I came across a great article by Eliezer S. Yudkowsky entitled Twelve Virtues of Rationality. Upon reading it I found that someone else wrote perfectly what I have found to be part of my own personal philosophy.
It describes twelve ideas that are critical for anyone to have a thoroughly rational mind. Things such as curiosity, argument and simplicity amongst others. While I had never read this article in the past, I find that the items chosen line up quite well with my own views. They are the things that both drive me and temper me. The ideas that help me find new lines of inquiry as well as weed out unnecessary concepts. And just like any set of views learned by someone over time, each new concept builds upon the previous just like new scientific ideas build upon old ones.
While I advise you to read the article in its entirety, I would also like to put forth my take. As I have come to similar conclusions on my own, it only makes sense to display my own views on them. Because we have taken different paths, yet reached the same conclusion, I believe it is a testament to how these concepts are intrinsic to the 'spirit' of rationality.
1. Curiosity.
I have always had a curious mind. Whenever I have come across something I have to understand it as well as how it integrates into what I already know. For many curiosity is, itself, a curiosity. Something that comes up now and then to be pondered over momentarily only to be put away again. But for me, and many others, it is a driving force. It is almost an insatiable need to know, to understand. If something that is unknown is uncovered, all the better as then one is able to indulge their curiosity further with a bit of speculation. This leads only to more questions with which one may pursue, creating an ever expanding playground with which to enjoy.
2. Relinquishment.
Whenever one commits themselves to a rational existence, there will come a time when previously believed or even cherished views will be contested or even destroyed. For many this is terrifying, leaving them with a sense of falling and nothing to grab a hold of. For me, it is exhilarating. To think, the world could be, no, will be, different than I had previously envisioned! This ties in with curiosity for often it is only an inquisitive mind that is willing to put long held views to the test.
3. Lightness.
As relinquishment requires us to let go of our tight grasp upon the old, lightness would have us embrace the new. Know that evidence will come about to upset old ideas and only through letting that evidence take us where it will can we ever hope to know the facts. The data might not always tell us what we want to hear, but as the adage goes "the universe doesn't care what you believe". It has been through such lightness that I have come to be able to call myself an atheist. Had I not embraced it, I would be stuck denying the evidence as so many still do.
4. Evenness.
With the previous three in mind, we must all be cautious about our demands. Far too often a person will only show these traits when questioning the ideas of others. Yet if we do not equally question our own and ourselves then we are bound to lose our intellectual honesty. If the ideas you hold are truly more accurate than those of whom you question, you have nothing to fear, for they shall be supported by the evidence. If they are not, then you have freed yourself from the shackles of inaccuracy that would otherwise weigh you down.
5. Argument.
While some claim that argument only causes dissension, I often find this is because they either fear for their long held beliefs or because they only know purely emotional arguments. If it is the former, then they must go back a few steps before continuing on. If the later, then it is because of lack of general rationality in our culture. Personally, I would prefer to label this one as 'debate', if only because it does not have the emotional connotations that argument has for far to many. But whatever you decide to call it, it is essential. Only through the tossing back and forth of ideas, through pointing out flaws and attempting to refine our own views can we hope to ever understand anything. Far to many shy away from this one when it is vitally important if we are ever to understand anything.
6. Empiricism.
Once one is willing to employ the previous five virtues, one can properly begin their search for understanding of the universe. While some may claim there are many ways to 'know', it is only through empirical evidence that we can hope to truly understand anything. If we do not use this technique, we will forever be lost within a maelstrom of conflicting views with no way of knowing which one actually reflects reality.
7. Simplicity.
A good hypothesis is one that describes the data in the shortest possible way. The more extraneous explanations that are added, the more likely it is that there is still yet more to uncover. This view has, unfortunately, been hijacked by some stating that the supernatural is the simplest view. That 'god did it' is a more elegant way of explaining the universe than what the evidence would lead us to believe. This ignores the fact that such an explanation ignores and/or dismisses the data. As such, it is not the simplest answer, but a false one. The simplest answer may appear complex, but this is only because no shorter answer would be able to describe the available data. As Einstein said "Things should be as simple as possible, but no simpler." This is the heart of Occam's Razor.
