Measuring the Solar System and Universe

  • Thread starter Thread starter Hornbein
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Solar
AI Thread Summary
The discussion highlights the significance of the transit of Venus, emphasizing its importance as a primary objective of Captain Cook's voyage. It mentions a historical figure who became so engrossed in this event that he was declared dead, leading to personal consequences for his family. Participants express curiosity about the mysteries surrounding the measurement of the universe, particularly the determination of its curvature, which remains unexplained in the conversation. The mention of Terence Tao adds a notable biographical element to the discussion. Overall, the thread explores intriguing historical and scientific mysteries related to astronomy.
Hornbein
Gold Member
Messages
3,433
Reaction score
2,819
Answers to some mysteries that I've wondered about for a long time. Fast paced with cool biographical details.



Part One is good too.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Greg Bernhardt said:
You had me at Terence Tao! What are your favorite mysteries solved in here?
Why the transit of Venus was so crucial that it was of the main objectives of the voyage of Captain Cook. Some other man was so preoccupied with this he was declared dead. His wife remarried and his estate was distributed. I was disappointed though they didn't explain how the curvature of the universe is determined.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes Greg Bernhardt

Thread 'How feasible is home radio astronomy?'

Is a homemade radio telescope realistic? There seems to be a confluence of multiple technologies that makes the situation better than when I was a wee lad: software-defined radio (SDR), the easy availability of satellite dishes, surveillance drives, and fast CPUs. Let's take a step back - it is trivial to see the sun in radio. An old analog TV, a set of "rabbit ears" antenna, and you're good to go. Point the antenna at the sun (i.e. the ears are perpendicular to it) and there is...
View full post »

Thread '3I/ATLAS, Interstellar Comet'

3I/ATLAS, also known as C/2025 N1 (ATLAS) and formerly designated as A11pl3Z, is an iinterstellar comet. It was discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) station at Río Hurtado, Chile on 1 July 2025. Note: it was mentioned (as A11pl3Z) by DaveE in a new member's introductory thread. https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/brian-cox-lead-me-here.1081670/post-7274146 https://earthsky.org/space/new-interstellar-object-candidate-heading-toward-the-sun-a11pl3z/ One...
View full post »

Similar threads

B U.S. Solar Eclipses - Oct. 14, 2023 (Annular) & Apr. 08, 2024 (Total)
2
Replies
68
Views
6K
A Does the invariable plane of the Solar system have axial precession?
Replies
15
Views
2K
I New Developments In The Search For Planet X
Replies
2
Views
3K
I Solar System Diameter: Calculating Distances & Multi-Star Systems
Replies
2
Views
2K
B New theory, our solar system formation, "space bubble"
Replies
16
Views
3K
I Without degeneracy, when would Solar cores collapse?
3
Replies
109
Views
6K
I Evidence for existence of a 9th Planet in the solar system
Replies
15
Views
3K
B Question about the solar system and gravitational forces
Replies
10
Views
2K
I Planetary Formation: Could Collisions Explain Our Solar System?
2
Replies
52
Views
6K
B Ivuna meteorite from edge of solar system to Tanzania?
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top