Our Planet

What is a Megatsunami? [explained]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date March 31, 2016
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The wave, movie about a megatsunami — 2015 Norwegian catastrophe drama film *The Wave* tells a fictional story about Geiranger, a small tourist village in Sunnmøre region of Møre og Romsdal county in the western part of Norway. In the movie, the village threatened a huge mass of rock tumbles into Geirangerfjord (which is one of Norway's most visited tourist sites, and it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005). The rock sets off a 300 feet megatsunami. The villagers must rush to the mountains in ten minutes, before "the wave" reaches them.

A megatsunami is an exceptionally large and devastating wave that can reach incredible heights. Unlike regular tsunamis triggered by earthquakes, megatsunamis are primarily caused by massive landslides, volcanic eruptions, or asteroid impacts into bodies of water. These catastrophic events displace colossal amounts of water, generating waves that can travel across vast distances with tremendous force. The sheer magnitude of megatsunamis makes them particularly destructive, capable of impacting coastlines with devastating consequences. Their rare occurrence and immense power make megatsunamis a subject of great scientific interest and concern, as understanding their mechanisms and potential impacts is crucial for coastal regions and disaster preparedness.

Mars Space Exploration

NASA’s 360-Degree Interactive Image of Mars

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date March 28, 2016
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Mars surface (NASA, Curiosity) — On February 2016, NASA has released an interactive 360 degrees image of Mars, and you can see it on the popular video uploading site youtube. You can see our neighbor planet's surface with your own eyes, in HD!

NASA has unveiled a groundbreaking treat for space enthusiasts and curious minds alike, as they released a captivating interactive 360-degree image of Mars. Offering an immersive experience, this unprecedented glimpse into the Red Planet’s rugged terrain allows users to explore its alien landscapes from the comfort of their own screens. With each click and drag, this remarkable visual artifact invites us to venture into the mysteries of Mars, fostering a deeper understanding of our neighboring celestial body.

Mars Energy Environment Moon Landing Planet Earth Space Exploration

Here’s Why We Should Colonize Mars [and Other Planets and the Moons too]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date March 27, 2016
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The colony on Mars — A colony on Mars [3D rendering]. Image source: Deposit Photos

In the quest for expanding the boundaries of human exploration and ensuring the long-term survival of our species, the idea of colonizing Mars and other celestial bodies has emerged as a captivating and viable possibility. While Earth remains our home, the potential colonization of Mars, along with other planets and moons within our solar system, presents a host of compelling reasons. From scientific discovery and resource utilization to the preservation of our species, the case for venturing beyond our blue planet grows increasingly enticing.

Animals Evolution Life on Earth

22 Most Powerful Bite Forces in Carnivore Land Mammals

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date March 16, 2016

Most powerful bite forces: A snarling Siberian tiger — A snarling Siberian tiger. Image source: Deposit Photos

In the wild, the struggle for survival often hinges upon a carnivore’s ability to capture and overpower its prey. Among the many factors that contribute to their predatory prowess, bite force stands out as a paramount attribute. The intensity and strength of a carnivore’s bite are crucial for immobilizing and subduing prey, breaking through tough hides and shells, and even establishing dominance within their own species. Here are the top 22 most powerful bites in carnivore land mammals.

Animals Life on Earth Oceans

Humpback Whale Thanks Rescuers After Being Freed From Nets [Video]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date March 1, 2016
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Humpback whale jumping out of water. Image source: Deposit Photos

An amazing and wonderful video that I came across a few years ago: Michael Fishbach, co-founder of The Great Whale Conservancy, his family and friends rescued a Humpback Whale from fishnets, and after being freed, the whale shows amazing appreciation to the rescuers.

The Great Whale Conservancy was launched in 2010 to advocate for the great whales, they need our help and protection to survive, to learn more about our current efforts, and find out how we can work together.

