astronomy

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

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

Dating techniques in the universe

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Les techniques de datation dans l'univers

IN BRIEF Dating methods used to establish the age of objects Carbon 14: the most widespread isotopic method Dendrochronology: dating by tree rings Archaeomagnetism: study of variations in the Earth’s magnetic field Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dating: measuring photons emitted by minerals Potassium-Argon: technique for dating ancient rocks Relative dating vs. absolute dating Use of paramagnetic … Read more

Artificial intelligence in the service of the sciences of the universe

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L'intelligence artificielle au service des sciences de l'univers

IN BRIEF Artificial Intelligence : a revolutionary tool to unlock the mysteries of the Universe. Applications in cosmology to understand dark energy. Numerical methods and simulations at the service of science. Use of machine learning for astronomical research. AI tools to predict the structure of the Universe. Collaboration between mathematics, physics, and AI for significant … Read more

Galaxy superclusters: cosmic megastructures

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Les superamas de galaxies : mégastructures cosmiques

IN BRIEF Superclusters of galaxies: vast groupings of galaxies. Laniakea: a supercluster that extends over nearly 500 million light-years. More than 100,000 galaxies in our supercluster, identified through extensive studies. Superclusters are subdivided into groups of clusters known as galaxy clouds. Cosmic flows: movements of galaxies influenced by gravity. Hyperion: a supercluster of young galaxies, … Read more

Globular clusters: relics of the galactic past

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Les amas globulaires : reliques du passé galactique

IN SHORT Globular clusters: groupings of old and dense stars. Considered as ancient relics of galaxy formation. Orbit around the galactic center at distances of 40 to 100 kiloparsecs. The study of globular clusters has helped to better understand the history of the Milky Way. The existence of dwarf galaxies absorbed into our galaxy explained … Read more

Binary stars and their interactions

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Les étoiles binaires et leurs interactions

IN BRIEF Binary stars: Systems composed of two stars orbiting each other. Birth and evolution: The processes during their formation are still unclear for scientists. Gravitational interactions: Influence the disks of gas and dust around binary stars. Physical measurements: Typology of binary stars allowing for direct observations and analysis. X-ray binary sources: Stars emitting X-rays, … Read more

The cultural impact of astronomical discoveries

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L'impact culturel des découvertes astronomiques

IN BRIEF Evolution of cultural beliefs through cosmic discoveries Influence of astronomy on mythologies and the arts Contribution of Arab astronomers to modern science Impact of observatories on urban planning and the environment Close relationship between astronomy and education of the youth Popular culture and representation of celestial objects Time measurement influenced by celestial cycles … Read more

Neutron stars: characteristics and behaviors

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Les étoiles à neutrons : caractéristiques et comportements

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

Pulsars and their functioning

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Les pulsars et leur fonctionnement

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