Is There Life on Exoplanets?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description: 

Most of the planetary scientists believe that there can be at least one exoplanet in our Milky Way galaxy, which has life. They have also figured out that 20% of the sun-like stars that exist on the Milky Way are circled by planets, which has the same dimensions as Earth. These planets are located in habitable zones around the stars as well. Therefore, life on exoplanets has become a popular topic among planetary scientists in the modern world. 

The habitable zone of a planet can simply be defined as the area where the temperature is not too cold or too hot. These conditions help water to exist in those planets in the form of liquid. It is vastly known that life cannot survive without water in its liquid form. Therefore, while it has been figured out that there are about 2,000 exoplanets circling beyond our own sun, the possibility to have some sort of life in these planets depends on a variety of factors. The obliquity of the planet holds a prominent place among them. Obliquity can simply be defined as the angle of axis of a planet relative to its orbital axis around the parent starts.

The planet Earth has a low obliquity when compared to other planets. It rotates around an almost perpendicular axis of its own while rotating around the sun. Planetary scientists have figured out that the obliquity can vary from one planet to another. They believe that the planets with an extreme tilt have a very low chance of having life in it. 

Recently some research scientists as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology figured out that water exists on planets that have a very high obliquity as well. Therefore, we can keep some hope that life can exist in the planets with a high obliquity. They also figured out a shallow ocean with a depth of about 50m in a specific planet, which has a comfortable temperature. According to their calculations, the average temperature of that planet was about 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit per year. 

However, a planet with a high obliquity usually has an extreme and inhospitable climate. The North Pole would receive sunlight for a period of 6 months continuously and it would have to go through an unending night for the other six months. As a result, they believed that such a planet has a very little chance of having life. That’s mainly because the planet would freeze and boil throughout the year, which is really tough for life to exist. Nevertheless, this can differ under some conditions. For example, the oceans can store heat during the summer period and give it out during winter. This can create a somewhat mild climate in the planet. Therefore, we cannot neglect with extremely oblique planets by saying that they are not in a position to inhibit life. 

It has been assumed that the Milky Way has about 200 billion stars. In addition, it has been calculated that there are about 11 billion planets with “habitable” living conditions. All these consist of hydrogen gas and they are seething hot. The planetary systems have been established circling such stars. In fact, sticky and fine dust particles melt together to create rocky cores, which eventually turns into major planets. 

The very first exoplanet was discovered by research scientists 20 years ago. It was circling a sun like star and was named as 51 Pegasi b. Since then, they have discovered a large number of exoplanets, where most of them were smaller than their very first discovery. They even discovered an exoplanet, which is 150 smaller than 51 Pegasi b. 

Many different methods are being used by research scientists in order to discover new exoplanets in the Milky Way. The Doppler Shift method can be considered as the most popular one. This is an effective method, which can be used to discover giant planets that exist closer to fiery stellar planets. This is a sensitive method and is associated with a higher chance of discovering earth-like planets. 

Throughout the past two decades, scientists have figured out many other methods to discover exoplanets apart from the Doppler Shift method. The major drawback with the Doppler Shift method is that it cannot be used to discover smaller planets that have a wider orbit around the stars. However, the recently discovered methods are in a position to help the scientists with discovering such planets. At the end of 2015, they have been able to discover more than 1,900 exoplanets that belong to over 1,200 planetary systems. 

The Kepler Space Telescope of NASA helps a lot for the scientists to discover new exoplanets. It was launched back in 2009 and has discovered few thousand candidate planets up to now. Most of these candidate planets were confirmed as exoplanets by scientists. Several statistical methods such as the verification by multiplicity were used by the scientists to figure out whether they are in a position to inhibit life or not. The Kepler Space Telescope follows a unique methodology when discovering exoplanets. It differs a lot from the Doppler Shift method. This method searches for extremely small dips in stellar brightness when a specific orbiting planet passes ahead of the glaring face of parent star. 

