My Science School

The sun is so ginormous that all of the planets of the solar system could fit inside it hundreds of times over. The sun is nearly a perfect sphere. Its equatorial diameter and its polar diameter differ by only 6.2 miles (10 km). The mean radius of the sun is 432,450 miles (696,000 kilometers), which makes its diameter about 864,938 miles (1.392 million km). You could line up 109 Earths across the face of the sun. The sun's circumference is about 2,713,406 miles (4,366,813 km).

It may be the biggest thing in this neighbourhood, but the sun is just average compared to other stars. Betelgeuse, a red giant, is about 700 times bigger than the sun and about 14,000 times brighter.

 

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Located at the centre of the solar system is the sun. It is a star, like the ones you see in the night sky. A burning ball of gas, made of mostly hydrogen and helium, it provides us with the heat we need to survive. The sun is doing massive that its gravity – the force that pulls things together - keeps the planets in orbit around it. Like other stars, our sun is basically a large ball of gas that is 91% hydrogen and 8.9% helium. The sun’s mass is around 70.6% hydrogen and 27.4% helium.

While a majority of our sun may be gas it does have six distinct regions: the core, the radiative zone, and the convective zone in the interior, the visible surface, called the photosphere; the chromospheres; and the outermost region, the corona.

The sun is held together due to gravitational attraction that produces an intense temperature and pressure at the core. The core’s temperature is about 27 million degrees F/15 million degrees C.

This is hot enough to continue the constant state of thermonuclear fusion, a process where atoms combine to create larger atoms and in that process they release huge amounts of energy.

Our star: The Sun is 150 million kilometers (93 million miles) away from the Earth (this distance varies slightly throughout the year, because the Earth’s orbit is an ellipse and not a perfect circle). The Sun is an average star – there are other stars which are much hotter or much cooler, and intrinsically much brighter or fainter. However, since it is by far the closest star to the Earth, it looks bigger and brighter in our sky than any other star. Energy is constantly being generated deep within the sun. It can take up to 100,000 years for energy to reach the surface, but then it only take 8 minutes to reach the earth!

Solar flare: Huge eruptions from the surface of the sun are called solar prominences. They form loops because of the Sun’s invisible magnetic field. Flares are closely associated with the ejection of plasmas and particles through the Sun's corona into outer space; flares also copiously emit radio waves. If the ejection is in the direction of the Earth, particles associated with this disturbance can penetrate into the upper atmosphere (the ionosphere) and cause bright auroras, and may even disrupt long range radio communication. It usually takes days for the solar plasma ejecta to reach Earth. Flares also occur on other stars, where the term stellar flare applies. High-energy particles, which may be relativistic, can arrive almost simultaneously with the electromagnetic radiations.

Sunspots: Dark patches that appear on the surface of the sun are called sunspots. They are cooler areas that usually last for a few weeks. Individual sunspots or groups of sunspots may last anywhere from a few days to a few months, but eventually decay. Sunspots expand and contract as they move across the surface of the Sun, with diameters ranging from 16 km (10 mi) to 160,000 km (100,000 mi). Larger sunspots can be visible from Earth without the aid of a telescope. They may travel at relative speeds, or proper motions, of a few hundred meters per second when they first emerge.

 

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The solar system is located in the Milky Way, a huge spiral galaxy containing billions of stars. They are grouped in “arms” that spiral outwards. All of the stars are travelling around a point at the centre. The Milky Way does not sit still, but is constantly rotating. As such, the arms are moving through space. The sun and the solar system travel with them. The solar system travels at an average speed of 515,000 mph (828,000 km/h). Even at this rapid speed, the solar system would take about 230 million years to travel all the way around the Milky Way. Scientists think there is a super massive black hole located there that sucks in anything that gets too close to it.

The Night sky: The Milky Way used to be visible on every clear, moonless night, everywhere in the world. Today, however, most people live in places where it's impossible to see the Milky Way because of widespread light pollution caused by lights left on all night long. Seeing the Milky Way requires a special effort for most people, but its well worth the trouble.

To see the Milky Way, you'll need to travel far from any city, to a wilderness area. Even in rural farming country, there are still a lot of bright lighting fixtures that wipe out the night sky. 

Black hole: Tucked inside the very center of the galaxy is a monstrous black hole, billions of times as massive as the sun. This supermassive black hole may have started off smaller, but the ample supply of dust and gas allowed it to gorge itself and grow into a giant. The greedy glutton also consumes whatever stars it can get a grip on. Although black holes cannot be directly viewed, scientists can see their gravitational effects as they change and distort the paths of the material around it, or as they fire off jets. Most galaxies are thought to have a black hole in their heart.

