Fictional power sources
Fictional power sources are imaginative forms of energy or fuel that exist in literature, film, video games, and other fictional media. These sources are often created to serve the needs of a story, providing unique capabilities and advanced technologies that do not exist in the real world.
Time in fiction
Time in fiction serves multiple roles and can be interpreted in various ways depending on the narrative structure, genre, and themes of the work. Here are some key ways time functions in fiction: 1. **Chronological Structure**: Most narratives follow a linear timeline where events unfold in a sequence from beginning to end. This chronological flow helps readers understand the progression of the plot and character development.
Blackhole (video game)
"Blackhole" is a platforming video game developed by FiolaSoft Studio and released in 2015. The game features a unique mixture of puzzle-solving and platforming mechanics, set in a science fiction environment. Players take on the role of a character who is tasked with navigating through various levels infused with challenging obstacles and enemies, all while utilizing gravity mechanics to manipulate the environment.
Electrolaser
An electrolaser is a type of non-lethal weapon that uses a laser to create a high-voltage electrical discharge. The concept involves directing a laser beam to ionize the air in its path, creating a conductive channel. Once the path is established, a high-voltage electrical charge is discharged through this ionized channel, allowing for the delivery of electrical energy to a target.
Faster-than-light
Faster-than-light (FTL) refers to the hypothetical ability to travel or transmit information faster than the speed of light in a vacuum, which is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (about 186,282 miles per second). In the realm of physics, particularly according to Einstein's theory of relativity, nothing with mass can travel at or exceed the speed of light.
Lists of astronomical events
A list of astronomical events compiles significant occurrences in the field of astronomy, such as planetary alignments, meteor showers, eclipses, conjunctions, transits, and other phenomena observable from Earth. Here's a brief overview of some common types of astronomical events: ### 1. **Eclipses** - **Solar Eclipses**: Occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's light.
Zero shadow day
A Zero Shadow Day occurs when the sun is directly overhead at noon, resulting in no shadow being cast by objects on the ground. This phenomenon happens twice a year for locations between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, depending on the latitude of the location. On Zero Shadow Day, when the sun reaches its zenith, vertical objects such as poles and trees have no shadow.
SLIM
SLIM can refer to various concepts depending on the context. Here are a few possibilities: 1. **SLIM (Software Library for Image Manipulation)**: A library or tool used for manipulating images in different programming environments. 2. **SLIM (Statistical Learning and Inference Method)**: A method or approach in statistics and data science for making inferences based on statistical models.
Ludwig Biermann Award winners
The Ludwig Biermann Award is an accolade presented by the German Astronomical Society (Deutsche Astronomische Gesellschaft, or DFG) to recognize outstanding young scientists in the field of astronomy. Named after the German astronomer Ludwig Biermann, the award aims to honor exceptional contributions in the discipline, typically awarded based on the significance and impact of research conducted by early-career researchers. Winners of the award are often noted for their innovative work and potential to influence future developments in astronomy.
The term "Jacksonian Professors of Natural Philosophy" refers to a historical academic position at universities in the United States that emerged in the early 19th century during the period known as the Jacksonian Era, named after President Andrew Jackson. Natural philosophy was a term commonly used during that time to describe what we now refer to as science, particularly the study of the natural world, including physics, chemistry, and the emerging biological sciences.
"Black Holes and Baby Universes and Other Essays" is a collection of essays and lectures by the renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking. Published in 1993, the book compiles Hawking's thoughts on various topics in cosmology, black holes, the nature of the universe, and the fundamental laws of physics. The essays are intended for a general audience, making complex scientific ideas accessible to laypeople.
Faraday Discussions
Faraday Discussions is a scientific journal published by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). It is named after the prominent scientist Michael Faraday and focuses on the presentation of significant discussions and exchanges of ideas in the field of chemistry and related disciplines. The publication features articles and discussions that facilitate the dialogue between researchers, often addressing current challenges and new developments within specific areas of chemistry.
Halley Lectures
The Halley Lectures is an annual series of lectures named after the famous astronomer Edmond Halley, who is best known for Halley's Comet. The lectures typically focus on topics related to astronomy, science, or the intersections of these fields with other disciplines. They are often hosted by educational institutions, scientific organizations, or museums, aimed at fostering interest in science and sharing knowledge with the public and academic communities.
Langworthy Professor
The Langworthy Professorship is an academic title that is typically associated with a specific position at an institution, often named after a contributor or benefactor named Langworthy. While the exact details can vary by university or program, Langworthy Professorships generally aim to support scholarly research and teaching in higher education.
Marcus Chown
Marcus Chown is a British author and science writer, known for his work in popular science communication. He has written several books on topics related to physics, astronomy, and the nature of the universe, often aiming to make complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience. In addition to his writing, Chown has worked as a journalist and has contributed to various publications, providing insight into the latest developments in science.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics (PCCP) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes research articles covering a wide range of topics at the intersection of physical chemistry and chemical physics. The journal serves as a platform for high-quality, interdisciplinary research that explores fundamental and applied aspects of the physical behavior of chemical systems. The scope of PCCP includes, but is not limited to: 1. Theoretical and computational studies: Research that involves the development and application of theoretical models and computational techniques to understand chemical phenomena.
Lunar eclipse
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth's shadow to fall on the Moon. This can happen only during a full moon when the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in a straight line or very close to it. There are three main types of lunar eclipses: 1. **Total Lunar Eclipse**: This occurs when the Earth’s umbra (the darkest part of its shadow) completely covers the Moon.
Law of the iterated logarithm
The Law of the Iterated Logarithm (LIL) is a result in probability theory that describes the asymptotic behavior of sums of independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) random variables. It provides a precise way to understand the fluctuations of a normalized random walk. To put it more formally, consider a sequence of i.i.d.
Journey planner
A journey planner is a tool or software that helps users plan their travel routes and itineraries. It typically provides information on various modes of transport, including driving, public transit (buses, trains, subways), walking, and cycling. Journey planners can offer features such as: 1. **Route Mapping**: Visual representations of the routes to take, including directions and estimated travel times.
Balloon-borne experiments
Balloon-borne experiments refer to scientific investigations and measurements conducted using instruments carried by high-altitude balloons. These balloons can reach the stratosphere, typically between 10 to 40 kilometers (6 to 25 miles) above the Earth's surface, allowing researchers to access a unique environment for various types of research.