Astronomy merit badge – Main Page – MeritBadgeDotOrg

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Do the following: a. Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in astronomy activities, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards. b. Explain first aid for injuries or illnesses such as heat and cold reactions, dehydration, bites and stings, and damage to your eyes that could occur during observation. c. Describe the proper clothing and other precautions for safely making observations at night and in cold weather. Then explain how to safely observe the Sun, objects near the Sun, and the Moon. Explain what light pollution is and how it and air pollution affect astronomy. With the aid of diagrams (or real telescopes if available), do each of the following: a. Explain why binoculars and telescopes are important astronomical tools. Demonstrate or explain how these tools are used. b. Describe the similarities and differences of several types of astronomical telescopes, including at least one that observes light beyond the visible part of the spectrum (i.e., radio, X-ray, ultraviolet, or infrared). c. Explain the purposes of at least three instruments used with astronomical telescopes. d. Describe the proper care and storage of telescopes and binoculars both at home and in the field. Do the following: a. Identify in the sky at least 10 constellations, at least four of which are in the zodiac. b. Identify at least eight conspicuous stars, five of which are of magnitude 1 or brighter. c. Make two sketches of the Big Dipper. In one sketch, show the Big Dippers orientation in the early evening sky. In another sketch, show its position several hours later. In both sketches, show the North Star and the horizon. Record the date and time each sketch was made. d. Explain what we see when we look at the Milky Way. Do the following: a. List the names of the five most visible planets. Explain which ones can appear in phases similar to lunar phases and which ones cannot, and explain why. b. Using the Internet (with your parents permission) and other resources, find out when each of the five most visible planets that you identified in requirement 5a will be observable in the evening sky during the next 12 months, then compile this information in the form of a chart or table. c. Describe the motion of the planets across the sky. d. Observe a planet and describe what you saw. Do the following: a. Sketch the face of the Moon and indicate at least five seas and five craters. Label these landmarks. b. Sketch the phase and the daily position of the Moon, at the same hour and place, for four days in a row. Include landmarks on the horizon such as hills, trees, and buildings. Explain the changes you observe. c. List the factors that keep the Moon in orbit around Earth. d. With the aid of diagrams, explain the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and the Moon at the times of lunar and solar eclipses, and at the times of new, first-quarter, full, and last-quarter phases of the Moon. Do the following: a. Describe the composition of the Sun, its relationship to other stars, and some effects of its radiation on Earths weather and communications. b. Define sunspots and describe some of the effects they may have on solar radiation. c. Identify at least one red star, one blue star, and one yellow star (other than the Sun). Explain the meaning of these colors. With your counselors approval and guidance, do ONE of the following: a. Visit a planetarium or astronomical observatory. Submit a written report, a scrapbook, or a video presentation afterward to your counselor that includes the following information: 1. Activities occurring there 2. Exhibits and displays you saw 3. Telescopes and other instruments being used 4. Celestial objects you observed b. Plan and participate in a three-hour observation session that includes using binoculars or a telescope. List the celestial objects you want to observe, and find each on a star chart or in a guidebook. Prepare an observing log or notebook. Show your plan, charts, and log or notebook to your counselor before making your observations. Review your log or notebook with your counselor afterward. c. Plan and host a star party for your Scout troop or other group such as your class at school. Use binoculars or a telescope to show and explain celestial objects to the group. d. Help an astronomy club in your community hold a star party that is open to the public. e. Personally take a series of photographs or digital images of the movement of the Moon, a planet, an asteroid, meteor, or a comet. In your visual display, label each image and include the date and time it was taken. Show all positions on a star chart or map. Show your display at school or at a troop meeting. Explain the changes you observed. Find out about three career opportunities in astronomy. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you. The text of these requirements is locked and can only be edited by an administrator. Please note any errors found in the above requirements on this article's Talk Page.

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John Dobson: Grandfather of Modern Amateur Astronomy

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I became interested in astronomy 10 years-old when I saw Saturn through a telescope at my local astronomy society. As a youngster interested in astronomy, cash was in limited supply so as I grew older, my parents helped to subsidize an attempt at making my own telescope. It was a 15 centimeter Dobsonian Newtonian reflecting telescope.

The "Newtonian reflector" phrase describes the optical design of the instrument, while the term "Dobsonian" refers to the style of the mount. It was a beautifully simple style of mount that allowed even me as a young teenager a chance at making one myself out of wood.

Little did I realize at the time that the man who invented it was himself an amateur astronomer.

PHOTOS: Ten Cosmic Stunners to Point Your New Telescope At

John Dobson was born in China on Sept. 14, 1915, and his family moved to California in 1927. There he spent 23 years in a monastery even though as a teen he was a self-proclaimed 'belligerent atheist.' He achieved a Masters Degree in Chemistry in 1943 at the age of 28 and just a year later became a monk of the Ramakrishna Order.

Because of his growing interest in the Universe, he was tasked with reconciling astronomy with the teachings of the Order. This ultimately led to him developing an interest in building simple telescopes through which he would share the views of the heavens with neighbors of the monastery.

His sideline interest in telescope building led him to communicate with others outside the monastery that were interested in his work and for this, he developed a code to attract less attention. Instead of referring to telescopes, he wrote about 'geraniums' instead; a 'potted geranium' was a telescope that was fitted to its rocker box (part of the Dobsonian mount) and a 'geranium in bloom' was a telescope that had an aluminumized mirror.

PHOTOS: Lunar Phases: The Changing Face of the Moon

Clearly his passion was elsewhere, so he was forced to choose between the monastery or his telescopes. Thankfully for the rest of the world, he chose the latter.

Dobson's telescope design soon became world renowned amongst amateur astronomers who continue to this day to build his telescope. The simplicity of the design makes them cheap to build so a popular choice among newcomers, but the design is scalable allowing the design to work well for large instruments. In fact, among amateur telescopes, I don't think I have seen many telescopes over 35 centimeters aperture that are not of the Dobsonian design.

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John Dobson: Grandfather of Modern Amateur Astronomy

Artificial Intelligence AI After Effects Project Files VideoHive Template Royalty Free – Video

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Artificial Intelligence AI After Effects Project Files VideoHive Template Royalty Free - Video

Aerospace Companies in the United States – Manta

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I am a quality professional with over 30 years of experience in the aerospace, medical implants and materials, and printing fields. Throughout my career, I have saved companies substantial amounts in constructive, productivity-enhancing suggestions. I have done this through the use of my special talents including an unrivaled dedication to quality, maintaining constant communication and feedback with customers, and securing ISO-9001;2008, 13485, AS9100, and TS16949, as well as ISO-17025 and ISO-14000 compliance and certification. I have represented companies as their quality specialist for customer audits. In that capacity, I have achieved a phenomenal success rate, which has translated into sizable, bottom line enlarging contracts. GUBERMAN-PMC, LLC RATED #1 OUT OF 128 COMPANIES - SAVE A COMPANY SMALL TO MIDSIZE COMPANY TONS OF MONEY CALL ME- 203-556-1493 Endorsements: To: Daryl Guberman- President- GUBERMAN=PMC, LLC Fm: Jason Dunn- Human Resources Generalist - Ingtegra Casting (ICI), New Britian CT Re: AS9100 REV C AUDIT CONSULTATION Dear Daryl: On behalf of the ICI Team, I wanted to thank you for taking the time in addressing our AS 9100 REV C. audit findings. We were in need of assistance and searching for a consultant who would guide us in the right direction. We were pleasantly surprise with the excellent customer service and expert knowledge you brought to the table. Your honesty in guiding us through the process was most impressive, as well as your timely response to our inquiry for assistance. I have never dealt with any consulting firm who embraces customer service as well as you do. You were willing to impart your expansive knowledge without hesitation, and it is truely appreciated. You have helped us enhance our understanding of the audit process, and we will certainly be in touch for future consultative services. There would not be a second thought given to choosing any other firm over GUBERMAN-PMC,LLC. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Aerospace Companies in the United States - Manta

JTC launches aerospace business park

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SINGAPORE: Industrial developer JTC Corporation launched JTC Aviation Two at the Seletar Aerospace Park (SAP) on Friday.

The facility will house small and medium enterprises (SMEs) specialising in the supply management and maintenance of aircraft parts, and aims to foster closer business cooperation within the park.

Singapore's aerospace industry has grown substantially, reporting an average annual growth rate of 10 per cent for the last two decades.

Its rising importance comes amid the push for more domestic higher value-added production.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Teo Ser Luck, said: "It's one of the sectors that Singapore will need to put some focus on.

"Not only does it create skilled jobs, it is totally relevant to Singapore as an air hub, so we have to attract companies in this sector, especially MNCs (multinational corporations).

Singapore, being small, will allow proximity efforts to be more effective. That's why we can mark out Seletar as an aerospace hub. Supply chain will be our competitive advantage."

Singapore's aerospace industry employs some 20,000 workers, with 90 per cent of these jobs requiring skilled labour.