 

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The solar system is made up of our star called the sun, and everything that travels, or orbits, around it. This includes eight planets and their moons, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, and smaller bits of rock and dust. The solar system is one of many solar systems that exist in the Universe.

Beyond our own solar system, there are more planets than stars in night sky. So far, we have discovered thousands of planetary systems orbiting other stars in the Milky Way, with more planets being found all the time. Most of the hundreds of billions of stars in our galaxy are thought to have planets of their own, and the Milky Way is but one of perhaps 100 billion galaxies in the universe.

While our planet is in some ways a mere speck in the vast cosmos, we have a lot of company out there. It seems that we live in a universe packed with planets — a web of countless stars accompanied by families of objects, perhaps some with life of their own.

Gas planets: The four outer planets – Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune –are the largest planets in the Solar System. They are mostly made of gas and spacecraft are unable to land on them. Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. It has a radius almost 11 times the size of Earth. It has 50 known moons and 17 waiting to be confirmed, according to NASA.  Saturn is about nine times Earth's radius and is characterized by large rings; how they formed is unknown. It has 53 known moons and nine more awaiting confirmation, according to NASA. Uranus has a radius about four times that of Earth's. The planet has 27 moons, and its atmosphere is made up of hydrogen, helium and methane, according to NASA. Neptune also has a radius about four times that of Earth's. It has 13 confirmed moons and an additional one awaiting confirmation, according to NASA.

Asteroids:  Asteroids are lumps of rock and metal left over from when the solar system first formed. Most can be found in the asteroid belt, which is located between the planets Mars and Jupiter. There are millions of asteroids in our Solar System. Scientists estimate the asteroid belt has between 1.1 and 1.9 million asteroids larger than 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) in diameter, and millions of smaller ones. Most of the undiscovered asteroids are likely the smaller ones (less than 100 km across) which are more difficult to detect. Some astronomers estimate there could be 150 million asteroids in the entire Solar System.

Rocky planets: Closest to the sun are the four rocky planets-Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. They all began their existence in the same way, but over time became very different worlds. They are the closest four planets to the Sun. They are made of rocks and metals. They have a solid surface and a core which is mainly made of iron. They are much smaller than the gas planets and rotate more slowly.

Super-sized: The solar system is so big that if the sun were the size of a basketball, the earth would be the size of a sesame seed – and it would be located more than 25 m (80 ft) away! The Earth is the largest of the four inner, rocky planets in our Solar System, at more than 12,000 km in diameter. But even at this size, Earth is dwarfed by all four of the gas giant planets, which range in size from Neptune (at nearly 4 times the size and 17 times the mass of Earth) all the way up to our Solar System's giant, Jupiter, with more than 11 times the Earth's diameter and over 300 times its mass.

Dwarf Planets: Dwarf planets, such as Pluto, also travel around the sun; these worlds are smaller than the other planets. Scientists think there may be dozens of undiscovered dwarf planets hiding in the solar system. It is possible that there are another 40 known objects in the solar system that could be rightly classified as dwarf planets. Estimates are that up to 200 dwarf planets may be found when the entire region known as the Kuiper belt is explored, and that the number may exceed 10,000 when objects scattered outside the Kuiper belt are considered.

 

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I am a student of Std XI and wish to pursue a degree in Indology. I would like to know which institutions in India provide this curse.

Indology is the study of history, culture, languages and literature of the Indian subcontinent. It is supported by an analysis of textual sources written in an Indian language, of iconographic sources or of any other document.

Specifically, Indology includes the study of Sanskrit literature and Hinduism along with the other Indian religions, namely Jainism, Buddhism and Pali Literature, and Sikhism.

Study in Indology is useful for those interested in understanding the nature and dynamics of Indian culture and society, particularly to teachers of higher educational institutions, journalists and other media persons, and those pursuing careers in tourism, archaeology and museums.

Very few institutes offer courses in this field. Some of these include School of Indology, Nalanda Open University, Patna; Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan’s Centre of Indology, New Delhi; Krishna Institute of Indology, Bngalore; Shri Balmukund Lohia Centre of Sanskrit and Indological Studies, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune.

 

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I want to be a military nurse. If I do a B.Sc. here in my native place how can I get in to AFMC for further degrees? I have searched AFMC sites but this has created a lot of confusion. Please help.

Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune offers B.SC. (Nursing), for which eligibility is 10+2 with three years diploma in General Nursing Midwifery with minimum two years experience in the profession. Selection is through written examination, followed by an interview.

