 3 weeks as things got very busy with my kids in sports that several nights I was unable to crack open the book at all. To go to bed without reading at least a few pages is pretty rare for me, but it happened several nights over the past month.
As I've mentioned with the other Dragon Nimbus books, The Loneliest Magician has dragons, magic, lost magic, re-claimed magic, kings, queens, large battles, etc. It has all of the great stuff needed in a fantasy novel/series! This isn't the last book in the series, but the fourth book, written a few years later, focuses on two other characters that were not a major part of the first three books. So although essentially the last book in the series, there are many questions unanswered, but fortunately there are other trilogies in the same universe that carry on the story.
Will I keep reading Radford's fantasy novels? You bet!
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
The Loneliest Magician by Irene Radford
I recently finished reading The Loneliest Magician, the third book in the Dragon Nimbus series by Irene Radford. This fantasy series doesn't get the same claim to fame as the Wheel of Time, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, etc., series, but I have really enjoyed reading these books. They don't take long to read, although this book took me 3 weeks as things got very busy with my kids in sports that several nights I was unable to crack open the book at all. To go to bed without reading at least a few pages is pretty rare for me, but it happened several nights over the past month.
As I've mentioned with the other Dragon Nimbus books, The Loneliest Magician has dragons, magic, lost magic, re-claimed magic, kings, queens, large battles, etc. It has all of the great stuff needed in a fantasy novel/series! This isn't the last book in the series, but the fourth book, written a few years later, focuses on two other characters that were not a major part of the first three books. So although essentially the last book in the series, there are many questions unanswered, but fortunately there are other trilogies in the same universe that carry on the story.
Will I keep reading Radford's fantasy novels? You bet!
Monday, May 27, 2019
Library Reading Program
Summer is here which means most public libraries have some sort of summer reading program that has already starting or is starting soon. Public libraries are a vast resource and an opening to knowledge acquisition for you and your kids. While I was busy with my school's graduation ceremony, my wife took the kids to our local public library and signed them, and her, up for the summer reading program. These programs are a great way to introduce kids to new books, new genres, and new adventures! Often, as added incentive, there are prize giveaways and/or drawings for prizes based on the number of books you read.
In a world in which you can find so much on the internet, public libraries are still a valuable resource. This holds true today just as it did 30 years ago. Not sure where you local library is located? Plug in you address and/or city here and you'll get a whole list of libraries near you.
Find Your Local Library!
In a world in which you can find so much on the internet, public libraries are still a valuable resource. This holds true today just as it did 30 years ago. Not sure where you local library is located? Plug in you address and/or city here and you'll get a whole list of libraries near you.
Find Your Local Library!
Friday, May 24, 2019
Shout Out To My Students
Each Friday I re-post a previous post on this blog and call it This Friday in This Blog's History. My astronomy students this past semester found my blog and like to bring it up in class. I guess I don't give them enough work to do in my class! So This Friday in This Blog's History is not a re-post of a previous post. It is a shout out to my students. It was a great semester and I truly enjoyed the discussions this group of students brought to the table every day.
All sorts of great things were presented whenever I asked for a sharing of current events in astronomy. Astronomy is a constantly developing field in science and much of what they shared I was not yet aware. So not only did I teach them this semester, they taught me. They even kept me up to date on some entertainment current events. :-) To end this blog post and in honor of my students this year, enjoy this picture of a space goat.
All sorts of great things were presented whenever I asked for a sharing of current events in astronomy. Astronomy is a constantly developing field in science and much of what they shared I was not yet aware. So not only did I teach them this semester, they taught me. They even kept me up to date on some entertainment current events. :-) To end this blog post and in honor of my students this year, enjoy this picture of a space goat.
Thursday, May 23, 2019
What is #21: A Quasar?
The 'What Is' Series
A couple of months ago I started a new series on this blog titled "What Is". Thus far the focus is on the field of astronomy where we hear all sorts of cool science taking place in space. The goal of this series is to explain the details of different objects we hear about relatively frequently.
Quasars
Quasars are cool, science fiction sounding objects, but what exactly are they? Are they real objects or are they truly science fiction? Although they sound like science fiction, quasars are real astronomical objects. The word 'quasar' stands for quasi stellar objects. Still sounds like science fiction, but they are still real objects! Quasars are galaxies that have centers that are very active. Large galaxies, such as the Milky Way galaxy, have very large black holes at the center with several million suns worth of mass. This is also true for quasars, but what makes a quasar a quasar is the large amount of material falling into the black hole. When this happens a great amount of energy is released, making the galaxy appear very active in the center and very luminous.
