Another interesting space discovery

An artist's interpretation which shows the free-floating planet CFBDSIR2149, at 100 light years away 

A team of astronomers have published a study stating that they have discovered what they believe is a huge rogue planet (which is several times larger than Jupiter) that is the closest of it's kind- located approx. 100 light years away.

This planet was observed at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope located in Mauna Kea in Hawaii. They were searching for 'brown dwarfs' but this was unsuccessful.

This planet is approx 4-7 times the size of Jupiter. It was discovered by the infrared glow that is emitted from its core.

Based on their research, the astronomers believe with a high probability that this is a young, free-roaming planet rather than a brown dwarf. It is moving with a group of stars.

Required background information:
1. Size of Jupiter- Equatorial diameter is 143,000 km. Jupiter's mass is 318 times that of Earth's.

2. Rogue planet- Free-floating, nomad planet, orphan planet (not gravitationally bound to any stars or brown dwarf.

3. Brown dwarf- Brown dwarfs are objects which have a size between that of a giant planet like Jupiter and that of a small star. 

****This discovery definitely gives scientists and astronomers world wide another angle to discover and further study is essential.

There is real potential in further astronomy study.


Source: http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/geekquinox/not-lost-space-astronomers-spot-potential-rogue-planet-174447512.html
http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/question62.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rogue_planet
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2012/11/14/sci-rogue-planet.html
http://www.universetoday.com/15149/size-of-jupiter/

The discovery of a new planet

How close is close? Are we really alone out there?

Astronomers have found a new planet, the closest outside of our solar system (known as exoplanets) - a mere four light years away or 25 trillion miles away!

Since the discovery of the first exoplanet in the early 1990's more than 800 have been discovered but this is the closet to Earth. This is a relatively new aspect of science/astronomy since it has only been studied for approx. 22 years and the fact that more than 800 exoplanets have been discovered or approx. 36 exoplanet discovery's per year. This demonstrates that exoplanets is an area that is being researched by a wide variety of scientists throughout the world.

Scientists have determined that it is too close to the sun to support life since the surface temperature is estimated at 1,200 degrees Celsius. This planet is roughly the same size of Earth and orbits one of the suns in Alpa Centauri.

It is a landmark discovery because the planet is of a relatively low mass and our closest neighbour.

However, previous studies have shown that if there is one planet orbiting a sun there is normally others within the same system.
This leads astronomers to further research moving forward.

One discovery can lead to many other research opportunities in the future.

Yet again, man is looking out beyond Earth to see what else is out there. Space exploration is continuing and a growing field.

So let's all keep looking and reaching for the stars- anything is possible.

Source:
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Science/2012/10/17/20288431.html

Relaunching the Bluenose II

The Bluenose I

The relaunch of restoration of Bluenose II in September 29, 2012.

The Bluenose II an iconic symbol of Canada is undergoing a renewal- starting with being relaunched into the water yesterday, September 29th, 2012 to the applause of thousands of onlookers. The relaunch occurred in Lunenburg Nova Scotia at the same spot where the original Bluenose was launched more than 90 years ago. The connection to the past and history while the finding anew in a classic symbol is a really neat historical moment. There is a sense of pride that surrounds the Bluenose. 

This revival of an icon did not come cheaply- 2 years of extensive restoration and $15.9 million. Much of the deck and hull made out of Douglas Fir has been replaced. There is still work that needs to be completed including two masts, sails, and rigging which will be completed in the upcoming months. Much of the work was done inside a building on the Lunenburg waterfront. 

History: The Bluenose II is a replica of the original Bluenose, a fishing and race schooner designed by William J. Roue that won worldwide fame for its beauty and flat-out speed.The first version of the Bluenose II, was built in 1963 by the Oland family of Halifax Nova Scotia to help promote the sales of Schooner beer. 

By 2013, the Bluenose II will resume a full schedule of sailing.

The image of the original Bluenose is showcased on the Canadian dime since 1937, three postage stamps, and the Nova Scotia license plate. 


Sources:
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2012/09/29/20244881.html
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1264360--thousands-on-hand-for-relaunch-of-restored-bluenose-ii

Continuation from yesterday's post concerning History in the making: Space Shuttle Endeavour's final flight over California

How does an event become a historical moment or historical event?

Every event must first begin in the present.

We can also frame (outlook, approach) the event based on previous events, our own personal experiences, previous knowledge, research, books/articles we have read on the subject, the media.

By creating a frame of reference we can judge, critique, assess, compare/contrast, look at cause and effect of an event.

This event than can be judged (criteria can vary from person to person- subjective).

We can also look at the event in terms of other similar events? How does this event compare to previous events? Look at scale, possible effects, etc.

For example, forest fires have been a major issue in much of the United States in 2012. We can compare these events to previous forest fires. We can also look at the scale (how much forest burnt?) We can also look at where and when these fires took place.We can look at the loss of land, buildings, and unfortunately lives. We can look at cost. But we can also look at it with a historical theme/thought process.
Comparing to previous years or previous forest fires for comparison purposes.
Will this fire be remembered in 5 years, 10 years, or even 20 years? What would people say?
We can look at long-term effects (environmental, etc).
We could study how the media covered the fire coverage.

We need to think of present-day events in terms of their historical implications.

As a society we also need to think and criticize/analyse the world around us not just take everything at face value. 

History in the making: Space Shuttle Endeavour's final flight over California

Space Shuttle Endeavour

How many people as little kids or even big kids at heart have dreamt about being an astronaut or going into outer space?

Why do we have such a fascination in outer space? Where and when did this fascination start?
Importance of the stars (for example, navigation)
Ancient Grecian and Aztec's believed the world was flat.
There is a glimpse into different worlds.
Immense size of outer space.
Mysterious.
The unknown.

As many of us are aware space travel and NASA is changing. The retirement of the Space Shuttle Endeavour marks a change in man's ability to travel in space.

Some statistics:
Endeavour was created in California to replace the Challenger (1986 launch accident).
Endeavour went on to fly 25 missions- 12 to help construct and outfit the space station.
Endeavour logged nearly 123 million miles or 198 million km in flight during 4,671 orbits.
Those are amazing and crazy statistics.

How many people have either watched videos, looked at pictures, or for the lucky few saw the fly over California in person?? Why the popularity? Why the fascination?

We have witnessed the landing on Mars by the Curiosity Rover on Aug. 5th, 2012. Why are we so interested in Mars? The unknown- the nearest planet. Curiosity/willingness to explore it for signs of life.
I think part of this is our curiosity/wanting to know why are we on planet earth and not somewhere else (like Mars).

This is another example of history- history in the making. History happens - history has to happen.

Sources:

http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Space+Shuttle+Endeavour+takes+final+flight+over+California/7281151/story.html

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20120919/NEWS01/309190026?nclick_check=1

http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/09/22/watch-space-shuttle-endeavour-soars-over-los-angeles/

http://spie.org/x90362.xml

http://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/can-curiosity-mars-mission-inspire-like-apollo-1.932892