8. Humility.
This can be described simply as 'admit when you are wrong and then do something about it'. Just admitting your failure is not enough, for it does not change anything. Only after one changes their views to match the evidence may they call themselves humble. If you cannot do this, then you are only slightly better than those who actively lie for their position. You may not be forcefully spreading disinformation, but by not changing your own views, you are lending your support to them.
9. Perfectionism.
A perfectionist seeks out errors. They check and double check to weed out inconsistencies and contradictions. This must be done both inside and out. While we can never hope to eliminate them all, the more we try the better the verisimilitude we can construct. Both our theories and our minds are built upon a web of connections, each strand giving credence to all those it connects with. If one strand is misplaced, all those that connect with it will inherit this error and spread it on to all those they are connected with. Only be seeking out these misalignments can we hope to ever properly understand anything.
10. Precision.
While some may say this one is the same as perfectionism, it is again a case of one building off the previous. In perfectionism, one must search to better their data and themselves, where as precision is how one samples the data that must later be scrutinized. It also augments perfectionism in two ways. First, with greater precision, one will have less need of an all encompassing perfectionism. Second, it may be applied to perfectionism itself. With greater precision comes a higher degree of refinement and thus a more accurate understanding.
11. Scholarship.
While often seen as only formal education, scholarship is much more, it is a very mindset. It is curiosity refined through all the intermediate virtues. It is the raw thirst for data tempered by a proper understanding of how one should go about things to garner the best results. Scholarship should also not be limited. While it is impossible to learn everything about everything, the more one tries, the more one realizes the inter-connectivity of all things.
12. The Nameless Virtue.
This is the most esoteric of all the virtues and the most difficult to attain. It is the driving purpose and the understanding made one. It is the sense of unity with that which has been revealed. It is the awe and wonder at the functioning of the universe while attempting to make that information your own. It is about being able to no longer differentiate the data from yourself while distancing enough so as not to become attached should it ever be overturned. It is the ability to see the whole as well as the uniquely functioning parts at the same moment. It is a state of ever changing zen. It is a scientific nirvana.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
300 million year old fossil fish brain discovered
Though it is rare, soft tissue does fossilize under the right conditions. However brain tissue rarely does due to its high water content. As such, researchers have to rely on the shape of the brain case of well preserved specimens. But recently, a preserved brain was discovered within the fossil skull of a fish known as an Iniopterygian, specifically, a member of the genus Sibyrhynchus. These unusual cartilaginous fish were most closely related to the modern Chimeras and lived from the Devonian to the Carboniferous. They had large, dorsally situated pectoral fins that were thought to be used to 'fly' through the water as well as possibly in mating. This discovery marks the oldest known fossil of any brain, or as I like to call it, the oldest bit of zombie rock candy.
The fossil skull was found in Kansas in pristine shape. Many have already noted the irony of finding such an important fossil, especially considering that it is in the form of a brain, within a state with some of the highest percentages of creationists in the country.
Many fossils become flattened due to the pressures of the rock above, but in some cases, non-compressed fossils are found. In these instances, the samples are sent off for imaging to determine the internal structures of the specimen and in hopes of finding some hidden goodies. Upon being taken to European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) a type of industrial grade CT scan, known as x-ray synchrotron microtomography was performed. This technique revealed a denser structure within the brain case, prompting to researchers to try a newer technique designed to reveal finer structures as well as put the specimen in a flashy 3-D view. This technique, know as X-ray holotomography revealed the fossilized brain in all its glory.
With this discovery, many are wondering if fossil brains could be more common but have been overlooked due to imprecise imaging techniques. If this is so, a more detailed understanding of the evolution of the brain may be possible.
