Tag: Astrophysics
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Magnetic Monopoles
Introduction Magnetic monopoles are hypothetical particles that carry a single, isolated magnetic pole – either a north pole or a south pole. In contrast, every known particle that carries a magnetic field has both a north and a south pole. The concept of magnetic monopoles arises from the symmetry in Maxwell’s equations and the concept…
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Kepler’s Laws
Introduction Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, derived by Johannes Kepler in the 17th century, provide a description of the motion of planets in their orbits around the Sun. They were revolutionary in their assertion that planets move in elliptical orbits and not perfect circles as previously thought. These laws are crucial to our understanding of…
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Jeans Instability
Introduction Jeans Instability is a fundamental concept in astrophysics that describes the condition under which a self-gravitating gas cloud will collapse under its own gravity to form a star. This process is named after the British physicist Sir James Jeans, who first derived the relevant equations in 1902. Basic Principle The basic idea behind Jeans…
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Hubble’s Law
Introduction Hubble’s Law is a fundamental principle in cosmology that describes the expansion of the universe. Named after the American astronomer Edwin Hubble, this law has had profound implications for our understanding of the cosmos. Basic Principle Hubble’s Law states that the recessional velocity of a galaxy (the speed at which it is moving away…
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Fermi Paradox
Introduction The Fermi Paradox is a question originally posed by physicists Enrico Fermi and Michael Hart. The paradox arises from the high probability estimates for the existence of extraterrestrial life, such as those provided by the Drake Equation, and the lack of evidence or contact with such civilizations. The Paradox The basic form of the…
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Exoplanets
Introduction Exoplanets, or extrasolar planets, are planets that orbit stars outside of our own Solar System. The study of exoplanets has become a significant part of astronomical research since the first confirmed detection in 1992. Detection Methods Several methods exist for detecting exoplanets, each with their strengths and weaknesses. Transit Method The transit method involves…