General relativity

Gravitational distortion of time helps tell modified gravity apart from a dark force

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Einstein’s equations described how stars, galaxies and all other matter curve or warp space and time.

Key Points: 
  • Einstein’s equations described how stars, galaxies and all other matter curve or warp space and time.
  • The galaxies and the light rays then travel in this distorted space-time according to the equation provided by the 18th-century Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler.
  • But can we differentiate a universe where Einstein’s equations were violated from a universe where Euler’s equation were modified?

A universe filled with unknowns

    • The reason to put those to the test comes from the fact that our universe is filled with unknowns.
    • In the 1930s, the Swiss-American astrophysicist Fritz Zwicky observed that there was five times more matter in the universe than we can detect with our telescopes.
    • Then, in 1998, two groups of astrophysicists observed that the expansion of our universe is accelerating, contrary to the deceleration expected because of the gravitational attraction between galaxies.

Vast distances of the universe

    • Checking if Einstein’s gravity works over the vast distances of the universe has become an active field of research.
    • Theoreticians propose new ideas for how gravity could work differently, while astronomers use increasingly advanced facilities to provide the data needed to test them.
    • The latter would be different if, for example, the dark matter in the galaxies were subject to a new force.

Gravitational slips

    • To our surprise, while both of us came into this thinking that the answer would be obvious, our initial answers were opposite to each other.
    • Our conclusion was that, despite the common expectation, measuring the gravitational slip would not allow one to distinguish a modification of Einstein’s laws from a modification of Euler’s equation.
    • So, if a galaxy were to fall into a gravitational potential in a way that was not consistent with our expectations, we would be unable to tell if it’s because the dark matter is doing something, or because gravity was modified.

Light and gravity

    • These differences are extremely tiny but are, in fact, very important in the design of satellite navigation systems.
    • When the light from a galaxy escapes the gravitational potential it is falling into, its colour shifts closer to red.
    • In time, new technologies will be able to detect the tiny effects of gravitational redshift, and consequently distinguish a modification of Euler’s equation for dark matter from a modification of gravity.

Awe can alter our sense of self and open us to new possibilities – could it help save the planet?

Retrieved on: 
Friday, June 16, 2023

So my thing is, let’s go and rephrase this and communicate differently about it and really tell people we’re talking about pollution.

Key Points: 
  • So my thing is, let’s go and rephrase this and communicate differently about it and really tell people we’re talking about pollution.
  • As long as they keep talking about global climate change, they are not gonna go anywhere.
  • So my thing is, let’s go and rephrase this and communicate differently about it and really tell people we’re talking about pollution.
  • But what exactly is awe and how can emotions help us save the planet?

The science of emotions

    • It wasn’t until the 1980s that scientists and psychologists came to appreciate the importance of emotions to understanding the secrets of the mind.
    • American psychologist Paul Ekman would lead this paradigm-shift with his study of facial expressions and their relationship to emotions.
    • Strides were soon being made in research examining the hidden side of the brain and a new understanding of emotions emerged.
    • Some of the first emotions to be charted scientifically included anger, disgust, fear, sadness, surprise and joy.

Rule breaking emotions

    • “What was missing from this understanding of human nature was emotion,” he writes.
    • To sense that the boundaries between our individual selves and others readily dissolve, that our true nature is collective.
    • Awe, by contrast, seems to orient us to devote ourselves to things outside of our individual selves.
    • To sense that the boundaries between our individual selves and others readily dissolve, that our true nature is collective.
    • Experiencing a sense of awe alters our sense of self and opens us to the possibility of collaboration and a sense of community.

Systems thinking

    • Applied to different contexts like biology, technology, organisational theory and culture, systems thinking takes a holistic view of the many parts that make up the world and the interdependent relationships between them.
    • When we look at life through this systems lens, we perceive things in terms of relations rather than separate objects.
    • Instead of observing and analysing entities and processes individually, systems thinking leads to a greater awareness of the fragile interdependencies that constitute all life on earth.
    • Keltner observes that many Indigenous civilisations have long operated with a systems-thinking approach:
      Systems thinking, it is worth noting, is at the heart of an Indigenous science now thousands of years old.
    • Systems thinking, it is worth noting, is at the heart of an Indigenous science now thousands of years old.

