Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

+14
Nagual
chris63
Forest Shepherd
Eldorion
azriel
David H
Bluebottle
TranshumanAngel
bungobaggins
Mrs Figg
Pettytyrant101
halfwise
Ringdrotten
malickfan
18 posters

Page 6 of 26 Previous  1 ... 5, 6, 7 ... 16 ... 26  Next

Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by halfwise Thu Dec 03, 2015 12:53 am

Sure, but my instincts tell me that hunting for all that invisible mass is going to be an exercise in chasing wild geese in the end.

If I had to bet, I'd bet that after decades of chasing invisible matter, eventually there will be a "Eureka!" moment when it becomes obvious that general relativity is actually just a special case of a greater gravitational theory, and once that happens "Dark Matter" books will get filed on the same shelf as books on "Luminiferous Ether".

I railed against dark matter for the longest time, thinking it could turn out to be a stupid observational error. But the effects seem to be real, even if the explanation feels contrived. I don't like it either.

_________________
Halfwise, son of Halfwit. Brother of Nitwit, son of Halfwit. Half brother of Figwit.
Then it gets complicated...
halfwise
halfwise
Quintessence of Burrahobbitry

Posts : 20584
Join date : 2012-02-01
Location : rustic broom closet in farthing of Manhattan

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by David H Thu Dec 03, 2015 6:58 am

For some reason this all reminds me of a discussion I had a while back with a very bright 6 year old. We were looking at satellite photos of Earth and she asked, "Why can't we see the sky when we look at it from the other side? It has to be real because we can see it, right?"

_________________
Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 1280px-Male_kodiak_bear_face  Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 UJpDi Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Mumbea10
David H
David H
Horsemaster, Fighting Bears in the Pacific Northwest

Posts : 7194
Join date : 2011-11-18

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by halfwise Thu Dec 03, 2015 1:42 pm

That's a very deep 6 year old!

_________________
Halfwise, son of Halfwit. Brother of Nitwit, son of Halfwit. Half brother of Figwit.
Then it gets complicated...
halfwise
halfwise
Quintessence of Burrahobbitry

Posts : 20584
Join date : 2012-02-01
Location : rustic broom closet in farthing of Manhattan

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by David H Fri Dec 04, 2015 12:17 am

6 year olds have wonderfully open minds. When pondering the mysteries of the universe, I think that's not a bad way to approach things. Deep down, we're all 6 year olds.

_________________
Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 1280px-Male_kodiak_bear_face  Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 UJpDi Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Mumbea10
David H
David H
Horsemaster, Fighting Bears in the Pacific Northwest

Posts : 7194
Join date : 2011-11-18

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by Eldorion Sat Dec 05, 2015 6:52 pm

I thought this was pretty neat.  You always see the "not to scale" disclaimers but that doesn't quite do it justice.

http://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/417309/our-place-in-the-universe/

See also: the progressively zooming out universe (in spoiler tags due to the size of the image).

Spoiler:
Eldorion
Eldorion
You're Gonna Carry That Weight

Posts : 23311
Join date : 2011-02-13
Age : 30
Location : Maryland, United States

https://purl.org/tolkien

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by azriel Sat Dec 05, 2015 10:44 pm

Shocked My.....God

_________________
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. It's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish.”
"There are far, far, better things ahead than any we can leave behind"
If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you always got

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Th_cat%20blink_zpsesmrb2cl

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Jean-b11
azriel
azriel
Grumpy cat, rub my tummy, hear me purr

Posts : 15682
Join date : 2012-10-07
Age : 64
Location : in a galaxy, far,far away, deep in my own imagination.

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by chris63 Thu Dec 10, 2015 11:48 am

What are the bright spots on dwarf planet Ceres? New studies give us a better idea. In one study, scientists identify this bright material as a kind of salt. The second study suggests the detection of ammonia-rich clays. Learn more: http://go.nasa.gov/1jOoDNM #NASABeyond

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Giphy%2B%252841%2529

_________________
Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Z93Cq
chris63
chris63
Adventurer

Posts : 8770
Join date : 2011-07-04
Location : Perth, Australia

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by Mrs Figg Thu Dec 10, 2015 12:52 pm

chris63 wrote:What are the bright spots on dwarf planet Ceres? New studies give us a better idea. In one study, scientists identify this bright material as a kind of salt. The second study suggests the detection of ammonia-rich clays. Learn more: http://go.nasa.gov/1jOoDNM #NASABeyond