In the meantime, the scientists at MIT spent their efforts in order to create a model of a highly oblique aqua-planet. This planet had the same dimensions of earth and it was positioned at a distance similar to the earth’s separation from sun. This 3D model simulated circulations among sea ice, atmosphere and ocean. The effects of winds and heat were also taken into consideration. They also created a motionless planet for comparison and discovered the possibility of having life in such a planet. They had the ability to control the obliquity of this planet and they discovered that the ocean absorbs heat during the summer period. 

Given the scientific evidence and ongoing research therefore it appears that it is not science fiction to believe in life in other planets. While there is still a long way to go before we start packing, we can keep our fingers crossed for the prospect of habituating an exoplanet in the near future.

KEEP READING: Dreaming About the Future of Space Tourism

We have more goodies to read and watch. What are you waiting for, scroll on! Subscribe to our Newsletter for full access on our exclusive content.

*by andreascy*

Space Travel and Exploration: Dreaming About the Future of Space Tourism

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Welcome fellow hustler! Busy morning? Here's what you need to know to start your day.

For ages mankind has dreamed of traveling the stars and visiting distant planets. Not just astronauts but civilians too. Over the years we have seen a few of these achievements come to fruition. People have been sent up to orbit the earth and collect data for scientists back on the planet. A select few have claimed the great achievement of setting foot on the moon. A rover was even sent to Mars and transmitted back pictures of the alien surface.

Even with all these advancements over the last 30 years, space exploration is still in its infancy. The recent crash of Virgin’s Space Ship Two can attest to that. Not only are the ‘kinks’ still being worked out, but what has been explored so far, is merely a drop in the ocean when compared to the billions and billions of stars that have yet to be reached. Aside from Mars and the Moon, our own solar system remains an unexplored mystery. With the future of space tourism hinging on uncertainty; what does this mean for the average citizen?

The taxpayer no longer foots the bill

When the idea of space travel was first put on the table, it was the taxpayer’s dollars that funded the missions. Politicians formed the plan, while the working class paid for it. With the introduction of private spaceflight, the politicians have no say and the American citizen isn’t left paying for everything. The only real restriction they have is how much money is available.

Failure is an option

Private companies can fail as much as they want, within reason. They aren’t tied to an ever shrinking budget like NASA was. Unfortunately, not every test is a success, just look at Virgin Galactic. The explosion of their Space Ship Two was a tragedy and devastating blow to private space flight; but this doesn’t mean they have to call it quits. And now that the politicians can’t step in and pull the funding, that’s one less hurdle they have to deal with. Virgin now has the option to try again, if the funds are there. 

Engineers play a bigger part

If one were to work for NASA as an engineer, they would be part of a larger team working together. With smaller teams being employed by private companies, it allows for a more hands on experience. The engineer actually gets to go in the field and fire the rockets, rather than sit behind a desk all day. Smaller teams and limited resources actually foster more creativity, making them almost like modern day MacGyver’s. 

The price of space travel will drop

The flight of a Virgin space plane costs $250,000. That’s nothing compared to the $12 million price tag of launching a satellite into orbit. On top of that, the rocket that sends it to space can only be used once. If the privately funded space planes can make it to orbit consistently, the price of space travel is going to be drastically reduced. A host of scientists are standing by waiting to run tests on these flights. Also, lower cost means more accessible tourism.

Hypersonic travel may finally happen 

Circumnavigating the globe will be achievable in an afternoon. The promise of sub-orbital travel has been talked about for a while now. Until these privately funded space flights came around, it has always been just out of reach. Right now $95,000 for a ticket still may not be for everyone, but as with any new technology it’s always expensive when it first hits that market. The first microwave cost about $5,000. Now you can pick one up for less than $50. The same thing will happen with sub-orbital flights. Once they hone the production process and discover cheaper ways to build these space planes, tickets may even be as cheap as regular commercial flights.

The view will be humbling

Every astronaut has said that seeing the planet against the infinite backdrop of space was not only awe inspiring, but life changing. What’s going to happen when an artist sees this for the first time? What happens when politicians and CEOs start to take these flights regularly? Will they be moved like the astronauts; or will it be business as usual? 

