Telescopes and Light; How Telescopes and Light Work Together

As a little child, you might have often looked at the nighttime’s sky and were amazed at the stars, moon, and maybe some of the other celestial bodies that you encountered. Truly, stars are a wonder to behold. There are billions of stars in our galaxy alone, which explains why the star-filled sky is so vast during the nighttimes.

This interest, common during childhood, has led many people into becoming astronomers, studying the stars and other heavenly bodies of the universe throughout their lives. It is their way of making a living, and perhaps more appropriately, it is their way of life.

However, thanks to the availability of modern science and technology, anyone can be an amateur astronomer at home, and do some of the things that are commonly done by professional astronomers.

One of the easiest methods is stargazing, while using a powerful telescope in order to make the stars look bigger and “more alive”. A telescope is the name of an instrument that is designed to view distant objects.

Even if the most powerful ones are in different observatories around the world, you can get a relatively powerful one in order to place it at your home and do your astronomy hobby from home.

How does a telescope magnify a remote object in order to view it at a better position? How do telescopes increase the size of these remote objects and make them look better, even brighter?

This is because a telescope collects as much light as it can, hence the moniker “light bucket”, referring to the telescope. As it does that, it focuses the light in order to get a clearer picture. The higher the focus of the telescope, then the higher the resolution of the entire picture.

The telescope being referred to, as well as the most common one and the one that is most appropriate for home use, is known as the optical telescope. This is the one that gathers and focuses light, as opposed to other types of telescopes, such as radio telescopes, x-ray telescopes, and gamma-ray telescopes.

These other, less common types of telescopes are mainly used by scientists and professional astronomers who want different views of outer space and its heavenly bodies for deeper study.

Owning an optical telescope for home astronomy use isn't that difficult.  You can purchase a small one (small compared to the ones in observatories) from several noted dealers and manufacturers.

In contrast, it’s very difficult to obtain one of those specialized types of telescope since they are mostly made for and sold to observatories and astronomy stations only, and not to the general public. However, optical telescopes are very useful for home hobby use.

Before purchasing one optical telescope, know that there are normally three types of optical telescopes – the refracting, reflecting, and catadioptric telescopes. Simply put, the refracting telescope uses lens, the reflecting telescope uses mirrors, and the catadioptric uses a combination of the two.

There are various characteristics that are unique to each type, which means that it is important to ask the recommendation of the dealer or manufacturer before making a purchase.

Refracting telescopes were the first known kind of optical telescopes that were invented, followed by the idea of reflector telescopes, then the catadioptric ones.

A common problem of refracting telescopes usually deals with large apertures, of which the reflecting kind is better suited for. If you prefer smaller apertures, then the refracting telescope might be the better option for you.

Telescopes and light go hand in hand. Optical telescopes are useless without light, for it is light that they actually measure. Without light, the optical telescopes won't be able to distinguish the different heavenly bodies you wish to see, including the stars. Light is the very thing that telescopes of this kind use in order to serve their purpose.

That said, home astronomy can be a wonderful thing, particularly with the use of a well researched modern telescope.

Exploring the Stars

Every moment of every day, we are surrounded by greatness evidenced by simply looking upwards.  The vastness of the night sky is very deceiving, since our frame of reference is limited by our line of sight.

For centuries mankind continues to be fascinated by the stars. Groups of stars that form a particular shape, known as constellations, have been given names, such as the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper. Scientists have often said that there are billions of stars in our galaxy alone, which is just one of many galaxies in the universe.

A star is a huge ball of plasma that shines brightly. We all know what the sun is, but do we actually know that it is a star? The sun, as we know it, is very powerful and is the Earth’s source of energy.

That alone gives us an idea as to how powerful a star can be, whether it is in terms of heat or of light.  Stars are wonderful to look at, even from our vantage point of millions of miles of distance.

Some people flock to public observatories or astronomy stations in order to view stars for a small fee. Even if they seem to be unmoving, some people just can't get enough satisfaction merely looking at them through powerful telescopes. 

Astronomers continue to study the stars in the hope of discovering new facts about our place in the universe as well as our neighbours.

As a hobbyist you don’t necessarily need powerful telescopes in order to enjoy the stars but there are telescopes that are excellent for stargazing by the layperson and greatly enhance the experience instead of just depending on the naked eye.

Stargazing is a very popular activity and is sometimes required study by astronomy professors

Astronomers explore the stars in order to learn about them, for that is their job and means of livelihood. This research that astronomers conduct thoroughly and systematically regarding stars are actually very helpful as pieces of knowledge for the common man.

Without them, we will have a very limited knowledge regarding stars and perhaps other heavenly bodies. But certainly, stars are also in the heavens above for the common person to enjoy.

Exploring the stars via stargazing or even with a home astronomy kit at home (usually composed of a less powerful telescope than that at an observatory) can help you enjoy them and think about them, without the need for deeper knowledge that astronomers seek.

In other words, enjoy stargazing and exploring the visible stars and be relaxed while doing so. It is wonderful to view them, especially from different angles and times, of which some groups of stars can come together to form a constellation.

You can actually point out a group or groups and name your own constellations in order to make your star exploration at home more enjoyable. You know the regular constellations, namely, the Big Dipper, Orion, Leo, etc.

Perhaps your imagination can be vivid and you would notice a certain group of stars that form a recognizable shape and name them. You can even invite friends, classmates, family members, and more to make star gazing an even more enjoyable activity.

The reason why exploration of stars and other heavenly bodies enthrals humans is because of the mystery of outer space. Up until the present, scientists and astronomers have been debating about a number of issues, such as whether life exists on Mars, how the universe came into existence, whether life can survive on other planets, etc.

Along with this, the typical human is intrigued by the idea of stars and how they shine brightly at night. It is also this interest and intrigue that has led people into telling fortunes based on the position of the stars (astrologers) which will be discussed in an upcoming chapter.

All About the Sun; The Power and Beauty of the Sun

Many have learned from school and overall knowledge about the planet Earth and the Solar System that it belongs to. When we look at ourselves, we see ourselves as such a big piece of the Earth. However, compared to the vast greatness of the universe, human beings are like sand grains in terms of size.

If we think that the Earth is overpopulated with an estimated six billion people around the world, it is good to know that there are billions of stars in our galaxy the (Milky Way) alone.

