Cool Waves

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from place to place. Energy in defined as the ability to do work. The material through which a wave travels is called a medium. Liquids, solids, and gases all are mediums. Waves that require a medium are called mechanical waves. There are two types of mechanical waves: transverse waves and longitudinal waves. Waves that move through a medium at right angles to the direction in which the waves travel are called transverse waves. These waves move up and down or side to side. The high point on the wave is called a crest and the low point is called a trough. Longitudinal waves are waves that move through a medium parallel to the direction in which the waves travel. If you imagine a spring toy, think about pushing and pull it on one side while holding the other. The parts on the wave where the coils are close together are called compressions. The parts where the coils are spread out are called rarefactions. Water waves use both transverse and longitudinal waves. A single particle in the wave moves clockwise. Rayleigh waves are waves that travel on the surface of solids. Rayleigh surface waves also use both transverse and longitudinal waves. However, in a Rayleigh surface wave, a single particle moves counter-clockwise. I am glad that scientists study such important things, to make us understand how waves work. In my opinion, I think these waves are the reason we see, hear, and do many of the things around us. Transverse and longitudinal waves help us understand many scientific phenomena in physics and biology.

I got my Information from:

http://www.kettering.edu/~drussell/Demos/waves/wavemotion.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayleigh_wave

History Takes a Turn: Obama Becomes President: The Inauguration of Barack Obama

The inauguration of President Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States of America, was a very historical day witnessed around the world. It was the day America had it first African American President. Everyone hoped change would come but never expected it so soon. Now, finally, change has come. As Bush leaves the President seat to Obama, we will be awaiting change to come from the new President of the United States of America.

The success of President Obama in history will not only matter on the color his skin but on what he does to fix what Bush has left behind. The horrible economy, the unemployment, the thousands without health care, the two wars going on at the moment, all are something that Obama and his administration need to fix. As said in ‘article one’, by South Carolina Democrat, “But after the Inaugural celebration ends, I caution the American people to have patience. We face many great challenges that took more than 100 days to create, and will take more that 100 days to rectify.” In other words, this person is trying to say that America must have patience. The many problems took many days to make and will take many days to solve. Many people are saying that Obama is like the new Martin Luther King Jr. He might be someone like that but in his own way. Obama will be his own person. He might follow in the steps of King, but in 60 years, historians and Americans will follow in the steps of Obama.

“Humility, gratitude, and sacrifice.” Right from the minute that Barack Obama assumed office he showed humility and gratitude, and set the tone for sacrifice by the nation’s citizens. He talked about three themes that are spreading across the nation – Economic crisis, wars, and the declining greatness of America as a country in the world. President Obama knows these are America’s issues for the near future and now that he is officially president he will begin take on the challenge. He called on all of us help him bring back America’s greatness as a nation in the world. Regarding our economic challenges, our new President wants us all to be more responsible citizens. Finally, he promised that America was a friend of each nation and that he would fight for peace and dignity.

In my opinion, Barack Obama will become a great president. With so many supporters, I believe he will get everyone to help make America the best. I wonder if he will do even better than that. Without a doubt President Barack Obama will be the best president America has ever seen.

I got my information from:

Article one:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090120/ap_on_go_pr_wh/inauguration_analysis

Article two:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20090120/us_time/08599187273800

Sky Night Highlights

We all know 2009 will be the start of something new; new economy, new lives, new gas prices. But what about Space? The earth has made its full circle around the sun and is starting again. Now we wait for the “night sky highlights” to begin; 2009 has been forecast to be a year full of magnificent observations in space. One has already happened, on January 3rd Quadrantid Meteors, were supposed to be visible in the sky in the United States and Canada. In addition, the night attractions that we are looking forward to is the Planet Trio that will appear from February 22nd to February 26th. Early risers might get a chance to see Jupiter, Mercury, and Mars all settled in a circle next to the moon. Later in the year, on March 25th, we expect Venus as an evening and morning star. Other space attractions include the Occultation of the planet Venus on April 22, and on June 6th, the Occultation of the star Antares. Also, if you’re in Asia on July 22nd, you just might experience the “Eclipse of the Century”. This eclipse will be unlike any eclipse seen for at least another century! Everyone, down to two year olds, knows that Saturn has many rings, seen from anywhere where in the sky. But from August 10th through September 4th, Saturn will be on an extreme tilt, and we will not be able to see any of the rings! That will be an interesting spatial sight. Of course we need a telescope to view it. With the beginning of fall, starting on the night of September 2nd, Jupiter will be observable, through a telescope without satellites crowding it. My opinion is that this will give scientists time to study Jupiter in way that they haven’t been able to before. Also on October 8th, Mercury and Saturn will appear in close conjunction. Finally, to end the year, on November 17th Leonid Meteors will come into view and lastly on December 13th and 14th Geminid Meteors will come out. Personally, I think that 2009 will be a very eye-catching year, filled with new discoveries and adventures in space.

I got my information from:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28474566/