Practical astronomy - some basics explained.

[bloodhound31]

G'day folks! (I hope this is the appropriate section)

You might have seen a few questions I have posted around the forum, asking about maths.

Thanks to the kind, willing and very clever people here, I have been able to back up my own understanding of some astronomy principles with a bit of math. Enough so that I am now confident to write about and explain it WITHOUT the formula.

So, it is with much thanks to IIS members, that I present my new page on Practical Astronomy.

It is over half way done, but who knows what the future may bring with more time and knowledge?

Baz.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Cool read Baz. Learnt a few things. ... also why aliens are not snobs after all.

[renormalised (Carl)]

Site's looking good Baz

[bloodhound31]

Thanks Marc and Carl. Makes me happy you enjoyed it!

Baz.

[big_dav_2001 (Davin)]

Great site Baz!!! Very well explained.... I particularly like the Ice cream/Gravity analogy... Astrophysics explained in terms I can personally relate to....hehehe

Davin

[Suzy]

Oh my goodness, that was a brilliant, easy to understand read. You should have this published when it's finished!! I enjoyed it so much and really loved the way you explained things. I can't wait for the next installment. Wow, you are good! Can't this be a sticky? Please Mr Iceman?! It would help so many on here starting out in Astronomy without overwhelming them.

Only one thing I'm unclear about now.. One source tells me that a light yr is 350km/s, another tells me 320, and you say 300.

[bloodhound31]

Originally Posted by big_dav_2001

Great site Baz!!! Very well explained.... I particularly like the Ice cream/Gravity analogy... Astrophysics explained in terms I can personally relate to....hehehe

Davin

Thanks Davin. Yeah, me too mate. I could use life experience to explain the whole cosmos, but a man must keep some secrets....

Originally Posted by Suzy

Oh my goodness, that was a brilliant, easy to understand read. You should have this published when it's finished!! I enjoyed it so much and really loved the way you explained things. I can't wait for the next installment. Wow, you are good! Can't this be a sticky? Please Mr Iceman?! It would help so many on here starting out in Astronomy without overwhelming them.

Only one thing I'm unclear about now.. One source tells me that a light yr is 350km/s, another tells me 320, and you say 300.

Wow, thanks Suzy. What a pep!

Most times when I study this stuff, I cross-reference multiple sources of information. It seems to be around (actually a little under) 300, 000 kilometers per second. For all the ambiguity abounding, I try to keep it simple and if necessary (within reasonable limits) round it off or take a simple average. As long as the meaning is not lost and it doesn't become outright misinformation.

here's a Wiki Link to Speed of light.

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

Mind you, if you turn on your warp drive and engage it for one more second than you should, you have overshot your home planet by 300, 000 kilometers...hope you have a spare jerry-can.

[Suzy]

Oh goody Baz! You've added more info!
Please please keep it coming!

[bloodhound31]

No worries Suzy! Just finished the Black Holes section tonight.

[Suzy]

Originally Posted by bloodhound31

No worries Suzy! Just finished the Black Holes section tonight.

Fabulous, Baz - thank you! Can't wait to read it.

[rcheshire (Rowland)]

Great site Barry - "the heavens declare..."

[bloodhound31]

Cheers Rowland!

[psyche101]

Enjoying the site immensely, thank you for the effort.

[bloodhound31]

You are very welcome mate. More coming later this week.

Baz.

[bloodhound31]

Sorry folks, I have been so busy lately! I have one more bit to do which will be planetary nebulae. As soon as i get some good down-time I'll have a crack at getting that done for you.

Cheers!

Baz.