Category: Short Essays

tau Herculid Meteor Shower

~~ a short essay ~~

by tkbrown

There may be a fantabulous meteor shower tonight, or it may prove to be nothing at all. NASA seems rather impressed with the possibility of a spectacular showing from the debris associated with the disintegration of Comet 73P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 3 (SW 3). “Bill Cooke, a NASA astronomer who tracks meteor showers at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama said it all depends on the speed of the material from the comet,” (Malik, 30 May 2022). He said, “‘If the debris from SW 3 was traveling more than 220 miles [354 kilometers] per hour when it separated from the comet, we might see a nice meteor shower,'” (Malik, 30 May 2022). However, Cooke later added, “‘If the debris had slower ejection speeds, then nothing will make it to Earth, and there will be no meteors from this comet.;’ it was Cooke who said the tau Herculid meteor shower would be ‘all or nothing‘,'” (Malik, 30 May 2022).

Comet SW 3 was first discovered 2 May 1930 by two astronomers–for whom it is named–at the Hamburg Observatory in Bergedorf, Germany, (Rao, 22 May 2022). “While exposing plates, the two men discovered the faint image of a tiny new comet,” (Rao, 22 May 2022)–92 years ago SW 3 first revealed itself. “The comet completes an orbit of the Sun every 5.4 years,” (Rao, 22 May 2022). Over the course of several decades, several orbits were not observed, but in March 1979, sky watchers began recording viewings again. Twenty-seven years ago, SW 3 increased in brightness and could be seen with the naked eye, (Malik, 30 May 2022; Rao, 22 May 2022). Prior to 1995, viewing SW 3 was only possible with telescopes, but in October 1995, the comet was boasting a brightness four times what it had been in previous orbits of the Sun. At this time, the comet was observed to have split, with “at least four remnants” seen. When visibility was recorded in 2006, Joe Rao reports more than sixty-eight fragments were noted, (Rao, 22 May 2022).

During SW 3’s 2017 orbit of the Sun, continued fragmentation was seen. So, tonight’s 2022 orbit may reveal numerous shooting stars across our darkened sky on this night: May 30/31. If the speed of entry into Earth’s orbit is fast enough, the fragments should be visible. A slow ingress will diminish their brightness, and they may not be seen. If Earth’s May 2022 passage is through a full-fledged meteor storm, tau Herculid’s implosion may once again be discernable. (Rao, 22 May 2022).

So, if you have plans to watch for tau Herculid’s meteor show tonight, let us know–afterward– what it was like. I am looking forward to reading your responses. Thank You for reading!

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Here is what I have found so far regarding live viewings of the tau herculids meteor shower last night. From Facebook:

AIO Knowledge

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https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/peopleandplaces/2022-s-longest-meteor-shower-so-far-lights-up-brazil/vi-AAXZFYP?bk=1&ocid=msedgntp&cvid=86480501adf34bba8ced0c7851a56406&category=foryou

This video was posted on msn.com 1 June 2022: tau Herculids meteor shower as seen in Brazil.

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Photo Above: by Austin Schmid @Unsplash.com.

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Sources:

Malik, Tariq. (30 May 2022). How to watch the potential tau Herculids meteor storm live online tonight. “space.com.” (Retrieved 30 May 2022). https://www.space.com/meteor-storm-tau-herculids-shower-webcast?utm_source=notification.

Rao, Joe. (22 May 2022). A meteor shower outburst from a shattered comet may spawn new tau Herculids display on May 30. “space.com.” (Retrieved 30 May 2022). https://www.space.com/meteor-shower-outburst-tau-herculids-cohttps://www.space.com/meteor-shower-outburst-tau-herculids-comet-possible-2022met-possible-2022.

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Asteroid: 7335 (1989 JA)

~~ a short essay ~~

by tkbrown

The world has been watching to see if an Apollo-class asteroid, provisionally referenced as 7335 (1989 JA), would come closer to Earth than predicted by NASA. “Four times the size of the Empire State Building and travelling 20 times faster than a speeding bullet” (Specktor, 24 May 2022), some scientists have said the asteroid’s path was too close for comfort. “If the projected trajectory across our orbit had deviated, it could have hit Earth” (Specktor, 24 May 2022). However, Specktor cautioned, “the likelihood of that happening was pretty small considering the fact its path circumvented Earth by a mere 2.5 million miles.” He added, “the Earth will not encounter the orbit of 7335 (1989 JA) again until its next flyby on 23 Jun 2055.”

The rocky mass, “was first detected 1989 by astronomer Eleanor Helin at the U.S. Palomar Observatory in California,” (Eds. Wikipedia, 26 May 2022). The editors at Wikipedia quoted Mainzer, A; Gray, T.; et al. in saying, “a survey by NEOWISE (a mission of NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer)” the asteroid has an albedo of 0.31–0.32, which is more than twice the albedo of the Moon’s reflector score of around 0.14–and half again the typical albedo for stony asteroids.” (Mainzer, A.; Gray, T.; et al, August 2011). According to Wikipedia’s page, Albedo, “unusually high radar albedo is indicative of high metal content in asteroids (27 May 2022).

For those wishing to learn more about what transpired as 7335 (1989 JA) passed Earth, enter “7335 (1989 JA)” on Google’s search page. You will be given options to access “space.com,” “livescience.com,” and several other sources which will open a plethora of related facts. If you find something interesting that I did not mention, please share it in the “Comments” below. Also: Please, don’t forget to click the “Like” button before leaving my blog. Thank You for reading!

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Photo Above: by Paris Saliveros at Pixabay.com.

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Sources:

Eds. Wikipedia. (26 May 2022). (7335) 1989 JA. “Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia.” Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., Powered by MediaWiki. (Retrieved 27 May 2022). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(7335)_1989_JA#cite_note-WISE-2.

Eds. Wikipedia (27 May 2022). Albedo. “Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia.” Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., Powered by Mediawiki. (Retrieved 27 May 2022). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albedo#Astronomical_albedo.

Mainzer, A.; Gray, T.; Bauer, J.’ Masiero, J.’ McMillan, R. S.; Cutri, R. M.’ et al. (December 2011). NEOWISE Observations of Near-Earth Objects: Preliminary Results. “The Astrophysical Journal.” 743 (2): 17. (Retrieved by Wikipedia 26 September 2016). NEOWISE Observations of Near-Earth Objects: Preliminary Results – NASA/ADS (harvard.edu) on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(7335)_1989_JA#cite_note-WISE-2.

Specktor, Brandon. (24 May 2022). Asteroid four times the size of the Empire State Building barreling toward Earth on May 27. “Space.com.” (Retrieved 27 May 2022). https://www.space.com/asteroid-encounter-7335-1989-JA.

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Unmanned Littoral Mine Detection

~~ a short essay ~~

by tkbrown

The new MQ-8C military helicopter is an unmanned system which conducts drone searches for nearshore mines. It will provide valuable weaponry during active wartime. This approach to littoral mine detection was first discussed on “Talker” by Dean Murray. It will allow the military to clear a route for the Marines, Navy Sea Bees and Navy Seals to enter a specified target area with less danger presented to them by underwater mines.

The littoral mine is a probability I had never really considered. Land mines have always been thought of when our military is engaged in active warfare because I had a brother who stepped on a land mine during wartime. I also recall other members of my family discussing the various types of land mines encountered during active duty. Discussion of underwater mines has never been a topic of conversation so far as I can recall.

Now that the MQ-8C helicopter has been put forth as such a valuable weapon during wartime, this probability should be considered by both military and non-military alike. This says the littoral crossings present as much danger for our militia as the coastal areas are once the soldiers have moved onto the specified land region. Future areas of potential deployment for the MQ-8C Fire Scout was discussed more thoroughly in the article “US to send unmanned helicopters into combat,” by Dean Murray via SWNS on “talker: Talker News” published by msn.com.

Coming from a family heavily represented in various branches of the United States military dating from the American Revolution to current times, this news is a valuable bit of information to me personally. It helps to ensure the increased safety of future familial deployments to active wartime duty. The abilities of drone technology continue to amaze me, and their use in active military engagement is one of the best uses for this device.

I am curious to see new innovations as they continue to be developed. We have some highly intelligent minds behind the creation of such weaponry. Those who are involved in this effort are to be commended. Salute!

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Photo Above: by Terrence Burke @Unsplash.com.

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Source:

Murray, Dean. (7 March 2022). US to send unmanned helicopters into combat. “talker: Talker News.” msn.com. (8 March 2022). https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/us-to-send-unmanned-helicopters-into-combat/ar-AAUK7rR?ocid=msedgntp.

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7 September 2020 — National Buy a Book Day

~~ by tkbrown

I just learned, 7 September has been designated both National and International Buy a Book Day! So, if you have been eyeing that one certain book that will enhance your library–or your mind–just so, this is the day to BUY IT!! With all of the digital learning today, I worry that it will be relied upon to the exclusion of establishing personal libraries in our homes. Personally, there is no better feeling than to curl up in a corner with a book in hand and consume it.

Really though, if we neglect to establish a personal library in our homes, we are missing a great opportunity to let our families and other people know what we are about. Through physical books, we can leave a legacy of history that is lost when obtained in digital learning and reading. If you prefer the digital reading experience, that is all well and good, but think on what you have read–that which reflects the person you are–and choose some good books reflecting the same values to purchase. Your library will thank you for it, and one day your children and grandchildren will too!

I am all for digital learning, digital sharing, and for making that digital learning a shared experience with the underprivileged who may not have the means to access it. Digital libraries should be available just like physical libraries. Children today should be able to access any topic of interest and learn about it without it costing them. It does not cost to check out a book at the physical library–so long as it is either returned or renewed by the designated date. I believe digital libraries should offer the same. If we want our children to progress with the digital age, we must make it available to them–all of them! While it is necessary for parents to be aware of the content a child is accessing, it should be available. Just like healthy food is necessary for growing a healthy physical body, books and the reading of them–digitally or in hand–is necessary for growing a healthy and informed mind.

Sooooo, DO YOUR PART–BUY A BOOK TODAY!