In addition to that, there are numerous galaxies which each contain billions of stars as well, and truly, the stars are too many to count. However, one really important star that all people know about is the sun, which our world couldn't live without, realistically speaking.

The sun is the centre of our solar system. Our planet, the other planets in this Solar System, and other pieces of matter, such as asteroids, comets, space dust, etc. – they all orbit the sun.

This is different than when the early scientists concluded that our planet Earth is the centre of the system and everything orbits around our planet. It’s been proven by scientists and astronomers that the sun is actually the one that is the centre.

We can't live without the sun. This is because sunlight is the primary source of energy to the Earth. Think about a world without any sunlight at all.

Yes, there are some countries that don't have sunlight for as long as six months, which is why it is cold, snowy and icy in those areas. In contrast, countries that have experience a lot of sunlight usually have fresh and healthy plant and animal life, which translates into better air and oxygen quality.

There are still some power plants that operate on solar energy, meaning they draw and manufacture power thanks to the energy coming from the sun. The sun is so powerful that the sunlight that reaches the Earth can be converted into energy.

If the ozone layer was to be completely destroyed or the Earth somehow gets closer to the sun, it would mean death simply because of the immense power of the sun.

Astronomers can view the sun by means of proper filters. They can't view it directly since it could be blinding, especially through a telescope. This also means that for some astronomers, or the ones that have set up a mini observatory at home, viewing the sun by means of a regular telescope can't be done.

You have to have proper filters installed on your telescope in order to view it so that it isn't as bright, but still distinct in its characteristics.

Viewing the sun with the naked eye for a period of time would be very painful and may cause temporary blindness. If that is the case with the naked eye, think about what will happen when you use binoculars and/or telescopes without the proper filters, as this will magnify the light.

Viewing the sun through unfiltered lenses can cause permanent blindness, even if you take only a small glance –a testament to the power of the sun.

Before attempting to view the sun and take a look at the sunspots, make sure you acquire the proper filters first. One of the better choices is using a neutral density filter, which can dim the sunlight by a great degree. Even photographers use neutral density filters.

Sunspots are one of the nice views you will get to see in the sun, if you’re using a telescope with a neutral density filter, even at home. They are noticeable because of their darker appearance while in the body of the sun, because of their lower temperatures.

The sun is a magnificent celestial body. In order to view it properly, even in home astronomy, you need to get a good telescope with the proper filters (neutral density is recommended).

A good piece of advice would be to warn those in your house or those visiting before letting them use your telescope, especially children who play with the device. Point it away from the sun when not in use just to be safe.

About Galaxies; Galaxies Beyond Our Own

You are one person in a country of numbered residents. Your country is one of many on this Earth. The Earth is one of the planets found in our galaxy. Our galaxy is only one of the numerous ones found in the entire universe.

Often times, people don’t know much about their neighbours, let alone their country, except maybe for a few common facts. That being said, it isn't a surprise to know that the human race in general has limited knowledge of galaxies, in spite of the overall number of discoveries made by scientists and astronomers of the past and present.

We know little about the Milky Way, which is our galaxy, so what more of the other galaxies that comprise the universe.

Yes, scientists and astronomers have given names and have some facts with regard to galaxies. However, the information about them isn't as precise, with only general knowledge available. There is nothing wrong with that; in fact, it is understandable when you think of how great the universe is.

Of the information that scientists and astronomers have about galaxies, one can learn from them. A galaxy is simply a system that normally consists of billions of stars, including a number of star systems and clusters.

Because of the shapes that stars make while looking at a galaxy, there have been three types of galaxies that have been derived – elliptical galaxies, spiral ones, and irregulars.

The elliptical galaxy has been classified because its shape. Aside from that, a characteristic such as the motion of stars is part of the classification criteria. In an elliptical galaxy, the movement of the stars is at a random motion, which is contrary to that of spiral galaxies. An elliptical galaxy usually consists of older stars, as evidenced by its yellowish red colour.

The spiral galaxy, unlike the elliptical galaxy is such that it has a set motion, as opposed to random ones. The stars in a spiral galaxy are somewhat young, which is evidenced by its bluish hue, typical of younger stars. The Milky Way is classified as part of the spiral galaxy family.

Galaxies that have characteristics that are different or not similar to the two kinds of galaxies mentioned above belong to the irregular group. Even galaxies that have the traits of the elliptical and spiral galaxies combined (known as lenticular galaxies) are classified as irregulars.

Another example of an irregular galaxy is the ring galaxy, which is named because of the shape it produces when viewed.

How did scientists and astronomers arrive at these thoughts? Through careful observation, study, and hypotheses. Thanks to the wonders of technology, the power of the telescopes they have has led them to conclude that there are other galaxies aside from our own. Although these telescopes are highly powerful, they still have limits, which is what the electromagnetic spectrum can only show.

Unfortunately for most home astronomers, the telescopes that they have aren't powerful enough to view galaxies, or even have a distinct view of the Milky Way. Mostly, the limit of home astronomy is the stars – beyond that would require instruments of greater power and even of different types.

If you really would like to see the Milky Way and other galaxies, one option would be to talk to the person in charge at your local observatory, they may have a telescope powerful enough.

X-ray telescopes, ultraviolet telescopes, and infrared telescopes are the ones mostly used in viewing galaxies, since they can paint a clearer picture. Because visual light is lacking, it is necessary to use other types of telescopes to form a conclusion or even a hypothesis.

It is very difficult to acquire telescopes of these types (as opposed to optical telescopes), which is why viewing galaxies at home via telescope isn't feasible.

This doesn’t mean that you should tear down your home astronomy setup or get discouraged about putting one up. There are still many things you can do with a home astronomy kit such as gazing at the stars, moon, and even the sun (with the help of filters). Besides, even scientists themselves are limited because of the immense vastness of the universe.

Exploring the Solar System; The View of the Solar System

We sometimes can't help but be amazed when we look above, to the skies, and to those beyond them. Thanks to scientists and astronomers, we know and have seen pictures of what (in reality) is a small part of the universe. Truly, the heavens abound with magnificence and wonders that are mind-boggling, not to mention vast and enormous.

It can be such a wonder why some people think so highly of themselves, when yet, all people are merely a part of a much larger planet, galaxy, and universe. Even the planet Earth is dwarfed by planets such as Jupiter and Saturn.

It is important for people to know that the Earth is only a part of the solar system, which is part of a bigger galaxy, which is a small part of an even bigger universe.

