Abstract This paper will look at the mystery of dark energy- what it is, how we conclude that it exists, and what more can we learn about our universe using this recent discovery. In the beginning of the paper, dark energy is introduced on a more theoretical/fundamental basis, where theories, concepts, and equations are used […]
Abstract. The Sun’s position in the sky changes when looked at during the same time each day from the same location throughout the year. The diagram showing how the Sun changes its position in the sky throughout the year is known as an Analemma. There are two independent factors that affect the change in sun’s […]
ABSTRACT For centuries, mankind’s understanding of the universe was mainly informed through religious beliefs. It was not until the 20th century, when Einstein published his paper on General relativity, in 1917, that humanity began to understand the nature of the universe in scientific terms. Einstein’s work not only formed the backbone of physical cosmology […]
By Waania Zia Abstract This is an article detailing the different models and theories of time travel, focusing on Einstein’s theory of relativity and Minkowski space-time, which is the combination of the 3 dimensional space with a 4th dimension of time. It delves into the development of time travel within science and fiction as well […]
By Katie Bean Everything in the universe is massive, without a doubt. Galaxies are rushing away from each other and stars are fusing hydrogen into helium at ferociously high temperatures and pressures. However, the once busy and blooming universe will eventually decay into a desolate, gloomy state after five distinct stages. What will happen at […]
Every star, planet and galaxy you’ve seen accounts to just around 5% of the total matter and energy in the Universe. Just 5%. The other 95% is made of dark matter and dark energy, both of which are equally mysterious and intriguing. That 5% baryonic matter was supposed to be relatively easy to find, but […]
by Hazal Kara Despite our Solar System’s close proximity to Earth relative to the rest of the universe, there is far too much that humans do not know about it yet. One of the biggest unanswered questions is whether or not there are planets beyond Pluto. As with most scientific mysteries, there is a lot […]
ABSTRACT While outer space might seem like a static, empty place, that is not true because of the sun’s dynamic nature, which gives rise to many phenomena. Their interaction with the earth’s atmosphere gives rise to what is known as space weather. The term “space weather” deals with conditions caused by charged particles ejected from […]
Abstract This paper explores different types of rocket propulsion systems and assesses their benefits and drawbacks. The paper also compares different types of rockets, such as Single Stage rockets and Two Stage rockets, before proposing a propulsion system for a future Single Stage to Orbit (SSTO) rocket. This system shall meet the requirements of both […]
Abstract Ever since the proposal of the Big Bang model, scientists have been puzzling over the expansion rate of the universe. What is the current speed of expansion? Is our universe expanding at an accelerating or decelerating rate? What does this tell us about the substances in the universe and our ultimate fate? In this […]
Abstract This article explores the effect of natural changes on the Earth’s climate, with a particular focus on the Milankovitch cycles and terrestrial albedo. Milankovitch cycles owe their name to the Serbian astronomer, geophysicist and mathematician Milutin Milankovitch who derived a mathematically developed theory suggesting the changes related to the Earth’s position relative to the […]
Abstract Mankind has always been interested in the vast void that we called space. Filled with endless unknowns and bizarre phenomena, people throughout history such as Aristotle, Galileo, and many more have made impactful developments in our knowledge about the universe. Ever since Sputnik 1, the first mission that successfully delivered a satellite into Earth’s […]
Abstract In the field of physics and astronomy, -body simulations are widely used tools to simulate particles under the influence of gravitational forces, and they are generally made using an algorithm that is almost a brute-force approach, as it computes all pairwise gravitational forces by solving for computational differential equation solutions using algorithms like the […]
Abstract The concept of extraterrestrial life is one that never fails to inspire and amaze – influencing countless movies, books, and stories. We live in an age in which technological advancements have enabled us to seek signs of life elsewhere in the cosmos. The Fermi Paradox seeks to answer the apparent deficiency of extraterrestrial life. […]
The possibility of extraterrestrial life has been discussed for centuries, in both scientific and fictitious work. But it wasn’t until 1992 that the first exoplanet (planet outside of our solar system) was detected, and 2001 that the first exoplanet in a habitable zone was detected [1]. This makes exoplanetology and astrobiology relatively new fields of […]
An influential scientist and astronaut – Sally Ride – was born on May 26, 1951. As a child, she had a great passion for tennis and intended to become a professional athlete in the future. She was also an avid reader. Upon graduating from the private Westlake School for Girls in Los Angeles, she started […]
Introduction Did you know that a mere 5% of the universe consists of normal matter? This includes the atoms which make up all visible objects, ranging from cars and living organisms to even planets and stars. The other 95% contains dark energy and dark matter 1. But what exactly do we mean by these two […]
Jan J. Eldridge is a theoretical astrophysicist and associate professor at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. She obtained her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Cambridge. Afterwards, she completed post-doctorates at Queen’s University Belfast and the Institut d’Astrophysique de Paris and started working at the University of Auckland in 2011. […]
Imagine a 4-dimensional object… Unfortunately, you soon realise that you can’t. But why? Our brains are not hardwired to picture anything beyond 3 dimensions. Life on Earth only goes until the 3rd dimension. The human brain cannot imagine something that it has never been exposed to (such as the 4th dimension). It would be like envisioning […]