The other day I was talking on a podcast about time travel and parallel universes and during the conversation it occurred to me that there may be a parallel universe in which the Roman Republic reached the 21st century and has its first colonies on the planet Mars in the year 2030.
So I have asked Copilot's artificial intelligence to make me an image representing that parallel universe. Tell me what you think?
I liked it.
I'm thrilled to share that I recently had the fantastic opportunity to be a guest on Star Trekin in Vegas S1 EP3 on 3/31/2024, where we delved into the fascinating realm of time travel in science fiction, particularly within the iconic Star Trek universe.
A huge thank you to the Star Trekking Vegas team for this incredible opportunity.
Live long and prosper!
The Last Stargazers: The Enduring Story of Astronomy's Vanishing Explorers" is a non-fiction book written by Dr. Emily Levesque, an astronomer and professor at the University of Washington. The book was published in 2020. In "The Last Stargazers," Emily Levesque shares her experiences as a professional astronomer and offers an inside look at the world of modern astronomy.
The book provides insights into the lives and work of astronomers, detailing the challenges they face, the discoveries they make, and the passion that drives them to explore the universe. Levesque discusses the joys and struggles of observational astronomy, the impact of technological advancements on the field, and the human stories behind the scientific research.
Through a series of engaging anecdotes and personal reflections, "The Last Stargazers" sheds light on the human side of astronomy and highlights the dedication, curiosity, and perseverance of the scientists who continue to push the boundaries of our understanding of the cosmos.
This book has given me a couple of good laughs.
Overall, "The Last Stargazers" offers a compelling and accessible exploration of the world of astronomy, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in astronomy, science, and the people who devote their lives to unravelling the mysteries of the universe.
Our home galaxy, the Milky Way, a majestic spiral of stars that houses our solar system, has captivated and intrigued cultures around the world for millennia. Its impressive presence in the night sky has inspired countless myths, legends and spiritual beliefs. However, in modern times, the growing problem of light pollution has threatened our ability to observe and appreciate the Milky Way. In this article, we will explore how various cultures, including the Chinese, Greeks, Zulu, Hopi, Navajo, and Mojave, have interpreted the Milky Way, and discuss the detrimental effects of light pollution on our ability to experience this celestial wonder.
In Chinese mythology, there are several stories one is that the Milky Way is known as the "Silver River" and is associated with the romantic legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver. According to this tale, the cowherd and the weaver are separated by the Silver River and are only allowed to meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, during the Qixi Festival.
The following story tells us that the Milky Way is The Celestial River (天河, Tiānhé) was the abode of the goddess Chang'e, the symbol of immortality. Legend has it that, upon stealing the pill of immortality, Chang'e took refuge in the Milky Way, creating an eternal separation from her husband, Emperor Houyi.
In Greek mythology, the Milky Way was the product of milk spilt by Hera, queen of Olympus, while she was breastfeeding the mortal Hercules. This celestial milk gave rise to the galaxy we know today.
In the mythology of the Zulu people of South Africa, the Milky Way is known as "inkanyezi", which means "stars". They believe that it is a path that spirits take to travel to the afterlife. The appearance of the Milky Way in the night sky is considered a sign of the presence of ancestral spirits watching over the living.
In Hopi mythology: The Milky Way was the backbone of Mother Earth, a vital connection between the underworld and heaven. A symbol of the deep connection between the Earth and its inhabitants.
In Navajo mythology: The Milky Way was the path traveled by the First Man and the First Woman in their search for the Promised Land. A journey full of challenges and trials that finally brought them home.
In Mojave mythology: view the Milky Way as the "Ghost River." According to Mojave lore, the Milky Way was created by the antics of Coyote, a prominent figure in their mythology. It is said that Coyote kicked a bag of flour, causing it to explode and spread across the sky, creating the luminous band we now know as the Milky Way. Furthermore, the Milky Way was the home of the ancestral spirits, who from their heavenly abode watched over the well-being of the Mojave people. A space of deep spiritual connection and ancestral wisdom.
