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Archive for the ‘Science!’ Category

For the next couple of nights we may be able to see not one not two not three not four but (that’s right, folks) five planets in the skies above us!

When, where and how to view five planets lining up in the sky this week

…Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Uranus, and Mars will dazzle us earthlings this week.

Unfortunately, our night skies tend to be washed out but I’m hoping to see at least part of this planetary parade. If you do too, try heading out after sunset.

Wait until the sun has set and then go out and look low in that bright part of the sky where the sun has just set with binoculars, and you should see brighter Jupiter next to fainter Mercury. 

Good luck!

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Photo by Ruud Luijten on Unsplash

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Oh hey, I forgot to give you a heads up about the “asteroid big enough to wipe out a city” that flew past us over past weekend.

‘City killer’ asteroid to pass harmlessly between Earth and moon

The good news is that we’re all still here. Hooray!

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Photo by Massimiliano Morosinotto on Unsplash

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Sure, I’ve got five feet of snow in my front yard, but whatever. 

Welcome, Spring!

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Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

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Today, a short but earth-shaking bit of science, from over 2000 years ago.

The story of Eratosthenes and Earth’s circumference, as told by Carl Sagan

After hearing that the shadows disappeared at noon in the town of Syene (now known as Aswan), Eratosthenes achieved his understanding of our planet’s size by comparing the angle of the sun’s rays in the port city of Alexandria-at the same time.

The Sagan video won’t post for whatever reason, but this is the link: 

Carl Sagan – Cosmos – Eratosthenes

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Photo by Jan Kopřiva on Unsplash

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Ladies and Gentlemen, we regret to announce that because this year’s annual Pi Day celebration falls on a Tuesday, it will have to be postponed. The good news is that pi is infinite. Any day can be Pi Day!

I will focus on pie at a later, more auspicious time. Until then, please enjoy both the mathematical concept and culinary reality of pi/e.

Happy Pi Day! Here’s all you need to know – CBS Boston

10 Ways to Celebrate Pi Day with NASA on March 14

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Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

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Despite weekend efforts to the contrary, my taxes remain unfinished (soon! really!). In the larger scheme of things, however, it’s not that big a deal.

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Photo by Tim Trad on Unsplash

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In case you’ve ever wondered how to cure idiopathic persistent singultus, and really, who hasn’t? 

How to (Actually) Stop Hiccups – The Atlantic

First, exhale completely, then inhale a deep breath. Wait 10 seconds, then—without exhaling—inhale a little more. Wait another five seconds, then top up the breath again. Finally, exhale. Generally, you will find that your singultus is gone.

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Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash

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And now, back to my taxes.

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Photo by Nick Moore on Unsplash

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It’s been just over two years since the Perseverance rover began its quest on Mars. What’s it been up to? A lot, but this article has a summary and link to the whole of its adventure (so far) distilled into a time-lapse video.

Follow Perseverance on Its Mars Journey With This Two-Year Timelapse – Universe Today

The rover has now traveled almost 15 km (9 miles). In addition to studying numerous rocks, it has also collected and stowed away 18 sample containers of rocks, regolith, and even the Martian atmosphere, to be gathered later and brought to Earth in a future Mars Sample Return mission.

For more cool stuff like a Mars photo booth, check out NASA’s Perseverance’s Highlights and Dr. Sunanda Sharma’s talk about Perseverance- Two Years on Mars.

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Chewie on Mars: “What do you mean, this isn’t a new chew toy?”

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If you are going shopping this weekend, you might find this information useful. If nothing else, it will give you something to consider as the checkout lines to either side of you whoosh on by.

Bill Hammack the engineerguy.com

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Photo by Mario Purisic on Unsplash

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