The development aims to consolidate aerospace activities such that aviation firms located at the park can reap benefits from economies of scale.

Dr Loo Choon Yong, chairman of JTC Corporation, said: "By clustering aerospace activities in these premises, we hope to bring companies closer to their partners and customers, as well as benefit from the opportunities for business collaborations within the park.

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JTC launches aerospace business park

JTC launches facility at Seletar Aerospace Park

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SINGAPORE: Industrial developer JTC Corporation launched JTC Aviation Two at the Seletar Aerospace Park (SAP) on Friday.

The facility will house small and medium enterprises (SMEs) specialising in the supply management and maintenance of aircraft parts, and aims to foster closer business cooperation within the park.

Singapore's aerospace industry has grown substantially, reporting an average annual growth rate of 10 per cent for the last two decades.

Its rising importance comes amid the push for more domestic higher value-added production.

Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Teo Ser Luck, said: "It's one of the sectors that Singapore will need to put some focus on.

"Not only does it create skilled jobs, it is totally relevant to Singapore as an air hub, so we have to attract companies in this sector, especially MNCs (multinational corporations).

Singapore, being small, will allow proximity efforts to be more effective. That's why we can mark out Seletar as an aerospace hub. Supply chain will be our competitive advantage."

Singapore's aerospace industry employs some 20,000 workers, with 90 per cent of these jobs requiring skilled labour.

The development aims to consolidate aerospace activities such that aviation firms located at the park can reap benefits from economies of scale.

Dr Loo Choon Yong, chairman of JTC Corporation, said: "By clustering aerospace activities in these premises, we hope to bring companies closer to their partners and customers, as well as benefit from the opportunities for business collaborations within the park.

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JTC launches facility at Seletar Aerospace Park

Aerospace Industry Applauds Release of New Space Policy Framework

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Ottawa (Ontario), February 7, 2014 Today the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Industry, released the governments new Space Policy Framework, which will serve as a guide for the Canadian space programs future priorities and activities. The announcement comes as a response to recommendations included in the Emerson Report on Aerospace and Space Programs and Policies for strengthening the competitiveness of the Canadian aerospace and space industries.

A long-term strategic plan for Canadas space program is critical for our industry. In order to effectively invest in innovation, technology and product development, we rely heavily on knowing what the governments priorities for the space program are, said Jim Quick, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC). We are very pleased that the government has released the Space Policy Framework, and we applaud Minister Moore and his colleagues for recognizing the importance of Canadian innovation and industry as we continue to build on our nations proud heritage in space.

The Space Policy Framework builds on both recent and historic Canadian achievements in space, particularly the recent mission led by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who became the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station (ISS) in 2013. The plan identifies five key principles that will guide the Canadian space programs priorities in the future:

1. Protecting Canadian sovereignty and security as part of the governments Canada First policy;

2. Using space to strengthen the economy through a strong and competitive Canadian space industry;

3. Working with global partners to continue Canadian participation in major space projects such as the ISS;

4. Promoting Canadian innovation through our proven leadership in developing technologies such as robotics (Canadarm2) and optics (James Webb Telescope); and

5. Inspiring the next generation to continue building the Canadian legacy in space through involvement in the space program, industry and related fields.

In addition, Minister Moore announced continued support for the James Webb Telescope project, which will succeed the Hubble Telescope as the next-generation space observatory. The project contains Canadian optic technologies developed by COM DEV International, the Universit de Montral, and the National Research Council Canada which precisely direct the telescope so that it can study stars and planets forming in other stellar systems.

Canadas involvement in the James Webb Telescope project illustrates our industrys ongoing contribution to global space exploration and discovery, said Mr. Quick. We are extremely proud to be contributing cutting-edge technologies to this important project, and very thankful for the governments ongoing support.

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Aerospace Industry Applauds Release of New Space Policy Framework

Nanomedicine Market is Expected to Reach USD 177.60 Billion in 2019

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Albany, NY (PRWEB) February 07, 2014

According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research "Nanomedicine Market (Neurology, Cardiovascular, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-infective, and Oncology Applications) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share,Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019," the market for nanomedicine was valued at USD 78.54 billion in 2012 and is expected to reach a value of USD 177.60 billion in 2019, growing at a CAGR of 12.3% from 2013 to 2019.

Browse the full report with complete TOC at http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/nanomedicine-market.html

The advent of new applications and technology in the field of nanomedicine will be one of the major growth factors for the global nanomedicine market. In addition, increase of funding aimed at boosting the research activities pertaining to nanomedicine by the government as well as private institutions will expedite the process of commercialization of new products and hence will drive the market. Other driving factors include rising base of geriatric population, presence of high unmet medical needs and rising worldwide incidences of chronic diseases.

