Stephanie+N.

** Star Life Story: ** 

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** Scientist Discover Monster Star (Summary ) **
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Paul Crowther, professor of astrophysics, led a team of astronomers to study two clusters of stars. The team of astronomers were able to study NGC 3603 and RMC 136a using a Very Large Telescope. Crowther is his team was able to determine that the star RMC 136a1 is brighter than the sun and is heaviest star ever found. RMC 136a1 is found in the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy and is about 165,000 light years away from the Milky Way.To be able to spot RMC 165a1, you would need a sophisticated telescope, such as the Very Large Telescope. The Very Large Telescope is to be said one of the biggest telescope known to man. It is about 8 meters in diameter. Although the RMC 165a1 is one of the most luminous stars out there that mankind has found, those types of stars are massive when they are first created. Although it is brighter than the sun, compared to its age, it’s already halfway through. Once the star has reached the end, it would explode into a supernova, but we would not notice due to the distance between the star and Earth.

After reading this article, I still can’t believe there is another star out there that is a bigger and badder version of our sun. From what I can imagine, the sun is pretty bright. To think that there is a brighter version of our sun is interesting. I would love to be able to see the star for myself, but I would need The Very Large Telescope. With that being said, I think it’s amazing how The Very Large Telescope can see that far into the galaxy. 165,000 light years is extremely far. Although we would not be able to notice if the star explodes, it’s still an amazing discovery.

** Rock Found by Missouri Farmer Is Rare Meteorite (Summary) **
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In 2006, a meteorite traveled its way down to Missouri. The rare meteorite used to be part of an asteroid that orbited between Jupiter and mars. Somehow the meteorite was pulled apart from the asteroid and was pulled in by the Earth’s gravity pull. Although the farmer wants to remain anonymous, he claims that when he tried sawing into the “rock”, it had a unique pattern inside. After that was stated, a few scientists, such as Korotev, had analyzed it with many test and experiments to establish its origin. After establishing the fact that the rock isn’t like any other meteorites that was found, it was soon named Conception Junction. Aston and a few of the scientist had donated pieces of the meteorite to universities and such, and there are a few pieces that are available for purchase.

I think it’s amazing how people are able to distinguish a rock and a meteorite. If I were to find the meteorite on that farm, I would’ve just shrugged it off and assumed it was a meteorite. It’s still astonishing that this rock came from space, and visited Earth. After looking at the photos provided on the site, it’s crazy how you wouldn’t have expected what is found on the inside of this meteorite. Looks like something would paint over a rock as a decorative piece to place on your yard.

** Largest Sunspot in Years Observed on the Sun (Summary) **
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Sunspots have existed for a long time, and just recently the largest sunspot was found. The sunspot, AR1339, is 50,000 miles long and 25,000 miles wide. Although it is the largest sunspot, we can’t spot it just yet because the sun is facing the opposite side. Thanks to NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), we are able to observe it. Sunspots are dimmer than the sun itself and cooler. Although sunspots are “cool”, they are a handful. AR1339 can affect the satellites and comes with a few solar flares. There are reports out there that a solar flare has been spotted, but it wasn’t directed at Earth.

After reading this article, I was surprised at the size of the sunspot spotted on the sun. I was also surprised because I had also learned about sunspots in my astronomy class. I’m glad I was able to relate what I learned in class with this article. AR1339 is really large. The article actually compared the Earth to the sunspot and says that earth is about 8,000 miles wide. Compared to AR1339, which is 25,000 miles wide, Earth is pretty small. I still can’t get over the size of the sun compared to earth. Hopefully, the sun flare/sunspot wouldn’t affect our satellites.

** Girl Who Named NASA's Mars Rover Excited to Watch It Blast Off (Summary) **
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Curiosity was a name that a sixth grader had submitted for the NASA rover. Clara Ma was only in the sixth grade when she had submitted the name to NASA. Now, a ninth grader, Clara was able to watch the liftoff of Curiosity on November 26, 2011. Ma was able to travel all the way to Pasadena, California to the NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Ma was able to watch Curiosity be built and even get the chance to sign her name onto the rover itself. Not only that, but Ma also got the chance to travel to the NASA headquarters all the way in Washington. By just submitting a name for a rover, many opportunities opened up for Clara Ma. She soon became interested in astrophysics and space.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Curiosity is actually a great name for the mars rover, because everyone is really curious to what is on Mars and what it may contain. I think it’s amazing how Clara was able to submit just one word and so many opportunities had opened up for her. She got the chance to travel across the states, such as Florida, California, and Washington. Because of this, she was able to learn about space and was interested. Clara also got the chance to sign her name on the rover which was really cool.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 21px; text-align: center;">Big Asteroid Approaching Earth Spotted by NASA Radar (Summary) <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">On November 7, 2011, NASA was able to capture images of a huge asteroid, 2005 YU55. The asteroid was said to make a close encounter with Earth on November 8, 2011. 2005 YU55 is about 1,300 feet (400 meters) wide and will orbit around our planet, and will be closer to earth than the moon is. This is astonishing, considering the fact that no asteroid/meteor has ever gotten this close to earth since 1976. Although 2005 YU55 is close to Earth, no one is really worried that it would hit Earth. As 2005 YU55 passes Earth, we get the opportunity to watch as it goes. You don’t necessarily need a fancy telescope in order to catch a glimpse of the asteroid. You are able to watch the asteroid fly by just with a decent telescope and a clear sky.
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">It’s crazy how an asteroid that is 1,300 feet passes by earth like it’s nothing. Although 2005 YU55 will not hit us, it’s still crazy how the asteroid will be closer to us compared to the moon. If I had known about the asteroid, I would’ve loved to watch it. Although it’s going to be awhile till another asteroid passes by earth like the 2005 YU55, it would’ve been nice to say I saw an asteroid out in space. After reading this article, I learned that in 2028, another asteroid might visit the same way as the 2005 YU55 asteroid, and that’s amazing.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; text-align: center;">** Galaxy caught blowing bubbles (summary) **
 * <span style="color: #39935a; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">[|http://www.astronomy.com/~/link.aspx?_id=33de99e6-2ca7-4712-9507-54979c3d96a5]