 

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I’m a student of Std XI with PCB. I want to pursue a career in Geology. Which are the best colleges which offer B.Sc. in Geology in India for students with PCB?

Geology is the science that studies the earth’s history, composition and structure. Some of the institutes offering B.Sc. in Geology are Fergusson College, Pune; University of Calcutta, Kolkata; Bangalore; Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi; University of Delhi; Jiwaji University, Gwalior, MS University of Baroda, Vadodara.

 

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I am studying in Std X. I love Chemistry but I don’t know which courses I should do for a research programme in Chemistry. Besides this I have another problem; I always feel that I should become a doctor which is our hereditary occupation. My parents always say: “We have such a big hospital for you, if you don’t become a doctor what will happen?” What should I do?

In order to do research, a Ph.D. is generally needed. For that, first complete 10+2, then go for B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry followed by M.Sc. M.Phil. and then Ph.D., a minimum of 10-12 years of more study.

If you enter into medicine, you still have to study for 9-10 years. Your parents wish for your happiness. After completing your studies in medicine, you need not go out and look for a job, rather join them and help in running the hospital. You still have two more years to decide whether to go for medicine or specialized study in Chemistry.

 

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I’m a student of Std VIII. I want to do IIT. What should my plans be to get a good rank in it? How should I study in order to crack it and which books would you suggest for maths, physics and chemistry?

Getting into the IITs is the dream of almost every student and be IITJEE Entrance Exam is the most sought after competitive exam. There are around 10k seats in the IITs and lakhs of students complete for them every year. So, the level of competition is very high and one must have a strong preparation plan in place. JEE needs systematic preparation. Most of the problems asked are application-based questions and requires you to apply the theoretical concepts to solve it. Hence, “Conceptual Clarity” is important to crack the nut. Mugging up/cramming is not what is expected in JEE entrance and it’s no way going to help you to score top ranks.

Usually, the school curriculum does not cover the kind of preparation required for the IIT JEE entrance exam. Board exams test you with basic knowledge while the JEE entrance tests you on your deeper understanding levels of each topic and concept.

The earlier you start, the more time you would get to learn, revise and practice! By starting an early preparation, your mind gets stimulated, gains confidence, and you will also get ample time to practice.

For the next 1-2 years you can focus on self-study; later you may join some good coaching classes. Good coaching centres/institutes give students an edge in analytical and problem-solving skills, which helps students crack competitive exams with ease.

And to score top ranks in JEE you need regular practice. You need to do a lot of self-study in the form of concept reinforcement, problem-solving. It’s not difficult to clear JEE, provided your concepts are clear and you are able to apply them properly. There are no secrets to success. It’s all the result of preparation, hard work and learning from mistakes.

 

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There is a course called Master’s in International Business. But can you briefly explain to me the difference between Master’s in IB and MBA in IB. What is the scope and placement of Master’s in International Business? Do we have to give any entrance exams to pursue this Master’s course? Should I select MBA or Master’s?

Both the courses focus on international Business. Master’s in International Business (MIB) is a highly specialized course placing an emphasis exclusively on issues related to international business with a cross-cultural perspective, and includes language and culture classes. It will enable you to delve into international issues in great depth.

In contrast, an international business MBA programme will help you develop a general set of management skills in addition to specific multinational knowledge. It will allow you to develop a set of skills that can be transferred to other areas.

So if you want to focus on International business only, go for MIB. But if you’re not too sure, then go for MBA as it may also qualify you to hold management positions in other fields should you become interested in a different career.

 

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I am a student of Std X. My aim was to become a software engineer but I fear Maths the most. So I gave up the thought of becoming a software engineer and decided to make a career in event management. But my parents think that event management is too hard for me. Now the problem is that I’m unable to decide whether I should go for event management or do engineering. I’m afraid that if Maths spoils my 12th class results then what will I do? I don’t want to take that risk. Please advise me.

First you need to analyze as to why you want to be a software engineer. Do you have somebody in your family who is a software engineer and living a good lifestyle? Have you read in the newspapers or in a magazine that these engineers earn well and also get a chance to go abroad? Don’t get impressed by all this. Only those who have done the course from good colleges get a handsome salary and a chance to go abroad.

To become a software engineer, you should have Mathematics along with Physics and chemistry in 10+2. Then you should appear in competitive examinations like AIEEE, JEE to get selected in good engineering colleges.

Another question to analyze is why you fear Maths. It is a very simple subject; the only requirement is to do 10-15 questions every day. Start with solved examples; first understand these, then solve them yourself on paper. If you do it for one month continuously, your fear of Maths will go away…I can guarantee. So, don’t spoil your future career due to that fear.

