[IanHighfield]

Anyone interested in this topic? or matters concerning the universe? I find it endlessly interesting to think about gravity and the Big Bang, expansion of the universe, all those things related to astronomy. (not astrology)

I like finding out why the earth has an atmosphere and the moon and many planets do not. (molten iron core sets up magnetic force-field that shields solar wind which would strip atmosphere if mag field not present.) Stuff like this.

Black holes and worm holes. Theories of space texture and shape. All this stuff tends to make you feel completely insignificant. For some reason this appeals to me.

Einstein and his thoughts, parallel universes, time-space continuum. Time travel. Endless possibilities of other earth-like planets, even a Pandora.

I never liked TV Star Trek or Star Wars but I like the subject of astronomy.

 

[IanHighfield]

I like it all. Where do you want to start this here conversation?

Gravity. It's not yet understood fully. Some attribute it to the "weight" of space fabric pressing objects to larger objects and others like to think larger bodies (planets) have an almost magnetic property all their own and pull other things in.

The biggest problem I have discussing these topics is a lack of proper vocabulary or jargon as related to this subject. I can see things related to planets and space in my mind's eye but can not easily articulate them. I'm sure you can relate. This subject is best discussed with a chalk board handy to draw pictures and diagrams.

 

[IanHighfield]

Although one of the four forces that unify nature to our current understanding gravity could be an expression of the three other forces and the interaction on mass, and the matter that is there in contained.
If you really want to go into it ,Gravity has a minimal effect on the micro yet a significant effect on the macro. It leads back to the theory of gravity as opposed to a law because the three other forces have a definite effect on mass regardless of it's size.
It could be that gravity is only an explanation for planetary physics and not the explanation of the actions of the universe as a whole.

Okay, it looks like you could beat the crap out of me in a gravity fight. I'm a bit lost. Sorry to lead you into thinking I actually know something about this subject. How about the moon? I say it's not green cheese. (don't hurt me)

 

[IanHighfield]

fun, dark energy. The expansion of space and the need for energy to do so. Where does this energy come from? It did not all come from the Big Bang because the expansion is speeding up. Once a body is set in motion, like a bullet, it can not gain speed on its own. If you expand air on earth, you cool it. This is the opposite of dark energy. Energy is motion or heat. Yet space expands and needs energy to do so. Where does it come from and how is it manifest? This is beyond me.

 

[IanHighfield]

funetical, the thing I like most about thinking about the cosmos and all the distances involved, all the unanswered questions, is the way it makes me (and all my earthly issues) feel completely insignificant. I'm not a religious person at all. Can't say I really believe in a supreme being, but I sure can understand how a person could after contemplating the universe and all that is in it. All that we can imagine is in it. There must be so much beyond our scope to comprehend.

 

[IanHighfield]

For the longest time now I've wanted to buy a quality telescope. Someday!

I have a brass naval model that was given to me. I have never pointed it above the apartment building's roof opposite where I live. (The place is crawling with young women.) Night time is the best for observing celestial bodies of all kinds.

 

[IanHighfield]

I'd have said that, fun, but I thought they'd gas me. I like your view of the universe.

 

[IanHighfield]

I read the Galileo link. Religion and common sense have a hard time in all times don't they?

 

[IanHighfield]

fun, I picked up some DVDs at the library today on Einstein and black holes by PBS of America. They are narrated by a black fellow who is an astrophysicist. I can't recall his name right now but he's got a great voice and makes a good presentation for the neophyte like me. (simple words for big ideas)

Maybe you have seen this series of PBS shows. After I watch I'll do some further reading on what intrigues me and then we can start plans for our space ship. At least on blastoff we'll know to give black holes a wide margin. This will be my contribution.