Even though Richard Branson suffered a major set-back, this doesn’t leave him down and out. Without politicians calling the shots, they can go back to the drawing board and try again. This doesn’t mean that failure isn’t costly; this just means that without the threat of having funding pulled, they have a better chance of learning from their mistakes. Whatever Virgin is doing in the wake of this tragedy, people need to start seriously thinking about how space tourism will affect their lives and how it’s about to change the world.

RECOMMENDED: The Infinite Stretch of the Universe

Get our tech emails and alerts. Not spam ever! We value your privacy.

*by andreascy*

10 Gadgets to Help You Catch More Fish

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Fishing has changed dramatically over the past decade with the increasing popularity of smartphones and other technology. Even those who have strongly resisted the change are giving into the pressure to adapt. Once there is a smartphone in your pocket, it's difficult to keep refusing time-saving, fish-catching options. 

Here are 10 tech tools that will make your outing both safer and more successful without ruining the great outdoors.

Find Where to Go

Fishing Hot Spots Maps: It's an old tool in a new format. You no longer have to track down paper maps for the water you want to fish but rather this company provides digital maps for both freshwater and saltwater. You can even get maps that work with older units and handheld devices.

The Fishidy Mobile App: This app provides maps as well as a community for sharing tips and up-to-date reports. You can track your fishing successes on a map using GPS in addition to identifying water depths, underwater contours and fishery data.

Learn How to Get There

Broadband RADAR: This tool boasts that it is the most significant radar breakthrough since 1940. It has much lower power requirements and crystal clear images, which helps for limited visibility situations or tight maneuvering. Plus, it does not require a license.

SIMRAD: This tool is very similar to Broadband RADAR. It also has clear imagery, low power consumption and low emissions. Whether you combine navigation with your fishfinder or separate the two, broadband technology is taking hold quickly.

Locate the Fish

Lowrance HDS-12 Gen3: There are plenty of fishfinder models to choose from, but the new Gen3 model uses a broadband sounder, supports wireless signals and uses Spotlight Scan Sonar, making it a top-notch gadget.

Raymarine Dragonfly: For CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse) lovers, Raymarine Dragonfly is the tool for you. This new unit delivers incredibly clear images and includes Navionics charts on microSD in addition to a temperature sensor and 50-channel GPS.

Play it Safe

Iridium Satellite Phone: Whether speaking with family or getting out an emergency call to the Coast Guard, you can always contact land and other satellite-equipped vessels when you pack a satellite phone. They also claim that their call quality is three times better than their competitor's.

C-pod Security: The C-pod sends current status information about location, heading, intrusion, battery voltage and other vital statistics to your phone or computer. Remote on/off capability allows you to be in control of C-pod sensors from the helm.

Stay in the Game

XPand: If you are you taking a green seafarer along on the next voyage, consider the Xpand anti-motion sickness glasses to keep queasiness at bay. Pills and patches often cause drowsiness and confusion, but the sunglasses use electro-optical systems to reduce motion sickness in a noninvasive way. They are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion polymer cell.

Gomadic Solar Charger: Stay prepared with a solar charger to keep any of these gadgets charged and ready to use. It can charge multiple devices simultaneously, and does it just as quickly as a wall outlet would.

Prices in each category can vary widely, so be sure to do your homework. Many times you can cut back on features to make a tool better fit the budget. Yesterday's top-dollar fishfinder or navigation aid, for instance, can often be found at rock bottom prices as others switch to broadband units. So, get ready, be prepared and fish on!

SEE ALSO: Science Nation - Electric Fish Charges up Research on Animal Behavior

Join the discussion by posting a comment below or tweeting #OFFICIALANDREASCY. Let me know what you think.

(DISCLOSURE: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I only ever endorse products that I have personally used and benefitted from personally. Thank you for your support!)

*by andreascy*

10 Reasons Why The World Should Go Solar

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Guys, what's up? 7K+ people in this amazing group of News lovers and climbing! So proud to be connected with all of you. We have a better way! 

You’ve probably heard of it; Solar Power. The way to go green by using the sun for electricity and much, much more. 

