tutorial

Us civilians are sadly stuck on Earth right now, at least for the foreseeable future. While this could certainly change soon (we’re looking at you, SpaceX), for now, the closest we can get to adventures in space comes in the form of video games. But not just any video games, mind you. These are...

No matter how you look at it, every branch of physics is weird, and astrophysics is no different. The way our universe works is strange, wacky, and also wonderful. Here’s a look at some of the weirdest theories in astrophysics that just might turn out to be true. 1. String Theory String theory...

An observatory is really just a safe place to house a telescope and an ideal place to observe from. Given these characteristics, what’s stopping you from creating your own in the comfort of your own backyard? Sure, you may not rival the likes of Mt. Wilson, but you’ll have a dedicated place to...

When astronaut Scott Kelly spend an entire year in space, he not only impressed the world but also helped NASA with some very important research. Even though we’ve had humans in space for many years, we still don’t know everything about what a lack of gravity does to our bodies. We are...

Black holes are possibly the most mysterious objects in the universe, and their name doesn’t really help their reputation. Of course, it’s also a little misleading. Black holes aren’t really holes at all, but instead they’re areas of incredibly strong gravity resulting from (we think) a...

The name Stephen Hawking will forever be associated with a brilliant and inspirational scientist who helped come up with theories and explanations for some of the strangest mysteries in physics. One such theory, known as Hawking Radiation, could shed light on objects that frighten and fascinate...

One of science-fiction’s favorite topics is killer asteroids. What’s not to love? Earth in peril, and only science to save the day. Movies like this make us laugh and cry, but rarely do we think about the reality. Chunks of space debris are whizzing past us every day and much of what hits us...

As much as we hate to admit it, humans are fragile. We’re designed to live on Earth under some pretty specific conditions, and we are certainly not put together to survive outside Earth without some assistance. As a result, some funny things happen to the human body when we venture away from our...

The future of humans more than likely lies out there in the solar system, and perhaps beyond. For the time being, we’re stuck here on Earth, looking longingly at other planets and wondering what it might be like to step foot on one of them. Mars has long been a favorite for both exploration and...

Our constant companion is a familiar sight in the night sky. Sometimes, we can even take for granted the fact that it’s there at all. But when you want to take a few moments to appreciate its beauty, what’s the best way to observe the moon? Here’s what you should do: 1. Pick the right phase...

Turn right on 1st street. It’s just north of the river. Follow your GPS! Down here on Earth, directions seem so simple (or at least, relatively so). We determine our cardinal directions using the poles, and the concepts of “right” and “left” are ingrained. But once you get out into space...

Everyone loves a good rocket launch. That initial countdown when everyone is hushed and prepared to witness an amazing feat. The moments just before the engines are fired. The exhilarating rush when liftoff is achieved. We all know the feeling, but do we know the science? Here’s how the rocket...

Few companies have captured the attention and admiration of the public quite like SpaceX. Led by visionary (and to some, madman) Elon Musk, SpaceX is at the forefront of innovation as far as space travel and rocket technology are concerned. The list of the company’s accomplishments is long, but...

The periodic table is such a standard diagram in the educational system, we often forget what a wonder it is that we even know about and can distinguish between the dozens of elements that make up our world. What’s even more amazing is that on a grander scale, most of those elements are...

Earth is an incredible place. We humans feel incredibly special to be able to live and thrive on such a unique planet, and so we should. However, the more technology we put into orbit, the more we realize we might not be the only planet out there with life-sustaining characteristics. Since Earth...

Whenever we discuss the universe, one characteristic that always comes up is expansion. The universe is expanding, growing in every direction at once, becoming more vast with each passing moment. How do we know this with any amount of certainty, though? After all, shouldn’t it be difficult to...

The Big Bang. That incredible, cosmic moment that led to everything we see and everything we know today. When the theory was first suggested, it seemed outlandish. Impossible. Insane. But when it comes to the universe, what seems crazy is often true. We understand the overarching concept of the...

Stand under full sun for 10 minutes during the summer and you’ll forget all about the fact that, in general, space is very, very cold. The exact temperature? A frigid -455 F. To put that in perspective, the coldest temperature we’ve ever recorded here on Earth was 128.6 F, which is practically...

If you love space and all things science, chances are you’re also a fan of space-themed movies. And why shouldn’t you be? Fighting the forces of good and evil, dealing with the struggles of living in the inhospitable outer reaches of the universe, and stretching the human imagination are all...

Have you heard everyone raving about Kerbal Space Program and decided you have to try it out for yourself? It’s an addicting game that has grabbed the attention of many people. The community is vast, mods are everywhere, and the possibilities are virtually endless. Most of the instructions out...