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">Galaxies, coming in many different sizes and color, are usually captured by telescope. This time, Hubble telescope captured smaller galaxies that were created by life cycles of many energetic stars. Towards the end, they explode into supernovas, which form the galaxies that were caught by Hubble telescope. Although it doesn’t match up to the Milky Way, it still has its own unique charm. The galaxy is now called Holmberg II, and earned a place in Halton Arp’s Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies due to its luminous x-ray. Many scientists came up with many theories to as why it does what it does, and one theory was that the Holmberg II is a black hole that pulls everything into it.

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 90%;">I became interested in this article because of the picture that they provided. After reading the article, the Hubble telescope does not disappoint. With the ability to capture images of the unknown galaxies/stars found in space, we are able to learn new things about space. The Holmberg II, although small, was acknowledged by the Halton Arp’s Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies. Which is pretty amazing, and better than nothing in my book.

Meteorites Trigger Avalanches on Mars (Summary)
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Meteorites heading towards planet Mars may cause avalanches even before they touch the surface. By traveling at the speed of sound, they create shock waves, which is the main cause of the avalanches. As many scientist analyzed the surface of mars, they discovered that the surface pattern didn't match any shaking. Due to the many meteorites that visit Mars, scientist realized that the pattern on Mars were created by the shock wave from meteorites. By creating computer models, scientist were able to recreate and prove what they had thought.

When I imagine avalanches, I imagine them on Earth. I had no idea that they could develop in space. After reading this article, I was able to learn about how planets can have patterns on their surface due to various reasons. In this case, the patterns found on Mars was caused by meteorites. The only thing I want to know or see is the meteorites actually crashing onto Mars to create avalanches. If this was caught on camera, it would be a beautiful sight.

Jupiter's Moon Europa Is Target for Possible NASA Lander (Summary)
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If scientist were to pick a planet that is best suited to harbor life, they would pick Europa, Jupiter's' moon. Therefore, scientist are considering on dropping two probes onto Europa. The main goal of this mission is to determine whether or not Europa can handle life. The mission is planned to launch on 2020 for a 6 year mission. The probes would be equipped with mass spectrophotometer in order to detect chemicals. The mission might cost about $800 million to $2 billion.

It would be amazing if Europa could harbor life. Hopefully from this mission, we are able to conclude if Europa can harbor life or not. If we could, can you imagine how many doors will open? And if Europa can support any life, I wonder if there is already any life forms on moon already. If we find life forms, we would be able to analyze it and research about it.

= = <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 150%;">First True 'Alien Earth' May Be Found in 2012 (Summary)
 * http://www.space.com/13991-alien-planet-discoveries-kepler-earth-twin.html

In the year of 2011, we had made many extraordinary alien planets discovery. We made up to 700 discoveries just in the year of 2011. Although that is an amazing amount, 2012 discoveries will outnumber the 700 we found. In the month of December, we already found two Earth sized Alien planets. With that being said, scientist suspect there more planets will be discovered soon. Not only is the number of extraterrestrial planets are increasing, but the knowledge of alien planets. With the Kepler space telescope, discovering planets are a whole lot easier. Although Kepler has not found any planets that matches Earth size, words going around that this might change in around June or July. With all the planets that is already found, chances of finding a planet the size of Earth is high.

It's quite amazing how scientist are able to find over 700 discoveries and they're still not done! It would be quite amazing if they are able to find an Earth like planet soon. Hopefully we would be able to discover new and important stuff in the future. 2012 is just around the corner! With that being said, hopefully we'll be able to find a "true alien planet." Thankfully, we have the Kepler telescope to help us discover new planets.

2012 Apocalypse FAQ: Why the World Won't End
 * http://www.space.com/14137-2012-doomsday-theories-nasa-interview.html

For many years, there are many conspiracy theories that mention an issue about Earth. Will we die on December 2012 due to an apocalypse? Thankfully the space.com writes wrote many reason as to why we won't die on 2012. Many credible scientist stated that there is no threat to planet Earth on the year of 2012. There are many stories claiming that a planet called Nibiru will soon collide into Earth. It was first predicted to destroy Earth on May 2003, but nothing happened. Another factor to this rumor is the Mayan calendar ending on December 2012. One theory claims that the planets will all align and we would clash with another planet, but scientist proved this false because there are no indication that the alignment would be on 2012. Another theory claims that a meteor, similar to the one that caused the dinosaur extinction would hit earth. However, many scientist doubt that would happen, but they are always on the lookout for any meteor as big as the one 65 million years ago. Other than that, the space.com writers believe that earth will not end on 2012.

I always knew about the 2012 apocalypse theories, but I never heard about the collision of Earth and Nibiru. I would always hear stories that the Mayan predicted the end of earth. I was skeptical especially since there are different time zone on earth, so how would the apocalypse occur when there are different time zone. I also heard about the y2k prediction and how it was suppose to happen on 2000... and last year, but that ended up being a hoax. I believe in this theory in some way, but I don't. It's quite scary imagining our planet being wiped out of the solar system.