If you take a serious look into all the possibilities that solar power has to offer, you are going to wonder why the whole world is not running on it yet. Here are the 10 reasons why the world should go solar:

1. It saves you money

One of the things that make Solar Power stand out is how on the long haul you are going to save money. Sure, getting them might be a bit expensive, but after a few years your wallet is going to thank you. Money saved can go up to $2400 a year (for homeowners) and up to $6000 a year (for business owners). You could take the family to Disney for that money. 

2. Solar energy is a way to escape the hold countries have on other countries

A lot of natural resources like oil, coal and gas are imported into our country from other countries. This means that when something happens in those countries, like lets say a war, we could potentially be cut off from supplies. Solar Power does not face that problem as it is possible in any country anywhere. 

3. It’s better for the climate 

Critics have pointed out that by making solar panels certain chemicals are released into out atmosphere that form a bigger danger than carbon dioxide. What they fail to mention is that more carbon dioxide is released into the air per day from all over the world than the chemicals used to make solar panels. For solar panels this is a one time thing, once it’s made it’s made and no chemicals are released anymore and that’s better for the climate than your car ever will be. 

4. Jobs 

If there is more solar power used there will also be more jobs for people out there. Especially in this economy those are needed, as unemployment rates are still on the rise in almost all of the countries across the globe. By creating a bigger market for solar power you will also be creating more jobs for more people. 

5. The sun isn’t going to run out of light 

Another of the pros of solar power is the fact that the sun won’t be running out of light anytime soon. However we will be through natural resources like oil and gas eventually. 

6. It has many purposes 

Solar power can be used in an infinite number of ways. The only thing that’s limiting us is our creativity. Currently there are satellites in our inner and outer atmosphere completely powered by solar power. Cars that break speed records are powered by solar power. In Africa water is being distilled by solar power.. Well, isn't that awesome?!

7. It’s easily integratable into your home or community 

Your house probably already has a roof where you can place solar panels, but even for those of us who live in apartment buildings there are great options available. By placing a field with solar panels inside a community, or outside a town when you need more space, you can easily generate enough energy for a whole neighbourhood. Which brings me onto my next point..

8. It’s usable everywhere 

Any country and any person in the world could live off of solar power. It could easily change the world and save a lot of people who are currently dying because of the lack of electricity, heating or drinkable water. 

9. Solar powered roads 

Not that long ago a huge online fundraiser for solar roadways was held. They got way more than their original goal of $1 million and no wonder. Solar Roadways are freaking awesome and here’s why; They will make driving safer for people and for animals, because they light up when anything walks over them, heat up in cold areas so the roads are not snowy and more. Plus they are very durable and take way less maintenance than those asphalt roads. Want to know more about this amazing project? 

Check them out here.

10. Low maintenance

Solar Power is low maintenance. Did you know that solar panels only have to be cleaned a few times a year? With everything you get out of them that’s just a small price to pay. Once your installation is up, there is almost nothing to do to maintain the installation.

The Bottom Line is: Solar Power has the power to change the world and it’s all up to us whether or not we take all the opportunities it has to offer to make this world a better one. 

SEE ALSO: CNETTV : Robots Pivot Solar Panels to face the Sun by QBotix

Have a nice week! If you liked this post please leave your good comments in the box below.

*by andreascy*

20 Stories You Must Read This Weekend

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Hello guys, long time no hear!

We've been missing in action for a while because we're finishing up another project, which we'll be able to share with you all soon, but we finally were able to come up for air and share some News with you all. 

We hope you'll enjoy our selection so make sure to click the headlines below and read the full story. Only at THE OFFICIAL ANDREASCY - The essential of news, everyday.

1. Introducing node.js Tools for Visual Studio. Tried ‪nodejs‬? Gave up because you couldn’t use a grown-up IDE? Red Gate started the ball rolling with Visual Node, then worked intensively with Microsoft in Redmond to produce node.js tools for Visual Studio. The early results are just incredible.

2. What Does A Navy Do? Confused about what a Navy - a conglomeration of ships, submarines and aircraft - actually does? Here's a quick 101.

