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Astronomy in 1909 : A paradox of knowledge

An old text shows the state of Astronomy 100 years ago.

The Whirlpool Nebula (a galaxy) as seen by Lord Rosse

Astronomy with Aaron May 22, 2013 at 09:36 pm

2 1 Recommend Aaron Turner

Aaron Turner May 21, 2013 at 11:42 am

Ok, let's be a bit careful with the facts. It is not true that Mercury and Venus always have the…Read More same side facing the Sun - this was not known in 1909. It is true that the Moon has the same side facing Earth at all times. When a body has this condition, that the same side faces the body it is orbiting at all time, what that really means is that its period of rotation is the same as its orbital period. So, our Moon has a rotation period of 27.3 days, which is precisely its orbital period. (Though not the time between identical phases, but that's another story). For Mercury, the orbital period is 88 days, and its rotational period is 59 days - very, very slow compared to its orbital period. For Venus, the orbital period is 224.5 days, and its rotational period is ... 243 days! Not only is its rotation longer than its orbital period, it is the only planet that rotates "backwards" relative to all of the other planets and their orbits. Now, you asked why. The reason is quite complicated. When we have two bodies, say A and B, where B is smaller than A, and they are relatively close to one another compared to their sizes, the gravity from A will cause tidal distortions of B resulting in bulges forming in B. Then, once these bulges are formed, A's gravity will pull on bulges to gradually "brake" the rotation of B. In the case of the Moon, it was formed from a massive planetary impact billions of years ago, and separated from Earth. At first it was a molten ball, so tidal forces from Earth's gravity immediately caused large tidal distortions, which caused the rapid braking of its rotation into its current condition. Lastly, realize that even when we have the rotation and orbital period matching, it is not the case that the body doesn't rotate - the Moon rotates once per month.

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John anderson May 21, 2013 at 09:23 am

Once again, an amazingly interesting report. Question: Mercury, Venus and our moon...they don't…Read More spin on their axis? If not, why not?

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What's Up This Weekend: Southbury Fire Department Plant…

From our neighborhood to the towns around us, if you're looking for something to do this…

Entertainment May 10, 2013 at 04:07 am

0 Recommend Patch Staff

Film Review: 'Gimme the Loot'

'Gimme the Loot' is as delightful as it is unexpected. Think 'Raising Victor Vargas.' Think…

Entertainment May 7, 2013 at 05:59 pm

0 Recommend Ryan Sartor (Editor)

“Sunday Movie Night in Southbury” Continuing at Reduced…

Screenings will cost $5 for students and seniors and $8 for adults.

Entertainment May 7, 2013 at 04:16 pm

0 Recommend Daniel DeBlasio (Editor)

What's Up This Weekend: Region 15 Art Show, Earth Day

From our neighborhood to the towns around us, if you're looking for something to do this…

Entertainment April 26, 2013 at 01:48 am

0 Recommend Patch Staff

What's Up This Weekend: Southbury Spring Showcase of Crafts

From our neighborhood to the towns around us, if you're looking for something to do this…

Entertainment April 12, 2013 at 03:14 am

0 Recommend Patch Staff

What's Up This Weekend: Parent University, Local Film…

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? We've got you covered, with this compilation of…

Entertainment April 5, 2013 at 02:26 am

0 Recommend Patch Staff

Preview of Shakesperience's 'Sweets to the Sweet'

It’s a dessert tasting. It's a live auction. And periodically, it's Shakespeare’s most iconic…

Nancy Sasso Janis' Blog April 3, 2013 at 01:20 am

0 Recommend Nancy Sasso Janis

Preview of '50 Shades! The Musical' at the Palace Theater

The musical parody will make its Waterbury debut on April 30.

Nancy Sasso Janis' Blog April 2, 2013 at 01:48 am

0 Recommend Nancy Sasso Janis

'Vibes' to Return to Bridgeport for 18th Music Festival

The Gathering of the Vibes will be held from July 25 through July 28 at Seaside Park in…

Business March 22, 2013 at 09:56 pm

0 Recommend Justin Reynolds

Preview of Palace Theatre's Second Annual Motorcycle Ride

Feel the 'Power' - Stay for 'Tower'

Nancy Sasso Janis' Blog March 20, 2013 at 12:54 am

0 Recommend Nancy Sasso Janis

Preview of Landmark Community Theatre's 'Rumors' at the…

Laugh Till You Cry with NEIL SIMON’S RUMORS, Presented by the Landmark Community Theatre

Nancy Sasso Janis' Blog March 18, 2013 at 05:10 am

0 Recommend Nancy Sasso Janis

Band & Chorus Day Introduces PHS Music Program to Middle…

Region 15 middle and high school students came together for the annual Chorus Day and Band Day…

Schools March 15, 2013 at 09:27 pm

0 Recommend Daniel DeBlasio (Editor)

St. Patrick's Day Craft for Kids

This craft also involves another kind of 'green' -- recycling.

Entertainment March 15, 2013 at 09:21 pm

0 Recommend Jaimie Cura (Editor)

Preview of 'Adrift in Macao' at TheatreWorks New Milford

A musical parady of classic film noir movies done in black and white

Nancy Sasso Janis' Blog March 14, 2013 at 10:15 pm

1 Recommend Nancy Sasso Janis

Nancy Sasso Janis March 8, 2013 at 10:30 pm

IMPORTANT NOTICE: "ADRIFT IN MACAO" will now be CLOSING, SATURDAY, MARCH 16th. The weekend…Read More of MARCH 22ND AND 23RD HAS BEEN CANCELED. If you have already purchased a ticket for either of these 2 shows, you can ask for a refund or switch your tickets to a performance this weekend or next weekend. Just contact the box office at boxoffice@theatreworks.us. Our apologies. We hope you can make it to our five other performances! Thank you.

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