If you think that the science
of astronomy hasn’t done anything for you, you have another think coming. As you know, I have some telescopes and every
once in awhile I like to look out into space. My teachers back in grade school were
predicting that when they told me to pay attention and quit gazing off into
space. So, what has all this space
gazing done for you? Well I am going to
tell you about some of them.
Let’s look at Einstein first
and his general theory of relativity. Back in 1971, scientists decided to test his
theory by loading cesium atomic clocks in jet airliners which flew around the
world, once eastward and once westward. I
am not going into details but the experiment worked and from it the global
positioning system we so much depend upon today was born.
Astronomers trying to detect
signals from evaporating black holes (predicted by Stephen Hawking) developed
equipment that turned into today’s wireless internet. Now, I bet all of you have used these two systems
and some of us (me included) depend on them a lot.
Shoot, that's just the tip of the iceburg... Just check out some of the stuff we gotten from NASA programs
ReplyDeleteNASA Spin offs in everyday life
I took an astronomy class this semester and expected to be amazed. Well I was and then I wasn't. I was by the subject however, the way the teacher set up the actual work: homework, exams, discussion boards (online class); I became so frustrated that the subject no longer holds that fascination for me. I'm hoping it will come back after this class is done. Now I gotta go take an exam that has nothing in common with the text and try to figure out just what he is asking....
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought about star gazing in this light, but it's certainly an interesting outlook!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great day!
Ben, a lot more came from NASA than from just the astronomy part.
ReplyDeleteKellie, astronomy is a lot more fun when you go out at night and look through a telescope. The first few time, make sure there is someone who can show you the ropes. Even better, find a local star party or astronomy club.
HJ, actually you don't want a lot of light when star gazing (grin).