3. Front-end CSS Frameworks. This is a nice tool to compare CSS frameworks.

4. This is how you use Twitter: Nokia hits BlackBerry where it hurts. Ouch.

5. PCB Design and Assembly at Human Resources Head. Want to work as a freelance in the field of PCB Design & Assembly? Doesn't matter if you're already working, it's a chance to augment your income and enhance your knowledge. If it excites you, check out the details and apply.

6. Astronomers in Antarctica find neutrinos from outside our solar system. "The era of neutrino astronomy has begun."

7. Mozilla’s reliance on Google is increasing: 90% of 2012 revenue came from that one source. How is Mozilla such a successful nonprofit? Google.

8. Kawasaki built a time machine and stole a bike from the future. Take our money. Take it all.

9. GetGoing Nabbed Me Better JetBlue Airfare Than JetBlue. Would you pick a random travel destination if it meant a very budget-friendly price?

10. Coupling Transport and Solid Mechanics Models for Better Puffed Rice. Thermal and mechanical effects in the production of puffed rice are studied by a group who recently presented at the COMSOL Conference 2013 in Boston last month.

11. Winamp is shutting down on 20th December 2013. R.I.P Winamp. End of an era.

12. Natural Gas Sets Off a Distributed-Energy Boom. Different gas-fueled technologies - fuel cells, microturbines, reciprocating engines, and turbines - are now competing for a spot in the basements of businesses.

13. Google's big health care play: Helpouts is all about video consultations with your doctor. And Google Glass will be a great tool as well.

14. Learn to Set a Formal or Informal Table for Your Thanksgiving Meal. Just in case you need a little refresher before Thanksgiving.

15. Troubles, what troubles? BlackBerry and Porsche Design launch the P’9982, a souped-up, ultra-premium Z10. BlackBerry's new sales strategy: Target the rich.

16. The actual probability of Earth going to hell in the next few decades. Pretty good... which is very bad.

17. My Biggest Interview Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them). If nerves take over every time you have an interview, you'll want to read this.

18. 26 Pictures Of Low-Income Entrepreneurs Who Work Extremely Hard. Inspiring.

19. Monitor and Control Your Environment with Ninja Sphere. Monitor all of your devices, your pets and even your energy use with NinjaBlock a futuristic environmental controller. 

20. Biologist finds possible new species in his own nose. Sometimes, great discoveries are to be found right under your own nose... literally!

As always, we’d love to hear what you think. If we’ve missed your favorite off this list, let us know in the comments below and we’ll take a look at it. If it’s any good, we’ll add it in. 

Have a great weekend! 👋

*by andreascy*

How Engineering Helps Society

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Engineering is one of those areas that most people take for granted and don’t give much thought to. 

The valuable work that these engineers undertake is all around us, in all areas of our lives. Engineering makes our lives better, helps us to enjoy life, saves lives and keeps us safe from harm.

So just how does engineering help society?

Once a person has trained as an engineer, their skills can then be used in many different ways. For instance, medical innovations need engineers to develop the necessary equipment and components in order to save lives. However, the medical world is not the only way that engineers benefit our society.

Engineers work in so many areas, they help to build roads, construct bridges and bypasses, they develop ways of producing more environmentally friendly power or ways in which we can recycle more. Electrical engineers develop safety devices and engineers help develop our cars to protect us from crash and injuries.

Put quite simply, engineers are involved in every stage of a process from the design, through the manufacture, development and implementation. There are so many different fields in which an engineer might work, but here we will just explore the role of an Energy Engineer.

Energy Engineering

Energy engineering covers a broad spectrum of areas which deal with energy efficiency, services, facility management, alternative energy and environmental compliance. Due to the Government legislation and carbon reduction targets, energy minimisation is a growing industry. To reduce our energy consumption, consideration must be given to lighting, refrigeration and eco-friendly ways of generating power such as solar panels and wind turbines.

Energy technology is a term used which refers to the skills, knowledge and equipment required for the production, distribution and use of energy. By the end of this decade, 15% of all energy consumed within the UK will have to come from renewable sources and for this reason there is a growing demand for Renewable Energy Engineers.

What does a Renewable Energy Engineer Do?

