At the heart of our Solar System is the Sun. Every day, the Sun rises and sets and ancient astronomers used this consistency to erect temples to predict seasonal changes for the harvest. The warmth of the Sun is vital to life on Earth because of photosynthesis and its warmth heats the surface to help with weather changes. But what is the Sun made of? How does the Sun generate its energy? Will the Sun shine forever? The answers are within....
Image of Sun in white light Mean Distance from Earth: 149,598,000 km
Mean angular diameter: 32 arcmin
Radius: 696,109 km
Mass: 1.9891 x 1030 kg
Composition: 74% Hydrogen
25% Helium
1% Other
Mean Density: 1410 kg/m3
Mean Temperature: 5800K
Luminosity: 3.86 x 1026 Watts
Orbit about Galaxy: 220 million years
Orbital Speed: 220 km/s
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Solar System Formation
Everything has a beginning, and our story begins when the cloud that was the Solar Nebula began to contract. All stars exist in islands called galaxies, and galaxies contain old and new stars as well as clumps of dust clouds. These clouds contain mostly hydrogen and some heavier metals (any elements that are heavier than helium is considered a metal by Astronomers). As we will learn the the Sun section, stars create their energy by a process called fusion. When a star ends its life, it explodes in a tremendous phenomenon called a supernova. A supernova has so much energy that heavy metals are formed - metals like iron and gold. These elements "seed" surrounding hydrogen clouds so that newer stars will contain more heavy elements in their atmospheres.
It is believed that for a system of planets to form around a star during cloud contraction the cloud must contain heavy elements.
It is believed that for a system of planets to form around a star during cloud contraction the cloud must contain heavy elements.
The Exploded Planet Hypothesis
he Exploded Planet Hypothesis (EPH) offers an alternative explanation for the origin of the asteroid belts and comets. For an overview, see Tom Van Flanders's book Dark Matter, Missing Planets & New Comets or read the updated summary posted here, "The Exploded Planet Hypothesis -- 2000". There are presently three known explosion mechanisms.
Far from being a new idea, the EPH fell out of favor with mainstream scientists, primarily for lack of a viable causal theory. However there is a growing body of evidence that suggests planetary explosions may not even be uncommon (see "A Revision of the Exploded Planet Hypothesis"). While most astronomers believe the solar system has remained essentially unchanged since its formation, "The Original Solar System" and "Origin of Trans-Neptunium Asteroids" offer a very different perspective.
Consistent with our mission statement, the EPH makes falsifiable predictions. One way the EPH has distinguished itself from competitive theories is in predicting that many comets and asteroids will have satellites. The satellites of comet Hale-Opp, discovery of the asteroid Ida's moon Dactyl, and the "Near Challenge Results" are all examples of the success of this genuine prediction.
The EPH was recently used to make exceptionally accurate predictions of the November 1999 Leonid meteor storm, as well as for the two subsequent years. See the complete 2000 and 2001 predictions. This same methodology also predicted another Leonids storm in 2002 as well as a Perseid storm in 2004.
Finally, because the EPH offers a simple explanation for the sudden and dramatic pole shifts on Mars and the crustal dichotomy of the planet, the EPH has been connected with the Caledonia story.
Far from being a new idea, the EPH fell out of favor with mainstream scientists, primarily for lack of a viable causal theory. However there is a growing body of evidence that suggests planetary explosions may not even be uncommon (see "A Revision of the Exploded Planet Hypothesis"). While most astronomers believe the solar system has remained essentially unchanged since its formation, "The Original Solar System" and "Origin of Trans-Neptunium Asteroids" offer a very different perspective.
Consistent with our mission statement, the EPH makes falsifiable predictions. One way the EPH has distinguished itself from competitive theories is in predicting that many comets and asteroids will have satellites. The satellites of comet Hale-Opp, discovery of the asteroid Ida's moon Dactyl, and the "Near Challenge Results" are all examples of the success of this genuine prediction.
The EPH was recently used to make exceptionally accurate predictions of the November 1999 Leonid meteor storm, as well as for the two subsequent years. See the complete 2000 and 2001 predictions. This same methodology also predicted another Leonids storm in 2002 as well as a Perseid storm in 2004.
Finally, because the EPH offers a simple explanation for the sudden and dramatic pole shifts on Mars and the crustal dichotomy of the planet, the EPH has been connected with the Caledonia story.
Solar Eclipse
There are four types of solar eclipses: total, annular, hybrid, and partial. The occurrence of each solar eclipse as per observer will depend on three main factors: the position of the Earth and Moon along their orbital paths (i.e., whether near its apogee, near its perigee, or somewhere in between), the location of the observer on Earth, and the alignment between the Earth, Sun, and Moon.
In this article, we'll focus on the effect of the positions of the Earth and Moon along their orbital paths. Their positions will determine whether the eclipse witnessed by an observer on Earth will be total, annular, or hybrid.
Recall that the Earth's and Moon's orbits are elliptical in shape. That means, in some instances, the Earth can be at its farthest position from the Sun (known as its apogee), while in others, it can be at its nearest (perigee). In still other instances (in fact, more frequent than the other two), the Earth can be located somewhere in between the two extremes.
When the Earth is at its farthest, the Sun will naturally appear smallest to an observer than if the Earth were at its nearest. Hence, all things considered equal, the Moon will be able to cover a greater part of the Sun when the Earth is at this position.
Now, since the Moon's orbital path about the Earth is also elliptical, there should be a position wherein the Moon will appear largest – its perigee. The nearer the Moon, the bigger it will appear from an observer on Earth, and the bigger its obstruction (if ever) of the Sun. As we can see, the positions of the Earth and Moon along their orbital paths are crucial in producing the type of solar eclipse.