The solar system is a wonderful thing – in its centre is the sun. The eight planets, including Earth orbit around the sun, along with its respective moons, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, and other celestial objects.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has classified these objects found in the solar system into three categories – planets, dwarf planets, and small solar system bodies.

A planet is one that orbits the sun and has enough mass to shape itself spherically and emptied its vicinity of smaller celestial bodies. As we know it, eight objects in the solar system meet these criteria – Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Pluto was previously the ninth planet, but recently, it has been reclassified into a dwarf planet.

Pluto was reclassified because it was found that it couldn't meet the second criterion to be considered a planet. Objects that orbit the sun with enough mass to shape themselves spherically are dwarf planets.

That which meets this criterion without necessarily meeting the second one for planets is classified as such.

Small solar system bodies comprise the third and last category. These include the asteroids, comets, and other smaller bodies.

Because the solar system is taught in schools all over the world, it is no wonder that there is some degree of interest when it comes to planets and other celestial bodies.

The interest was evident when there were groups of people who protested the IAU’s decision to declassify Pluto as a planet. If you didn’t think people cared about a small, distant object like Pluto, why would they bother to protest and feel bad about the declassification?

With this degree of interest comes the interest for further study and exploration, even for those people who aren't astronomers and are just hobbyists. Telescopes and high powered binoculars both suitable for viewing outer space can be bought at a certain price.

There are people that have set up their home astronomy centre in order to stargaze, look at the sun (perhaps see some sunspots), and even look at Mars occasionally.

In centuries past, people believed that there was a solar system that existed. It was the notable Galileo who proposed otherwise, who believed that the Earth and other planets revolved around the sun, comprising a solar system in which the sun was the centre of everything.

It was also Galileo, with the use of his trusty telescope, who discovered many of the things which we know today about the solar system – such as the sun being marked with sunspots.

Other scientists and astronomers researched further on Galileo’s findings, which confirmed his original suspicions and discovered many more facts regarding the solar system.

At present, you yourself can view these same discoveries of Galileo and the scientists that followed suit, with the help of a powerful telescope. You can purchase a high-powered telescope from a dealer or manufacturer of them and set it up at home.

If Galileo could’ve done it centuries ago, its means you can do it at the present time, thanks in part to modern technology, which has allowed for the mass creation of high powered telescopes.

The solar system is indeed full of wonders. You can see so for yourself by exploring it. Nowadays, anyone can do it, not only scientists and astronomers, but also hobbyists, students, and common folk, as long as a telescope is around.

Visiting the Planets; Visiting the Planets with the Naked Eye

A good way to teach your kids their first lesson about the eight or nine (depending on how you wish to tell them about Pluto) planets of the solar system is by combining factual lessons with visible sightings of the planets.

How to Teach Your Kids about Planets

START BY DISTINGUISHING PLANETS FROM STARS; this will also help them understand better why planets are easier to identify among the thousands of stars in the sky if they know what they’re looking for.

This may also be a good time to start explaining to them why Pluto, once known as the 9th planet in the solar system, has been demoted to becoming a dwarf star.

YOU CAN MAKE LESSONS MORE INTERESTING by providing explanations behind the stories of the planets’ names. This makes a great segue from astronomy to Greek and Roman mythology.

It is impossible to see all eight planets in one night so consider dividing your home astronomy lessons into several sessions.

Show your kids a photo of our earth and explain to them why our planet is liveable compared to other planets in the solar system. If possible, enumerate the factors that make Earth inhabitable.

This is also a good time to explain why scientists believe there is a chance for Mars to have once been inhabited and the theory of aliens.

Venus is the closest planet to Earth and is the easiest planet to locate with the naked eye because of its brightness. Although the phases of Venus can only be visible through the use of a telescope, you could show photos that will give your kids a good idea about the dangers of the greenhouse effect and emphasize to them the importance of a clean environment.

Jupiter is the next easiest planet to locate with the naked eye because of its size. Make sure, therefore, that you mention to your kids how Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system.

If you have a small telescope with you, you can also point out to them where the Red Spot of the planet is and how it’s actually a storm that has been brewing for more than three centuries. This is a good time to explain the differences in Jupiter’s and Earth’s weather and why we’re blessed to have weather like ours.

Mars can be easily located as well because of its distinctive colouring. You can elaborate on what you’ve discussed earlier on by enumerating the similarities between Mars and Earth.

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun, and you can explain why its location or proximity to the centre of the solar system makes it difficult to locate at certain times of the day.

You can also provide explanations as to why Mercury’s weather is extremely hot and cold at day and night respectively before citing the possibility of having the same thing happen to Earth.

Although Saturn is not the only planet in the solar system with rings, it is however the most famous. Saturn will appear yellowish to the naked eye but its rings will only be visible with the help of a telescope. If you can show your kids what the rings look like, you can then explain to them what these rings are made of.

Uranus can only be seen by the naked eye if it’s shining at its brightest. You will also have to be an optimal place and time. If you’re living in a city, you might need the help of a telescope to give your kids a better and clearer view of this planet.

Neptune is the most difficult planet to locate by the naked eye and conditions have to be near perfect first before this can be possible. Together with Uranus, both planets require you to study planetary schedules and locations if you wish to locate them at the shortest amount of time and effort.

And lastly, if you still have time and you do own a telescope, you can also show your kids Pluto. As Pluto is named after the God of the Dead, you might want to cite similarities between the mythical god and its equivalent planet. Explain about the controversy revolving the demotion of Planet.

Here ends one of your first home astronomy lessons for your kids. Prepare lots of food for the session because this makes a great bonding time for your family as well.

Reflecting on the Moon

A Lesson for Kids: Reflecting on the Moon (Figuratively and Literally)

The moon is probably the astronomical object that’s most frequently used in the arts. In movies, paintings, and songs, whatever genre it is, there’s sure to be a literal reference to the moon or moonlight. Its beauty is now legendary, and as it’s noticeably easy to study even with the naked eye, the moon makes a good beginner home astronomy lesson for your kids.

How to Teach Your Kids about the Moon

Although teaching your kids about the moon can be accomplished in one sitting, they wouldn’t be able to see all its phases in one night. As such, you need to prepare the necessary photos and materials as well that will give them visual aids for what the sky may temporarily be unable to provide.

