Star Parties

A star party is a gathering of amateur astronomers for the purpose of observing the sky.

Local star parties may be one night affairs, but larger events can last up to a week or longer and attract hundreds or even thousands of participants. Many regional star parties are now held annually and are an important part of the hobby of amateur astronomy. Typically a dark sky site away from light pollution is chosen as a location.

Participants bring telescopes and binoculars of all types and sizes and spend the nights observing astronomical objects such as planets, comets, stars, and deep sky objects together. Astrophotography and CCD imaging are also very popular. At larger star parties, lectures, swap meets, exhibitions of home-built telescopes, contests, tours, raffles, and other similar activities are common.

Commercial vendors selling a variety of astronomical equipment may also be present. As with any other hobbyist gathering, there is much camaraderie and discussion of various aspects of the hobby at any star party.

m0iety:

The Immortal Jellyfish

While the humans have been looking for the elixir of life throughout every period of history, it appears that there is one species of jellyfish that are actually immortal. Turritopsis nutricula is able to transform its cells from mature state back to immaturity, in other words – back to youth. The medusa leads a regular cycle of life, but after maturing and mating, it reverts back to its initial state – a polyp colony.

The process is referred to as “transdifferentiation”, and it basically makes the jellyfish unable to die. The bell-shaped immortal jellyfish measures up to a maximum of about 4.5 millimeters (0.18 in) and is about the same in its length and width. Originating in the Caribbean, it has now spread worldwide, and the discovery of its unique ability has heated up many discussions among the scientists. Some claim that their mystery is soon to be solved and applied to humans, while others only expect it to improve the quality of life at our final stages.

(Source:  Wikipedia and NY Times)

(Image source:  Takashi Murai)

gallium-knight:

thefrogman:

[video] [h/t: beenwandering]

Your cats want to understand physics. If you learn physics, your cats will have more to discuss with you.

itscolossal:

This is what happens when you run water through a 24hz sine wave.