Magnify/Shrinkify The Universe
by Nick Glossop on March 11, 2013
Copyright 2012. Magnifying the Universe by Number Sleuth.
This interactive infographic from Number Sleuth accurately illustrates the scale of over 100 items within the observable universe ranging from galaxies to insects, nebulae and stars to molecules and atoms. Numerous hot points along the zoom slider allow for direct access to planets, animals, the hydrogen atom and more. As you scroll, a handy dial spins to show you your present magnification level.
Russian Meteor Photoshoot
by Nick Glossop on February 21, 2013
Fifteen minutes before the event. Copyright: Marat Akhmetvaleev
There is no shortage of video footage of the meteor explosion over Chelyabinsk, Feb. 15, 2013. Marat Akhmetvaleev’s photographs may, however, be the only high quality stills. He was out that frosty morning capturing images of the sunrise in the south Urals from a favorite vantage point when the small asteroid appeared in the sky.
This shot shows the trails of two objects continuing earthward after the main explosion.
One minute after the main event. Copyright: Marat Akhmetvaleev
Check out the entire series at his Livejournal page.
Space Flight And The Big Awe
by Nick Glossop on February 20, 2013
OVERVIEW from Planetary Collective on Vimeo.
On the 40th anniversary of the famous ‘Blue Marble’ photograph taken of Earth from space, Planetary Collective presents a short film documenting astronauts’ life-changing stories of seeing the Earth from the outside – a perspective-altering experience often described as the Overview Effect.
The Overview Effect, first described by author Frank White in 1987, is an experience that transforms astronauts’ perspective of the planet and mankind’s place upon it. Common features of the experience are a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.
‘Overview’ is a short film that explores this phenomenon through interviews with five astronauts who have experienced the Overview Effect. The film also features insights from commentators and thinkers on the wider implications and importance of this understanding for society, and our relationship to the environment.
Via Upworthy
Meteor Strike In Russia
by Nick Glossop on February 15, 2013
A meteor that exploded over Russia this morning was the largest recorded object to strike the Earth in more than a century, scientists say. Infrasound data collected by a network designed to watch for nuclear weapons testing suggests that today’s blast released hundreds of kilotonnes of energy. That would make it far more powerful than the nuclear weapon tested by North Korea just days ago and the largest rock crashing on the planet since a meteor broke up over Siberia’s Tunguska river in 1908.
Folding And Cutting The Space-Time Continuum (with things you probably have around the house)
by Nick Glossop on February 11, 2013
With paper, felt pens, scissors and some unspecified power tools, the charming mathemusician, Vihart, plays Grinderman with the fabric of reality. Dance, critters!
via Open Culture
Reading The Solar System (in scale)
by Nick Glossop on February 4, 2013
Astronomical
Volume 1, page 155, Earth
A scale model of our solar system in twelve 500 page volumes printed-on-demand. On page 1 the Sun, on page 6,000 Pluto. The width of each page equals one million kilometres.
This film takes us through the first volume where we encounter the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars and the Asteroid Belt.
ASTRONOMICAL – The Movie from Mishka Henner on Vimeo.
via Laughing Squid
Originally posted Jan 27, 2012