Cultivating awe

    • Many of the examples he gives emphasise the importance of discovery:
      In musical awe we hear the voices and feel the sounds of our culture.
    • In musical awe we hear the voices and feel the sounds of our culture.
    • Cultivating awe leads to an awareness of interconnectedness.
    • In awe we understand we are part of many things that are much larger than the self.

The Euclid spacecraft will transform how we view the 'dark universe'

Retrieved on: 
Friday, May 5, 2023

It is scheduled to lift off on a Falcon 9 rocket, built by SpaceX, from Cape Canaveral in early July.

Key Points: 
  • It is scheduled to lift off on a Falcon 9 rocket, built by SpaceX, from Cape Canaveral in early July.
  • Euclid is designed to provide us with a better understanding of the “mysterious” components of our universe, known as dark matter and dark energy.
  • Euclid will map this “dark universe”, using a suite of scientific instruments to shed light on different aspects of dark energy and dark matter.

A light in the dark

    • Euclid will join the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) at this point and will be the perfect companion to that amazing space observatory.
    • Both used different techniques, and therefore different instruments, to study the dark universe, and ESA was struggling to decide between them.
    • But Euclid also carries some of the biggest digital cameras deployed in space with fields of view hundreds of times greater than JWST’s.

Shapes and colours

    • This gravitational lensing effect is weak, only one part in a hundred thousand for most galaxies, thus requiring lots of galaxies to see the effect in high definition.
    • VIS, however, can’t measure the colours of objects.
    • That history is vital for testing possible models of dark energy including suggested modifications to Einstien’s Theory of General Relativity.

Treasure trove

    • Like JWST, Euclid will be a treasure-trove of new discoveries in many areas of astronomy.
    • This software has also been checked and verified using some of the largest simulations of the universe that have ever been constructed.
    • Seeing the project come together in this way makes me proud to call myself a “Euclidian”.

RRCAT Physicist Proposes New Theory Unifying General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics

Retrieved on: 
Friday, December 9, 2022

"The accepted theory states that the universe is three-dimensionally flat, meaning it does not curve even at infinitely large distances.

Key Points: 
  • "The accepted theory states that the universe is three-dimensionally flat, meaning it does not curve even at infinitely large distances.
  • "The advent and understanding of quantum mechanics itself has led to remarkable technological advancement, and a unifying all-encompassing "Theory of Everything" would indubitably open numerous new unthought of technological pathways," concludes Mr. Waugh.
  • Title of original paper: Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity are fully compatible, and have a common origin: the expanding (hyper) balloon universe.
  • His research interests include unifying Physics and Cosmology into a single Theory of Everything and unveiling the leftover mysteries of our universe.

Epistemologist's new book advocates for an International Dark Sky Preservation Treaty

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 24, 2022

This intriguing book presents an antithesis to the relativity of time, while always remaining within the credible boundaries of the branch of philosophy that we call epistemology, to do so.

Key Points: 
  • This intriguing book presents an antithesis to the relativity of time, while always remaining within the credible boundaries of the branch of philosophy that we call epistemology, to do so.
  • All fascinating topics in themselves, and included to support the veracity of the argument and proof.
  • The Addendum to this special collector's edition includes a short history of the Russell-Einstein Manifesto and the first Pugwash International Peace Conference, and similarly, argues for an International Dark Sky Preservation Treaty.
  • The book proposes a conference to address the militarization of space, light pollution that impairs astronomy, and even the concern of possible commercial advertising orbiting in space.

Epistemologist 's new book advocates for an International Dark Sky Preservation Treaty

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 24, 2022

This intriguing book presents an antithesis to the relativity of time, while always remaining within the credible boundaries of the branch of philosophy that we call epistemology, to do so.

Key Points: 
  • This intriguing book presents an antithesis to the relativity of time, while always remaining within the credible boundaries of the branch of philosophy that we call epistemology, to do so.
  • All fascinating topics in themselves, and included to support the veracity of the argument and proof.
  • The Addendum to this special collector's edition includes a short history of the Russell-Einstein Manifesto and the first Pugwash International Peace Conference, and similarly, argues for an International Dark Sky Preservation Treaty.
  • The book proposes a conference to address the militarization of space, light pollution that impairs astronomy, and even the concern of possible commercial advertising orbiting in space.