A galaxy such as ours was possibly once a quasar, but now it is relatively quiet. It still releases energy from material falling into a black hole, but quasars have the luminosity, or brightness, several thousand times that of our current galaxy.
A couple of months ago I started a new series on this blog titled "What Is". Thus far the focus is on the field of astronomy where we hear all sorts of cool science taking place in space. The goal of this series is to explain the details of different objects we hear about relatively frequently.
Quasars
Quasars are cool, science fiction sounding objects, but what exactly are they? Are they real objects or are they truly science fiction? Although they sound like science fiction, quasars are real astronomical objects. The word 'quasar' stands for quasi stellar objects. Still sounds like science fiction, but they are still real objects! Quasars are galaxies that have centers that are very active. Large galaxies, such as the Milky Way galaxy, have very large black holes at the center with several million suns worth of mass. This is also true for quasars, but what makes a quasar a quasar is the large amount of material falling into the black hole. When this happens a great amount of energy is released, making the galaxy appear very active in the center and very luminous.
 |
| Artist's impression of a quasar. - NASA |
There you go. Quasars may sound like science fiction, but they are real objects in our amazing universe!
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Jurassic World (Jurassic Park IV)
Jurassic Park Movie Series
Our family is working through the Jurassic Park movie series. I've previously discussed Jurassic Park I, Jurassic Park II, and Jurassic Park III. Until recently we have not watched the two newer Jurassic Park movies starring Chris Pratt, but that has now changed.
Jurassic World (Jurassic Park IV)
It took awhile, but we finally checked out Jurassic World from the library and had a family movie night. Soccer and softball was keeping us very busy, so family movie nights are more sporadic during the spring. I'm not sure if Jurassic World is referred to as Jurassic Park IV, but that's what I'm calling it to keep track.
Jurassic Park III was not very good so it's reasonable to be skeptical of Jurassic World, but it was actually quite good. I enjoyed it and my kids enjoyed it. I'm not sure my wife did, but she hasn't been a big fan of any of the Jurassic Park movies. I like Chris Pratt as an actor. I first watched him in the old CW show, Everwood, back in the early 2000s, and really enjoyed him on Parks and Recreation. He was a good fit for the role he plays in Jurassic World. Is the science right in this movie? BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Of course not, but you have to let go of reality to enjoy any of the Jurassic Park movies.
One weak spot in Jurassic World was the lack of explanation on why the island was open as a theme park again. There's a very brief mention of the original Jurassic Park theme world in this movie, but aside from that there's no explanation of why it was opened again. Are people not learning their lesson?!?!?! LOL! Build a theme park with angry dinosaurs and people will die! Not a hard concept to learn!
Up next is Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
Our family is working through the Jurassic Park movie series. I've previously discussed Jurassic Park I, Jurassic Park II, and Jurassic Park III. Until recently we have not watched the two newer Jurassic Park movies starring Chris Pratt, but that has now changed.
Jurassic World (Jurassic Park IV)
It took awhile, but we finally checked out Jurassic World from the library and had a family movie night. Soccer and softball was keeping us very busy, so family movie nights are more sporadic during the spring. I'm not sure if Jurassic World is referred to as Jurassic Park IV, but that's what I'm calling it to keep track.
Jurassic Park III was not very good so it's reasonable to be skeptical of Jurassic World, but it was actually quite good. I enjoyed it and my kids enjoyed it. I'm not sure my wife did, but she hasn't been a big fan of any of the Jurassic Park movies. I like Chris Pratt as an actor. I first watched him in the old CW show, Everwood, back in the early 2000s, and really enjoyed him on Parks and Recreation. He was a good fit for the role he plays in Jurassic World. Is the science right in this movie? BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Of course not, but you have to let go of reality to enjoy any of the Jurassic Park movies.
One weak spot in Jurassic World was the lack of explanation on why the island was open as a theme park again. There's a very brief mention of the original Jurassic Park theme world in this movie, but aside from that there's no explanation of why it was opened again. Are people not learning their lesson?!?!?! LOL! Build a theme park with angry dinosaurs and people will die! Not a hard concept to learn!