The fossil skull was found in Kansas in pristine shape. Many have already noted the irony of finding such an important fossil, especially considering that it is in the form of a brain, within a state with some of the highest percentages of creationists in the country.
Many fossils become flattened due to the pressures of the rock above, but in some cases, non-compressed fossils are found. In these instances, the samples are sent off for imaging to determine the internal structures of the specimen and in hopes of finding some hidden goodies. Upon being taken to European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) a type of industrial grade CT scan, known as x-ray synchrotron microtomography was performed. This technique revealed a denser structure within the brain case, prompting to researchers to try a newer technique designed to reveal finer structures as well as put the specimen in a flashy 3-D view. This technique, know as X-ray holotomography revealed the fossilized brain in all its glory.
With this discovery, many are wondering if fossil brains could be more common but have been overlooked due to imprecise imaging techniques. If this is so, a more detailed understanding of the evolution of the brain may be possible.
It seems people actually like my writing
Despite not having as much time to write lately, things are still expanding for my blog and my writing in general. Recently, I was invited to start writing for the webzine Mad Mikes America. My author page there can be found here. I have also been hired by the national edition of the Examiner to write for their Science and Nature section.
But this doesn't mean that things will change for this blog. It is where I started and because it is mine, I can write whatever I like whenever I wish. I also am allowed to cross-post for both sites so, as for now, I plan on writing everything here and then posting relevant articles on the other sites.
With having been hired by the Examiner, I will be getting paid per page view. So for any of those who wish to help me a bit but cannot donate for whatever reason, just stop by one of my articles there and let someone else do the paying.
Also, because of the standards of both sites I shall have to write using my real name. While I'll still be known as Cyc around the blogosphere, for these, and any other places I might end up writing for (I can hope at least), I shall write as Chris Buescher.
When I started to write I had little hope of getting anywhere really. Just to enjoy a tiny niche with perhaps a few people who enjoyed my writing. While I still don't expect for much, it is reassuring to know that I am at least expanding myself a bit.
There might even be more in store. While it isn't certain, I might start up a collaboration with fellow blogger Misa Akane. She approached me about using some of my material, past and future, as material for a video blog. I had wanted to branch out into vblogging but seem not to be as articulate when I'm trying to talk to a camera. Since this isn't a problem for Misa, it only made sense to give it a try. And besides, who would you rather watch and listen to, my nerdy self of the stunning Misa Akane?
But this doesn't mean that things will change for this blog. It is where I started and because it is mine, I can write whatever I like whenever I wish. I also am allowed to cross-post for both sites so, as for now, I plan on writing everything here and then posting relevant articles on the other sites.
With having been hired by the Examiner, I will be getting paid per page view. So for any of those who wish to help me a bit but cannot donate for whatever reason, just stop by one of my articles there and let someone else do the paying.
Also, because of the standards of both sites I shall have to write using my real name. While I'll still be known as Cyc around the blogosphere, for these, and any other places I might end up writing for (I can hope at least), I shall write as Chris Buescher.
When I started to write I had little hope of getting anywhere really. Just to enjoy a tiny niche with perhaps a few people who enjoyed my writing. While I still don't expect for much, it is reassuring to know that I am at least expanding myself a bit.
There might even be more in store. While it isn't certain, I might start up a collaboration with fellow blogger Misa Akane. She approached me about using some of my material, past and future, as material for a video blog. I had wanted to branch out into vblogging but seem not to be as articulate when I'm trying to talk to a camera. Since this isn't a problem for Misa, it only made sense to give it a try. And besides, who would you rather watch and listen to, my nerdy self of the stunning Misa Akane?
Osama bin Laden is dead
While the news of this has probably spread worldwide by now, it wouldn't be fitting to not mention this event. An American force struck a compound in Pakistan and have killed Osama bin Laden. He was found in a compound in a sub-urban area approximately 35 miles from Islamabad. During the strike, no American forces were harmed despite one of the helicopters used in the strike having mechanical problems and having to be crash landed. Shortly after the media was informed of bin Laden's death, President Obama gave a speech to confirm the event.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Zemfira
For my Russian readers, the name Zemfira is a most likely a name with which they are quite familiar with. For those who are not so lucky, I shall have to rectify this.