Start the lesson by citing stories that tackle the origins of the moon or other stories where the moon plays an integral role.

Your kids have probably heard or continue to believe that the moon is made of cheese. Encourage them to discuss with you about their theories of what the moon is, how it came to be, and its importance to life on Earth.

Proceed then with a simple but factual explanation as to the real origins of the moon. And from there, you can then provide step-by-step details about the moon.

Moon Landings – Provide dates, names, and brief descriptions about the various space missions that had been sent to the moon. Emphasize the importance behind the famous statement that astronaut Neil Armstrong made when he landed on the moon.

How could landing on the moon be one step for man and one big leap for mankind?

Most of the knowledge that people have now about the moon is based on the rock samples that space missions have brought home. Show photos if possible then explain the process of which scientists are able to derive data from them.

Moon and the Earth – There is a very significant relationship between the moon and the Earth. If the moon disappears for some reason, explain how drastically this would affect life on earth. You can also explain about the psychological effects of the moon on people’s moods and temperament.

The Two Sides of a Coin – The moon, just like a coin, has two sides, but instead of thinking of it as the light and dark side, teach your kids to simply and more accurately think of it as the far and near side. Point out what side of the moon is visible in the sky then provide photos for the other side of the moon. Explain the difference between the two.

Young and Old – The moon also has two land types. One is filled with craters or holes and called highlands while the other is comparatively smoother and with lesser holes. The second type of landscape is called Maria.

Craters – The moon is famously known for its craters, and this is why the moon also likened to a block of cheese. Craters of the moon are named after people who have gained fame in the world of science and if you can dig out interesting facts, you can give a little background on some of these people. Provide photos as well.

Gravitational and Magnetic Field – It’s impossible to say that you’ve made a complete study of the moon without mentioning about its gravitational and magnetic fields. Explain to your kids the importance of gravity and magnetic fields then cite the differences between those of the moon and earth.

Atmosphere – Although the moon’s atmosphere is different from that of the earth, many people believe that it’s still technically possible in the far, far future for men to inhabit the moon.

Explain the differences between both atmospheres and why people strongly believe in this possibility.

Phases of the Moon – The moon is also known for having different phases. Although people yearn mostly to see the moon in its oldest or youngest phase, its other phases are equally beautiful as well. Naturally, the sky can only afford you a glimpse of one of its phases so prepare photos for the rest. Make sure that you explain why the moon has different phases.

Majority of your astronomy lesson for your kids can be accomplished without use of binoculars or a telescope but of course having either will make the session more enjoyable for your kids.

What About Comets and Meteors

Learning about Comets and Meteors from Home

The universe is still a mysterious place, and there are many living and non-living things that inhabit it. The planets and the stars are just some of them. There are also comets and meteors, and although these terms are fairly well-known, an average person’s knowledge is usually restricted to knowing its definition only.

Learn about Comets and Meteors without Leaving Home

You can learn a lot of important details about comets and meteors without having your own Hubble Telescope or visiting NASA. All you need is a little time and effort…and maybe a good pair of binoculars if you’re lucky enough to find one of them approaching Earth.

Comets are basically space objects made of rock and ice and commonly revolving around the sun. Comets and meteors are similar in appearance but comets have more distinctive tails, and their tails are in fact what gave it its name (in Greek, comet means having long hair). Radiation from the sun is what causes comets to have gaseous tails. 

Comets travel in orbits and this is why they can be seen at the same time and place every once in a while. The most famous of all comets is Halley’s Comet. Its last appearance was in 1986 and its next appearance, based on its orbital cycle, would come seventy-six years after.

Many people in that year were greatly disappointed about the blurry appearance of Halley’s Comet in 1986. Its blurry appearance can be possibly attributed to the increase of air pollution and the inordinate amount of dust surrounding it.

At times, people may be able to see comets that appear to have two tails. Remember that a comet’s tail is caused by radiation from the sun. In some events, however, radiation causes gaseous particles to move to one direction and for the dust particles of the comet to another, consequently creating a double-tail appearance.

Meteors are better known as falling or shooting stars. Because of how they appear in the sky, people in the early days thought of them as such and legends contributed to making them serve as a means for a person’s wish to become true.

The reason behind their bright and trail-blazing appearance is due to the friction it endures upon entering the atmosphere of the earth.

If, on the other hand, the Earth happens to encounter or come across a stream of meteoroids that forms part of the tail of a comet, this will lead to a meteor rain or shower.

This phenomenon derives its name from the constellation that it appears to be originating from. As meteor showers are predictable astronomical occurrences, you can search for the necessary data in space centres to know when you can prepare in advance for such a sighting.

One famous example of a meteor shower is called the Tears of Lawrence. Although it’s known in the scientific world as the Perseids, having come from that particular constellation, it was known as the Tears of Lawrence because it coincided with the festival of St. Lawrence, celebrated usually at the tenth of August.

Movies often feature disasters of a global scale resulting from the impact of an incredibly large meteor. Although this incident may seem extraordinary, you should be aware that it is possible for it to happen.

It is however tragic that minimal financial aid has been awarded to efforts that will help reduce its impact if and when it happens. You’ll be happy to know, however, that there are only two cases of a person being hit by a meteor and for which ample documentary proof has been provided.

When a meteor actually hits the ground, this will cause a crater to appear before dissolving into thousands of pieces. If you ever have the chance of getting hold of meteorites, you can expect to sell them from anywhere between two to thirty dollars per gram.

Before ending your lesson about comets and meteors, you should also know that this astronomical duo actually belongs to a triplet system. Asteroids are often lumped together with comets and meteors and it would do you good then to know about them as well.

To know more about comets and meteors, consider viewing photos and reading more articles from the Internet. And if you have time, do check out the schedules provided by space centres to find the best time you can watch any of these three astronomical phenomenons live.

A Discussion on Blackholes; A Simple and Easy Discussion on Blackholes

No matter how you spell it – black hole or blackhole – you know what you’re referring to…or don’t you?

Let all your questions be answered as you read on.

Why Should You Study about Blackholes?

Blackholes are one of the strangest theories put forward by scientists but they’re one of the most interesting as well. If you’re looking for a scientific matter that won’t put you to sleep, a blackhole is definitely one of them.

Also, if you’re experiencing difficulties understanding the laws of gravity, blackholes will allow you a clearer – albeit more terrifying in some context – understanding of how gravity works. And lastly, if you’re still torn up between the Big Bang theory and the biblical version of creation, the theory of blackholes will put all your doubts to rest. 