Up next is Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Contamination: Dead Instinct
Love of Books
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
Contamination: Dead Instinct by T. W. Piperbrook
The same day I finished reading Siege of Darkness (see previous post yesterday) I started, and finished, Contamination: Dead Instinct by T. W. Piperbrook. Contamination: Dead Instinct is a story in the Contamination series. Contamination starts with people turning into zombies. It turns out a group of domestic terrorists poisoned the food and water supply in the southwest U.S. to turn people into zombies and attempt to take over the government. The first several books in the series focus on a set of main characters. This book focuses on a set of side characters. It's a relatively short book, but another good luck at humanity struggling in a post-apocalyptic time.
Are there zombies? No, but there are certainly disasters that could happen that potentially could put society, or a part of society in an apocalyptic frame of mind. Maybe not to the extent of this book, but very possibly on a smaller scale. How will people react? How will people treat each other? It's hard to say until it happens, but humans are fallible creatures. Will we protect each other or will go the mode of self-preservation? Piperbrook does a good job looking at this aspect of humanity.
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
Contamination: Dead Instinct by T. W. Piperbrook
The same day I finished reading Siege of Darkness (see previous post yesterday) I started, and finished, Contamination: Dead Instinct by T. W. Piperbrook. Contamination: Dead Instinct is a story in the Contamination series. Contamination starts with people turning into zombies. It turns out a group of domestic terrorists poisoned the food and water supply in the southwest U.S. to turn people into zombies and attempt to take over the government. The first several books in the series focus on a set of main characters. This book focuses on a set of side characters. It's a relatively short book, but another good luck at humanity struggling in a post-apocalyptic time.
Are there zombies? No, but there are certainly disasters that could happen that potentially could put society, or a part of society in an apocalyptic frame of mind. Maybe not to the extent of this book, but very possibly on a smaller scale. How will people react? How will people treat each other? It's hard to say until it happens, but humans are fallible creatures. Will we protect each other or will go the mode of self-preservation? Piperbrook does a good job looking at this aspect of humanity.
Monday, May 20, 2019
Siege of Darkness by R.A. Salvatore
Love of Books
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
Siege of Darkness by R.A. Salvatore
I read a lot of fantasy/science fiction books. A LOT! Many years ago I started reading the Drizzt series by R.A. Salvatore and more recently started re-reading them. In my re-read I just finished the ninth book in the series, Siege of Darkness. Some fantasy books are 1000 page behemoths with great care taken in character development and multiple, multiple story lines. The Drizzt books are not this. They are still good books in my opinion, but they are in the 300 page range and thus it doesn't take a month to read one. They add a change of pace to the longer books I often read.
Siege of Darkness focuses on the war between the evil drow and the dwarves of Mithril Hall. Drizzt and his friends, Bruenor the dwarf king, Catti-brie the human adopted daughter of Bruenor, Regis the halfing, and many others, must setup the defense of Mithril Hall to defeat the large and well trained armies of Drizzt's homeland, Menzobarranzan.
I enjoy all of the Drizzt books, but I really enjoyed this one. I love the stories of mass armies and multiple fronts. Sure, there are individual story lines, but they all connect to mass armies attacking each other in a land of elfs, dwarfs, humans, drow, magical creatures, magical weapons, wizards, etc. How is that not exciting?!?!?! :-)
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
Siege of Darkness by R.A. Salvatore
I read a lot of fantasy/science fiction books. A LOT! Many years ago I started reading the Drizzt series by R.A. Salvatore and more recently started re-reading them. In my re-read I just finished the ninth book in the series, Siege of Darkness. Some fantasy books are 1000 page behemoths with great care taken in character development and multiple, multiple story lines. The Drizzt books are not this. They are still good books in my opinion, but they are in the 300 page range and thus it doesn't take a month to read one. They add a change of pace to the longer books I often read.
Siege of Darkness focuses on the war between the evil drow and the dwarves of Mithril Hall. Drizzt and his friends, Bruenor the dwarf king, Catti-brie the human adopted daughter of Bruenor, Regis the halfing, and many others, must setup the defense of Mithril Hall to defeat the large and well trained armies of Drizzt's homeland, Menzobarranzan.
