Total Lunar Eclipse 2010 is Tonight! Details Here
There is nothing more beautiful then a free show from mother nature. If you are in a North or Central America then you will be able to watch the total lunar eclipse!
The total lunar eclipse will take place Monday night for those on the West Coast of the U.S and will be visible early in the morning for those in the East Coast of the U.S.
Many are wondering if special glasses are needed, however experts say that this is not needed and the total lunar eclipse can be seen with the naked eye.
Usually during the total lunar eclipse people see a orange/yellow color but with recent volcanic eruption viewers may see a red/brown color instead.
Hubble Telescope Finds Oldest Galaxy
With help of the Hubble Telescope, astronomers have caught a glimpse of a galaxy from 13.1 billion years ago!
Named UDFy-38135539, a small smudge on the Hubble Telescope photograph, it is believed to be the oldest and most distant object captured to date.
According to astronomers, this finding is very important because it coincides with their theory of the birth of stars and galaxies.
The image is believed to be from 780 million years after the big bang.
Graphene Research Wins Physics Nobel Prize 2010
The winners of the Nobel Prize 2010 where 2 Russian physics professors from the University of Manchester, England who are researching graphene, a 2 dimensional material.
The professors are Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov. Together they are researching a two-dimensional material that was discovered by Geim’s research group, the material is called graphene. What is graphene? According to CNN:
It consists of a hexagonal array of carbon atoms, just like those found in bulk graphite, but is "fundamentally different" from the familiar three-dimensional material, in part because it is flexible.
Huffington Post explained how graphene can be used:
The thinnest, strongest material known to mankind – a carbon vital for the creation of faster computers and transparent touch screens. [...] Experiments with graphene could lead to the development of new superstrong materials with which to make satellites, airplanes and cars, as well as innovative electronics
Geim wasn’t expecting an award, he though this year was going to astrophysics. He commented about the graphene research:
"Imagine 100 years ago and someone found amazing properties of polymers, and at that moment, you don't know what to do with polymers -- you can only imagine the range of applications. I hope that graphene and other two-dimensional crystals will change everyday life as plastics did for humanity."
This Tuesday the Nobel Prize 2010 winner was awarded to the graphene research, a $1.5 million award, but there are more winners to be announced. In these upcoming days the committee will also be awarding prizes in peace, literature, chemistry and economics.
Last year the research of the scientists that won the Physics Nobel Prize, led the two major digital era breakthroughs which where fiber optics and digital photography.
New Earthlike Planet Found! Is there life?
Astronomers have found a new planet which they believe is Earthlike and could contain life. Many astronomers refer to this as the Goldilocks zone for life. It's not too hot and not too cold, it's just right for liquid water.
Co-discoverer R. Paul Butler said, "This really is the first Goldilocks planet."
Scientist now believe that the new planet is a the best option for harboring life.
The new planet is said to be larger than Earth and much closer to it's star (compared to distance between Earth and Sun). Because of this it orbits in just 37 days and rotates very slowly so one side is almost either always bright or dark for long periods of time.
Gliese 581G is around 20 light years away from Earth's solar system.
The discovery was made by R. Paul Butler and Steven Vogt from the University of California. They clarify that their discovery doesn't mean that there is life on this planet, but instead that new life can be introduced and keep going.