Science Probe

SCIENCE PROBE

“Jade Rabbit is Hopping on the Moon's Far Side,”

reported Ken Moritsugu in The Associated Press.

China's recent successful touchdown is hailed on streets of Beijing!

“A Chinese space rover explored the lunar terrain ~ the world's first mission on the far side of the moon. Jade Rabbit2 drove off a ramp the previous night and onto the soft, powdery surface after a Chinese spacecraft made the first-ever soft landing on the moon's far side.

A photo posted online by China's space agency showed tracks
left by the rover as it headed away from the spacecraft.

“It's a small step for the rover,
but one giant leap for the Chinese nation,”

Wu Weiren, the chief designer of the Lunar Exploration Project,
told state broadcaster CCTV ~ echoing U.S. astronaut, Neil Armstrong' famous comment
when he became the first human to walk on the moon in 1969:

“This giant leap is a decisive move for our exploration of space
and the conquering of the universe,” Wu Weiren added.

China's space community is taking pride in the successful landing, which posed technical challenges because the moon blocks direct communication between the spacecraft and controllers on Earth.

He Qisong, a space expert at the East China University of Science and Law stated, “The landing on the far side shows China's technology is powerful. China has already positioned itself as at least as good as Russia and the European nation. It means our science and technology ability is getting sronger and the country is becoming more powerful.”

The news inspired dreamier thoughts ~ probably, after some years,
ordinary people like us can travel up there to have a look!

“The Chinese rover has 6 powerful wheels, allowing it to continue to operate even if one wheel fails. It has a maximum speed of 200 metres per hour and can climb a 20-degree hill or an obstacle up to 20 metres tall. The surface is soft~ and it is similar to that when you are walking in the snow,” said rover designer, Shen Zhenrong. “The far side is called the dark side because it can't be seen from Earth and is relatively unknown, not because it lacks sun.”

(The foregoing was published January 5, 2019 in The Hamilton Spectator)

Almost all of the space programs' important advances in scientific knowledge have been accomplished by hundreds of 'robotic spacecraft' in orbit about Earth ~ and on missions to the distant planets: Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

NASA's INSIGHT Lands on Mars!

“Cheers erupted at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, which operates the spacecraft, when sent back acknowledgement of its safe arrival on Mars. That was the end of a journey of more than 6 months and 3 hundred million miles. (Published in Science Insight)”

In the months ahead, INSIGHT will begin its study of the Martian underworld ~ the aim of helping scientists understand how the planet was formed ~ lessons that could also help shed light on Earth's origins.

It will listen to tremors...'marsquakes'...and collect data...that will be pieced together in a map of the interior of the red planet. Mission scientists have described the region as resembling a parking lot, or Kansas, without the corn! The mission is not interested in rocky terrain or pretty sunsets!

Planners chose the flattest, safest place that the spacecraft could land!

“Mars is the next frontier ~ what the Wild West was ~ what America was 500 years ago.
It's time to strike out anew.
Mars is where the action is for the next thousand years.
The characteristics of human nature is curiosity and exploration.
When we strip away that, we won't be human anymore.
Many of our problems on Earth can only be solved by space exploration.
The next step is in Space. It's inevitable!” (Unknown Author)

Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

~ published in News Canada ~

“Practising Green Habits goes beyond sorting your trash. Introducing new technologies can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money. From smart thermostats...to electric vehicle charging stations...integrating technology in the home...can provide peace of mind.

Here, the Electrical Safety Authority shares 3 ways to reduce your environmental impact, using smart technology.

Heat your home efficiently: Choosing a wi-fi thermostat is both effective and efficient. These devises learn your schedule and preferences to optimize your energy usage and can help save money on your heating bill. There are electrical considerations to keep in mind when making the switch. Work with a licensed electrical contractor to ensure the proper voltage and wiring required.

Light your way to cost savings: Replacing incandescent light bulbs for LEDs, will make a big impact on your monthly utility bill. Plus, with the addition of 'smart plugs', you can control them from anywhere to only have 'lights on' when needed. While many of these smart gadgets are available online, they may or may not be approved for use in Canada. Look for a recognized certification mark to ensure they're safe and have been properly inspected.

Fuel up on electric power: Beyond the home, consider further reducing emissions by making the switch to an electric vehicle. Not only are they a better option for the environment, they can also help save you money by not having to fill up at the pump. Depending on the existing electrical service to your home and the size of the charging system, a service upgrade may be required to increase the electrical service to your home to a minimum of 200 amps.

Find more tips online at poweryourlife.ca.

Good Advice by John Wheeler:
“In any field, find the strangest thing
and then explore it.”

Written by MBK March 7, 2019
Comments welcome