I enjoy all of the Drizzt books, but I really enjoyed this one. I love the stories of mass armies and multiple fronts. Sure, there are individual story lines, but they all connect to mass armies attacking each other in a land of elfs, dwarfs, humans, drow, magical creatures, magical weapons, wizards, etc. How is that not exciting?!?!?! :-)
Friday, May 17, 2019
This Blog's History: Invention Podcast
This Blog's History
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
Invention Podcast
I love podcasts! I listen to them in the car. I listen to them while working. I listen to them while folding the cloths. I listen to them when I write these blog entries! A few weeks ago I wrote about a new podcast called Invention, which is part of the Stuff Media podcast network. Great stuff! You can read more about my thoughts on this podcast as well as get the link by clicking the link below.
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of weeks ago.
Invention Podcast
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
Invention Podcast
I love podcasts! I listen to them in the car. I listen to them while working. I listen to them while folding the cloths. I listen to them when I write these blog entries! A few weeks ago I wrote about a new podcast called Invention, which is part of the Stuff Media podcast network. Great stuff! You can read more about my thoughts on this podcast as well as get the link by clicking the link below.
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of weeks ago.
Invention Podcast
Thursday, May 16, 2019
My Soul to Take by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir
Love of Books
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
My Soul to Take by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir
When we took a family vacation to Iceland last summer I took a look at a few boos stores in search of a new, local author to start reading and came across Yrsa Sigurðardóttir. Once home I purchased a few ebooks and started reading her Þóra Guðmundsdóttir murder/mystery/thriller series. Her books are originally written in Icelandic, which I don't know, but have since been translated into English. I recently finished the second book in the series, My Soul to Take, which is part mystery, part thriller, and yes, part ghost story. I don't believe in ghosts or anything spiritual/supernatural, but I enjoy reading books in this area.
My Soul to Take was a great book that is simply different than other mystery/thriller books I've read. I can't really describe it. You just have to pick up one of Yrsa's books and read them! So if you are a mystery/thriller fan and haven't read a Yrsa Sigurðardóttir book, pick one up now. She's also written a fantastic ghost story titled "I Remember You: A Ghost Story" which is simply fantastic! Eventually I write a blog entry on this one. It's another must read! I literally could not book the book down!!!
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
My Soul to Take by Yrsa Sigurðardóttir
When we took a family vacation to Iceland last summer I took a look at a few boos stores in search of a new, local author to start reading and came across Yrsa Sigurðardóttir. Once home I purchased a few ebooks and started reading her Þóra Guðmundsdóttir murder/mystery/thriller series. Her books are originally written in Icelandic, which I don't know, but have since been translated into English. I recently finished the second book in the series, My Soul to Take, which is part mystery, part thriller, and yes, part ghost story. I don't believe in ghosts or anything spiritual/supernatural, but I enjoy reading books in this area.
My Soul to Take was a great book that is simply different than other mystery/thriller books I've read. I can't really describe it. You just have to pick up one of Yrsa's books and read them! So if you are a mystery/thriller fan and haven't read a Yrsa Sigurðardóttir book, pick one up now. She's also written a fantastic ghost story titled "I Remember You: A Ghost Story" which is simply fantastic! Eventually I write a blog entry on this one. It's another must read! I literally could not book the book down!!!
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
What Is #20: A Black Hole?
The 'What Is' Series
A couple of months ago I started a new series on this blog titled "What Is". Thus far the focus is on the field of astronomy where we hear all sorts of cool science taking place in space. The goal of this series is to explain the details of different objects we hear about relatively frequently.
A Black Hole
If you paid any attention at all to the news last month, you certainly heard about the first ever image of a black hole. Super cool! And here's that picture:
This is the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy M87, about 55 million light years from us. Again, super cool! If you haven't yet seen this video clip of Dr. Katie Bouman, one of many who worked on this, but the one who lead the team that developed the algorithm to analyze the data and produce this image, you need to see it.
A couple of months ago I started a new series on this blog titled "What Is". Thus far the focus is on the field of astronomy where we hear all sorts of cool science taking place in space. The goal of this series is to explain the details of different objects we hear about relatively frequently.
A Black Hole
If you paid any attention at all to the news last month, you certainly heard about the first ever image of a black hole. Super cool! And here's that picture:
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| Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration - https://www.eso.org/public/images/eso1907a/ |
Her excitement in this clip goes to show that astronomy is an exciting field that brings us something new every day! Again, awesome science in action!!!