A renewable energy engineer is responsible for the design, development and implementation of renewable energy sources. These include wind, marine, biomass and solar technologies and an energy engineer’s job is to solve existing problems and develop creative solutions to capture, convert, store and manage renewable energy.

There are many areas to the job and becoming an energy engineer is a very rewarding career. A renewable energy engineer will be responsible for evaluating current sources of energy before designing and developing alternative solutions. The engineer may also wish to specialise in a certain area such as heating, lighting, air conditioning or energy procurement.

Renewable Energy Engineering as a Career

Due to Government targets, unique opportunities are being created in renewable energy. As an energy engineer you will be involved in the research, development and production of energy through renewable sources. You will be responsible for solving problems and developing ways to extract usable energy from sustainable sources such as bio fuels, hydro power, wind turbines and solar power.

For more information and careers advice you will find all you need to know on the web or speak to your careers advisor for further details.

*by andreascy*

Top Tech Money Savers for Your Business

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Running a business is expensive. That’s just the name of the game. Them's the breaks, as they say. You need to pay your employees. You need to pay your taxes. You need supplies and for your utilities to stay on. All of those things cost money. 

There is no rule, however, that says you have to pay full price for everything all the time. Here are some of the best ways you can save money on technology for your business and use technology to save your business money:

1. Print Smart

If you’re paying full price for your toner and ordering it directly from the printer manufacturer, stop it! That’s like taking your car to the dealership for an inspection. There are much better ways to get your toner needs taken care of, and this includes your toner cartridge, premium LaserJet options or repairs for your copy machine. Why pay full price and then some if you don’t have to?

2. Go Solar

Solar chargers are going to be the best thing that happened to your office and your business utility bill. Solar chargers (especially if you get the “expanded editions” AKA, bigger cells that can store more power) make it possible to charge everything from cell phones and PDAs to laptop computers without ever having to plug those things in to an A/C outlet. This cuts down on the amount of energy your company uses (which reduces your electric bill). 

They’re also portable so they can help your employees keep their devices charged no matter where they are. Plus, going green is good karma, and what business couldn't use good karma!

3. Tablets Rule, Desktops Drool

Switch to tablet computers instead of forcing your employees to use desktops. Microsoft has great deals for small business owners who want to furnish their employees with tablets (Apple has similar deals if the iPad is more your company’s style). A few years ago switching to tablets was a pipe dream. Now, though, thanks to accessories like keyboards, styluses, etc you can get your tablet to function just like your desktop (sometimes even better).

This also helps make your workplace more portable. Your employees won’t require as much space to do their jobs. You can donate the desktop computers to charity for an additional business write off. Everybody wins!

4. Independent Contractors

Independent contractors and freelancers offer you the ability to get top notch work done for a fraction of what you’d pay for a full time employee. Plus, thanks to web based tools for teleconferencing, desktop sharing, etc—people can work together no matter where they are physically located. The primary benefit of working with an independent contractor or freelancer is that you only have to pay for the number of hours spent actually working or the work that actually gets completed. You don’t have to pay for time spent sitting in the office surfing Google News or playing Candy Crush on Facebook.

Even better, independent contractors and freelancers manage their own taxes and finances so you’ll save time and effort on your payroll duties.

Conclusion

These are just some of the things you can do to save money for your business (while also embracing the latest technologies). What are some of the things you’ve done to help save money and keep your business up to “techno-date”?

READ ALSO: Tech for the Sales Team

You are free to leave your questions below. Thank you for your time!

*by andreascy*

Top 21 Weatherproof Products and Aluma-Tough Tags

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

From a Notebook that sustains water jets to anodized aluminum tags that last 20 years in sea salt, these cutting-edge products stand up to just about anything. 

Stay connected, organized and dry with the top 21 weatherproof products of 2013. Ranging from quirky to practical, these products were carefully selected as shining examples of how technology makes everyday products better, and people’s lives easier.

Links to all the items are available here.
If you liked this infographic then discover even more and feel free to share them with your friends and other social circles. Send your suggestions or contact us if you want to feature your infographics on our Blog. 

*by andreascy*