Zemfira and her band have been together since 1998 where their talent was immediately noticed and their popularity quickly grew. After being picked up by a label out of Moscow who pushed to have their music and videos played everywhere possible, the band soon saw found a loyal following right from the start. For those who have listened to them, it is not hard to see why.
Most bands, when you listen to them, it is often not hard to pick out just when they made their music. Since no one makes music in a vacuum, influences of the times seep into the music. But every so often you can come across a group who stands out as being more than a decade. Instead they take what they like no matter when or where it may have come from, fusing together styles and eras. Zemfira not only does this, but is a master of it. Zemfira's main musical passion is rock and has been since her brother introduced it to her. While other styles abound within her music, her rock influences are always there in some way or another. Now this isn't the modern rock sound that is far too often forgettable. But ranges from easily discernible influences such as The Beatles and Black Sabbath amongst many others to more localized rock bands to whatever interests her at the moment. Each song is different yet there is a feel that is distinctly Zemfira to each one.
I encountered her music by chance, I had never heard of her but the potential for a new discovery is always worth the listen. I have a love of music in various languages as it is, so her singing in her native Russian only enhanced the sound for me. The variety and musical talent of her and her band is what hooked me. I was able to track down a copy of her album Spasibo (Thank You) from 2007. This album is still one of my favorites. It ranges from energetic and fun to emotional and moving and just about everywhere else. There seems to be little Zemfira cannot invoke.
But I could wax on eternal and you would still have little knowledge of Zemfira's sound. So I have tracked down a few songs via youtube. All songs are from the album Spasibo as I am best able to chose from those that I have (and because attempting to track down videos whose text is either in Romanized Russian or, even harder, in Cyrillic type is difficult if you don't know you are looking for).
First is V Metro. This was the first song I heard by Zemfira and I immediately loved the feel. The influences are across the board here so it would just be best to listen.
I wanted to include an embedded copy of Voskresen'e, but the only version I could find that wasn't a low quality live version has disallowed embedding. So you will have to follow the link to hear it, which I advice you do, unless you don't want to hear what brings to mind a Russian, female fronted version of late era Beatles.
And finally, a proper video. This is the original music video for the song My Razbivaemsya. It can be described, simply, as beautiful. Piano and strings get me every time.
Zemfira and her band have been together since 1998 where their talent was immediately noticed and their popularity quickly grew. After being picked up by a label out of Moscow who pushed to have their music and videos played everywhere possible, the band soon saw found a loyal following right from the start. For those who have listened to them, it is not hard to see why.
Most bands, when you listen to them, it is often not hard to pick out just when they made their music. Since no one makes music in a vacuum, influences of the times seep into the music. But every so often you can come across a group who stands out as being more than a decade. Instead they take what they like no matter when or where it may have come from, fusing together styles and eras. Zemfira not only does this, but is a master of it. Zemfira's main musical passion is rock and has been since her brother introduced it to her. While other styles abound within her music, her rock influences are always there in some way or another. Now this isn't the modern rock sound that is far too often forgettable. But ranges from easily discernible influences such as The Beatles and Black Sabbath amongst many others to more localized rock bands to whatever interests her at the moment. Each song is different yet there is a feel that is distinctly Zemfira to each one.
I encountered her music by chance, I had never heard of her but the potential for a new discovery is always worth the listen. I have a love of music in various languages as it is, so her singing in her native Russian only enhanced the sound for me. The variety and musical talent of her and her band is what hooked me. I was able to track down a copy of her album Spasibo (Thank You) from 2007. This album is still one of my favorites. It ranges from energetic and fun to emotional and moving and just about everywhere else. There seems to be little Zemfira cannot invoke.
