Amateur astronomy: equipment and first steps

L'astronomie amateur : matériel et premières étapes

IN BRIEF Contemplation of the clear night sky Learning to navigate in the sky Purchasing a pair of binoculars to get started Choosing a telescope suited to your needs Understanding constellations and stars Exploring different types of observation Astronomical photography to capture views Basic concepts and essential equipment to start Regular observations and practice to … Read more

The major discoveries of space probes

Les grandes découvertes des sondes spatiales

IN BRIEF Main objectives: Exploration of the Moon, Jupiter, Mars, and beyond. Voyager 1: The farthest space probe that has transmitted data about interstellar space. Hubble: The first telescope to study the atmosphere of exoplanets. Galileo: A landmark mission around Jupiter, providing images and atmospheric data. Crucial discoveries: Identification of compounds such as sodium in … Read more

The physics of accretion disks around black holes

La physique des disques d'accrétion autour des trous noirs

IN BRIEF Black hole: a region of space with an intense gravitational field. Accretion disk: matter in orbit around a celestial body, often composed of gas and dust. Accretion disks around supermassive black holes: key to observing the accretion of matter. Inclination of the accretion disk and angle of observation influence the detected brightness. Emission … Read more

The properties of white dwarfs

Les propriétés des naines blanches

IN BRIEF Mass: between 0.3 and 1.4 times that of the Sun Volume: similar to that of the Earth Density: very high, resulting in intense gravitational forces Mass-size relation: the greater the mass, the smaller the size Electrons: exert a dominant quantum pressure within these celestial bodies Compactness: makes these celestial bodies sensitive to gravitational … Read more

The role of physics in modern astronomy

Le rôle de la physique en astronomie moderne

IN BRIEF Modern Astronomy: study of celestial objects and their properties. Galileo: pioneer who laid the foundations of modern science. Universal Gravitation: discovery integrating different physical approaches. Atomic Physics: fundamental for understanding the Universe. Astronomical Observations: keys to exploring other planets and life. Links between Physics and Astronomy: unification of disciplines to explain the origin … Read more

Applications of trigonometry in navigation and astronomy

Applications de la trigonométrie dans la navigation et l'astronomie

IN BRIEF Trigonometry: an essential tool for navigation and astronomy. Used to calculate distances between celestial bodies. Foundation of triangulation techniques in maritime and aerial navigation. Helps to predict movements of planets and satellites. Role in the design of astronomical instruments. Importance for studying trajectories in space. Useful for mapping and modern navigation. Practical applications … Read more

Satellites and Orbital Physics: Understanding Space

Les satellites et la physique orbitale : comprendre l'espace

IN BRIEF Orbital mechanics: study of the movements of objects in space. Satellite orbits: relationship between altitude and duration of presence in orbit. Kepler’s laws: foundations of observed planetary movements. Artificial satellite: human-made object orbiting a celestial body. Trajectories: key concept in spatial mechanics for calculating orbits. Types of satellites: varieties ranging from weather to … Read more

Cosmology and the Origin of the Universe

La cosmologie et l'origine de l'univers

IN BRIEF Big Bang: cosmic event marking the origin of the Universe according to the current cosmological model. Origins of the Universe: study of the conditions preceding and following the Big Bang. Formation Eras: the Universe evolved through the radiation era, followed by the matter era. String Theory: suggests that the Big Bang could be … Read more

The limits of the observable universe: how far can we see

Les limites de l'univers observable : jusqu'où peut-on voir

IN BRIEF Observable universe : Visible part of the universe, limited by the cosmic horizon. Size of the universe : Estimated to be at least 96 billion light-years. Cosmic horizon : Boundary beyond which the universe remains opaque. Cosmic microwave background : Light from the Big Bang visible at about 13.8 billion light-years. Expansion of … Read more

Exoplanets and the search for extraterrestrial life

Les exoplanètes et la recherche de vie extraterrestre

IN BRIEF K2-18b: possible shelter for extraterrestrial life. Habitable exoplanets: fewer than expected. Multiplication of discoveries of planetary systems. Importance of advanced telescopes in the 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 … Read more