Podcast
Questions and Answers
Oscar Wilde's quote suggests that even in difficult times, people can still focus on aspirations.
Oscar Wilde's quote suggests that even in difficult times, people can still focus on aspirations.
True (A)
NASA was founded in 1985 with the goal of halting scientific knowledge of the Earth and cosmos.
NASA was founded in 1985 with the goal of halting scientific knowledge of the Earth and cosmos.
False (B)
SOFIA, a ground-based telescope, recently discovered water on Mars.
SOFIA, a ground-based telescope, recently discovered water on Mars.
False (B)
SOFIA overcomes atmospheric interference by operating above most of the Earth's atmosphere.
SOFIA overcomes atmospheric interference by operating above most of the Earth's atmosphere.
The Artemis Program, spearheaded by Space X, plans to establish a lunar base in the 2040s.
The Artemis Program, spearheaded by Space X, plans to establish a lunar base in the 2040s.
The discovery of ice on the Moon by SOFIA could significantly decrease the cost of future lunar missions.
The discovery of ice on the Moon by SOFIA could significantly decrease the cost of future lunar missions.
Sending half a liter of water to the moon costs less than sending half a liter of fuel.
Sending half a liter of water to the moon costs less than sending half a liter of fuel.
The amount the United States spends on the military each year is less than what it spends of NASA.
The amount the United States spends on the military each year is less than what it spends of NASA.
Investing in science and technology has little to no impact on a country's human development index.
Investing in science and technology has little to no impact on a country's human development index.
Scientists believe the moon is like 'a museum of the history of the Solar System'.
Scientists believe the moon is like 'a museum of the history of the Solar System'.
Copernicus demonstrated that the Earth was the center of the Universe.
Copernicus demonstrated that the Earth was the center of the Universe.
The 'Pale Blue Dot' photograph was taken by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2000.
The 'Pale Blue Dot' photograph was taken by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2000.
The 'Pale Blue Dot' photograph demonstrates the vastness of space and the relative insignificance of Earth.
The 'Pale Blue Dot' photograph demonstrates the vastness of space and the relative insignificance of Earth.
Carl Sagan's reflections on the 'Pale Blue Dot' image encourage greater empathy and preservation efforts.
Carl Sagan's reflections on the 'Pale Blue Dot' image encourage greater empathy and preservation efforts.
According to Carl Sagan, reflections on the 'Pale Blue Dot' reveal the importance of focusing on our divisions to achieve a common goal.
According to Carl Sagan, reflections on the 'Pale Blue Dot' reveal the importance of focusing on our divisions to achieve a common goal.
Flashcards
SOFIA
SOFIA
A telescope built into a Boeing 747, used to observe the cosmos above the Earth's atmosphere.
Artemis Program
Artemis Program
NASA's program to send a mission to the Moon by 2028 and establish a base in the 2030s.
Water on the moon
Water on the moon
Earth's natural satellite may hold water in the form of ice.
Human Development Index
Human Development Index
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Pale Blue Dot
Pale Blue Dot
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Cost of sending stuff into space
Cost of sending stuff into space
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The moon as a museum
The moon as a museum
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Study Notes
- Oscar Wilde's quote means that despite life's difficulties, it's important to focus on goals and aspirations.
- NASA has been advancing scientific knowledge and understanding of Earth and the cosmos since 1958.
- NASA's recent discovery was made by SOFIA, an infrared astronomy observatory built in a Boeing 747.
Going Back to the Moon
- Earth's atmosphere makes sky observation difficult due to clouds, light pollution, and blurring.
- SOFIA overcomes these issues by flying above the denser atmosphere for a clearer view of the cosmos.
- SOFIA discovered water on the Moon in the form of ice.
- This is beneficial for future astronauts.
- NASA's Artemis Program plans to send a mission to the Moon in 2028 and establish a base in the 2030s.
- Japan, China, Blue Origin, and SpaceX also plan lunar missions and bases.
- Astronauts can use "lunar" water instead of transporting water from Earth.
- The cost of sending items to space is very high; a half-litre water bottle can cost $9,000 - $44,000.
Is This Money Well Spent?
- It's valid to question the investment in space exploration amid global problems like the pandemic.
- The United States spends around $600 billion on the military annually.
- NASA's budget is $22 billion, a fraction of the military spending.
- With $600 billion, NASA could potentially build four colonies on Mars.
- Countries that invest more in science and technology tend to have a higher human development index.
- Scientific investments provide good returns, like current spending on a COVID-19 vaccine.
- The Moon is considered a "museum of the history of the Solar System".
- Visiting the Moon could provide answers to questions like how life began on Earth.
Pale Blue Dot
- Astronomy helps humanity reflect on its place in the universe.
- Nicolaus Copernicus's heliocentric theory triggered a revolution in understanding.
- Earth is a tiny speck in the vast universe.
- In 1990, Voyager space probe captured the "Pale Blue Dot" image of Earth.
- Earth was smaller than a pixel in the photo taken from so far away.
- Carl Sagan wrote that the photo shows everyone who ever lived and emphasized the insignificance of divisions when seen from such a distance.
- He concluded that humanity has a responsibility to be kinder to one another and to cherish the "pale blue dot," our only home.
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