A Two-Planet Species Two private companies have plans to colonize Mars this century: Mars-One and SpaceX. The colonization of Mars would be an important achievement for our species, and it is a necessary next step for our long-term safety. How realistic are these company’s plans? Will both be successful? What would this accomplishment mean for … Continue reading A Two-Planet Species
Tag: universe
The Curiosity Announcement
The Curiosity Announcement When Dr. John Grotzinger told NPR that the Mars rover had made a discovery “for the history books” everyone overreacted, including me. Unfortunately, Curiosity did not discover microbial life, but they did discovery complex chemical compounds (e.g., carbon, chlorine). This discovery, although still disappointing for many, raises a few very interesting questions. … Continue reading The Curiosity Announcement
Did Curiosity Discover Life On Mars?
Did Curiosity Discover Life On Mars? John Grotzinger, Curiosity’s chief scientist, recently revealed to NPR that the Mars rover has made a discovery “for the history books.” Is it life? There are several lines of evidence indicating that it is. This would be the biggest scientific discovery of our generation. If Curiosity did discover life, … Continue reading Did Curiosity Discover Life On Mars?
The Universe’s Adolescent Pictures
The Universe's Adolescent Pictures One of the biggest questions in cosmology today is centered around the accelerated-expansion of the universe. In order to better understand how the universe expands a team of scientists explored expansion during the “matter dominated” phase of the universe’s earlier history. Observations from this phase indicate the expansion is more complicated … Continue reading The Universe’s Adolescent Pictures
Shoulders of Giants
Shoulders of Giants Everyone is influenced by the accomplishments, thoughts and beliefs of the generations that preceded them. As Sir Isaac Newton stated “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”. The following is a list of the top 10 modern scientists who have influenced my perceptions, ideas and … Continue reading Shoulders of Giants
Dear Universe, Sincerely Earth
Dear Universe, Sincerely Earth In 1977, NASA launched the Voyager Interstellar Mission (VIM). During the first stages of this mission the Voyager 1 and 2 were programmed to explore the gas giant planets in the outer solar system. Today they are still traveling away from Earth and are close to reaching interstellar space. They will … Continue reading Dear Universe, Sincerely Earth
Exoplanets
Exoplanets A recent discovery in astronomy of an earth-sized planet 4.3 light years away may mark a threshold in the history of space exploration. If current trends in astronomy continue we may find an earth-sized planet in the habitable zone within the next few years. Cadell Last and Ryan Burke discuss. Podcast: Exoplanets on The … Continue reading Exoplanets
Recent Discovery of an Earth-Sized Exoplanet in Context
Recent Discovery of an Earth-Sized Exoplanet in Context An Earth-sized planet was recently discovered in a star system 4.3 light years away from Earth. Despite being Earth-sized, it is far too close to its host star to be able to support life. However, this planet represents yet another continuation of an impressive trend in astronomy … Continue reading Recent Discovery of an Earth-Sized Exoplanet in Context
An Idea to Change All Ideas
An Idea to Change All Ideas Ray Kurzweil is a prolific inventor and futurist that believes that humanity is reaching a new epoch in the history of the universe, life and humanity: the technological singularity. The technological singularity is a predicted point in time when humans and technology will completely merge to create a new … Continue reading An Idea to Change All Ideas
The God Hypothesis
The God Hypothesis God is essentially a hypothesis. Throughout human history all populations assumed that the hypothesis was true (i.e., God exists). However, during the scientific revolution and enlightenment, humans were able to test The God Hypothesis for the first time. And it crumbled. Full Article: The God Hypothesis on The Advanced Apes