As far as event management is considered, no formal training is required. That doesn’t mean that it’s an easy career. You’re required to have dedication, sincerity and exceptional organizational abilities. You should be able to deal with all types of persons, ranging from suppliers to the CEO of all client company. You need to have good marketing as well as creative and managerial skills. Basically, event managers learn on the job.

Actual work may be different in every event. On one occasion, you may be trying to find a decorating company that can set up a musical event for a corporate party. The next day, you may have to line up a magician for a children’s party. The field also includes a lot of drudgery and leg-work. Working late nights is a norm, as parties don’t usually happen during the regular 9 to 5 hours.

This career may look exciting and interesting but lot of risk is involved as there are no fixed salaries. Some days you may have lot of work, while at other times you may feel that nothing is working out. Give it a thought, discuss with other people and take a well-informed decision.

 

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I am a student of Std XI (PCB). I want to become a doctor. In which line of medicine is there scope? Is there scope as a radiologist? If not, then which field should I do?

The medicine sector offers the widest range of opportunities for well-qualified individuals. MBBS is an extremely dynamic field in the medicine sector. You should not worry about employment in any of the fields in medicine, but the nature of the work and satisfaction differs. Go for something you like for lifetime as we have no retirement in medicine.

The career and job opportunities in the field of radiography are very extensive. The demand for radiographers has increased recently with the development in technologies in medical science creating a new and wide scope in radiology.

 

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I am student of Std X. I love astronomy more than my life. What should I become in order to study astronomy? Also, I am a lazy guy and I can’t study for 7 to 8 hours per day. I am very worried about my future because I feel that due to my laziness I will not succeed in life. Please advice.

Who told you that you’re lazy? At Std X level, you’re not supposed to study for 7-8 hours a day. And if you’re studying for 7-8 hours, that means you’re lazy. The reason being you’re doing the work of 3-4 hours in double the time!

Also how do you know that you love Astronomy? Do you read related articles? Have you attended related events? Astronomy is not just lying down and gazing at the stars. If you do that, you’re lazy! If you want to be successful, study about Astronomy and put your best effort. And don’t hide behind the lame excuse that “I’m lazy”. Be your own motivator.

For a career in Astronomy, you require at least 6-8 years of further study after Std X. Take PCM in 10+2, followed by an honours degree in Physics. Many universities offer astronomy as a special course in the M.Sc. programmes of the Physics departments.

 

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I was in a long distance relationship with a boy for two months. He loved me, too. When my mom came to know about it she said ‘yes’ both I never had the time to talk to him neither on Facebook nor on WhatsApp nor on the phone as I am a dance choreographer, too. He thought I had changed and that I didn’t love him. But I still love him and I want him back in my life. It’s been five months since we broke up and he acts as if nothing was there between us. After our break-up he had a relationship with another girl but although that ended recently he loves her. I want him to realize that his decision to leave me was wrong and that I still love him. He hates me now and doesn’t want to see me at all. What should I do?

In two months you have built a dream of love with a boy, a “long distance relationship”. Due to your busy schedule: “I am a dance choreographer”, you never had the time to talk to him, not even on the phone. Your long silence made him feel that you did not love him and your relationship broke up since five months. Afterwards he moved on to another relationship. You feel that he hates you now and doesn’t want to see you at all, yet you still love him and want him back in your life. You have to make a choice between concentrating on your busy schedule which prevents you from finding the time to talk to those whom you love. The choice is yours.

 

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I am a 13-year-old girl who has just entered my teenage. I spend most of my time alone. My friends this year are in different sections and both my parents are working. I thought I could spend this year alone as next year some of my friends would be with me. Six months have passed and I feel as if I am going into depression. At first I thought I was imagining it but then I checked on the internet and all the symptoms matched. I can’ talk about it to my mother as she would get worried and always keep me with her and she would not be able to work. I don’t want to make new friends as I have not moved on from the old ones and I don’t think I can trust anyone other than my friends. Other than my family I have no reason to live. What should I do?

You are feeling lonely and depressed as your friends this year are in different sections and your parents are working and cannot spend much time with you. You have decided not to make new friends as you think that you cannot trust anyone except your old friends. You also believe that other than your family you have no reason to live. At the tender age of 13 you should remember that you are a child of God and that he loves you. He gave you your life, your family, your friends and everything else. The reason to live is that you belong to God and should please him. What God wants is that you love and care for those around you; therefore he wants you to make new friends, love them and care for them wherever you are. Move out of your loneliness; meet your new classmates and start relating lovingly to them. You will experience their love and affection and grow closer to God.

 

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