Recovering the connection with the Milky Way:
By observing the Milky Way, we connect with our past, present and future. It is a reminder of our place in the universe, a space for reflection and deep inspiration. Regaining the ability to see it is a crucial step in preserving our connection to the cosmos and the cultural heritage that defines us.
Unfortunately, increasing light pollution is threatening our ability to see the Milky Way. As urban areas continue to grow and artificial lighting becomes more prevalent, the problem of light pollution has increased. Light pollution occurs when artificial light from urban and industrial areas illuminates the night sky, obscuring the stars, and depriving us of this natural spectacle.
If we want to guarantee that future generations can enjoy its beauty. Light pollution must be reduced by implementing control measures and the responsible use of artificial light is essential.
"It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then."
- Lewis Carroll
The book explores the widespread social collapse that occurred at the end of the Bronze Age, around 1177 BC. Cline delves into the factors that led to the fall of several major civilizations in the Mediterranean and Near East during this period, including the Hittites, Mycenaeans, and Minoans.
Cline investigates several potential causes of this collapse, such as natural disasters, climate change, invasions by the so-called "Sea Peoples," and internal social and political unrest. He examines archaeological and historical evidence to reconstruct a compelling narrative of the events and circumstances that may have contributed to the simultaneous collapse of multiple advanced societies.
The book makes a good, accessible presentation of complex historical and archaeological concepts and offers readers a fascinating look at a crucial moment in ancient history. In this book, he sheds light on the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations and the fragility of even the most advanced societies in the face of systemic challenges.
It offers an opportunity to explore the resilience and vulnerability of human societies throughout history. This book provides a compelling narrative that underscores the impact of human decisions and actions on the course of history.
Eric H. Cline's exploration of the late Bronze Age collapse invites us to consider the human experiences of the individuals who lived in these ancient societies. By examining the factors that led to the fall of multiple civilizations, the book leads us to contemplate the human stories behind these cataclysmic events. It encourages us to empathize with the people who lived through these tumultuous times and to appreciate the ways in which their lives were shaped by larger historical forces.
Additionally, it also highlights the interconnectedness of human societies and the ways in which the actions of one group of people can have far-reaching consequences for others. This interconnection underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and cooperation in the human experience.
Overall, this book serves as a reminder of humanity's shared experiences across time and space. It invites readers to engage with the complexities of history, to appreciate the human stories that underpin historical events, and to consider the enduring relevance of ancient lessons to our contemporary world.
Robert D. Martin, is a biological anthropologist with extensive expertise in primate behaviour and human evolution. The book was published in 2013 and offers a comprehensive look at the biological aspects of human reproduction, including an evolutionary perspective.
In "How We Do It," Martin explores a wide range of topics related to human reproduction, such as the development of reproductive anatomy, the role of hormones, fertility patterns, pregnancy, and the evolution of sexual behaviour. He delves into why humans reproduce the way they do, comparing and contrasting our reproductive mechanisms with those of other animals, particularly primates, to provide a deeper understanding of our species.
Drawing upon his research and that of others, Martin addresses issues like the impact of modern lifestyles on fertility, the evolutionary background of current reproductive health issues, and how understanding our reproductive history can help us make more informed decisions about our reproductive futures.
The book is lauded for its accessible approach to complex scientific concepts, making it suitable for both a professional audience and general readers interested in human biology, evolution, and reproduction. It synthesizes a vast amount of scientific research in a way that provides insights into the past, present, and potential future of human reproductive practices and challenges.
Martin's book contributes to a scientific understanding of human reproduction. By providing readers with information about the biological and evolutionary aspects of human reproduction, the book could help people make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
This book encourages readers to think critically about human reproduction, including questioning common beliefs and considering the implications of reproductive technologies and interventions.
Martin's exploration of the past, present, and future of human reproduction touches on ethical issues such as reproductive rights, family planning, and the impact of reproductive technologies.
Understanding human reproduction from an evolutionary point of view can help society address reproductive health issues and promote policies that support reproductive rights and gender equality.