What are Blackholes?

If you recall your old lessons on Greek mythology, you probably know the two terrors of the seas, Scylla and Charybdis, and which Greek sailors are extremely afraid of.

Scylla was a monster that threatened anything and anyone that was within its reach while Charybdis took shape of a massive mouth creating whirlpools and causing people and ships to sink into oblivion. A blackhole isn't a Scylla, but it’s definitely close to a Charybdis.

A blackhole is an incredibly vast region of blackness or nether space. This region contains an inordinate amount of mass, and because of this, anything that’s within its orbit will be sucked in because of the pull of gravity. 

And before you start questioning once more about the mechanics of gravity and just what the heck Albert Einstein was talking about, here’s how to understand blackholes…and gravity.

Think of throwing a rock up in the air. It will go up for a short period of time before descending. Now, let’s say that you have enough speed and force to throw the rock in the air and defeat the pull of gravity of Earth. This amount of speed and force is called escape velocity.

Escape velocity is directly proportional to the mass of the planet or object. Escape velocity, however, is also affected by the distance of the object from the gravitational centre of the region.

Weight is different from mass. That’s why, in Galileo’s experiment, two different objects still fell to the ground in the same time. So when you’re considering the pull of gravity, you should think about the region’s mass and not the weight of the object.

So let’s go back to blackholes. A blackhole, because it’s mass is so much greater than its size, has an incredibly powerful gravitational pull. And that’s why everything that comes near it will get sucked in with no chance of escape.

How is a Blackhole Formed?

A blackhole has a definite origin, but it’s still unknown whether it has a definite end. A blackhole is born from stars or any other enormous space object. Stars live for thousands and thousands of years, but they die eventually.

Nuclear fusion exists within stars and these produce electromagnetic radiation. As a star becomes older, the power that’s behind its nuclear fusion decreases in proportion. When its source of power is completely used up, electromagnetic radiation naturally goes down as well and consequently causing the star to collapse.

If it has adequate size and mass, it will become a blackhole. If has insufficient size or mass, it will end up a neutron or dwarf star, and a good example of the latter is Pluto, which has been demoted from its previous ranking as a planet.

Getting Sucked in a Blackhole

Almost everyone who has studied about blackholes are interested in knowing their fate if they were unlucky enough to fall into one. If that’s what you want to know as well as prepare for your future.

Let’s say that you actually have the means of going into space but you’re unfortunate enough to fall into a blackhole. Upon physically entering the region of blackness, your body will also enter a state of weightlessness, and it’s like feeling that you’re as light as a feather.

As you go deeper, however, you’ll feel that you’re slowly being stretched. This feeling will continue stretching and stretching until you’re finally stretched into several pieces.

And that of course spells your end…and this discussion.

How Stars Die

How stars die is an interesting phenomenon although it’s quite impossible to see one happen up close. Nevertheless, a powerful imagination will enable you to imagine just how stars would die based on the following information.

What is a Star?

Before learning about the process of death for stars, it’s important to know exactly what stars are first.

A star is made up of plasma. Although it’s definitely bigger than everything on Earth, stars appear in a range of sizes so some might still be described as small while a few might be described as massive. One good example of a star is the sun, which are the centre of the solar system and the source of the majority of life on our planet.

Sizes and Age

The sun, although technically huge in size, is actually considered small when compared to other stars. It also contains a lower quantity of mass than other stars, and that’s why it has continued to exist for so long.

From that, you can probably derive that there’s an inversely proportional relationship between a star’s mass and its life cycle. The fewer mass a star has, the longer its life cycle and vice versa.

How Stars are Born

A nebula is always described as a cloud of dust and gas particles that when combined together forms a star. How much matter exists in its nebula will determine its mass and consequently its life cycle.

How Stars Live and Die

As time passes by, gravity will cause particles of hydrogen in the star’s nebula to form a smaller and tighter circle. Gravity will also cause the star to start spinning and proceed to spin faster and faster.

The speed of which a star is spinning will eventually cause it to transform into a protostar. When the temperature of the star hits fifteen million degrees, nuclear fusion will form within its centre.

Nuclear fusion is a process in which a group of larger-sized nuclei will combine together but have a lower amount of mass. Nuclear fusion is a star’s source of power or energy, and it is also what causes stars to emit electromagnetic radiation.

Because of nuclear fusion, the nebula within a star will gradually emit a bright glow. It will also diminish at the same time. After a while, a star will stabilize and transform itself into a main sequence star.

This is the longest stage in a star’s life cycle, and it is also the stage where the sun is at present. During this stage, a star will be able to glow or shine for millions to billions of years depending on its mass.

Hydrogen is the cause and source of nuclear fusion, and every time it’s used, it’s being converted into helium. Stars, however, don't have an inexhaustible supply of hydrogen, and when the source of hydrogen gets exhausted, the star will naturally be unable to generate heat through nuclear fusion and consequently, electromagnetic radiation.

When this happens, the star will become unstable and start contracting once more. The external shield of a star, which is generally made up of hydrogen, will then be used to allow the star to experience nuclear fusion.

But of course, this will run out in time as well. While the star is making use of its last supply of hydrogen, it will start expanding, cooling down, and turning red.

The change of colour then marks the next stage in a star’s life cycle: becoming a red giant. The term “red giant” is very much an apt term to describe what the star has become at this stage.

Mass and Death

Remember how it was mentioned previously that mass affects the life cycle of a star? And so it does, and this is how you can expect different types of stars to die.

For a star with a low amount of mass, the helium that it produced from nuclear fusion will be converted into carbon but causing its core to collapse eventually.

When this happens, the star will shed off its external layers and this will form a planetary nebula. The star’s centre, on the other hand, will transform into a white dwarf, and when its temperature goes down, it will become a black dwarf.

As for stars with high mass, generally ten times bigger than the sun, they will endure a massive explosion after becoming a red giant. This event is referred to as a supernova explosion. Smaller stars will become a neutron star. Bigger stars will become the dreaded black hole.

About Our Planets Part 1

About Our Planets, Part One: The Rocks Nearest the Sun: When we glimpse the millions of stars in the night sky, it can be difficult to imagine that some of them are planets, only thousands of miles away, and within our solar system.

