Mayan Agriculture: Maize, Chinampas, And Terracing

The Mayan civilization depended on agriculture as its primary source of sustenance. Maize constituted a crucial element in Mayan diets, holding deep cultural and religious significance for the Mayan people. Chinampas, or “floating gardens,” represented an innovative farming technique employed by the Mayans to increase agricultural productivity in regions with limited land and water resources. … Read more

Total Solar Eclipse: See Stars In The Day!

The allure of a total solar eclipse includes the opportunity to witness celestial phenomena not typically visible during the day. Stars, planets, and the Sun’s corona emerge into view due to the Moon obscuring the sun’s light, creating a twilight effect. The darkness during totality allows observers to see stars and planets that are otherwise … Read more

Hawaii Solar Eclipse: Honolulu Stargazing

Hawaii residents and tourists alike are preparing for a rare celestial event, with many islands such as Honolulu offering prime viewing locations for the upcoming solar eclipse. This astronomical phenomenon, a solar eclipse, will occur when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow over parts of the Pacific, including the Hawaiian … Read more

Earth Vs. Pluto: Size And Planetary Differences

Earth, a terrestrial planet in our solar system, possesses a substantial size when compared to dwarf planet Pluto. Pluto, located in the distant reaches of the Kuiper Belt, is significantly smaller than Earth; Earth has a diameter of approximately 12,742 kilometers. Pluto’s diameter is about 2,377 kilometers. Size difference influences the classification of celestial bodies; … Read more

Bill Nye Eclipse Glasses: Safe Solar Viewing

Bill Nye eclipse glasses provide safe solar viewing, and they feature The Planetary Society branding. These glasses meet ISO 12312-2 international safety standards, ensuring eye protection during solar events. During the 2017 and 2024 solar eclipses, Bill Nye, the popular science educator, promoted these glasses, emphasizing their importance for safe eclipse observation. Ever felt that … Read more

Oregon Eclipse 2024: When’s The Next One?

Portland, Oregon experienced a notable celestial event in recent times, specifically the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, although it was a partial eclipse; Portland did not experience a total solar eclipse, the path of totality was observed in other parts of the country. The next total solar eclipse that will be visible in Oregon … Read more

Great Blue Heron: Diet, Behavior & Facts

Great blue herons exhibit remarkable adaptations as opportunistic feeders, skillfully preying on various aquatic creatures in their habitat. Fish represent a significant portion of the great blue heron diet, these birds also consume amphibians. During foraging, the herons use their long bills with precision to capture prey. The great blue heron behavior involves wading in … Read more

Pink Moon 2024: April’s Full Moon Magic

The celestial beauty of the pink moon is capturing the hearts of astronomy enthusiasts and photography lovers alike. The annual lunar event of April has a full moon that is traditionally associated with the blooming of spring wildflowers, not a change in the Moon’s actual color. Many photographers are eager to capture the ethereal glow … Read more

Anglerfish: Deep-Sea Evolution & Bioluminescence

Deep in the ocean, the anglerfish has eyes that adapted to the darkness, a unique evolutionary answer to the challenge of finding food where sunlight does not reach. Bioluminescence in anglerfish lures helps them to attract prey. The anglerfish eyes exhibit evolutionary adaptation, allowing them to detect the faintest glimmer of light, an indispensable ability … Read more

Ellen Ochoa: First Hispanic Woman In Space

Ellen Ochoa, a former astronaut, has achieved the distinction of becoming the first Hispanic woman astronaut. As a mission specialist, Ellen Ochoa embarked on her first space mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1993. Her contributions to NASA and space exploration has inspired generations of scientists and astronauts around the globe. The Johnson Space … Read more