So what is a black hole? Well, a black hole is an object whose mass is so condensed that it is packed into an infinitely small space. Gravity is so large that not even light can escape, hence the name, black holes We've known about black holes for decades and know where many are at based on the motion of stars and other objects around them, but this image is the first ever direct image of a black hole!
There's much more to black holes, such as the event horizon, spaghettification, warping of space, etc., but I'm going to save those for future posts in this What Is series. You'll just have to keep reading this blog! For now though, take another look at the image above and view the video clip of Dr. Katie Bouman talking about this discovery! Then go out and do some science!!!
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Geeky Cupcake!
One of the best things about traveling to a science conference is seeing other people geek out about science. Everyone is running around the exhibit hall checking out cool science demonstrations, flooding around the booths of science books, and signing up for free giveaways because there's no way your school has funding to purchase a very cool, yet very expensive piece of equipment, such as an inflatable, transportable, planetarium. :-) Maybe, just maybe I'll win one for my school one of these years!
Geekiness knows no end at these conferences, as witnessed by this very cool and very geeky mini-cupcake.
Geekiness knows no end at these conferences, as witnessed by this very cool and very geeky mini-cupcake.
Yes, that is an element cupcake! One of the booths I walked by had a large periodic table displayed and on each element was a cupcake with the element name on top!!! How could I possibly pass up one of these?!?!?! I took Dubnium, and it was delicious!!!
Dubnium is not naturally found on Earth but can be created in a lab. It doesn't last very long. It has a half-life of 32 hours, meaning that if you had a block of it, in 32 hours, half of it will have decayed into smaller elements. Yikes! What is it used for? I did a quick search, and apparently nothing! LOL! But it was a yummy cupcake and in this case, had a half life of just a few seconds!!!
Monday, May 13, 2019
Geeky Science Shirt
Whenever I travel out of town I try to find a cool gift for each of my daughters and my wife. I gave each of my daughter's a book, which I shared last week on this blog, but I also found a cool, geeky, science T-shirt for my daughter.
She loved it! She'll soon be a teenager, so maybe she'll reach a point where she doesn't want to wear a geeky science shirt. I hope not, but for now I'm thrilled she still loves receiving and wearing these types of gifts.
If you don't get it, you have not reached full geek status! The speed on the T-shirt is the speed of light, which cannot be exceeded. Therefore it is the law! :-)
Friday, May 10, 2019
This Blog's History: What is a Pulsar
This Blog's History
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
What is a Pulsars
Pulsars are interesting objects in space and are one of the possible end stages of stars with much higher mass than the Sun. There's much more to them than that, so I'll point you back to the original post on pulsars I wrote a few weeks ago.
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of weeks ago.
What is a Pulsar?
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
What is a Pulsars
Pulsars are interesting objects in space and are one of the possible end stages of stars with much higher mass than the Sun. There's much more to them than that, so I'll point you back to the original post on pulsars I wrote a few weeks ago.
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of weeks ago.
What is a Pulsar?
Thursday, May 9, 2019
New Science Books from NSTA Conference
One of the cool things about attending a National Science Teachers Association national conference is roaming the exhibit hall to see what's there. There are usual a few book publishers there selling books and this year there was a booth in which all books were $5. Um...impossible for me to pass up, so I just had to purchase a (okay, a few!) books!
Endurance was actually free when I added my name to some mailing list I'll probably have to delete myself from later on. But it was worth it to get a free science book! I gave this book to my oldest daughter who started reading it right away once I got back home.
The book 'Evolution' in the first image is a book on evolution, but written in the form of a graphic novel, which immediately struck me as the perfect gift for my youngest daughter. She likes science and loves graphic novels, so the perfect combination!
Fortunately this year's NSTA conference was close enough for me to drive so I didn't have to lug around the airport a bag filled with books. LOL! You put up a $5 book offer and I'm walking away with several books!
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
NSTA Conference 2019 - St. Louis
I recently had the opportunity to attend the 2019 national NSTA conference in St. Louis. NSTA stands for the National Science Teachers Association. It's a great organization and the conferences they put on are excellent! I've attended in the past, but can't go every year. In fact, I've only attended 3 of the last 13 years, although I've made it each of the last 2. The reason is funding. If you haven't noticed, schools are drastically under-funded by the states and it's hard to go to one of these conferences without appropriate funding
This year's conference was held in St. Louis, and I made sure to find some time to do a bit of site-seeing. I'll share some of these site-seeing adventures in future posts. At the conference I focused on attending sessions that were less science content based and more focused on equality in the classroom. I attended some fantastic sessions on gender, race, and LGBTQ+ equality in the classroom. I've always tried my best to be an ally in the classroom, but there is always more for everyone to learn. I picked up a few great ideas from these sessions to apply in my classes.
