The Cosmology - Coursework Example

Cosmology “New Satellite Sensor Sees Earth at Night Almost as If It Were Day” The Steven D. Miller, starts by defining the current problem where he states that no scientist likes being in the dark concerning various happening in the word. In this case, he blames most of the perils that have struck various parts of the world on failure by scientists and forecasters to develop state of technology that will be able to study the earth so as to reveal information about swirling storms, the choking smoke of wildfires, huge chunks of sea ice that menace ships, and so on. As such, Steven D. Miller introduces us to the solution. In this case, the new sensor by the name Day Night Band has the ability to detect even a single street light from the space. This technology encompasses the imaging radiometer that uses visible radiometer suit that flies on the Suomi-NPP satellite. Due to its sensitivity, the new satellite sensor will be used to detect any changes in tides, flickering gas, snowfields and discern clouds so as to predict occurrence of phenomenon such as earthquakes, mudslide and Tsunamis. According to the author, the sensor does not require a source of illumination as it will use “atmospheres own faint, nocturnal glow. ‘’ The main question that rises from this article is how the new technology will be to prevent the deaths usually caused by the aforementioned calamities. It is notable that the machine has the ability to detect occurrences that may bring about earthquakes and the like. However, they will only be detected but no interventions will be made. As such, the major question that one could ask on this new discovery is the following: how long prior to occurrences of earthquakes and the like will the satellite notify people so that they can take preventive measures? http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/new-satellite-sensor-sees-earth-at-night-almost-as-if-it-were-day/ Light The Ultimate White Light The author, Robert R. Alfano, declares that super-continuum" laser light has facilitated the threshold frequency that might be used in fiber optics to drive data with a very high transmission rate. In this case, the ultimate white light presents the most versatile phenomena in nature and it can be used in information transfer from one point to the other. in addition, the ultimate white light can initiate and moderate chemistry, biology and condensed matter processes. In this case, the author credits the new discovery as a turnaround in light packet physics. Accordingly, Robert R. Alfano describes the qualities of the ultimate white light that makes it a perfect replacement for the current white light used in optic technology. In this case, it takes many forms and as such, it can take focused spots, brief flashes, broad continuous beams, polarized light, dim or intense light, or light that contains different frequencies at the same time. In the case, the article records that the frequency determines the color while the wavelength is key to its function. This light is emitted by incandescent bulb and it is likely to replace other light energies used in fiber optics. Several questions arise from this presentation as the author has failed to address some key factor to be considered before declaring that it is a perfect substitution. Most importantly, the author fails to mention the economic factors of the ultimate white light. Will it cut on the current cost of running optic machines? In addition, will the ultimate white light pose any risk to human beings in terms of radiations consisting more energy that the recommended one? http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-ultimate-white-light/ Quantum mechanics The Quantum Mechanics of Materials According to the authors, James C. et al, the structural property of a substance can be predicted by a hypothesis in which electrons are used to act as a ray of light in a partially silvered mirror. Accordingly, the material design may be determined by considering several parameters of an appropriate quantum equation. The author credits his discovery by stating that the quantum physics holds important key to fine discoveries in physics and technology. Accordingly, he cites his article as a prompt to other researchers to invest their time and money in advancing this establishment. In the article, the author credits the work done by Schrödinger and Maxwell on quantization and relativistic respectively as equally important in quantum mechanics of materials. This particular article describes the significant of for materials science and condensed matter physics in development of states or art technologies. In this case, materials are measured using coulomb gauge and hence their actual. Similarly, the article gives a practically and appropriate most useful quantization procedure that naturally separates the exchange interactions, effects of Coulomb interactions, and photon scattering. In addition, the appendices consist of additional information with recommendation that more research needs to be conducted on quantum physics. There are questions about James C. et al article that leaves the reader without clear information. We understand some basic measurements on materials such as length and mass. We also understand that quantum quantization deals with minute measurements that consider the nature and properties of the atom. Considering that quantum physics is basically a theory, doe it really have any implications on our day to day life? If so, what are its important? http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-quantum-mechanics-of-materials/ Climate Special Report: Climate Change This article is authored by anonymous person. It is a special report that explores the most recent finding on how human beings are negatively impacting the Earths climate through their economic activities. In this case, the anonymous author cites from the melting of Arctic ice to the potential spread of disease as evidence that indicate that the earth cannot guarantee a safer place in future. From the beginning, the author asks the questions on how to intervene in the current state of global warming and various challenges that are accompanying this phenomenon. To emphasize on his point, the author quotes the 2007 resolution of The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that declared that the warming is basically a “manmade” and hence it will require human intervention to protect the gains achieved in environmental protection. The panel of scientist in that convection observed that if interventions are not initiated, it could head to climate changes that are "abrupt and irreversible." The article also describes various interventions that world governments are carrying out to reverse the global warming. They include cutting down on carbon dioxide emission and increasing forest and vegetation coverage among others. This article is very important to my study as it is all about a matter that affects each and every person. It is notable that global warming and the climate change have had serious adverse implications on our lives. As such, I opine that more intervention programs need to be initiated so that we can guarantee ourselves and the future generations a better place to live. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/special-report-climate-change/ Invisible Light Sterilizing with "Light" This article is authored by F. D. McHugh and it is about various applications of invisible light. According to the author, there are only two types of visible radiations: visible light and the infrared. All the other radiations have a higher frequency that the two aforementioned radiations. They form the part of radiations that cannot be perceived by human eye. As such, the author indicates that they can be used to kill microorganisms that are present in our foods and other equipments of sanitation. F. D. McHugh states that the Invisible Ultra-Violet Rays, also referred to as the Microbe "Death Ray", carries sufficient energy such that when they falls on a surface, it burns the microorganisms present. In this case, the food or the equipments will be safe for use. The author goes ahead to declare that the radiation cannot harm the handler as their energy content is lower than that which can burn human or animal cells. This method, according to the article, is very efficient as it eliminates a large number of bacteria and other pathogens making the food safe for human consumption. The procedure can also be used in hospitals and hotels to sterilize medical equipments and cutlery respectively. This method, as described by F. D. McHugh is quite efficient as it seems to be saving on time and energy. However, there are a few queries that arise from the study. Firstly, it is not clear on the frequency of the radiation that would be safe for human. Secondary, the author fails to indicate why this method of sterilization supersedes other known methods such as using mentholated spirit and boiling. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/sterilizing-with-light/ Waves Ocean Waves This article is authored by Willard Bascom and it describes carious properties of ocean waves. The author introduces his audience by indicating how men have been fascinated by water waves for a long period of time. The most phenomenon point of attraction is the rhythmic motions of the seas surface. The writer argues that scientists started researching about water waves in 1600 and since then, several discoveries have been made. The article explains theories that tell about how water waves on the surfaces of oceans are generated and propagated. In this case, the writer explains some of the applications of water waves in the real life situations. Willard Bascom argues that ocean waves start when water particles are disturbed: this disturbance introduces energy to the water particles. Each water particle passes “excitement” to its neighbor and this continues until a large number of water molecules are excited. In this case, the “excited” start moving uniformly in a specific direction and hence this movement is observed on the surface of water. For propagation, the article mentions that water waves are transverse in nature and hence the direction of wave and that of individual particle excitement are perpendicular. This article leaves a lot of questions unanswered. From this topic, I would like to learn more about how water particles become “excited” and transmit their energy one particle to the other. Since this is a beautiful phenomenon, I will require doing more research on water waves and other types of waves. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ocean-waves/ Read More