Astronomy

The analemma

- 4 April 2022

Although astronomy is a high-tech science today, it deals with many ancient Greek phrases. One of them is the analemma – an elongated octave curve that shows the position of the Sun in the sky during a year, observed from the same place at the same time.

How ‘Mriya’ and ‘Buran’ flew to Paris together

- 24 March 2022

The vertical stabilizers on Soviet’s largest planes (Antonov’s An-22, Tupolev’s Tu-95 and Ilyushin’s Il-76) made it impossible to place bulky cargo on the fuselage. It would create a strong aerodynamic instability that could result in the loss of the aircraft. Care to know what they came up with to solve this grand issue?

The fascinating Energy rocket and the Buran program

- 22 March 2022

In June 1989, those attending the famous aeronautical fair Le Bourget, on the outskirts of Paris, were pleasantly surprised. Among the numerous planes that participated in the festival was a very exceptional guest: the space shuttle ‘Buran’ on the back of Antonov’s An-225, the heaviest man-made plane.

Arabic astronomy and star naming

- 14 March 2022

Islamic scholars have made significant contributions to the development of astronomy. During the Middle Ages, when European science experienced a downturn, the Arabs were the ones who preserved the astronomical legacy of the ancient world and developed their own science.

The expiration date on life

- 13 March 2022

At this moment, there is no imminent danger of complete destruction of the planet. This would be possible only in the event of a colossal collision with a body of similar or larger in diameter that would completely crush the Earth. None in sight.

The expansion of the universe

- 13 March 2022

Recent observations suggest that the cosmos is not only expanding but it is doing so faster and faster. Astronomers say this is because of a force astronomers call dark energy. So, the main role in answering the question of the fate of the universe is taken over by the theory that the cosmos must expand, but for how long?

When should we expect the end of the world?

- 3 March 2022

You will surely agree that the imposed question in the title is rather broad because it is not known what the ending refers to, whether to everything that exists, that is, to the whole universe, or just to Earth. Let’s go through some different options and possibilities, shall we?