History: October 2023

October

The concept of Earth being a zoo can be intriguing. It brings up the idea that we are the exhibits and that there may be some sort of higher being observing us. However, this theory is not scientifically supported. Moving on to the topic of sunburned eyes, this is a real and dangerous condition. It is called ultraviolet keratitis, and it occurs when the cornea is exposed to UV rays from the sun. It can feel like sand in the eye and cause temporary vision loss. Sunglasses or other protective eyewear can help prevent this from happening.

October - Figure 1
Photo Scientific American

Researchers have discovered that Venus has a lot of craters. This information was gathered by bouncing short radio waves off the solid surface of the planet and then using a computer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to analyze the data. The studies revealed that there is an area near the equator that measures 910 miles across. Within this region, there are twelve large craters that can range in diameter from 21 to 100 miles. The researchers believe that there might also be smaller craters present, but they were unable to see them. The craters are all shallow, which suggests that they were created before Venus developed an atmosphere. It is possible that they were formed by meteorite impacts and later filled with lava or eroded by the planet's surface.

Is the Earth a zoo for extraterrestrial creatures or just a laboratory dish for observing life experiments? This question has been asked for years by both scientists and science fiction enthusiasts. Some propose that Earth and its inhabitants may be watched by beings from other planets from the far corners of the galaxy. These creatures may be studying us as if we were mere lab rats, researching various aspects of human life from our physical environment to our social interactions. Others suggest that the Earth is nothing more than a test tube for a higher power, examining different forms of life to see how they evolve and interact with their environment. This theory postulates that humans are simply pawns in a larger game, and that all our experiences are pre-ordained by a mysterious force. While there is no concrete evidence to support these theories, the possibility of extraterrestrial life is an intriguing prospect that continues to captivate our imagination. Whether our planet is viewed from afar as an alien zoo or as an experimental breeding ground, it is clear that the mysteries of the universe are still unfolding, and we are only beginning to scratch the surface.

It's possible that there are more advanced life forms in the universe than humans. These civilizations might be millions of years ahead of us. But if they exist, why haven't we heard from them? An expert named John A. Ball thinks that extraterrestrial civilizations could be communicating with us but they choose not to. They might see us as a species that should be preserved and observed in isolation, like an animal in a zoo. Another theory is that life on earth began as a planned infection of microorganisms put here by another more advanced civilization. This civilization would have viewed earth as a Petri dish rather than a space for observation.

October - Figure 2
Photo Scientific American

In movie studios, the big lights that are used to create a bright atmosphere like the sun give off two types of light: ultraviolet and visible. While hands and faces can get used to this environment, the eyes are very sensitive to the burning feeling caused by prolonged exposure. This can lead to conjunctivitis, which is curable but requires the patient to stay away from further exposure. The eye is also weakened during treatment. This issue is so common among actors that it even has a name- "Kleig eyes," named after the light used. To prevent this problem, a new type of film that works in subdued light is needed.

Traversing the entire country from one coastline to the other in a mere 27-hour time frame is an impressive feat. It involves a substantial amount of travel, both by land and air, with little-to-no time for rest. Making this journey requires impeccable organization and planning. It's essential to choose the most efficient modes of transportation available to maximize time on the road while still adhering to safe driving standards. One must also take into account the time it takes to navigate through airports, board flights, and collect baggage. While certainly daunting, the exhilaration and satisfaction of traveling from one end of the country to the other in just over a day is a remarkable accomplishment.

Lieutenants John A. Macready and Oakley G. Kelly flew from Roosevelt Field in Long Island to Rockwell Field in San Diego without stopping for a total of 26 hours and 50 minutes. The pilots reported that their average speed was 93.5 miles per hour. At the beginning of the flight, the plane was carrying too much fuel, so they could only fly at an altitude of 1,500 feet. During the journey from Indianapolis to Tucumcari in New Mexico, they had to rely solely on their compass for navigation. Approximately 100,000 people welcomed the pilots when they arrived in San Diego. Despite not sleeping the entire trip, both pilots were in perfect condition upon landing. They suggest that it would have been helpful to have signs indicating towns and landmarks, especially at night.

For many years, people have been using pipes to transport oil in the oil districts of Pennsylvania. However, it is still unclear if this can be done on a large scale. The recent discovery of oil in Butler County, Pennsylvania has sparked interest in a new idea: transporting oil through iron pipes from Titusville to Philadelphia, a distance of 260 miles. The plan is to lay a six-inch cast iron pipe directly, with one section being over 3,000 feet above sea level. Proponents believe that around 23,000 barrels can be delivered every 24 hours at a cost of ten cents per barrel.

Endless Movement Available for Purchase

J.W.S. has proposed that he has a perpetual motion machine which is currently functioning, and he is willing to sell it at a price of $2,000,000 if it can be picked up locally. However, if he is required to transport it to Washington, he will be requesting a price of $5,000,000 instead. Regrettably, due to the current economic situation, it is unlikely that our correspondent will be able to obtain either of the mentioned prices.

The blog post was first released under the heading "50, 100 & 150 Years" in the October 2023 issue of Scientific American with the citation number 329, 3, 68.

Mark Fischetti is an individual who holds the senior editor position at the renowned publication, Scientific American. He primarily focuses on an array of practices related to maintaining a sustainable environment. To keep yourself up to date with his latest musings and discoveries, you can follow him on the popular social media platform, Twitter, under the handle @markfischetti. A shoutout goes to Nick Higgins for the credit.

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