space

Space: The Final Frontier. Exploring space developments and theorizing about how humans fit into the universe.

History of the Space Shuttle Columbia
"That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Those were the memorable words spoken by astronaut Neil Armstrong. From Neil Armstrong's first steps on the Moon to the discovery of water on Mars, space exploration is no longer science fiction. It has been many decades since Space Shuttle Columbia took off for its fifth mission into space. On November 11, 1982, STS-5 successfully took off following the success of the first four test flights. It then executed a triumphant landing after spending five days, two hours, 14 minutes and 26 seconds in orbit.
By Futurism Staff9 years ago in Futurism
Orion's Great Nebula M42
M42, the Great Orion Nebula, also called Messier 42 is a diffuse nebula that is located in the Milky Way in the constellation Orion. Situated in the sword of the greek mythological hunter, it is so bright it is able to be seen with the naked eye on clear nights. Additionally, it is the closest region of the sky to earth where most stars are born. Scientists have noted that M42 has a mass of approximately 2000 times the mass of the sun.
By Futurism Staff9 years ago in Futurism
Freeman Dyson's Vision of the Future
Professor Freeman J. Dyson has been discussing mind-boggling concepts in a calm, matter-of-fact, one-should-expect way since 1956. 'One should expect that within a few thousand years of its entering the stage of industrial development, any intelligent species should be found occupying an artificial biosphere which completely surrounds its parent star.' It is his hobby he says disarmingly, something that grew up alongside his career as one of the finest mathematical physicists of the last century. To his former colleagues at Princeton's Institute for Advanced Studies, Dyson was known for his understanding of what goes on in the core of a star or in the interaction of high-energy beams of subnuclear particles—contributions that earned him the American Institute of Physics' Heineman Prize and the Royal Society's Hughes Medal.
By George Gott9 years ago in Futurism
Greatest Space Opera Books of All Time
The space opera has become a staple sub-genre of science fiction. Funnily enough, like all things unusual, the term 'space opera' began as a mockery. The term referred to them being typical, dramatic 'soap operas' with the added specialty of having some 'spaceship yarn' woven into the uninspiring plot. However, this sub-genre has now evolved into something much bigger and has produced some true masterpieces. For this list, we will be considering 'space opera' as a work of science fiction with the bonus of occurring or relating to space. So sit back, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready to be blown away by this unique spatial ride with our list of the greatest space opera books of all time.
By Emily McCay9 years ago in Futurism
A Spacecraft Returns in Blood-Stained Ruin
You've heard about the Bösehoven. Sure, you've heard about the Bösehoven. That ship, that freighter that popped out of the void, entered the pattern at Jove Station and just started to drift? It was all over the network––ghost ship, they called it, but trust me, it weren't no Mary Celeste. I worked on the clean-up and restore detail that handled the recommissioning of the Bösehoven. I saw the shit they scrubbed out of the walls, out of the floor. It was meat. Chunks of meat and bone all warped and twisted, all sticky and running through the vents, through the grates in the floor. That's all we found of the crew. That's all that was left.
By E.S. Wynn9 years ago in Futurism
Gods Live Among The Stars
Many years ago, the human race began to receive invitations that hailed from planets millions of miles distant. They arrived one by one, each inducing an ever-higher state of human exultation, and all were individual marvels of art and science.
By Ellie Snyder9 years ago in Futurism
What Are Dwarf Planets?
In the Kuiper belt in the outer solar system alone, it is estimated that there could be 200 dwarf planets, as well as anywhere up to 10,000 beyond that. And with so many celestial objects just waiting to be discovered, we can't help but wonder what are dwarf planets?
By Lindsie Polhemus9 years ago in Futurism
Future of Space Colonization Is Influenced by Artists and Scientists
Space colonization is an iconic and enduring facet of fantastic literature. Driven by expectation, bold prediction, and unrestrained post-industrial optimism, the notion was addressed by scientists as early as 1903, and as is often the case in the history of science. Further exploration of the concept was spearheaded by the imaginations of countless science fiction authors—and brought to life by pulp illustrators.
By Jeff Love9 years ago in Futurism
Does the Earth Have a Hidden Twin?
For several years now we have been hearing about new planetary bodies being discovered inside and outside our solar system. There are suggestions that our familiar companions - Mercury Venus, Mars, and the rest - may not be all there is to the sun's family. There is evidence that one member or more still awaits discovery through scientific research. This idea is not new. With ideas like Planet X and also back a century ago it was widely thought that another planet could be found within the orbit of Mercury. It was even given a name: Vulcan.
By George Gott9 years ago in Futurism
Best Telescopes for Astronomy
Deciding which telescope to buy can often be confusing, especially if you are buying for someone else or if you're new to astronomy and are looking for something entry-level. Whether you're checking out some of the best astronomy books for beginners, or consider yourself an expert along the lines of the pioneers of astronomy, the guidance of this list of the best telescopes for Astronomy will demystify the key to choosing the perfect telescope for your price range.
By Futurism Staff9 years ago in Futurism
Is Pluto a Planet?
Every space-minded child growing up found their niche among the stars once they were able to name all the planets in order from the Sun. For anyone born after 2006, they might find it a little harder as we continue to ask: Is Pluto a planet? Pluto, the true underdog story of the Milkyway, was declassified as a primary planet after it failed to meet the International Astronomical Union's specifications. The world watched on as the baby brother of the planet family was disowned and thrown into a meaningless group of misfit dwarf planets. So while we brush away our tears as we watch everyone’s favorite underdog become stripped of its planetary ties, let’s find the true reasons why we still question whether or not Pluto is a planet.
By Jake Aronskind9 years ago in Futurism
Most Famous Astronauts
More than 500 brave men and women have left Earth’s orbit in the name of science and space exploration, and they all merit adulation. Nevertheless, throughout humanity’s ventures into the Heavens, there have been those astronauts and cosmonauts who, for whatever reason, have stood out from the rest. There are those who became household names and those whose deeds became landmarks in history. From being the first woman in space to being the first person to step foot on the Moon, there are many accomplishments for which the most notorious astronauts should be recognized.
By Richard Haynes9 years ago in Futurism