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Giphy%2B%252841%2529

its quite obviously the Soup Dragons soup

Mrs Figg
Mrs Figg
Eel Wrangler from Bree

Posts : 25905
Join date : 2011-10-06
Age : 94
Location : Holding The Door

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by azriel Thu Dec 10, 2015 1:50 pm

Obviously ! Razz

_________________
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. It's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish.”
"There are far, far, better things ahead than any we can leave behind"
If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you always got

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Th_cat%20blink_zpsesmrb2cl

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Jean-b11
azriel
azriel
Grumpy cat, rub my tummy, hear me purr

Posts : 15682
Join date : 2012-10-07
Age : 64
Location : in a galaxy, far,far away, deep in my own imagination.

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by Mrs Figg Thu Dec 10, 2015 2:01 pm

cheers alien
Mrs Figg
Mrs Figg
Eel Wrangler from Bree

Posts : 25905
Join date : 2011-10-06
Age : 94
Location : Holding The Door

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by bungobaggins Thu Dec 10, 2015 2:12 pm

Eldorion wrote:

See also: the progressively zooming out universe (in spoiler tags due to the size of the image).

Spoiler:

A tried and true classic! lol!

bungobaggins
Eternal Mayor in The Halls of Mandos

Posts : 6384
Join date : 2013-08-24

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by bungobaggins Thu Dec 10, 2015 2:13 pm

Pack your bags, kids!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-10/nasa-releases-detailed-image-of-titan/7015678

bungobaggins
Eternal Mayor in The Halls of Mandos

Posts : 6384
Join date : 2013-08-24

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by Mrs Figg Thu Dec 10, 2015 2:32 pm

The odds are in all those planets somewhere dragons and wizards do exist. that's my only concern.
Mrs Figg
Mrs Figg
Eel Wrangler from Bree

Posts : 25905
Join date : 2011-10-06
Age : 94
Location : Holding The Door

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by Mrs Figg Thu Dec 10, 2015 2:35 pm

bungobaggins wrote:Pack your bags, kids!

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-10/nasa-releases-detailed-image-of-titan/7015678

not sure about the methane rain though. No
Mrs Figg
Mrs Figg
Eel Wrangler from Bree

Posts : 25905
Join date : 2011-10-06
Age : 94
Location : Holding The Door

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by bungobaggins Thu Dec 10, 2015 5:46 pm

Don't forget your umbrella!

bungobaggins
Eternal Mayor in The Halls of Mandos

Posts : 6384
Join date : 2013-08-24

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by chris63 Thu Jan 07, 2016 2:43 am


_________________
Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Z93Cq
chris63
chris63
Adventurer

Posts : 8770
Join date : 2011-07-04
Location : Perth, Australia

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by Ringdrotten Thu Jan 07, 2016 7:36 am

Just watched How the universe works on Discovery science. As always when I watch these shows, I was fascinated, amazed and terrified Laughing Apparently, all the stars will eventually fade and die, and the sky will turn all black in the end as the last star burns out. This week the weather has been clear and I've been out every night just looking up at the stars, and then I learn this horrible truth this morning. I don't read much on the subject, so I'm sort of blissfully ignorant of much that many take for granted. But the thought of them all burning out and that everything will eventually be consumed by darkness is so incredibly sad. I always thought the stars, at least, were eternal. I know they die, eventually, but I always thought there would be new ones to take their place. I'll go outdoors again tonight and look at them again, knowing it is not so Sad

_________________
“The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want for nothing. He makes me lie down in the green pastures. He greases up my head with oil. He gives me kung-fu in the face of my enemies. Amen”. - Tom Cullen


Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Man-in-black
Ringdrotten
Ringdrotten
Mrs Bear Grylls

Posts : 4607
Join date : 2011-02-13

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by halfwise Thu Jan 07, 2016 2:50 pm

Just finding out now, huh? The only alternative was the big crunch, where the expansion slows down and reverses, with everything slamming back together then starting up again. Not sure that's any better. Neutral

_________________
Halfwise, son of Halfwit. Brother of Nitwit, son of Halfwit. Half brother of Figwit.
Then it gets complicated...
halfwise
halfwise
Quintessence of Burrahobbitry

Posts : 20584
Join date : 2012-02-01
Location : rustic broom closet in farthing of Manhattan

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by Ringdrotten Thu Jan 07, 2016 3:16 pm

Like I said, blissfully ignorant Laughing

_________________
“The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want for nothing. He makes me lie down in the green pastures. He greases up my head with oil. He gives me kung-fu in the face of my enemies. Amen”. - Tom Cullen


Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Man-in-black
Ringdrotten
Ringdrotten
Mrs Bear Grylls

Posts : 4607
Join date : 2011-02-13

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by Eldorion Fri Jan 08, 2016 2:51 am

Ringdrotten wrote:Just watched How the universe works on Discovery science. As always when I watch these shows, I was fascinated, amazed and terrified Laughing Apparently, all the stars will eventually fade and die, and the sky will turn all black in the end as the last star burns out.

