Dorothy Vaughan
Dorothy Vaughan was an African American mathematician and computer programmer who worked for NASA and its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). She was born on September 20, 1910, in Kansas City, Missouri, and passed away on November 10, 2008. Vaughan is best known for her contributions to the field of computing during a time when women, particularly women of color, faced significant barriers in the workforce.
Charybdis
Charybdis is a figure from Greek mythology, typically depicted as a sea monster that poses a significant threat to sailors. She is often described as a whirlpool that devours water and anything caught in it, creating a dangerous and treacherous passage. Charybdis is frequently paired with another mythical creature, Scylla, with whom she is situated on opposite sides of a narrow strait, most famously depicted in Homer's "Odyssey.
Mercy
Mercy is a multifaceted concept that can be understood in various contexts, including religious, philosophical, and interpersonal dimensions. Generally, it refers to the compassionate treatment of others, particularly those who are in distress or suffering. It often involves kindness, forgiveness, and a willingness to alleviate the pain of others, even when one has the power to do otherwise. In religious contexts, mercy is often associated with divine grace and compassion.
Minnesota nice
" Minnesota nice" is a cultural term that describes the polite, friendly, and accommodating demeanor often associated with people from Minnesota. It embodies the values of kindness, hospitality, and a strong sense of community. Characteristics often associated with Minnesota nice include: 1. **Politeness**: Minnesotans tend to be very courteous, often using formal greetings and expressions of gratitude.
Vigen Guroian
Vigen Guroian is an Armenian-American author, theologian, and professor known for his work in the areas of Orthodox Christianity, moral theology, and literature. He has written extensively on the intersection of faith, culture, and the natural world, often reflecting on the implications of Christian beliefs in contemporary society. Guroian has also delved into themes such as the importance of storytelling, the role of beauty in the spiritual life, and the significance of nature in a Christian context.
Smog
Smog is a type of air pollution that results from the combination of smoke and fog, typically characterized by a thick, hazy appearance. It often occurs in urban areas where industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and other pollutants are prevalent. There are two main types of smog: 1. **Classical Smog**: Often referred to as "London smog," this type is primarily composed of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter.
Blue hour
The "blue hour" refers to the period of twilight after sunset or before sunrise when the sky takes on a deep blue hue. This phenomenon occurs when the sun is below the horizon but still illuminates the atmosphere, scattering the shorter wavelengths of light. The blue hour is particularly favored by photographers and artists because of the soft, diffused light it creates, which can enhance the mood and color of the landscape.
Direct insolation
Direct insolation refers to the amount of solar radiation received on a surface from the sun, without any scattering or reflection by the atmosphere or surrounding objects. It is an important parameter in fields such as solar energy, meteorology, and climate studies, as it directly impacts the amount of energy available for solar panels and influences local temperature and weather patterns.
Mie scattering
Mie scattering is a type of light scattering that occurs when light interacts with particles that are roughly the same size as the wavelength of the light. It is named after the German physicist Gustav Mie, who developed a mathematical solution to describe the scattering of electromagnetic waves by spherical particles. Mie scattering differs from Rayleigh scattering, which occurs with smaller particles (much smaller than the wavelength of light) and is responsible for phenomena like the blue color of the sky.
Leslie Shepherd (physicist)
Leslie Shepherd is a physicist known for his contributions to the field, particularly in areas like quantum mechanics and condensed matter physics. While there may not be a large amount of public information specifically about him, he may be recognized within academic circles or for his research contributions.
Mindanao Eddy
The Mindanao Eddy is a significant oceanographic phenomenon occurring in the waters surrounding Mindanao, the Philippines. It is characterized by a rotating current system, or eddy, that forms in the western Pacific Ocean due to the complex interactions of ocean currents, wind patterns, and geographical features. Mindanao Eddy plays a crucial role in regional ocean circulation and has implications for local climate, marine ecosystems, and fishing activities.
Naruto whirlpools
The Naruto Whirlpools, or "Naruto no Uzumaki," are a natural phenomenon located in the Naruto Strait in Japan, between Shikoku and Awaji Island. These whirlpools are known for their impressive size and powerful currents, which can reach up to 20 meters (about 66 feet) in diameter.
Old Sow whirlpool
The Old Sow whirlpool is a natural whirlpool located in the Passamaquoddy Bay, near the boundary between Canada and the United States, specifically between the towns of Eastport, Maine, and St. Andrews, New Brunswick. It is known for its distinctive circular motion and can reach significant sizes, particularly during periods of strong tidal currents.
Multipole magnet
A multipole magnet is a type of magnet that has multiple poles, which can include not just the standard north and south poles, but also higher-order poles (like quadrupoles, octupoles, etc.) that create more complex magnetic field configurations. These magnets are used in various applications, particularly in the fields of accelerator physics and magnetic confinement in fusion reactors.
Virtù
"Virtù" is a term that is often associated with Renaissance political philosophy, particularly in the works of Niccolò Machiavelli. In this context, virtù refers to a set of personal qualities and virtues that an individual, especially a ruler or leader, should possess to effectively navigate the complexities of political life and maintain power. These qualities may include courage, wisdom, decisiveness, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Wonder (emotion)
Wonder is an emotion characterized by a feeling of amazement, surprise, or admiration, often in response to something beautiful, extraordinary, or unfamiliar. It can arise from experiencing something new, encountering nature's splendor, witnessing acts of kindness, or reflecting on the mysteries of life and the universe. Wonder can evoke a deep sense of curiosity and exploration, prompting individuals to seek understanding and knowledge.
Flannery O'Connor
Flannery O'Connor was an American novelist and short story writer, known for her unique contributions to Southern Gothic literature. Born on March 25, 1925, in Savannah, Georgia, she became one of the most significant writers in 20th-century American literature. O'Connor's work often explores themes of morality, religion, and the complexities of human nature, and she is particularly noted for her use of irony and dark humor.
John Henry Newman
John Henry Newman (1801–1890) was an influential English theologian, poet, and philosopher who played a significant role in the religious life of 19th-century Britain. Initially a member of the Church of England, Newman became a leading figure in the Oxford Movement, which sought to renew the Anglican Church by emphasizing its Catholic heritage and traditions.
Kathleen Higgins
Kathleen Higgins is a philosopher known for her work in the fields of philosophy of mind, philosophy of emotions, and the intersection of these areas with aesthetics and value theory. She has contributed to discussions on the nature of emotions, how they relate to our aesthetic experiences, and their implications for understanding human life and relationships.