Prehistoric Animals Life on Earth

Top 5 largest prehistoric cats

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date February 19, 2016
3 Comments on Top 5 largest prehistoric cats

The largest prehistoric cat: Smilodon populator — The largest prehistoric cat, Smilodon populator restoration by the American artist Charles R. Knight (1874-1953) - http://www.charlesrknight.com/dinosaur-artist-charles-r-knight/Knight%20article.pdf, Public Domain, Link

The prehistoric world was home to an array of magnificent and fearsome creatures, and among them, the large cats ruled supreme. These ancient feline predators prowled the Earth with power and grace, displaying unmatched dominance. In this article, we will explore the top 5 largest prehistoric cats that once roamed the planet. From the mighty Smilodon with its deadly saber teeth to the massive American Lion, these awe-inspiring creatures left an indelible mark on the history of big cats.

Climate

Whiteface Mountain [New York] hits -114 °F [-81.11 °C] wind chill at its summit

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date February 15, 2016
7 Comments on Whiteface Mountain [New York] hits -114 °F [-81.11 °C] wind chill at its summit

The summit of Whiteface Mountain — Whiteface Mountain is the fifth-highest mountain in the U.S. state of New York, and one of the High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. Set apart from most of the other High Peaks, the summit offers a 360-degree view of the Adirondacks and clear-day glimpses of Vermont and even Canada, where the skyscrapers of Montreal, 80 miles (130 km) away, can be seen on a very clear day. Located in the town of Wilmington, about 13 miles (21 km) from Lake Placid, the mountain's east slope is home to a major ski area that hosted the alpine skiing competitions of the 1980 Winter Olympics.

While New York City suffers the coldest Valentine’s Day in 100 years, as East Coast is hit with a record-low wind chill of -36 °F (-37.77 °C), Whiteface Mountain reached -114 °F (-81.11 °C) wind chill at its summit. And it was even colder than the windchill in Antarctica.

With an elevation of 1,483 meters (4,865 feet) above sea level, Whiteface Mountain is the fifth-highest mountain in the U.S. state of New York. On Saturday night (February 13-14, 2016), the Arctic winds blew at 45 mph (72.42 km/h) at the summit, and according to the U.S. National Weather Service, it was actually colder than Antarctica on Sunday. It’s probably one of the lowest temperatures ever recorded outside of the poles of Earth.

Astronomy Planet Earth Solar System

Earth to scale [See How Tiny our planet is in the Grand Scheme of the Universe]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date January 31, 2016
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6 Earths could fit across Saturn's rings.

When we look up at the night sky, we may feel small and insignificant compared to the vast expanse of space. However, our sense of smallness is put into perspective when we consider the true scale of the universe. Our planet Earth is just a tiny speck in a vast and complex system of planets, stars, galaxies, and beyond. In this article, we will explore just how small Earth is when compared to the larger structures of our solar system, the Milky Way galaxy, and the universe as a whole. By understanding our place in the universe, we can gain a greater appreciation for the sheer magnitude and complexity of the cosmos.

Solar System Astronomy

There might be a 9th planet beyond Pluto [and it’s a giant!]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date January 21, 2016
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Ninth Planet, artist's concept — An illustration of what Planet Nine might look like from an artist's eye. Caltech/R. Hurt (IPAC)

Astronomers now think there’s a 9th planet in the solar system almost certainly (hint: it’s not Pluto). The farthest planet from our Sun is probably a giant, smaller than Neptune but likely larger than the Earth. It is informally called Phattie, but commonly known as Planet Nine.

Solar System Astronomy

If the Moon Were Only 1 Pixel [The most accurate map of the Solar System]

Post author By M. Özgür Nevres
Post date January 18, 2016
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The Solar System is vast and complex, encompassing countless celestial bodies such as planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. To visualize the vastness of our cosmic neighborhood, we often use maps and models that represent the planets and their orbits in a scaled-down form. However, even the most detailed models can fail to convey the true scale of the Solar System. One intriguing way to explore the scale of our cosmic surroundings is to imagine if the Moon were only one pixel in diameter on a map. This thought experiment can help us appreciate the sheer enormity of the distances and sizes involved in our Solar System.