I also attended a couple of sessions on the growing rate of science denial in this country. Very sad and depressing, but these sessions provided help on how to combat this in the classroom and in the local community.
If you are a science teacher out there, particularly at the K-12 level, I highly encourage you to attend a NSTA annual conference. There are also smaller, regional conferences if those work out better for you. You can learn more about NSTA here:
National Science Teachers Association
This year's conference was held in St. Louis, and I made sure to find some time to do a bit of site-seeing. I'll share some of these site-seeing adventures in future posts. At the conference I focused on attending sessions that were less science content based and more focused on equality in the classroom. I attended some fantastic sessions on gender, race, and LGBTQ+ equality in the classroom. I've always tried my best to be an ally in the classroom, but there is always more for everyone to learn. I picked up a few great ideas from these sessions to apply in my classes.
I also attended a couple of sessions on the growing rate of science denial in this country. Very sad and depressing, but these sessions provided help on how to combat this in the classroom and in the local community.
If you are a science teacher out there, particularly at the K-12 level, I highly encourage you to attend a NSTA annual conference. There are also smaller, regional conferences if those work out better for you. You can learn more about NSTA here:
National Science Teachers Association
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Planet 13x Mass of Jupiter
Astronomers are discovering new planets every day. Maybe not literally every day, but pretty close to every day! As of April 1, 2019 there were 4,023 known exoplanets out there. Wow! Recently astronomers announced the discovery of an exoplanet that has thirteen times the mass of Jupiter.
Astronomers find evidence of a planet with a mass almost 13 times that of Jupiter
Jupiter is sometimes called a 'failed star', but that's misleading, as I've discussed on this blog previously. The smallest stars are about 8% the mass of the Sun. Jupiter, on the other hand, only has 0.1% the mass of the Sun. Therefore Jupiter had a LONG way to go to be close to becoming a star. Even this planet that is 13 times the mass of Jupiter is still not very close to becoming a star. This planet has about 1.3% the mass of the Sun. Yes, very large, but it still needs more than 6 times this mass to be a star.
Setting that all aside, wow, another new planet! Jupiter plays a great role in our Solar System due to its large mass and gravitational field that influences the motions of the other planets and objects. This new planet, at 13 times larger, will have an even greater influence. How will that affect the possibility of life in this system? I'm not really sure, but small differences can produce large changes! The wonders of science and astronomy!
Astronomers find evidence of a planet with a mass almost 13 times that of Jupiter
Jupiter is sometimes called a 'failed star', but that's misleading, as I've discussed on this blog previously. The smallest stars are about 8% the mass of the Sun. Jupiter, on the other hand, only has 0.1% the mass of the Sun. Therefore Jupiter had a LONG way to go to be close to becoming a star. Even this planet that is 13 times the mass of Jupiter is still not very close to becoming a star. This planet has about 1.3% the mass of the Sun. Yes, very large, but it still needs more than 6 times this mass to be a star.
Setting that all aside, wow, another new planet! Jupiter plays a great role in our Solar System due to its large mass and gravitational field that influences the motions of the other planets and objects. This new planet, at 13 times larger, will have an even greater influence. How will that affect the possibility of life in this system? I'm not really sure, but small differences can produce large changes! The wonders of science and astronomy!
Monday, May 6, 2019
Great Thunberg on Twitter
Science on Twitter
There are many negatives with social media but also many positives. Among those positives is the great number of amazing scientists using Twitter to share science news! Not only are there scientists, but there are telescopes and rovers with their own Twitter accounts sharing their findings. You just have to use social media in such a way the positives outweigh the negatives. Following scientists is a great way to gain those positives.
Greta Thunberg
If you haven't heard of Greta Thunberg, then you need to do some research on her now. She's a 16 year old climate activist in Sweden. I don't know how she did it, but she has spearheaded the many student school strikes across the world arguing for immediate action to address the climate change catastrophe taking place right now. Her courage to step up and take charge when adults haven't is truly inspiring, to both kids and adults. The adults in this world, including myself, need to look at Greta and do what she is doing, taking action. Action comes in many forms. There are strikes to bring awareness, voting records, attending climate change events, talking to your family and friends about climate change. You don't need to lead a world-wide movement to make a difference. You can follow Greta on Twitter @GretaThunberg.