However, with the proper tools, and with knowledge of the planets, you can see swift Mercury, mysterious Venus, and even the giant Jupiter from your backyard. In this first of two series on the planets of our solar system, you will learn about the planets lying between the asteroid belt and the sun.

You will also learn about their special properties, and how you can distinguish them in the often star-crowded night sky. For your home astronomy activity, all you'll need are the following.

•             A good pair of binoculars, preferably with very high resolution, is valuable when you want to view the planets in greater detail. You won't need a telescope if you want to see the nearest planets, although a good home telescope will show even more detail and make your observation more interesting.

•             Star maps are invaluable when you locate the planets, as their positions are often described in reference to nearby constellations.

•             You can best view the planets in a dark place, so you need a dim flashlight to light up your star maps. Before you begin your planet hunt, there are three things you must know about our planets.

According to a definition set by international astronomical organizations, a planet must be a body orbiting around the sun, and with enough mass to be a sphere due to its own gravitational forces. A planet, moreover, should clear the neighbourhood around its orbit.

There are other bodies within the solar system that are as large as planets, or were once considered planets, but have since been disqualified as they didn't meet one or more of the qualifications.

They won't be discussed in detail here. Mercury is the planet nearest the sun, and completes its revolution every eighty-eight days. Mercury has no moons, and is a very light, tiny planet.

In fact, Mercury is only about 0.055 of earth in mass. Most of Mercury's thin atmosphere is made up of potassium and sodium, and its rocky surface is full of craters.

The Romans were one of the first to report on the planet, which they named after their swift messenger of the gods, as the astronomers observed its fast motion in the sky.

Despite Mercury's brightness, you can see it at twilight as a bright, star-like dot that doesn't twinkle. After Mercury come Venus, a hazy planet longs the subject of fiction and mystery.

Like Mercury, Venus has no moons. It is almost the same mass and size as the earth, so that the two are often referred to as "sister planets." The atmosphere of Venus, however, is about ninety-five percent carbon dioxide, and can thus support no life.

Venus is the brightest heavenly body in the night sky, with the exception of our moon. It is at its brightest a few hours before sunrise, and a few hours after sunset, and is thus often called the morning star or the evening star.

The Earth you now stand on is the third planet from the sun, and is the only one in our solar system known to support life. Earth has one satellite, our moon, which affects the tides of our oceans, and which, over time, has changed our planet's rotation period.

Earth's atmosphere is about seventy eight percent nitrogen and twenty percent oxygen, a mixture stabilized millions of years ago, after the young, volcanic earth settled down and gave birth to life.

After Earth comes the red, rocky Mars, with its two moons, Phobos and Deimos. Like Venus, the Martian atmosphere is primarily made up of carbon dioxide; unlike hazy Venus, however, Mars appears as a bright red dot in the sky.

At certain times of the year, Mars is the second brightest object in the night sky, next to the moon and Venus. Mars is red because of the iron oxide, or rust, on its surface, and recent studies have shown that it might have been home to water only a few thousand years ago.

The idea that Mars may have once supported life is interesting to scientists, and Mars is promptly the planet in the solar system with the greatest number of orbiting spacecraft.

Beyond Mars is a thick asteroid belt, which is also home to the dwarf planet Ceres. Once classified as an asteroid, Ceres is the smallest dwarf planet of our solar system, and comprises a third of the asteroid belt's total mass.

In very good atmospheric conditions, you can see Ceres with your naked eye. It will appear as a tiny white dot in the night sky.

Tracking the planets in your backyard can be a fun activity for the whole family. Just remember that planets, unlike stars, don't twinkle, and will usually be very bright. Just keep those binoculars and star maps handy, and you can have an enjoyable night of star gazing and planet locating.

For the more interesting planets, however, you will have to go beyond the asteroid belt, where the massive planets reside. These planets will be tackled in the next essay in this series.

About Our Planets Part 2

About Our Planets, Part Two: Beyond the Asteroid Belt: In the previous chapter, we tackled the planets nearest the sun, and which could easily be seen in the night sky.

From Mercury to the asteroid belt, our nearest neighbours appear almost like stars, and can make star gazing a fascinating activity for both young and old alike. Beyond the asteroid belt are cold, massive planets, with their own gases and storms, and their own stories to tell.

If you are interested in viewing these planets in the night sky, you may need more powerful tools for your home astronomy session, which will include the following:

Because the planets and dwarf planets beyond the asteroid belt are much farther away, you won't be able to see them using a pair of binoculars, much less with your naked eye.

You will need a home telescope, preferably one with very good resolution, as some of the planets have interesting properties. You may also need star maps, since some of the outer planets are described in reference to nearby constellations.      

The darker your surroundings, the easier it will be to view the outer planets. You will need a dim flashlight so you can better read your star maps and keep light from disturbing or disrupting your viewing.

The properties of planets are important when considering the outer planets, as some of them are now described as dwarf planets because they did not meet one or more qualifications to be planets.

According to internationally approved definitions, a planet must be a spherical body orbiting the sun, with its shape brought about by its own gravitational forces. A planet should also clear the neighbourhood surrounding its orbit. 

The first planet beyond the asteroid belt is the gas giant Jupiter, home to sixty-three satellites. The largest of all the planets, Jupiter is equal in volume to over one thousand three hundred earths, and in mass to over three hundred earths.

This massive planet's atmosphere is made up of hydrogen and helium, and is home to storms aplenty. Jupiter has long been an object of fascination to the ancients, and was named by the Romans after the king of their gods.

Along with Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, Jupiter is part of the Jovian planets, a group of gas giants. Because of its atmosphere, Jupiter assumes a red to orange appearance when viewed with a telescope.

A Great Red Spot, a giant storm that has existed for hundreds of years, rests on Jupiter's surface; around Jupiter is a faint ring of satellites. Jupiter is the brightest body in the sky, next to Venus, although Mars overtakes it in brightness at certain times of the year.

Not only is Jupiter bright, but its massive size influences the size, position, and behaviour of the solar system. In fact, Jupiter gives off more heat than it receives from the sun. Jupiter is also the fastest rotating planet, creating a bulge at its equator that you can see through your telescope.

Saturn is the next gas giant, and could well be the most famous, most colourful planet in the solar system. Saturn has thick rings of ice particles that you can easily see through your telescope, and is also home to fifty six satellites.

