Alain Picard

The exoplanets and the search for extraterrestrial life

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The exoplanets and the search for extraterrestrial life

IN BRIEF K2-18b: possible refuge for extraterrestrial life. Habitable exoplanets: fewer than expected. Multiplication of discoveries of planetary systems. Importance of advanced telescopes in research. Search for signs of life in the atmospheres of exoplanets. International collaboration to explore habitable planets. New strategies to detect extraterrestrial life. Reflection on the intellectual challenges of this research. … Read more

Recent discoveries on Mars

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Recent discoveries on Mars

IN BRIEF The rover Curiosity discovered the presence of sulfates on Mars, indicating an environment conducive to life. Pure sulfur was identified for the first time, enriching our knowledge of the red planet. A study revealed fossilized witnesses of a cyclical climate, similar to that of Earth. Scientists discovered an impressive volcano with a height … Read more

Les galaxies spirales : caractéristiques et mystères

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Les galaxies spirales : caractéristiques et mystères

IN BRIEF Spiral galaxies: clusters of hundreds of billions of stars Structure in the shape of a disk and central bulge Formed by the collapse of hydrogen and helium clouds Spiraled arms influenced by giant molecular clouds Notable examples like the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy Variety of shapes: spiral, elliptical, barred, and irregular … Read more

The role of black holes in the universe

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The role of black holes in the universe

IN BRIEF Definition: Celestial objects with intense gravitational fields. Composition: Very compact, high mass/size ratio. Role: Impact on galaxy growth. Event horizon: The limit beyond which nothing can escape. Time travel: The gravity of a black hole allows for time dilation. Environment: Influence on galactic structures and their dynamics. Scientific research: Studies conducted to understand … Read more

Understand the formation of stars

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Understand the formation of stars

IN BRIEF Birth of stars: Formation from the gravitational collapse of a nebula. Protostars: Clouds of gas that continue to collapse to develop a star. Composition: Balls of gas primarily made of hydrogen and helium. Process: Gravitational collapse of interstellar clouds. Stellar evolution: Life cycle encompassing the birth, evolution, and death of stars. Ongoing formation: … Read more