But I could wax on eternal and you would still have little knowledge of Zemfira's sound. So I have tracked down a few songs via youtube. All songs are from the album Spasibo as I am best able to chose from those that I have (and because attempting to track down videos whose text is either in Romanized Russian or, even harder, in Cyrillic type is difficult if you don't know you are looking for).
First is V Metro. This was the first song I heard by Zemfira and I immediately loved the feel. The influences are across the board here so it would just be best to listen.
I wanted to include an embedded copy of Voskresen'e, but the only version I could find that wasn't a low quality live version has disallowed embedding. So you will have to follow the link to hear it, which I advice you do, unless you don't want to hear what brings to mind a Russian, female fronted version of late era Beatles.
And finally, a proper video. This is the original music video for the song My Razbivaemsya. It can be described, simply, as beautiful. Piano and strings get me every time.
10 (brain-dead) ways to withstand hurtful trials in life
There are few things that can get me in a mood for writing as finding someone's attempt to compile a list to help others and just eviscerating it with its own logical inconsistencies. While some may consider this callous or cruel, I think of it as something much more benign. Because of my mockery, some of these people may very well sit down and consider how to improve their writing and their own ways of thinking...Ok, that is utter bullshit, it is really just for my own amusement.
So today I have for you "10 WAYS TO WITHSTAND HURTFUL TRIALS IN LIFE". Why they are screaming the title at me I have yet to figure out. It isn't because of an addiction to caps-lock as the rest of the article is written in a more normal, non-yelling format.
This is a list of ways to stay blissfully happy in the Christian god despite living in a world where bad things happen. Unfortunately, once I realized the writer was serious and this was not just a sick joke, I found that the list did more to make me depressed than joyful. On the site, there is a long explanation following each item, but for brevity's sake, I shall just include the main item unless the text is too foolish not to share with you.
Remember that time you came down with that crippling case of Giardia? Do you know why you were doubled over in pain, covered in your own excrement and wishing only for a quick death instead of enjoying your moment of bonding with one of god's wonderful creations? It is because you had the wrong frame of mind! Just think happy thoughts and you will find all that torment becomes a joyous experience you will want to share with everyone!
That's right, god would never abandon his beloved children! Which is why he has such a devoted priesthood that will do everything in their power to fill the children of the world with their 'love'.
The author is right, Job never questioned the slaughtering of his whole family and his own torment for years on end and look what it got him. A nice new shiny family! His family 2.0 was surly better than the old and outdated models he used to have and never once would have grieved for the loss of such standard and boring models. After all, what are children other than a completely replaceable resource? So if you ever have those you love torn away from you, don't question god because if you are good you'll get a brand new set! And if you don't get them then you obviously questioned god's plan for you and didn't deserve it.
At first I wasn't sure what the author meant here, but upon reading a bit of the accompanying text, I believe I understand. Apparently god knows what he is doing and if you were to get into a car wreck, break your neck and spend the rest of your life as a quadriplegic, it will totally make you a better person and teach you a lesson about...I don't know, the frailness of human life or some other crap to make you feel better unless you actually thought about it.
Yes, all your suffering, it is all to fulfill god's will. And what might his will be? Apparently to turn your life into a bad reality series while he laughs manically above us all.
Imagine if other places held this policy. "Welcome to Disneyland, now before you enter, we will have to beat you with this bat covered in barbed wire until you pass out from blood loss. This way, after you regain consciousness, you will be worthy to enter and truly enjoy your stay!"
Isn't this just a rehashing of the past four on this list? Has the author started to run out of ideas already or does he need to keep reminding himself that his miserable existence is the way his god wants it to be?
Countries the world over are facing economic downturns and here we see the real answer to everyone's woes. Just ignore it and hope it goes away! Haven't you been reading anything this person has written, god knows what he is doing and to question it is wrong. Just be happy with your debt and the constant fear of unemployment!