The whole planet, however, is less dense than water, and, like Jupiter, has an atmosphere composed primarily of hydrogen and helium. Like Jupiter, Saturn is a very hot planet, and gives off more energy into space than what it gets from the sun. Saturn's ring system, however, often blocks its colours.

Now, Saturn is collared bright blue, like Uranus, due to colder temperatures on the planet. You can still see Saturn's rings, however, using your telescope. With a more powerful telescope, you may also see Saturn's most famous moon, Titan, which is the only satellite in the solar system with a thick atmosphere.

The ancients have long observed and tracked Saturn, along with the only other planets in the solar system visible to the naked eye from earth: Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. To the naked eye, Saturn is a bright, slightly yellow star.

Uranus, the third gas giant, holds twenty seven satellites in orbit, and was the first planet discovered using a telescope. Mistakenly identified as a star, Uranus has a faint ring system, is collared light blue, and has moons named after characters from Shakespeare's and Alexander Pope's works.

To the naked eye, Uranus appears like a faint star; with a telescope, Uranus is a pale blue disk, and its two largest moons, Titania and Oberon, might be visible.

Neptune is the last planet of the solar system and is home to thirteen moons. With a telescope, Neptune can be seen as a brilliant blue-green planet, a property that can be described as being due to the traces of methane in the planet's atmosphere.

Like the other gas giants, Neptune has a ring system. It was also the first planet to be discovered due to mathematical predictions, and not due to observations of the sky.

Beyond Neptune are two dwarf planets, Pluto and Eris. Pluto made of rock and ice, is home to three satellites, and was once considered a planet. Eris, on the other hand, is the largest dwarf planet in the solar system, and is home to at least one moon.

Stargazing and planet watching are enjoyable activities that anyone can enjoy. With the right tools and knowledge, you can locate the planets and have a great time with your family.

How to Recognize the Constellations

Star Complex: How to Recognize the Constellations: The evening sky can be a confusing mix of stars and planets. It is often difficult to point out which planet is which, and what constellations comprise what stars.

With a little training and know-how, however, constellations can easily be identified, and you can turn your stargazing into an exciting, even more interesting activity.

There are currently eighty-eight officially recognized constellations in the night sky. They were handed down to us by the ancient Greeks, who first documented them. These observations were most likely compiled from findings by Greek, Sumerian, Babylonian, and Egyptian astronomers.

Many of the names of the stars, on the other hand, come from the Arabs, who republished the works of the Greeks and reintroduced them to Europe hundreds of years after they were first written. Almost every culture on earth has ascribed meanings to the patterns of the stars.

The ancient tribes of Britain, American Indians, Mayans, and Egyptians all had their names for the constellations.

What they might not have known, however, is that the stars they saw were actually faraway suns, and the light from these suns had taken thousands of years to reach the earth. Some of the stars the ancient people saw may already be dead in reality.

Today's night sky will still be peppered with both stars and planets. The general rule is: if it twinkles, it's a star; if it doesn't, it's a planet. Moreover, the night sky of the northern hemisphere will look different from that over the southern hemisphere.

The rules in this article will apply for northern hemisphere watchers, although the tools of the trade are somewhat the same.

If you are an astronomy enthusiast wanting to do some nighttimes work to locate and identify constellations, then you will need the following materials.  If you live in a bright city, you may need a telescope to see parts of the sky that may be obscured by the city lights. 

A good pair of binoculars will be enough for watchers from suburban areas. If you live in the country, however, or have the chance to go stargazing in the woods, then all you need are your naked eyes. 

You will need star charts in order to check your bearings, and to see if you have identified the constellations correctly. Bring writing materials with you to encircle what constellations you find.

You will need a dim flashlight in order to light up your star charts, and to keep bright light sources from disrupting your viewing. There are four basic sky charts depending on the time of the year that you go stargazing, and depending on whether you are tracking the constellations before or after midnight.

If you are viewing the sky on a spring evening or winter morning, you can use the stars of the Big Dipper, which is part of Ursa Major (or the Great Bear) as a landmark.

This upside down gourd will be visible if you look due north. Right beneath the Big Dipper's mouth is Polaris, or the North Star, around which the sky revolves.

Near the Big Dipper are several important constellations, which you can mark on your star map: Draco, between Ursa Major and Ursa Minor; and the bright Leo, which you can probably trace as a resting lion.

If you are watching the sky on a summer evening or spring morning, then look for the summer triangle, composed of three bright stars directly overhead or bright in the sky. If you aren't sure about the triangle, consult your star maps.

Near the summer triangle are important constellations that you can identify with the help of your map: Cygnus, or the Swan; Lyra, or the Harp; Aquila the Eagle; and, if your skies aren't too dark, Delphinus the Dolphin and Sagitta the arrow. In good conditions, you can see the Milky Way streaking across the sky, and through the summer triangle.

If you are tracking constellations on an autumn evening or summer morning, you will need the Great Square as your landmark. This Great Square will be overhead or high in the sky, and three of them make up the constellation of Pegasus; the fourth is part of the constellation Andromeda.

Near this constellation, marked by a hazy spot in the sky, is the Andromeda Galaxy. Near the constellation of Andromeda is a cluster of stars in the shape of a "W" This is Cassiopeia, and through it skirts the Milky Way.

If you are stargazing on a winter evening or autumn morning, you will easily recognize Orion. Orion's belt is made up of three bright stars, from which hangs a "sword." The middle is hazy, and is actually the Orion Nebula, which you can see through your binoculars.

Orion is part of the Winter Hexagon, which you can find easily overhead, or through the help of your star maps. Near the hexagon are the constellations of Canis Major or the Great Dog; Gemini; Taurus the Bull; and the Pleiades, a cluster of six or more stars.

With practice and patience, you will be able to identify many of the constellations. If you go star gazing with friends and family, you will have an even more exciting and interesting time as you tell them all about the stars that make up the confusing, but beautiful night sky.

Poor Maligned Pluto; Oh Poor Pluto

Last year, astronomers publicly announced that Pluto isn't a planet anymore. It wasn't able to fulfil the guidelines. Therefore, the solar system is now composed of eight planets.

The International Astronomical Union has removed Pluto’s planetary status which it's had since it was discovered in 1930. The definition of what makes a planet a planet has been updated and pretty much different from Copernicus’ labour of love.