So, at which extreme positions of the Earth and Moon can we have the smallest Sun and largest Moon?
The Sun is smallest when the Earth is at its apogee while the Moon is largest when the Moon is at its perigee. Thus, if these two scenarios happen at the same time while the Earth, Sun, and Moon are fully aligned, many of us will experience the most total solar eclipse there can ever be.
In this article, we'll focus on the effect of the positions of the Earth and Moon along their orbital paths. Their positions will determine whether the eclipse witnessed by an observer on Earth will be total, annular, or hybrid.
Recall that the Earth's and Moon's orbits are elliptical in shape. That means, in some instances, the Earth can be at its farthest position from the Sun (known as its apogee), while in others, it can be at its nearest (perigee). In still other instances (in fact, more frequent than the other two), the Earth can be located somewhere in between the two extremes.
When the Earth is at its farthest, the Sun will naturally appear smallest to an observer than if the Earth were at its nearest. Hence, all things considered equal, the Moon will be able to cover a greater part of the Sun when the Earth is at this position.
Now, since the Moon's orbital path about the Earth is also elliptical, there should be a position wherein the Moon will appear largest – its perigee. The nearer the Moon, the bigger it will appear from an observer on Earth, and the bigger its obstruction (if ever) of the Sun. As we can see, the positions of the Earth and Moon along their orbital paths are crucial in producing the type of solar eclipse.
So, at which extreme positions of the Earth and Moon can we have the smallest Sun and largest Moon?
The Sun is smallest when the Earth is at its apogee while the Moon is largest when the Moon is at its perigee. Thus, if these two scenarios happen at the same time while the Earth, Sun, and Moon are fully aligned, many of us will experience the most total solar eclipse there can ever be.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Bringing affordable, high-quality solar lighting to rural China
The Rural Energy Development Project has boosted the use of photovoltaic (PV) solar-home systems in off-grid areas in western China. This has been achieved through support to the industry to improve the quality of PV modules and other components; technical and management assistance to local installation companies; and subsidies to sales. Since 2001 the REDP has enabled sales of over 402,000 systems, which improve quality of life through better light, communications and entertainment. Sales now continue without subsidies, because the benefits of PV are widely known, and the systems are reliable and accessible.
Rural Energy Foundation (REF), Sub-Saharan Africa
More than 70% of sub-Saharan Africa has no access to electricity. In rural areas this often exceeds 95%. REF has met this need by turning local communities on to solar. Recognising that the products are nothing without the local entrepreneurs to promote and install them, REF has trained local networks of budding entrepreneurs. As a result, in only three years 300,000 people in nine countries have gained access to solar energy. And better quality light gives opportunities for study, income-generation and leisure activities as well as vital access to radio and mobile phones.
Energy crises badly affecting social, economic sectors
Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said energy crisis was adversely affecting social and economic sectors. He said thr government is working on various projects of power generation through alternative sources for overcoming thecrisis. He said investment by Omani entrepreneurs in Punjab will be welcomed and all out facilities will be provided.This was stated by him during a meeting with Ambassadorof Oman Mohamed Said Al-Lawati at Chief Minister’s Secretariat here Thursday.
Cooperation in various sectors and matters of mutual interest were discussed in the meeting. The Chief Minister said process of development is beingbadly affected by power shortage and measures are being taken by the government for overcoming the crisis. He said that energy conservation conferences were organized in Islamabad and Lahore and invaluable proposals were given by the experts for power generation. He said Pakistan has vast coal reserves and energy could be generated through windmills. He said electricity could also be produced through sugarcane waste and government is working on these lines as well.
The Chief Minister said exchange of delegations between Punjab province and Oman has vital importance for the promotion of investment and cooperation in various sectors. The Chief Minister said he will send a delegation from Punjab to Oman to negotiate with various companies and investors for investment in the province.Ambassador of Oman Mohamed Said Al-Lawati said thereare historic relations between Pakistan and Oman. He said that Pakistan was a peaceful country having vast opportunities of investment. He said that there was a need to dispel the negative image of Pakistan as it is contrary to the facts. He said that law and order situation was improving in Pakistan while a conducive atmosphere for investment exists in the country. He said Oman will cooperate with Punjab for the development of various sectors. He invited the Chief Minister Punjab to visit Oman.
Cooperation in various sectors and matters of mutual interest were discussed in the meeting. The Chief Minister said process of development is beingbadly affected by power shortage and measures are being taken by the government for overcoming the crisis. He said that energy conservation conferences were organized in Islamabad and Lahore and invaluable proposals were given by the experts for power generation. He said Pakistan has vast coal reserves and energy could be generated through windmills. He said electricity could also be produced through sugarcane waste and government is working on these lines as well.
The Chief Minister said exchange of delegations between Punjab province and Oman has vital importance for the promotion of investment and cooperation in various sectors. The Chief Minister said he will send a delegation from Punjab to Oman to negotiate with various companies and investors for investment in the province.Ambassador of Oman Mohamed Said Al-Lawati said thereare historic relations between Pakistan and Oman. He said that Pakistan was a peaceful country having vast opportunities of investment. He said that there was a need to dispel the negative image of Pakistan as it is contrary to the facts. He said that law and order situation was improving in Pakistan while a conducive atmosphere for investment exists in the country. He said Oman will cooperate with Punjab for the development of various sectors. He invited the Chief Minister Punjab to visit Oman.
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