Scientific Answers 2
Scientific Answers
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SCIENTIFIC ANSWERS
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Scientific Answers
Περιεχόμενα
Chapter Theme Page
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Space (continuation) 3-10
2
Technology 11-14
3 Nature (mountains
and forests) 15-21
Quiz _ 22-25
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Scientific Answers
Space
(Continuation)
Spaceships
We imagine spaceships to be quite different from
the one in the picture. However, this is a replica of
the spacecraft that took the first humans to the
Moon.
International Space Station (ISS)
The International Space Station functions as a
floating scientific laboratory, deep space
observatory, and high-tech Earth observation
station. With 15 partner countries and five space
agencies, the International Space Station is the
largest international peace project in history. Its first
module, Zarya (Dawn), was launched by the
Russians in November 1998. Construction was
completed with the transfer of the Alpha Magnetic
Spectrometer from the space shuttle Endeavour,
mission STS-134. The station consists of 15
pressurized modules, the truss structure, and solar
panels. The Russians launched two more modules, Nauka (Science) and Uzlovoy (Node), in
2021. The ISS's lifecycle is set to end in mid-2031.
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Bike on the ISS
Just as your leg muscles might betray you from lounging on the couch all day, the same could
happen to the astronauts on the ISS. Despite the fact that astronauts work almost nonstop,
the absence of gravity slowly shows its effects. While the average adult is recommended to
exercise about 30 minutes a day for several days a week, the people on the International
Space Station exercise for 90 to 120 minutes every day, just to maintain their bone and
muscle mass at healthy levels.
Currently, they use the CEVIS system, the Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and
Stabilization. It is basically a stationary bicycle, attached to one side of the International
Space Station to ensure it doesn't start floating.
Astronauts wear heart rate monitors while riding the bike and then send the data to Earth so
their trainers can analyze it and optimize their daily workout.
'We have a computer, so if you like to listen to music, you can do that. Or watch a movie,'
says astronaut Doug Wheelock
Πηγή: NASA LIFE IN SPACE
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Scientific Answers
Sun
There's nothing wrong with a little sun worship. Although the closest star to Earth is literally
the star of the show, it's not really significant when you look at the big picture of the entire
galaxy, which has 200 to 400 billion other stars, many like ours. Scientists call our star a 'G-
type main sequence star,' which in simple terms means it is on the cooler side compared to
some other hotter types, smaller than average in size, and not the most common type of star
but not very rare either. It is a main sequence star because it is in the prime stage of its 10-
billion-year lifespan, doing what most stars in the universe do: converting hydrogen into
helium deep in their cores.
This main sequence process is called nuclear fusion and creates energy that travels to the
surface of the sun (photosphere) and is released as heat and light. The core of the sun will
gradually run out of hydrogen gas, which will signal the end of the sun. But we don't need to
worry about that for the next five billion years or so
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Scientific Answers
Sunspots
These cooler areas on the surface of the sun can emit charged particles
known as solar flares that disrupt solar systems on Earth. Galileo Galilei
was the first astronomer to observe sunspots.
Prominences
Occasionally, these strips of glowing gas, which are cooler than the
surface of the sun but still extremely hot, are ejected and remain
suspended by the powerful magnetic field of our star, then collapse back
to the surface. Solar flares can be 10 times the size of Earth.
Sunbeams
The sun may appear to be a perfect sphere, but closer examination with
special telescopes reveals imperfections…
Source of all (related to the sun): NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC WHY NOT?
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Why is the moon not always visible?
The moon does not shine by itself: moonlight is actually sunlight reflected from the surface
of the moon. Just like here on Earth, the moon has a day side that faces the sun and a night
side that faces away from it. The difference is that the moon takes about 30 days to rotate as
it orbits around the Earth, which means a full day and night cycle on the moon also lasts
about 30 days. When we see a full moon, it is noon on the side of the moon facing us. When
we don't see the moon at all (this phenomenon is called a new moon), it is midnight on the
moon. All the intermediate phases represent the various stages from morning, afternoon,
and evening.
Why doesn't the moon have a specific name?
Imagine you have the first cat in the world as a pet. You had never seen a cat before, so you
decided to name it 'Cat.' One day, you discover that there are other cats in the
neighborhood. You call these animals 'cats' because that's what you named yours, but you
know that 'cats' (the other animals) are different from 'Cat' (the name of your pet). Your cat
still has the name 'Cat' even though the other cats have different names. The moon has a
similar story.
How do you say the moon in...
Greek? Φεγγάρι (pronounced: Fegari)
Italian? Luna
German? Mond
Chinese? yuèliàng (pronounced: you-ay-lee-ong)
Hindi? Chaand (pronounced: Chond)
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The American flag on the
moon
Scientific Answers
Technology
Technology has revolutionized the way we live, work, and communicate. From the invention
of the wheel to the development of the internet, technological advancements have
continuously shaped human civilization. Today, we rely on technology for almost everything,
from smartphones and computers to medical devices and renewable energy solutions. The
rapid pace of technological innovation promises even more exciting developments in the
future, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and space exploration. These
advancements have the potential to solve some of the world's most pressing challenges and
improve the quality of life for people around the globe.
Surely, technology has evolved rapidly, and many companies contribute to this progress.
