Science
Science Websites
- Astronomy Picture of the Day - from NASA
- BBC (Science and Environment) - Science news from the BBC
- Galaxy Zoo - Help classify hundreds of thousands of galaxies
- Google News (Sci/Tech) - Science and Technology news aggregated by Google
- PhysOrg - news in physics, space, Earth science, and medicine
- PsyBlog - A blog by Jeremy Dean that focuses on scientific psychology
- Symphony of Science - fun music videos that explore scientific knowledge and philosphy
- Universe Today - news in space and astronomy
- Wiki Sky - A brilliantly designed, detailed, and interactive sky map
Pictures
Below are some of my favorite science-related images. Click on any of the pictures below to view a larger version
Hubble Ultra Deep Field image
This image peers thirteen billion years into the past and captures approximately ten thousand young galaxies. This image can be of great value in beginning to understand the vastness of our universe. Consider upon viewing this image the fact that there are hundreds of billions of stars in an average galaxy and that there are hundreds of billions of galaxies in the universe and that this image contains only a small fraction of those galaxies and the region of space captured in this image comprises only one thirteen-millionth of the area of the night sky. For these reasons, the Hubble Ultra Deep Field image is considered by many people to be one of the most important photographs ever taken. Download a full size version of the Hubble Ultra Deep Field image (18 MB).
Engraved Hourglass Nebual (MyCn 18)
The Engraved Hourglass Nebula is a planetary nebula located in the constellation of Musca (the fly). Planetary nebulae are created by stars near the end of their lifespan, during the red giant phase stars fluctuate in size significantly and material is often freed from the stars gravity and drifts out into space creating the colorful ring patterns associated iwth planetary nebulae. The Hourglass Nebula is most famous for the striking "eye" at its center!
Running Man Nebula (NGC 1977)
The "Running Man Nebula" is located in the "sword of Orion". The colorful clouds are made of gas and dust that is reflecting starlight from newly formed stars nearby. These stars formed recently from portions of the clouds that now reflect their light so beautifully.
Witch Head Nebula (IC 2118)
The "Witch Head Nebula" is located near Rigel in the Orion Nebula. Light from Rigel (a star 66,000 times brighter than the Sun) reflects off of these clouds of gas and dust. When oriented as shown above, the nebula clearly resembles the profile of a witch's face.
Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237)
The "Rosette Nebula" is located in the constellation Monoceros (the unicorn). This large region of hot hydrogen gas and dust is actively creating new stars. The process generates heat that radiates a distinctive pinkish red color. This is a popular nebula because its shape resembles that of a rose.