Why we can stop worrying and love the particle accelerator

What would happen if you stuck your body inside a particle accelerator? The scenario seems like the start of a bad Marvel comic, but it happens to shed light on our intuitions about radiation, the vulnerability of the human body, and the very nature of matter. Particle accelerators allow physicists to study subatomic particles by speeding them up in powerful magnetic fields and then tracing the interactions that result from collisions. By delving into the mysteries of the Universe, colliders have entered the Zeitgeist and tapped the wonders and fears of our age.

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Ancient distance and apparent size of the Moon (video)

Today, on average, the Moon is 384,400 km (238,000 miles) away from the Earth. But that was not always the case. Our satellite was much closer in the past. Now, Dr. James O’Donoghue (@physicsJ on Twitter) Dr. James O’Donoghue (@physicsJ on Twitter) created the animation below showing the ancient distances and apparent size of the Moon.

The animation also includes the current distance and apparent size of the moon in the Earth’s sky.

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The Impact of Overtourism on our Environment

When you think of the Grand Canyon or the Great Smoky Mountains, beautiful scenery immediately comes to mind. You might begin to imagine the incredible views, towering cliffs, lush landscapes, and color schemes that far exceed anything you’ve ever seen in a painting.

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Expedition 61 Launch from the ISS – an amazing view

American astronaut Christina H. Koch shot an amazing view of the Expedition 61 launch from the International Space Station (ISS).

Koch tweeted: “What it looks like from @Space_Station when your best friend achieves her lifelong dream to go to space. Caught the second stage in progress! We can’t wait to welcome you onboard, the crew of Soyuz 61!”

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Tadrart Rouge of Algeria – “The Mars on Earth”

Algeria’s Tadrart Rouge is probably the closest place you can find on Earth that kinda looks like Mars.

Meaning “Red Tadrart”, Tadrart Rouge is a mountain range in southeastern Algeria, part of the Algerian Desert. The area is roughly 15-30 kilometers (9.3-18.6 miles) large and 150 kilometers (93 miles) long.

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Earthrise: Amazing imagery from JAXA Kaguya/SELENE Lunar Orbiter

The amazing video below is a showcase of spectacular imagery obtained by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Kaguya/SELENE spacecraft which orbited the Moon for a year and eight months and returned stunning views from its HDTV camera suite. A must-watch!

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How Individual Environmental Action Can Impact Systemic Change

Today, climate change is a very real and looming threat. However, when the subject of climate change and possible solutions is discussed, the phrase “we need bigger changes” is often bandied about. Individuals tend to shift the responsibility of fixing human-caused damage to the environment to larger systems – but with little concrete action being taken by larger entities, potential solutions to mitigate climate change remain largely unaddressed and unimplemented.

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