New regulations state that a planet is defined as a celestial body orbiting around the sun. It must have a sufficient mass in order to gravitate itself and to overcome the body forces. Therefore, its orbit must be of a round shape.

At a conference consisting of 2500 astronomers who came from a total of 75 countries, demoting Pluto was a plan that was popular. It also declared two objects cruising around Pluto as dwarf planets.

These are Ceres, an asteroid, which was discovered in 1800s and 2003 UB313 also known as Xena, an icy object that is a bit bigger than Pluto. Meanwhile, Charon, which is the largest moon of Pluto, won't be considered for another designation.

This discussion resulted to an agreement that basis tests must be undergone before a celestial object is considered to be a planet. Such talk is necessary because admitting to being a planet is like becoming a member of a cosmic club for the elite.

At the moment, there are only eight planets in our solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus. So what will now happen to the popular phrase concocted “My Very Earnest Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas?”

(This is a way for students to remember the solar system.) Will it now be shortened to “My Very Earnest Mother Just Served Us… Now?

Pluto was disqualified because it has an oblong orbit which overlaps that of Neptune’s. This being the case, it is classified as a “dwarf planet” also known as “minor planets.”

This new definition also led to another class of lesser objects orbiting the sun. The third class is deemed as “small solar system bodies.” The examples are comets, asteroids and natural satellites.

The demotion of Pluto from planet to dwarf planet has repercussions. It can affect NASA’s New Horizons mission. This is the 961/27 year travel to Pluto in order to discover it further.

It’s just ironic that for decades, Pluto, which is farthest from the sun, was nicknamed to be the smallest planet because of its pint-size. This debate has been ongoing since the argument that Pluto is only one four-hundredths of the total mass of the planet we’re living on which is Earth.

But it pretty much remained to be the ninth planet because it was the only object residing within the Kuiper Belt or the disc-shaped zone wherein thousands of planetary objects and comets gravitate.

In the 1990s, it was confirmed that the Kuiper Belt contained several other bodies that are similar to Pluto. These triggered doubts among scientists: on whether Pluto really is a planet or merely an object?

Then this debate heated further when Michael Brown and his colleagues discovered a celestial object that is bigger and further away from the sun, compared with Pluto. This is the UB313 which was measured by the Hubble Space Telescope at 2400 kilometres in terms of diameter. Plus, it is 710 kilometres longer when set alongside Pluto.

Now, it has sealed its fate – it isn’t a planet anymore. At least this announcement is exciting. Pluto has long been the centre of contention amidst groups of astronomers because of its different way of orbiting the sun.

The only adjustment we have to do is how to educate children. Which brings us back to the sentence mentioned earlier which helps them recall the structure of the solar system.

“My very earnest mother just served us now.” No more nine pizzas. No need for the word pizza to represent Pluto because it is no longer a major planet despite all the debates and contentions it has sparked throughout a number of decades.

Nonetheless, the solar system will be explored further in order to uncover the interesting celestial bodies and objects flying out there.

Astrology - Fact and Fiction; Astrology: Is it Fact or Fiction?

“The truth is out there.” That is the adage made popular by the sci-fi series “The X-Files” starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. Though debunked, the interest for what is out there is still rooted in such arts and crafts – one of which is astrology.

They say that the future is written in the stars. The positioning of the stars (dependent on your time, date and place) pretty much serve as factors on what you are like as a person. Some soothsayers even claim that your destiny is already written for you.

So here is a good question – is astrology fact or fiction? Sure, it’s up to the person. Some believe that the stars are somehow responsible. Others know that they make their own destinies.

But here is one thing we will clarify. The word ‘astronomy’ we’re pertaining to here is the belief that the cosmic objects influence the lives of people living on Earth. This isn't the science that deals with celestial objects.

First and foremost, let’s discuss the history. Ancient people tried to come up with the answer to this question 6000 years ago. In Mesopotamia during the period of the “Cradle of Civilization,” there was a tribe called the Chaldeans who turned to the stars when they were in need of guidance.

While they were staring up in the sky during the evening, the Chaldeans made an important discovery. They noted that the zodiacal constellation most visible from dusk up to dawn was located in the East. Therefore, their belief on astrology was connected to the study of the celestial objects, as presented by Copernicus.

It was also the Chaldeans who selected the twelve constellations which represent the night sky and also each month of the year.

They came up with the zodiacal path where the Sun, the Moon and the planets orbit around. The Chaldeans actually made the foundation for the study that is now known as astrology.

In Astrology, the primary question is, “What’s your sign?” Now, by logic, everyone would say their zodiac (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces).

For astrologers, the Sun is located in each sign for 30 days. This is popularly known as “horoscope” which you find in magazines or newspapers. For example, a person who was born on September 20 is born under the sign of Virgo the Virgin. Oddly enough, when we look up in the sky on September 20, the sun isn't located in Virgo but in Libra the Scales.

This is where ‘the load of bunkum’ begins for some people. According to non-believers, how would everyone born under a particular sign have the same luck or misfortune on the very same day?

Regardless of this disbelief, avid astrologers continue to prepare the horoscopes by relying on their astronomical researches and theories tested by science in order to calculate which positions the various planets will be in on a given day.

Science is the first step in this method; therefore ‘astrology’ pertains to both the study of the stars influencing the lives of individuals as well as the study of the cosmic beings.

Yet at the moment, even if we are connecting the influences of the stars and the planets in our lives, as how the Chaldeans, Babylonians, Egyptians and Greeks did 22 centuries ago, astrology is the calculated system that has been developed, thanks to scientific principles.

Therefore, it isn't just a mixture of myth and magic. There is something cosmic and celestial with the whole creation of astrology. It really depends on which ‘astrology’ we really are talking about.

Astrology has become popular throughout the years – that is ‘astrology’ as the influence it has on the lives of people. In fact, a total of 84 million American are into Astrology all because of the following reasons.

1. It has a universal and strong appeal. It tackles the self amidst its surrounding and the roots or personal nature. Therefore, it has become a pastime for most.

2. Astrology offers decision making for those who don't want to do it themselves. This applies to those who believe in ‘astrology’ – the one connected to fate and horoscope.

3. Those who are avid astrologers are more confident because they feel that they have uncovered secrets and knowledge most people don't have an inkling of.

Yet, despite the hype, a poll recently revealed that seven out of ten people don't believe in the craft.

Simply because it doesn't completely answer the question “how exactly does it work?”