Intro to Topic

In this episode, Matt and I will be talking about Einstein’s theory of relativity as it relates to the work done by Nergis Mavalvala and Jane Rigby.

Segment 1: Creating space in the study of space

We’ll be talking about our second two astronomers, Nergis Mavalvala and Jane Rigby, and their contributions to inclusivity and representation in the world of astronomy. We’ll also be talking about the intersections of being an astronomer who is part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Segment 2: Theory of relativity

I am joined by Matt, who will be helping explain Einstein’s theory of relativity, gravitational lensing, and gravitational waves.

Music Credits:

Moons- Patrick Patrikios

Research Citations:

Grossman, Lisa. “Meet Jane Rigby, senior project scientist for JWST and advocate for LGBTQ+ astronomers.” Science News, 10 August 2023, https://www.sciencenews.org/article/rigby-scientist-jwst-lgbtq-astronomers. Accessed 24 January 2024.

Md, Sandeeb. “,.” , - YouTube, 21 October 2023, https://pubs.aip.org/physicstoday/online/41840/Q-A-Nergis-Mavalvala-MIT-sciences-dean-and. Accessed 24 January 2024.

“Nergis Mavalvala.” The Schools' Observatory, https://www.schoolsobservatory.org/careers/interested/making/nergis-mavalvala. Accessed 24 January 2024.

Intro to Topic

Reforestation is replanting trees in certain areas that have been affected by natural and unnatural disturbances. At the same time, deforestation is the removal and destruction of a forest or area of trees. Reforestation is incredibly important for the environment, while deforestation harms the environment. So, how do reforestation and deforestation affect climate change and the ozone layer?

Segment 1: Reforestation and Deforestation in relation to climate change

Reforestation and deforestation both greatly affect climate change but in opposing ways. Reforestation helps slow down reforestation and contributes to the healing of our environment. On the other hand, deforestation speeds up climate change and negatively affects wildlife, humans, and the Earth itself.

Segment 2: Deforestation and the Ozone Layer

Deforestation greatly affects the ozone layer and that can be incredibly harmful to humans and other walks of life as well. Because of a lower oxygen level caused by deforestation, the ozone layer could continue to thin. If the ozone layer thins, then all walks of life are in danger.

Segment 3: Reforestation and the Ozone Layer

Reforestation helps reduce the thinning of the ozone layer and maintain it’s protective shield from the ultraviolet radiation. Pollution into the ozone layer is greatly reduced with the planting of trees. It’s strongly encouraged to be a part of reforestation and help plant trees in all different locations.

Music Credits:

Moons- Patrick Patrikios

Research Citations:

https://news.mongabay.com/2014/12/forests-could-be-a-thrifty-way-to-fight-ozone-pollution/#:~:text=Planting%20trees%20may%20be%20a,worldwide%2C%20according%20to%20new%20research

Intro to Topic

On April 8th of this year, we experienced a total solar eclipse, which is when the Moon completely covers the Sun, blocking out all its light. On average, these solar eclipses occur every 12 years, with the next one occurring in 2044. In this episode, we will discuss viewing safety, paths of totality, and effects and phenomena of the eclipse.

Segment 1: Viewing Safety

One of the most asked questions about the eclipse is, “how do you actually view it?” While it is obviously a really cool thing to experience, you have to remember that it's still the Sun that you’re looking at, so it’s important to be safe. 

Segment 2: Paths of Totality

Let’s talk about totality. There are different areas, or paths, during an eclipse where some areas of Earth will be able to see it happen more clearly than others will. For this years’ solar eclipse, it was most visible in both Mexico and Texas, but people in the path of totality were still able to view it.

Segment 3: Effects and Phenomena 

Now talking about the effects of the eclipse, there have been reports of things like weird behavior in animals and dramatic temperature changes. We discuss what research tells us about different effects of the eclipse

Music Credits:

Moons- Patrick Patrikios

Research Citations:

https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/news/noaa-satellites-view-total-solar-eclipse#:~:text=Total%20solar%20eclipses%20are%20only,to%20an%20amazing%20cosmic%20coincidence.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/next-total-solar-eclipse-2044-2045/#:~:text=There%20will%20be%20eight%20total,23%2C%202044%2C%20NASA%20said.

https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/types/

https://www.astronomy.com/observing/20-of-the-best-places-to-view-the-2024-great-north-american-eclipse/

https://www.space.com/36941-solar-eclipse-eye-protection-guide.html#:~:text=Most%20eclipse%20glasses%20and%20solar,light%20down%20to%20safe%20levels.

https://www.eclipseglasses.com/pages/solar-snap-directions

https://www.space.com/10-phenomena-to-see-and-photograph-april-total-solar-eclipse-2024#:~:text=During%20a%20solar%20eclipse%2C%20the,before%20second%20contact%20and%20totality.

Intro to Topic

In this episode, Mrs. Migs and I will be talking about representation in the world of science and why it matters so much that young people see people like them doing awesome things like go to space. We will also be talking about Nergis Mavalvala and Jane Rigby

Segment 1: 

One of CHS’ very own teachers, Mrs. Migs, will be joining us for a conversation about inclusivity in the world of science and why representation matters so much and how it can change a person’s life.

Segment 2:

We’ll be talking about our First two astronomers, Frank Kameney and Sally Ride, and their contributions to inclusivity and representation in the world of astronomy.

Segment 3:

We’ll also be talking about the intersections of being an astronomer who is part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Music Credits:

Moons- Patrick Patrikios

References:

“About Dr. Sally Ride.” Sally Ride Science, https://sallyridescience.ucsd.edu/about/sallyride/. Accessed 24 January 2024.

Boyle, Alan. “Why Sally Ride waited until her death to tell the world she was gay.” NBC News, 24 July 2012, https://www.nbcnews.com/sciencemain/why-sally-ride-waited-until-her-death-tell-world-she-908942. Accessed 24 January 2024.

Chandler, Stacey Flores, and Pete Souza. “Frank Kameny, JFK, & the Case for LGBTQ+ Rights – The JFK Library Archives: An Inside Look.” The JFK Library Archives, 2 June 2021, https://jfk.blogs.archives.gov/2021/06/02/kameny-jfk-lgbtq-rights/. Accessed 24 January 2024.

Gatti, Eugenia. “Frank Kameny: From Astronomer to Activist for LGBTQIA+ Rights.” Cherenkov Telescope Array, 29 July 2022, https://www.cta-observatory.org/building-from-diversity-article-frank-kameny/. Accessed 24 January 2024.

Storey, Kate. “Queer Figures in Astronomy History | astrobites.” Astrobites, 5 July 2019, https://astrobites.org/2019/07/05/queer-figures-in-astronomy-history/. Accessed 24 January 2024.

When you gaze up at the night sky, you're not just seeing stars and constellations, you're witnessing a journey through time. Light, traveling incredibly fast, carries information from distant celestial objects to our eyes. For instance, when you view the sun, you're actually seeing it as it was 8 minutes ago because that's how long it takes for its light to reach us. Similarly, the famous constellation Orion, sitting about 1260 light years away, offers a glimpse into the past. The light from Orion that reaches us today began its journey 1260 years ago, revealing how it appeared all those years in the past. This incredible phenomenon extends further—imagine being an extraterrestrial observing Earth from 75 million light years away; you'd witness the ancient world of dinosaurs because light takes immense time to traverse vast distances. Thus, peering into the cosmos isn't just about seeing stars; it's a voyage across time, unveiling the distant past in the present moment.