Opening Doors to Scientific Achievement: ARCS® Foundation 2021 Annual Report

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 5, 2022

LAGRANGE, Ga., Jan. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- ARCS Foundation highlighted the successes of the organization in "Opening Doors to Scientific Achievements," its Annual Report of the 2020-2021 academic year.

Key Points: 
  • LAGRANGE, Ga., Jan. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- ARCS Foundation highlighted the successes of the organization in "Opening Doors to Scientific Achievements," its Annual Report of the 2020-2021 academic year.
  • The report also shares ARCS Foundation National's statement on opening doors to scientific achievement via diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the formation of a DEI Action Task Force.
  • "These scholars illustrate a bright future for scientific achievement in America," says Sherry Lundeen, ARCS Foundation National President 2019-21.
  • "This annual report conveys how ARCS Foundation's consistent support of basic research is more critical than ever to promote US scientific discovery competitiveness worldwide."

Horizon Therapeutics plc to Host Virtual R&D Day on Sept. 29, 2021

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Horizon Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: HZNP) today announced that it will host a virtual R&D Day for investors and analysts on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021 at 8 a.m. CT. Horizons R&D Day will include presentations from the Companys R&D leadership team and key opinion leaders with a focus on the Companys pipeline.

Key Points: 
  • Horizon Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: HZNP) today announced that it will host a virtual R&D Day for investors and analysts on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021 at 8 a.m. CT. Horizons R&D Day will include presentations from the Companys R&D leadership team and key opinion leaders with a focus on the Companys pipeline.
  • Additional details, including how to access the live webcast, will follow closer to the event.
  • A recorded archived version of the webcast will be available on Horizons website shortly after the event.
  • Horizon is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of medicines that address critical needs for people impacted by rare, autoimmune and severe inflammatory diseases.

Technology Entrepreneur on UFO Report: "Our Quest for Anti-Gravity Must Begin"

Retrieved on: 
Friday, June 25, 2021

The report describes objects with flight and propulsion capabilities impossible using known technology, implying physics that we don't yet understand and the possibility that we are not alone in the universe.

Key Points: 
  • The report describes objects with flight and propulsion capabilities impossible using known technology, implying physics that we don't yet understand and the possibility that we are not alone in the universe.
  • Dr. Phil Marshall, a Portland, Oregon-based physician and technology entrepreneur, sees the report as a watershed moment in recognizing the possibility - and even the inevitability - of anti-gravity technology.
  • "It implies a technology that deflects and harnesses the most mysterious force in the universe: gravity."
  • We must deepen our effort to understand why gravity behaves the way it does, Marshall argues, not simply how it behaves mathematically.

Horizon Global Announces Preliminary First Quarter 2021 Net Sales

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 21, 2021

b"Horizon Global Corporation (NYSE: HZN), one of the world\xe2\x80\x99s leading manufacturers of branded towing and trailering equipment, today provided preliminary net sales results for the first quarter of 2021 and announced a $10.0 million increase in the maximum amount of credit available under its revolving credit facility.\nHorizon Global anticipates net sales for the first quarter of 2021 to be approximately $198.0 million.

Key Points: 
  • b"Horizon Global Corporation (NYSE: HZN), one of the world\xe2\x80\x99s leading manufacturers of branded towing and trailering equipment, today provided preliminary net sales results for the first quarter of 2021 and announced a $10.0 million increase in the maximum amount of credit available under its revolving credit facility.\nHorizon Global anticipates net sales for the first quarter of 2021 to be approximately $198.0 million.
  • It is a pleasure to work with Horizon Global and our support is unwavering as evidenced by the recent increase in our financing commitment.
  • Horizon Global cautions that its actual results for the quarter ended March 31, 2021 may differ from the preliminary results shown above.
  • Horizon Global has approximately 4,000 employees.\nThis release contains \xe2\x80\x9cforward-looking statements\xe2\x80\x9d as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.