What is the Andromeda Nebula? Detailed answer

BIG ENCYCLOPEDIA FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS
Free library / Directory / Big encyclopedia for children and adults

What is the Andromeda Nebula? Detailed answer

Big encyclopedia for children and adults

Directory / Big encyclopedia. Questions for quiz and self-education

Did you know?

What is the Andromeda Nebula?

Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi, an Arab astronomer who lived in the 1612th century, first described a "small celestial cloud" easily visible on dark nights in the constellation Andromeda. The first telescopic observation of the Andromeda Nebula was made in XNUMX by Simon Marius.

A few decades later, the Andromeda nebula was studied by Edmund Halley, who concluded that it is "nothing but light coming from an immeasurable space located in the countries of the ether and filled with a spilled and self-luminous medium." However, his more religious contemporaries assured that the Andromeda Nebula is a place where the "crystal firmament" is somewhat thinner than usual, and therefore the "indescribable light" of the kingdom of heaven pours out on the sinful earth from here.

In the XNUMXth century, astronomers were already arguing about whether the Andromeda Nebula consists of luminous gases or stars, whether it is located inside the Milky Way, or whether it is some kind of remote universe that exists separately from our Galaxy.

The question was finally resolved by Edwin Hubble, an American who originally received a law degree, taught at school and coached a basketball team in it, and then made many discoveries in the world of galaxies and proved that our Universe is expanding. In 1924, Hubble first "resolved" (that is, divided) the Andromeda nebula into individual stars and determined that it was outside the Milky Way. With this discovery, extragalactic astronomy and modern cosmology were born.

Today we know that the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is a gigantic stellar spiral that lies about 2,2 million light-years from Earth and contains about 200 billion stars. Its diameter is approximately 200 thousand light years.

Author: Kondrashov A.P.

Random interesting fact from the Great Encyclopedia:

Why are fly stickers placed in men's toilet urinals?

Some time ago, the urinals of the men's toilets at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport were fitted with fly stickers. After the introduction of the innovation, the press service of the airport stated that thanks to this, it was possible to significantly save time on cleaning the toilets. A visible target causes men to instinctively seek to knock down a fly, as a result of which they miss the urinal less often. Similar stickers subsequently appeared in the toilets of airports and public buildings in many other cities.

Test your knowledge! Did you know...

▪ How did American football start?

▪ Do people have the same blood?

▪ How did the formation of centralized states take place in Western Europe?

See other articles Section Big encyclopedia. Questions for quiz and self-education.

Read and write useful comments on this article.

<< Back

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

Artificial leather for touch emulation 15.04.2024

In a modern technology world where distance is becoming increasingly commonplace, maintaining connection and a sense of closeness is important. Recent developments in artificial skin by German scientists from Saarland University represent a new era in virtual interactions. German researchers from Saarland University have developed ultra-thin films that can transmit the sensation of touch over a distance. This cutting-edge technology provides new opportunities for virtual communication, especially for those who find themselves far from their loved ones. The ultra-thin films developed by the researchers, just 50 micrometers thick, can be integrated into textiles and worn like a second skin. These films act as sensors that recognize tactile signals from mom or dad, and as actuators that transmit these movements to the baby. Parents' touch to the fabric activates sensors that react to pressure and deform the ultra-thin film. This ... >>

Petgugu Global cat litter 15.04.2024

Taking care of pets can often be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping your home clean. A new interesting solution from the Petgugu Global startup has been presented, which will make life easier for cat owners and help them keep their home perfectly clean and tidy. Startup Petgugu Global has unveiled a unique cat toilet that can automatically flush feces, keeping your home clean and fresh. This innovative device is equipped with various smart sensors that monitor your pet's toilet activity and activate to automatically clean after use. The device connects to the sewer system and ensures efficient waste removal without the need for intervention from the owner. Additionally, the toilet has a large flushable storage capacity, making it ideal for multi-cat households. The Petgugu cat litter bowl is designed for use with water-soluble litters and offers a range of additional ... >>

The attractiveness of caring men 14.04.2024

The stereotype that women prefer "bad boys" has long been widespread. However, recent research conducted by British scientists from Monash University offers a new perspective on this issue. They looked at how women responded to men's emotional responsibility and willingness to help others. The study's findings could change our understanding of what makes men attractive to women. A study conducted by scientists from Monash University leads to new findings about men's attractiveness to women. In the experiment, women were shown photographs of men with brief stories about their behavior in various situations, including their reaction to an encounter with a homeless person. Some of the men ignored the homeless man, while others helped him, such as buying him food. A study found that men who showed empathy and kindness were more attractive to women compared to men who showed empathy and kindness. ... >>

Random news from the Archive

Silicon fibers are 15 times stronger than steel 16.01.2013

Scientists from the Optoelectronics Research Center have developed a technology to create silicon nanofibers 15 times stronger than steel. At the same time, they can be made very long - theoretically up to thousands of kilometers. The new technology is already of interest to many companies around the world, primarily in the aviation and shipbuilding industries, where there is a need for lightweight and durable composites.

Nanofibers attract attention with their extreme strength. Material properties at the nanoscale are very different from macroscopic samples - some crystalline materials in the form of nanofibers show tensile strengths in excess of 10 GPa. So far, it has been possible to fabricate crystalline nanofibers only a few millimeters long. Longer fibers have many defects that reduce their strength.

Scientists from the Optoelectronics Research Center turned their attention to silicon dioxide nanofibers, the strength of which is less dependent on single defects. In fact, this is ordinary fiberglass, only made at the nanolevel, which made it possible to dramatically increase their strength.

Experiments have shown that silicon dioxide nanofibers are 15 times stronger than high-strength steel and 10 times stronger than ordinary fiberglass fibers. In the future, this will reduce the weight of composite materials while maintaining their strength. Interestingly, the new nanofibers only become stronger as the diameter decreases. It should also be noted that the raw materials for their manufacture are silicon and oxygen, which are very common elements of the earth's crust. In addition, silicon dioxide nanofibers can be produced by the ton, just like conventional optical fiber, which is widely used in communication technologies today.

A new type of fiber could change the future of composite materials: nanofibers could make planes, helicopters, boats, and so on stronger and lighter.

Other interesting news:

▪ MSI B650M Project Zero Motherboard

▪ Jellyfish of the ancient seas

▪ Games, films and the rise of violence

▪ The cat's brain shrinks

▪ The sad fate of robots

News feed of science and technology, new electronics

Interesting materials of the Free Technical Library:

▪ section of the website Residual current devices. Selection of articles

▪ article Good intentions are destined for you, but nothing is given to accomplish ... Popular expression

▪ Article What is musical rhythm? Detailed answer

▪ article Work on cassette folding machines. Standard instruction on labor protection

▪ article IF generator for tuning receivers. Encyclopedia of radio electronics and electrical engineering

▪ article Power amplifier UM-3 - useful improvements. Encyclopedia of radio electronics and electrical engineering

Leave your comment on this article:

All languages of this page

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews