Astronomy 2009 Singapore
The pollution of our Universe
Written by Administrator Wednesday, 22 December 2010 09:05
The world we live in today is increasing in pollution, no doubt about it. Even though there are many skeptics out there, the truth is that a good portion of this pollution is caused by humans. It is true that natural causes such as volcanic eruptions and forest fires are not helping. But the fact remains that humans are dumping exorbitant amounts of pollution into the air. When we look at human history since the beginning of the industrial age, it is as if we have kept coming up with ingenious ways to make the universe a little more polluted. Inventions such as steam engine, internal combustion engines, factories and industrial farming are some of the major ways in which we pollute the universe.
It goes without saying that all of this pollution is not good for life on this planet. In fact, some scientist believe that, if it were possible to bring back a human to the present, who lived hundreds or thousands of years ago, he or she would suffer serious health consequences. All environmentalists agree that the lion’s share of pollution comes from internal combustion engines and industrial farming. Out of these 2, people are surprised to find out that industrial farming holds the number 1 position, roughly 13% and 18% respectively. By industrial farming it is meant by ranches and farms involved in beef, pork and poultry farming.
Not many people realize that bringing up alls those cows, pigs and chickens require huge amount of food and water. In order to get all that food, vast tracks of forests have been cleared to grow feed for the animals. This in turn produces fecal matter which releases methane gases into the atmosphere. Needless to say, all of this together causes a huge amount of pollution. The pollution caused by internal combustion engines is more obvious. This is why it is easier for people to understand. We see cars, trucks and planes on a daily basis, and they spout smoke as they go by. All of these different sources together are increasing the amounts of green house gases. Interestingly, people do not seem to have problem being told to cut back on driving, or to drive a more efficient car. But for some reason nobody wants to tackle the meat industry. Perhaps it’s because food is touchier subject than driving.
Another cause for pollution, albeit in a smaller way, is smoking. Even though it may seem small and harmless, the fact is that all those people who smoke put together are not helping the situation. The number of smokers in the world put together is close to three quarters of a billion. That is a lot of cigarettes going up in smoke everyday. A good solution to this is the electronic or e-cigarette like from New Smoke. It is designed to steam up water and pass it through a chamber of nicotine. When the person draws the steam will pass through the nicotine, which the person inhales. Therefore it is steam that is being inhaled and exhaled, not smoke.
Astronomy in Singapore
Last Updated on Monday, 20 December 2010 08:14 Written by Administrator Monday, 20 December 2010 08:11
Singapore is a wonderful. bustling metropolis, but poor observation opportunities exist in Singapore for the following reasons:
• High-rise housing estates emit heavy light pollutants that obscure the area with sodium and mercury light
• Singapore has a high cloud cover due to its geographical position near the Equator and the South China Sea
• High-rise buildings obstruct the view of the horizon, limiting night-time sky visibility
• People in Singapore have few opportunities to view, appreciate, and understand the majestic beauty of the night sky. The Astronomy Clubs and special scientific institutions in Singapore seek to remedy this condition by creating opportunities for people to appreciate the wonders of the night sky.
Astronomy Clubs
There are many Astronomy Clubs in Singapore. The Astronomical Society of Singapore (TASOS), classified as “an official interest group,” is the oldest and the most popular society. The club hosts many events in support of the environment. It is a platform through which businesses “demonstrate their corporate responsibility toward the environment and the community.”
The Astronomical Society of Singapore was established in 1991 by fledgling astronomers who wanted to share their passion with others.
The objectives of the club are:
• To promote of an interest in astronomy
• To encourage all aspects of observational astronomy
• To circulate astronomical information materials.
• To support regional and international astronomical organizations.
Over the past two decades, TASOS has passed "astronomy fever" to thousands of people in Singapore. There are now many amateur astronomers, and the population is much more aware of astronomy, both as a science and as a hobby.
Other Special Institutions
There are many other institutions concerned with astronomy in Singapore, including The International Astronomical Union (IAU), The Science Center Observatory (SCOP), and The Planetary Society, to name just a few.
The International Astronomical Union
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has declared 2009 to be the International Year of Astronomy (IYA 2009), to be celebrated all over the world to commemorate the first observation of the night sky through a telescope, made by Galileo over 400 years ago. The Science Centre in Singapore and TASOS have been given a joint mandate are given the joint mandate to be the official hosts and organizers of this event.
The Science Center Observatory
The Science Center Observatory (SCOP) is located in the West of Singapore. Their objective is to showcase the magnificence of the universe. Their beautiful website has many resources and features an interactive sky chart, sky-gazing basics, and sky-at-a-glance.
The Planetary Society
The Planetary Society was founded in 1980. It is the world’s largest space-advocacy organization Their objective is to share the wonder, the mystery, and the fun of searching for other stars, planets and intelligences in the universe. The Astronomy Clubs, observatories, and special scientific institutions in Singapore provide opportunities for the residents to view the stars and think about the universe and its mysteries.