Alain Picard

The constellations: a guide for beginners in celestial observation

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Les constellations : guide pour débutants en observation céleste

IN BRIEF Introduction to constellations and their importance in astronomy. Identification of easy constellations: Big Dipper, Orion, Cassiopeia. Using a sky chart for observation. Practical tips for starting astronomical observation. Applications and tools available to recognize stars. Steps to familiarize yourself with the night sky. Resources to deepen your knowledge and observation techniques. Discovering the … Read more

Space telescopes: essential tools for understanding the universe

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Les télescopes spatiaux : outils essentiels pour comprendre l'univers

IN BRIEF Space telescopes: key instruments for exploring the universe. Hubble Telescope: a pioneer in observing galaxies and stars. James Webb Telescope: enables the study of exoplanets and their atmosphere. Infrared observation to detect distant and faint objects. Contribution to the understanding of cosmic ecosystems. Positioning at the Lagrange L2 point for optimal observations. Exploration … Read more

The role of cosmic rays in the universe

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Le rôle des rayons cosmiques dans l'univers

IN BRIEF Cosmic rays: high-energy subatomic particles coming from space. Messengers of violent events in the universe. Composed mainly of protons and atomic nuclei. Create large showers of secondary particles upon their manifestation. Constantly bombard the Earth and impact our atmosphere. Represent one of the greatest dangers for astronauts in space exploration. Play a crucial … Read more

The study of variable stars in astrophysics

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L’étude des étoiles variables en astrophysique

IN SHORT Variable stars: celestial bodies that show variations in brightness. Two main types: Cepheids and RR Lyrae stars. Periodic volume variations affecting brightness and spectrum. Essential for estimating astronomical distances. Constantly increasing cataloging, with a variety of characteristics. Used to determine stellar dynamics. Long-period variable stars: red supergiants with marked brightness variations. Interest in … Read more

translated_content> Applied geophysics to other planets

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La géophysique appliquée à d'autres planètes

IN BRIEF Planetary geophysics: study of the physical characteristics of other planets. Use of geophysical methods to explore internal and external structure. Application of principles from physics and astronomy. Analysis of natural phenomena on other celestial bodies. Development of tools like Dynamico to model atmospheric circulation. Assessment of climatic conditions on other planets. Importance of … Read more

International collaborations in space exploration

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Les collaborations internationales dans l'exploration spatiale

IN BRIEF Space agencies involved: NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, JAXA. Quick cooperation between countries in space missions. Collaboration for projects like the International Space Station. Shared missions to the Moon and Mars. Progress in research thanks to international teams. JWST and other major projects in collaboration. New players in the New Space field. Space exploration is … Read more

Space resources: opportunities and challenges

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Les ressources spatiales : opportunités et défis

IN BRIEF Exploitation of space resources: a major economic opportunity. Challenges related to sustainability and regulations. Link between human exploration of space and space medicine. Importance of micro-mini reusable launchers. Extraterrestrial resources: a solution to terrestrial scarcity. ISRU: fuel production from local resources. New Space: empowering the private sector. Space resources represent a fascinating frontier … Read more

Space agencies and their role in research

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Les agences spatiales et leur rôle dans la recherche

IN BRIEF Space agencies: State agencies dedicated to the study of Space. Main role: Develop and manage space programs. CNES: National Center for Space Studies, a key player in France. ESA: European Space Agency, providing resources to the European Union. Missions: Earth observation, exploration of the solar system, astrophysics. Research and development: 65% of the … Read more

The Martian Robots: Technologies and Discoveries

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Les robots martiens : technologies et découvertes

IN BRIEF Martian robots: exploration of the red planet. Perseverance and Zhurong: missions of 2021. Mars Exploration Rover: NASA mission of 2003. Spirit and Opportunity: rovers of 2004. Sojourner: first robot on Mars, 1997. Resilient Technology in the face of hostile conditions. Education: using robots to spark interest in young people. Geological discoveries and analysis … Read more

Extreme biology: lessons learned from space conditions

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La biologie extrême : leçons tirées des conditions spatiales

IN BRIEF Space biology: Study of the effects of extreme conditions on living organisms. Microgravity: Impact on the human body, cellular and physiological adaptation. Extreme stress: Human reactions to space conditions. Extremophiles: Organisms requiring extreme conditions to live. Space missions: Technological innovations and research under extreme conditions. Light: Effects on astronauts and plants during prolonged … Read more