I remember reading an Isaac Asimov short story about this once, and it was really depressing as it chronicled the inevitable decay of civilization and ultimately the entire universe. Then it ended with

Spoiler:

and that was just a little too weird for me. I think I liked Nightfall better for somewhat similar thematic ground.

I don't really know where I was going with this now Shrugging
Eldorion
Eldorion
You're Gonna Carry That Weight

Posts : 23311
Join date : 2011-02-13
Age : 30
Location : Maryland, United States

https://purl.org/tolkien

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by halfwise Fri Jan 08, 2016 3:06 am

If I remember right that's called "the Last Question" and it's a classic on par with Arthur C Clarke's "the Nine Billion Names of God".

All of them are like Nightfall: the best science fiction short stories all end with a punchline.

_________________
Halfwise, son of Halfwit. Brother of Nitwit, son of Halfwit. Half brother of Figwit.
Then it gets complicated...
halfwise
halfwise
Quintessence of Burrahobbitry

Posts : 20584
Join date : 2012-02-01
Location : rustic broom closet in farthing of Manhattan

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by Eldorion Fri Jan 08, 2016 3:36 am

Both were good but very few things have given me a sense of dread and (for lack of a better word) philosophical hopelessness in quite the way Nightfall did.
Eldorion
Eldorion
You're Gonna Carry That Weight

Posts : 23311
Join date : 2011-02-13
Age : 30
Location : Maryland, United States

https://purl.org/tolkien

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by halfwise Fri Jan 08, 2016 2:43 pm

Really? Asimov speculated that the reason people liked it so much was the sense of smugness it gave them: "at least WE'RE not afraid of the dark!"

He was a little bitter because he had written a short story about classism which he thought was deeper and better, but it was generally ignored. He felt it was because people recognized themselves in it, and didn't like the feeling.

_________________
Halfwise, son of Halfwit. Brother of Nitwit, son of Halfwit. Half brother of Figwit.
Then it gets complicated...
halfwise
halfwise
Quintessence of Burrahobbitry

Posts : 20584
Join date : 2012-02-01
Location : rustic broom closet in farthing of Manhattan

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by Eldorion Fri Jan 08, 2016 4:07 pm

I can't speak for anyone else, but to me "Nightfall" seemed to be more about the inevitability of certain things and how human nature overwhelms attempts to change history (sorta the opposite of Foundation now that I think about it). It would be silly to think myself immune to that, I'd think. Shrugging
Eldorion
Eldorion
You're Gonna Carry That Weight

Posts : 23311
Join date : 2011-02-13
Age : 30
Location : Maryland, United States

https://purl.org/tolkien

Back to top Go down

Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe - Page 6 Empty Re: Space and The wonders/mysteries of The Universe

Post by Pettytyrant101 Fri Jan 08, 2016 4:32 pm

The final episode of the 4th Doctor, Logopolis is all about entropy, its about as hard sci-fi as Who gets.
The basic premise being
Spoiler:

_________________
Pure Publications, The Tower of Lore and the Former Admin's Office are Reasonably Proud to Present-



A Green And Pleasant Land

Compiled and annotated by Eldy.

- get your copy here for a limited period- free*

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yjYiz8nuL3LqJ-yP9crpDKu_BH-1LwJU/view



*Pure Publications reserves the right to track your usage of this publication, snoop on your home address, go through your bins and sell personal information on to the highest bidder.
Warning may contain Wholesome Tales
[/b]

the crabbit will suffer neither sleight of hand nor half-truths. - Forest
Pettytyrant101
Pettytyrant101
Crabbitmeister

Posts : 46837
Join date : 2011-02-14
Age : 53
Location : Scotshobbitland

Back to top Go down

Page 6 of 26 Previous  1 ... 5, 6, 7 ... 16 ... 26  Next

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum