Astronomy Definition and 805 Threads

  1. W

    Young engineer wanting to discover more and more about science

    Hello everybody. Nice to meet you ! I'm a young electronic engineer who wants to learn as much as possible about science. I love chemistry, physics, astronomy, mathematics, mechanics, etc. I'm sure I'll learn a lot with you. See you soon !
  2. H

    Astrophysics Introductory books for Astronomy/Astrophysics Olympiad preparation

    Could you recommend a good introductory book into Astronomy/Astrophysics but that is capable to prepare for Astronomy Olympiad? We have Karttunen and Salvati at home. Are they enough? Thanks!
  3. wjwhs010101

    Courses Need Ideas for a Physics Extended Essay for IB

    I have researched some topics, but I am not sure what to do. The topics that I found are: Topic: The Role of Mirrors in Space Telescopes Research Question: How do the shape and coating of mirrors affect their focal properties and light reflection efficiency? Topic: The efficiency of optical...
  4. W

    Retired Physics Teacher with 33 years experience

    EDUCATION B.S. Chemistry with American Chemical Society certification as Professional Chemist from the University of Miami (UM). M.S. Physics Education from Florida International University (FIU). MBA from FIU. WORK EXPERIENCE Nine years as an industrial R&D Chemist in the field of paint and...
  5. TensorCalculus

    Studying How to self-study physics past High School Level?

    Hello! So I'm a teenage physics enthusiast, who wants to take my knowledge past A-level (or in America I believe this would be high school level) physics. I've studied multiple textbooks like Young and Freedman's University physics, studied maths from books like mathematical methods for physics...
  6. J

    New Guy

    My name is Jeff. My interest is in the Cosmos. I received an AA in Physics (with Transfer) and then moved on to computer science. I spent 35 years in the computer science field. I've always been intrigued by the planets and the solar system. My interest was rekindled with the Carl Sagan's...
  7. M

    Astronomy Use of Standard Candles in Measuring Distances in Astronomy

    TL;DR Summary: I need to understand their definition. In a refrence I've read : One of the basic missions of Astronomy is to measure distances in the cosmos. This is usually done using the method of standard candles, which requires identifying astronomical objects or phenomena with a...
  8. DaveC426913

    B Considering a budget observatory

    After 30 years, I finally have enough property that I could put up a little hut for my scope. It's just a 5" one-metre Newt, (and it's got a janky gear in the eq-mount that I haven't succeeded in fixing properly) so it would be easy to inadvertantly over-engineer and observatory for it. I live...
  9. M

    Older amateur physicist

    Hi Just a brief intro/bio. Aged 68.5yo but mentally still a (responsible) teenager - that may be an oxymoron.. Interests: Astronomy, Cosmology, Spectroscopy, solar dynamics and anything Physics and maths related. Beyond that, add any other form of science and for more fun, I design, build...
  10. ohwilleke

    I New Developments In The Search For Planet X

    There are some hints from the orbits of known objects in the solar system that there might be a Planet X out there that has not been discovered. A recent study by Siraj et al. (the link is to a pre-print of the paper), analyzes a bigger data set (orbits of 51 objects v. 11 in previous studies)...
  11. A

    Stargazer

    I was happy to discover the stargazers' forum. I definitely can't claim to be an astronomer of any description. I'm in the physics fan club, more than any kind of actual physicist.
  12. TomVassos

    I Help us calculate the likelihood an intelligent alien species exists!

    Hello everyone, I need some statistics help relating to one aspect of the Fermi Paradox. The Universe is a very big place and even if there are millions of other alien civilizations out there, they are likely so far away from us that we will never ever meet them. But another factor that will...
  13. V

    Which forum to post personal theories for discussion

    Hi My name is Virendra Singh Rawat, I am 63 years old male, staying at Indore, India. I did my B.Tech in Metullurgy from IIT Kanpur, India in 1985. I have no formal qualification or training in any dedicated field. I am fascinated by sky and love to see the dance of heavenly bodies. For 20 years...
  14. D

    What Level of Math is Best Before Taking Physics?

    Good day to all. I'm a new member who is fascinated by and interested in physics, quantum mechanics, astronomy, and cosmology, though I never took classes during my schooling. Admittedly, I have basic math skills and worked hard to attain mediocrity in math classes (a living example of the law...
  15. AryaanHegde

    Stargazing What can I see with 10x50 binoculars in Bortle class 4?

    I'm just starting out with amateur astronomy and decided to buy a 10x50 Celestron Up-close G2 binoculars. I believe that tomorrow is the planet parade (the aligning of 6 planets) and I'd like to catch a glimpse of it. In the bortle 7 location that I'm in, I could only see a handful of stars...
  16. J

    A Spectral Data Availibility

    Does anyone know of a reliable source from which to get star spectral data (flux versus wavelength)? The best source I've found is GAIA which has spectral data for some stars but for many it does not.
  17. PhysicsEnjoyer31415

    Stargazing My photo of Jupiter (I think)

  18. P

    Programs Should I do a math or an astronomy double major for general relativity?

    Hi! I'm going into college during the fall, (Stony Brook University in the US) and I want to research general relativity in the future. I can choose to do an astronomy or math double major alongside my physics degree, and I want to know which degree will best prepare me for a graduate program in GR
  19. Da_Rex

    Need Ideas for a Physics Astronomy EE for IB

    TL;DR Summary: I had a physics EE idea for finding the age of Andromeda using data from the university our school is linked with, however this turned out to be near impossible, therefore I wanted to find more doable things. Need Ideas for Physics EE
  20. G

    New Member

    I am a retired musician and music teacher (woodwinds). I have had a lifetime amateur interest in astronomy and physics generally. I am also interested in the physics of musical instruments. For many years I was an amateur pilot so I also have an interest in the physics of flight.
  21. Field physics

    B Waves in space

    So I've seen that radar can be used in space which is interesting and brings questions to mind as well as theories. Unrelated Sonar which uses sound waves don't work as sound isn't transmittable through space. Questions: 1) What techniques are used in radar to prevent "wondering" or the radio...
  22. Somoth Ergai

    B New Paradox Discovered, I Think

    User New here but this conundrum is something that occurred to me as I was watching a physics video and I have run out of ways to ask about this. So here I am. Ok first principle. the setup. let's say we have invented a perfect telescope on earth. such that we can resolve any object no matter...
  23. DaveC426913

    B What Does the Astro Physics Equation from Lewis Season 8 Episode 2 Mean?

    I know, I know, I'm committing the cardinal sin of putting any stock in the technobabble of a TV show, but this one seems egregious. Lewis (English WhoDunnit-in-Oxford on Britbox) Season 8 Episode 2 "The Lions of Nemea" had an astro physics professor who said this: "... and so we see that one...
  24. Sciencemaster

    I Observational Astronomy Project Ideas to Show Special Relativity

    This semester, I'm taking a class on Observational Astronomy which requires us to perform observations for a final project over the course of roughly a month (mid-March to Mid-april, although it could be a bit longer or shorter). As we get to choose the project, I'd like to take this opportunity...
  25. W

    What is an Intelligent Dilettante?

    Just a guy with huge Curiosity Quotient, in subjects ranging from Astronomy to Quantum Physics, to Geology and Ancient Mythology, Chemistry to Science Fiction & Fantasy, and finally Science in General.
  26. T

    What Have We Learned from Studying the North Ecliptic Pole?

    Astronomer - have built and used lots of stuff for ground and space based astronomy, and worked on top of countless mountain tops across many continents; studying the radio Universe from the deserts of New Mexico, taking pictures from mountain tops in Chile, Hawaii, La Palma, listening to the...
  27. DiamondTiara

    Exploring the Universe: A Journey through Astronomy and Cosmology

    Hello there. I am Diamond Tiara and I am interested in Astronomy and Cosmology. I am also into fictional works involving solar systems and planets.
  28. Physicsperson123

    I Terrell rotation is confusing!

    Imagine in the distance you see a glowing spherical object hovering in the air. Suppose light from point B on the surface of the sphere facing away from you can arrive at the camera simultaneously with light from A: Since the object is moving at relativistic speeds, by the time light begins to...
  29. peabody1998

    Newbie needs help with angle iron load calculation

    I am trying to decide on the material and dimensions for the rail. The rails are supported on either side of a 10ft span. -- What dimension steel angle can carry a 200lb load across a 10ft span? a=? b=? c=? -- What dimension aluminum angle can carry a 200lb load across a 10ft span? a=? b=? c=?
  30. Glenstr

    B Did I Capture Sunspots in My Summer Sunset Timelapse?

    I was editing a timelapse I did of a sunset this summer with my Pentax K70, using 18-270mm lens at full zoom, using raw photos. At first I thought I had a speck on the lens when I saw a spot on the left side about the middle, then I noticed it stayed on the sun as it went down. Then I noticed...
  31. WesKnight

    B Questions about relative Space-Time in the Universe

    Hello everybody. I have been having a lingering question about the State of the Universe. As humans, we view the Universe's expanse as historical from the vantage point of Earth. For example, 10,000 light years away would have occurred 10,000 years ago. On that same logic, looking at Earth from...
  32. AndreasC

    Astrophysics Up to date astrophysics and astronomy books for physicists

    With all the recent debates about CDM vs MOND etc, I decided I need some more background on astrophysics and phenomenology. I have the physics background, I prefer concise books even if they are harder. I was considering something like this for phenomenology...
  33. Graham 1956

    Stargazing Question about my photos of a Full Moon -- What is this point of light?

    I have just taken three photos of the full moon. I am in Southern Spain and the photos were taken around 22.40 (CET). In each of the three photos, taken within seconds of each other, there is a bright point of light (a dot). In one frame it is in front of the surface of the moon. In the other...
  34. P

    B Looking for help Understanding Inertia

    Just a thread to see how inertia works, just studied the laws of motion, and have been fascinated with it.. could use some help on it tho :)
  35. mihaivzr

    Optical What would an amateur need to make accurate astronomical measurements?

    Planning to manually rediscover or confirm our exact place in the Solar System, Galaxy and Universe. I've noticed that even 50 mm high quality amateur telescopes are likely well better than what Galileo Galilei era scientists had for the first half century. The theodolite looks like an inspiring...
  36. T

    I Star cluster in the Milky Way appears to be as old as the Universe

    https://www.sciencenews.org/article/star-cluster-milky-way-old-universe https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2306.02180 Cheers, Tom
  37. DaveC426913

    B Has Earth Lost Its Status as a Planet?

    The International Astronomical Union (IAU) defined in August 2006 that, in the Solar System,[1] a planet is a celestial body that: is in orbit around the Sun, has sufficient mass to assume hydrostatic equilibrium (a nearly round shape), and has "cleared the neighbourhood" around its orbit...
  38. Vanadium 50

    B Which star is the closest red giant to Earth according to The Guardian?

    The Guardian claims Betelgeuse is the closest red giant to Earth. Not even close. Aldebaran Arcturus Mira Delta Andromedae The abominably named Gacrux Capella, which despite the color is a red giant Possibly Antares (distances are similar) And, what is likely the correct answer, Pollux. Think...
  39. J

    B How can the Universe be flat? Ridiculous

    The earth is a sphere. I can stand anywhere on its surface and look up directly above my head at the night sky and see lots of stars many light years away. I see this view wherever I stand on the earth's surface although the stars will be different ones, depending on where I'm standing...
  40. F

    Admissions Profile evaluation for astronomy Phd applicant in the fall 2023 cycle

    I will apply for a Ph.D. in Astronomy in the fall of 2023. I want to have a realistic evaluation of my profile to see if I am over-ambitious or not. I think I am out of reach for the "big four" universities. I will donate money to two of them only and will be targeting other top schools...
  41. xpell

    B At what distance would a Venus-like planet have a HZ temperature?

    Well... that: Please, could you please assist me in obtaining a rough estimate of the distance from the Sun at which a planet resembling Venus or a hypothetical Venus-like planet (for the sake of simplicity) would have a habitable-zone surface temperature? A "back-of-the-envelope" educated...
  42. J

    Why globular clusters don't collapse.

    I asked Bard that question and it responded (among other things) that a) globular clusters are spherical and b) that they are spinning rapidly. Aren't those two things contradictory, as in they should be flattened by centrifugal forces?
  43. Astronuc

    B Saturn's 145 Moons: The Latest Discoveries and What Sets Them Apart

    Saturn reclaims 'moon king' title with 62 newfound satellites, bringing total to 145 https://www.space.com/saturn-moon-king-62-newfound-satellites Astronomers have discovered 62 new moons orbiting the ringed planet Saturn, bringing to total to 145 Moons, with 121 irregular moons and 24 regular...
  44. F

    Tusi discovering laws of planetary motion before Kepler?

    I was reading about the Tusi couple and read it "as a solution for the latitudinal motion of the inferior planets, and later used extensively as a substitute for the equant". Since the Tusi couple is related to plotting out an ellipse, did Nasir al-Din al-Tusi already discover the laws for...
  45. L

    B Can anyone suggest a good website to buy astronomy equipment?

    I am looking into proper and well tested solar glasses for the upcoming total eclipse next year. Also solar film and clip to attach to my camera so I can do a video. I'm scared to just buy randomly on Amazon.
  46. Ken G

    Is ChatGPT useful yet for answering astronomy questions?

    TL;DR Summary: It seems inevitable that internet searches to answer astronomy questions will someday involve AI assistance. Is ChatGPT reliable enough yet for that, or still nowhere close? The issue for me at this point is how to distinguish the errors ChatGPT currently makes, versus the...
  47. E

    I Research paper and sources investigating Earth's moons

    Hi. I am looking for scientific papers, articles and/or even simulations that investigate how many moons it would be possible for earth to have and maybe modern theories about what these moons can be and look like (i.e what characteristics they have) if they were to exist. I have googled and...
  48. G

    Programs Should I major in Physics & Astronomy or Physics & Math?

    I'm currently in my first year of a combined major in Physics and Astronomy. I'm hoping to study theoretical cosmology, and get a PhD in physics. I've been told it would be wise to get a double major in Physics and Math if I wish to study theory, but would it also be wise to get a combined major...
  49. Al-Layth

    I Should I study astronomy first or cosmology first?

    tldr summary
  50. M

    B Would the Giant Arc be visible from a hypothetical exoplanet?

    I recently watched History of the Universe and they talked about the Giant Arc, a large scale structure that spans 3.3 billion light years long, exceeding the hypothetical limit of 1.2 billion. The Arc was discovered last year. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Giant_Arc They said if the Giant...
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