Alain Picard 
IN BRIEF State of matter: Plasma, the fourth state after solid, liquid, and gaseous. Composition: Composed of electrons, ions, and neutral gases. Examples: Present in the sun and other stellar environments. Measurements: Conducted by space probes to study the dynamics of plasmas. Applications: Research in astrophysics and high-temperature plasma physics. Interactions: Influenced by external forces … Read more
IN BRIEF Planetary geology and exogeology explore the characteristics of other planets. Earth’s geology is unique, marked by processes such as plate tectonics. The interactions between tectonic plates affect climate and biodiversity. Volcanoes play a crucial role in the Earth’s geological cycle. Processes such as erosion and volcanism shape the landscape. Meteorites provide valuable clues … Read more
IN BRIEF Composition: Superfluid of neutrons, fluid of electrons, and superconducting protons. Density: Mass equivalent to 1.4 times that of the Sun, compressed into a sphere about 20 km in diameter. Rotation: Extremely fast rotations, periods generally varying around 30 milliseconds. Stellar remnant: Remains of a massive star that has exploded in a supernova. Gravitational … Read more
IN BRIEF ISS located at 400 km altitude Orbits the Earth at a speed of 8 km/s Length equivalent to a football field In orbit since 1998 Collaboration of sixteen countries Used for research in astrochemistry and exobiology Completes fifteen revolutions around the Earth per day Laboratory intended for scientific experiments The International Space Station … Read more
IN BRIEF Earth Observation: Monitoring environmental and climatic changes. Meteorology: Accurate weather forecasts using satellite data. Telecommunications: Fast transmission of information across the globe. Surveillance: Monitoring sensitive areas for public safety and national defense. Emergency Management: Assistance for rapid response during natural disasters. Scientific Exploration: Data collection for research and education. Artificial satellites have revolutionized … Read more
IN SHORT Gamma bursts: among the most powerful explosions in the universe. Result from the collapse of massive stars into black holes. Produce jets of radiation with high energy. Violent events: kilonovas and hypernovas. Recent observations thanks to the James Webb telescope. Contribute to the understanding of cosmic formation. Potential danger to Earth, despite the … Read more
IN BRIEF Galactic magnetic fields: possibility of accelerating cosmic rays. Interplanetary magnetic field: values between 10−10 and 10−8 T. Impact of solar wind on the magnetic field. Cosmic magnetic fields influence the structure of stars and galaxies. Variations in the magnetic field of stars: information about their geometry. Study of magnetic fields is crucial for … Read more
IN BRIEF Reexamination of fundamental notions: substance, time, causality. Study of the concepts of evolution regarding the universe and societies. Analysis of the foundations and methods of philosophy of science. Questioning the value and consequences of scientific research. Exploration of the philosophical and spiritual implications of modern physics. Cosmology as a physical system raising philosophical … Read more
IN BRIEF Pulsar: a dense neutron star rotating rapidly Emits electromagnetic radiation like a beacon Radiation linked to its magnetic field and rotation Beam of radio waves sweeps space Interval between pulses varies, typically per second Pulsars can exist in binary systems Ability to recycle itself by absorbing mass from a companion star Gamma pulsars … Read more
IN BRIEF Exploration of the solar system: impact on scientific thinking Discovery of Neptune by Urbain le Verrier in 1846 Comprehensive overview of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies by Peter Bond Role of probes and spacecraft in understanding our system Importance of observation tools: telescopes and remote-controlled probes Rapid evolution of exploration in the … Read more