Hasn't the author been saying the whole time to just go with what god is already doing? Wouldn't asking god for a bit of help or even asking him what the fuck his problem is be going against the whole idea of an omnipotent deity? In fact, is there any reason to pray at all in light of such a god other than to tell him how much you are enjoying your misery or perhaps a bit of ass-kissing in hopes it will appease the bastard enough so he might leave you alone for a bit?
Because if you believe that god is going to help everyone, what is the point in intervening to make someone else's life a bit better? In fact, wouldn't doing so possibly be getting in the way of the suffering that god loves to inflict so very much (for their own good of course)? Is there any reason to do anything then? If god has it all under control why bother with that annoying empathy and all that hard humanitarian work when you could be sitting at home and enjoying yourself (that is, if god hasn't targeted you for 'misery duty' this week).
It is official, if anyone, anywhere agrees to this list in any way they can never consider themselves morally superior to someone such as myself who seems to think helping others is a good thing.
So today I have for you "10 WAYS TO WITHSTAND HURTFUL TRIALS IN LIFE". Why they are screaming the title at me I have yet to figure out. It isn't because of an addiction to caps-lock as the rest of the article is written in a more normal, non-yelling format.
This is a list of ways to stay blissfully happy in the Christian god despite living in a world where bad things happen. Unfortunately, once I realized the writer was serious and this was not just a sick joke, I found that the list did more to make me depressed than joyful. On the site, there is a long explanation following each item, but for brevity's sake, I shall just include the main item unless the text is too foolish not to share with you.
1. Consider trials as pure joy
Remember that time you came down with that crippling case of Giardia? Do you know why you were doubled over in pain, covered in your own excrement and wishing only for a quick death instead of enjoying your moment of bonding with one of god's wonderful creations? It is because you had the wrong frame of mind! Just think happy thoughts and you will find all that torment becomes a joyous experience you will want to share with everyone!
2. Remember that God never abandons His children
That's right, god would never abandon his beloved children! Which is why he has such a devoted priesthood that will do everything in their power to fill the children of the world with their 'love'.
3. Never doubt the goodness of God
In the midst of bitter experiences, we, like Job, should not stop in our services and faithfulness to God.
The author is right, Job never questioned the slaughtering of his whole family and his own torment for years on end and look what it got him. A nice new shiny family! His family 2.0 was surly better than the old and outdated models he used to have and never once would have grieved for the loss of such standard and boring models. After all, what are children other than a completely replaceable resource? So if you ever have those you love torn away from you, don't question god because if you are good you'll get a brand new set! And if you don't get them then you obviously questioned god's plan for you and didn't deserve it.
4. Believe that ‘God will change trials for your own good’
Believe that all things are for the better. Even the bitter experiences will be turned by God into experiences that are for your good.
At first I wasn't sure what the author meant here, but upon reading a bit of the accompanying text, I believe I understand. Apparently god knows what he is doing and if you were to get into a car wreck, break your neck and spend the rest of your life as a quadriplegic, it will totally make you a better person and teach you a lesson about...I don't know, the frailness of human life or some other crap to make you feel better unless you actually thought about it.
5. ‘Hardships are great boost for us to fulfill God’s will’
Yes, all your suffering, it is all to fulfill god's will. And what might his will be? Apparently to turn your life into a bad reality series while he laughs manically above us all.
6. ‘Sufferings prepare us for God’s Kingdom’
Imagine if other places held this policy. "Welcome to Disneyland, now before you enter, we will have to beat you with this bat covered in barbed wire until you pass out from blood loss. This way, after you regain consciousness, you will be worthy to enter and truly enjoy your stay!"
7. ‘God knows what is best’
Isn't this just a rehashing of the past four on this list? Has the author started to run out of ideas already or does he need to keep reminding himself that his miserable existence is the way his god wants it to be?
8. Do not worry about economic trouble
Countries the world over are facing economic downturns and here we see the real answer to everyone's woes. Just ignore it and hope it goes away! Haven't you been reading anything this person has written, god knows what he is doing and to question it is wrong. Just be happy with your debt and the constant fear of unemployment!