There are many negatives with social media but also many positives. Among those positives is the great number of amazing scientists using Twitter to share science news! Not only are there scientists, but there are telescopes and rovers with their own Twitter accounts sharing their findings. You just have to use social media in such a way the positives outweigh the negatives. Following scientists is a great way to gain those positives.
Greta Thunberg
If you haven't heard of Greta Thunberg, then you need to do some research on her now. She's a 16 year old climate activist in Sweden. I don't know how she did it, but she has spearheaded the many student school strikes across the world arguing for immediate action to address the climate change catastrophe taking place right now. Her courage to step up and take charge when adults haven't is truly inspiring, to both kids and adults. The adults in this world, including myself, need to look at Greta and do what she is doing, taking action. Action comes in many forms. There are strikes to bring awareness, voting records, attending climate change events, talking to your family and friends about climate change. You don't need to lead a world-wide movement to make a difference. You can follow Greta on Twitter @GretaThunberg.
Friday, May 3, 2019
This Blog's History: Jess Phoenix on Twitter
This Blog's History
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
Jess Phoenix on Twitter
If you are not following @jessphoenix2018, you should be! Science, humor, and politics. Perfect!
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of years ago.
Jess Phoenix on Twitter
Starting several years ago, every Friday I link back to a previous post I wrote. Why? I may be biased, but I think there's quite a bit of good, exciting science I post on this blog, and I like to revisit these old posts. Plus it is a way for new readers to see many of the cool science experiments I've done with my kids in the past without reading the blog from day one, which was over 1,000 posts ago!
Jess Phoenix on Twitter
If you are not following @jessphoenix2018, you should be! Science, humor, and politics. Perfect!
Where do I go?
For the original post, click the link below. This links to the original post I wrote a couple of years ago.
Jess Phoenix on Twitter
Thursday, May 2, 2019
That Only a Mother - Book Review
Love of Books
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
That Only a Mother by Judith Merril
I'm a big fan of science fiction and own several science fiction anthologies of short stories. I recently read 'That Only a Mother' by Judith Merril. This is a very short science fiction story that takes place during the very early stages of the Cold War and increasing development of atomic weapons. It's an interesting look at how radiation exposure is viewed, particularly among young children. I didn't find this the greatest story by any means, but it's still one a science fiction fan will enjoy.
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
That Only a Mother by Judith Merril
I'm a big fan of science fiction and own several science fiction anthologies of short stories. I recently read 'That Only a Mother' by Judith Merril. This is a very short science fiction story that takes place during the very early stages of the Cold War and increasing development of atomic weapons. It's an interesting look at how radiation exposure is viewed, particularly among young children. I didn't find this the greatest story by any means, but it's still one a science fiction fan will enjoy.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Why People Believe Weird Things - Book Review
Love of Books
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
Why People Believe Weird Things by Michael Shermer
I have a few books on the topic of skepticism by Michael Shermer, but they've sat on my bookshelf for over a year without being picked up. I decided that needed to end so I picked up 'Why People Believe Weird Things.
I love books and am always on the look out for new (or old) authors and new series to read. I have far too many books at home, but I keep adding to my collection and I highly doubt I'll ever stop!
Why People Believe Weird Things by Michael Shermer
I have a few books on the topic of skepticism by Michael Shermer, but they've sat on my bookshelf for over a year without being picked up. I decided that needed to end so I picked up 'Why People Believe Weird Things.
This is a fascinating read! Shermer takes the reader through UFO abductions and other odd beliefs. He mainly focuses on the push to remove evolution from the classroom and Holocaust denial. I knew there were Holocaust deniers out there, but I had no idea how long the belief the Holocaust was faked has existed nor did I have an understanding of the efforts deniers have taken to trick and confuse the public.
I particularly enjoyed the final chapter in which Shermer discusses why smart people believe weird things. We are all subject to confirmation bias in our lives, and every one of us, no matter how smart, is prone to pseudo scientific thinking. It's important to constantly question our own beliefs to avoid falling in the trap of believing pseudoscience, or as Shermer puts it, believing in weird things.
A great book that will really get you thinking!
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