The global nanomedicine market by applications was dominated by the oncology market with a market share of approximately 38.0% in 2012 on account of the presence of high number of commercialized products in this segment. Development of nanomedicine products enabling drugs crossing blood brain barrier and targeting the tumor in brain and at other sites in the body will prove to be a significant future growth driver for this market.

Related Report: Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Devices Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/gastrointestinal-endoscopic-devices.html

However, the global cardiovascular market for nanomedicine is the fastest growing application segment. Factors such as the presence of large patient prevalence coupled with rising demand for nanotechnology enabled drugs and devices catering to this segment, attribute to its high growth rate.

North America dominated the market in 2012 and is expected to maintain its market position till 2019. However, theAsia-Pacific market is estimated to grow at a faster pace (CAGR of 14.6% from 2013 to 2019).Europe is expected to grow at a relatively higher rate compared to North America owing to constantly improving regulatory framework and the presence of an extensive product pipeline portfolio.

Some of the key players in the global nanomedicine market include GE Healthcare, Merck & Co Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Pfizer Inc., Nanosphere Inc., Mallinckrodt plc, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals Inc., Celgene Corporation, Novavax, Inc.; Life Technologies, MagArray, Inc., Gilead Sciences Inc. and others.

Blog: http://www.tmrblog.com/ Blog: http://www.culrav.org/pr/author/tmrrelease

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Nanomedicine Market is Expected to Reach USD 177.60 Billion in 2019

Caitlyn Brennan: Dust to dust

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I am an atheist. While atheism and agnosticism are much on the rise in the United States, particularly among people my age, most people remain religiously affiliated. I rarely find that my atheism angers religious people I meet. However, I am often met with (what I perceive to be) pity. The pity is not so much for the fact that I dont share in their particular religious beliefs, but that I dont possess any at all. Whether talking to a Catholic or Muslim or Jew or Sikh or whomever, when the subject of religion is breached, it often seems theyd rather I say Im any religion rather than none. They speak of a void that can only be filled by God/religion/faith, and when I tell them my void is indeed perfectly full, they dont believe me. Their disbelief is magnified if I tell them about my loss of a parent.

My father died when I was 20. Though he died abruptly, I am fortunately able to say I have few regrets. There were no missed I love yous or agonizing loose ends left untied. We were extremely close, and we were extremely happy. In all honesty, this makes it more difficult to deal with his death. I feel robbed. I mourn his loss extensively, and sometimes I do search for something bigger to hold my faith.

Im often told by others to seek solace in knowing Ill see him again someday, but I cant. I know that I will never see him again. I dont believe in heaven or hell, in an afterlife where everyone youve ever lost is waiting patiently for your arrival. I believe when we die, we rot into the ground, decomposed by bacteria and bugs, to return back into the earth.

Many people of faith find this haunting and tragic dismally sad and cynical. But I believe it is beautiful.

While unable to find comfort in the idea of being posthumously reunited with my late father, I find great relief in knowing that his body, as mine and yours and everyones, will be the stuff of which new life generates. Im calmed by the idea that in the grand scheme of the universe, we are small; that nothing is unique, and that nature reigns. That electrons spin around nuclei just as planets orbit stars, and that the veins in my body branch out, tinier and tinier, remarkably similar to the branches which turn into sticks and twigs on trees.

Our thoughts are just the products of electrical firings and chemical interactions, as are our beating hearts, and when these things stop, so begins a process by nature of breaking down and building back up, to create more thoughts and more heartbeats, more veins, more trees. We die, but our parts and pieces our atoms stay here. I dont just believe, but know, that in this way, my father never really left. He will always be around me.

While science has no god and I await no messiah, I have faith in it. I am able to find great contentment in the truths it has to offer me. Questions about where the universe came from or the exact origin of life or what our Greater Purpose is dont faze me. Some of these things I dont believe Im capable of knowing in my lifetime, while other things I happily seek answers to through exploring that which I find fulfilling and relevant. Im at no loss and suffer no profound confusion as to the meaning of life.

Im happy for the religious who peacefully explore their faith and what it has to offer them, and I ask that they afford me the same. Dont feel bad for me because I dont believe in God, and dont dismiss my faith because it relies on the physical rather than the spiritual. Indeed, put simply, when I say I have faith, believe me.

Caitlyn Brennan can be reached at caibre@umich.edu.

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Caitlyn Brennan: Dust to dust