9. Ask God
Hasn't the author been saying the whole time to just go with what god is already doing? Wouldn't asking god for a bit of help or even asking him what the fuck his problem is be going against the whole idea of an omnipotent deity? In fact, is there any reason to pray at all in light of such a god other than to tell him how much you are enjoying your misery or perhaps a bit of ass-kissing in hopes it will appease the bastard enough so he might leave you alone for a bit?
10. Believe that God helps those who are in trouble
Because if you believe that god is going to help everyone, what is the point in intervening to make someone else's life a bit better? In fact, wouldn't doing so possibly be getting in the way of the suffering that god loves to inflict so very much (for their own good of course)? Is there any reason to do anything then? If god has it all under control why bother with that annoying empathy and all that hard humanitarian work when you could be sitting at home and enjoying yourself (that is, if god hasn't targeted you for 'misery duty' this week).
It is official, if anyone, anywhere agrees to this list in any way they can never consider themselves morally superior to someone such as myself who seems to think helping others is a good thing.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Endeavor to deliver stamp sized "Sprite" micro-satellite experiment to ISS
The Space Shuttle Endeavor currently sits on the launch pad awaiting her final launch. On board is a tiny experiment that, if successful, could become a new and inexpensive tool for the exploration of space.
Developed by Cornell University's Space Systems Design Studio, these postage stamp sized satellites named "Sprites" are to be mounted on the International Space Station's (ISS) Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE-8) pallet. They will be mounted externally so that they may experience the full affects of space. They will then be sent back to Earth in several years to study how they withstood the rigors of space. Three nearly identical Sprites will be mounted on ISS with the only difference being that each will transmit with a unique radio signature so that they can be told apart by researchers on the ground.
Other than their size, what makes Sprites so unusual is that they do not use an active form of propulsion. In fact they have no propulsion device mounted at all. Instead, the chip and the sun are its propulsion. Relying on solar winds, masses of these satellites could drift on the sun's currents of particles like bits of space dust. While the concept of solar sails was firs proposed back in the 1920's, the concept was recently proven by the Japanese probe IKAROS.
Once the Sprites reach a planet (or even released near one by a larger craft), they would be able to take a wide variety of readings such as atmospheric pressure, radiation, and chemistry, amongst others. Some could drift down through the atmosphere, transmitting back their readings while others could ride the electro-magnetic currents that surround many planets. With each transmitting with different signatures, large masses of data could be transmitted at once giving a wealth of information. And all done for less than it would cost to launch a single traditional satellite.
 |
| The actual size of a Sprite satellite. |
Developed by Cornell University's Space Systems Design Studio, these postage stamp sized satellites named "Sprites" are to be mounted on the International Space Station's (ISS) Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE-8) pallet. They will be mounted externally so that they may experience the full affects of space. They will then be sent back to Earth in several years to study how they withstood the rigors of space. Three nearly identical Sprites will be mounted on ISS with the only difference being that each will transmit with a unique radio signature so that they can be told apart by researchers on the ground.
Other than their size, what makes Sprites so unusual is that they do not use an active form of propulsion. In fact they have no propulsion device mounted at all. Instead, the chip and the sun are its propulsion. Relying on solar winds, masses of these satellites could drift on the sun's currents of particles like bits of space dust. While the concept of solar sails was firs proposed back in the 1920's, the concept was recently proven by the Japanese probe IKAROS.
Once the Sprites reach a planet (or even released near one by a larger craft), they would be able to take a wide variety of readings such as atmospheric pressure, radiation, and chemistry, amongst others. Some could drift down through the atmosphere, transmitting back their readings while others could ride the electro-magnetic currents that surround many planets. With each transmitting with different signatures, large masses of data could be transmitted at once giving a wealth of information. And all done for less than it would cost to launch a single traditional satellite.
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