One of the most important companies is Apple, which revolutionized the mobile phone
industry with the creation of the iPhone. The man behind this innovation was Steve Jobs.
Besides Apple, there are other famous companies in the technology sector, such as Samsung
and Bell. At the same time, technological progress is not limited to devices but also extends
to applications, such as ChatGPT, which provides answers to various questions. Let's see
below a dialogue with an electrical engineer:
Journalist: What is the main job of an electrical engineer?
Electrical Engineer: I am involved in the design and development of electrical
systems.
J: What skills are necessary for this job?
EE: Good communication skills and analytical thinking.
J: How do new technologies, such as ChatGPT, affect your field?
EE: They help in data analysis and process automation.
J: What challenges do you often face in your job?
EE: The continuous evolution of technology and the need for ongoing education.
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As we mentioned above, Apple is one of the greatest companies that makes electronic
devices (tablets, laptops, computers, etc.). This company also makes its own phones, which
it calls iPhones.
So far, there are 16 iPhones (if we count only the main ones). The first iPhone created was
the iPhone 1. After that, more were created, and we ended up being able to buy up to a brand
new iPhone 16.
In reality, there are not just 16 iPhones. Between each number, there are other iPhones with
slightly different names. For example, ...iPhone 6, iPhone 6s,... iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro,
iPhone 16 Pro Max, ... etc.
Τhese days, experts are working on several cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation
and solve complex problems. Some of the key areas include:
1. Developing advanced AI models that can create sophisticated content, such as text,
images, and simulations, to enhance productivity and creativity.
2. Making strides in quantum technology to solve problems that are currently unsolvable
by classical computers.
3. Εxpanding and optimizing 5G networks to improve connectivity and support the
Internet of Things.
4. Innovating in green energy technologies to combat climate change and promote
sustainability.
5. Using biotechnology to develop personalized treatments based on individual genetic
profiles.
6. Advancing self-driving car technology to improve safety and efficiency in transportation.
These efforts aim to transform various industries and improve the quality of life for people
around the world.
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Scientific Answers
Nature (mountains and forests)
Do mountains grow taller?
Yes! Many mountains do grow taller! For example, the tallest mountain in the world,
Everest, is still growing. In fact, it grows by a few millimeters every year. Currently, its height
is 8,848 meters, which is about the same as 125 large airplanes lined up!
Why is Everest growing?
Everest is growing because it is being pushed by huge rocky plates at its base, which collide
and crush against each other as they move. This also causes some earthquakes.
Volcanoes
Volcanoes are essentially mountains with craters at their top. Volcanoes erupt when hot,
molten rocks, also known as magma, rise to the surface of the volcano. The magma flows out
from the interior of the volcano. This type of volcano is called active.
Besides the active volcano, there is also the dormant volcano. A dormant volcano is like it is
sleeping. However, if the magma finds a way to reach the surface, the volcano can suddenly
wake up with an eruption.
If a volcano has no magma inside it, then it is an extinct volcano. An extinct volcano may have
erupted in the past, but it will never erupt again.
Source: Book "I Ask and Learn About Nature" (adaptation)
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Scientific Answers
The volcano of Iceland
The Fagradalsfjall of Iceland volcano erupted once again on January 15, 2024. The sky
turned from blue to orange due to the lava. In Iceland, volcanic surges and eruptions are a
common activity. What needs to be clarified is that a volcanic eruption does not happen
overnight. Volcanoes give warnings before they do anything. They are not like earthquakes;
they do not suddenly explode. They start a slow activity, which can last from weeks to years.
On all volcanoes, the state and research institutions place monitoring networks to know if a
volcano is preparing for an eruption..
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What do you call a
mountain with
hiccups?
A volcano!
Scientific Answers
Forests
Forests are a source of life. Various creatures live in them, and there are valuable plants that
produce oxygen. These forests, created by nature millions of
years ago, are being destroyed, unfortunately, by humans to
obtain wood from the trees, build more buildings, and do
other things that you will see below.
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Scientific Answers
The forest of Sumatra
Sumatra (which is the largest island in Indonesia) has many tropical forests. It
generally has a very big area of nature. Various
animals live there, such as elephants, orangutans,
lemurs, and other wild creatures. The most well-
known animals there are the orangutans. They have
reddish fur and are very flexible. Unfortunately,
these orangutans are somewhat like endangered
animals. Are you wondering why? Read below to
find out.
Orangutans are “endangered animals” because
huge areas of nature where they live and find food
are being destroyed by people who have palm oil production companies. These companies
cut down tropical trees to plant palms (not coconut palms) that produce an oil called palm
oil.
To plant these palms, an area of land approximately 7,600 square kilometers had to be
"destroyed." The area has ended up being a monoculture of palms. This oil is used in
everything from cosmetics to food. However, scientists have proven that palm oil is
carcinogenic. This has not reduced the demand for palm oil at all. Thus, companies continue
their destructive work.
To draw the world's attention to the problem, an artist pruned palms in a plantation into the
shape of SOS.
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Scientific Answers
Quiz
Do you remember all the stuff you just read? Let’s check it out!
1. What was the name of the person who made the iPhones?
Α) Steve Jobs
Β) Still Works
C) Working Steve
2. What is a volcano called that cannot erupt again?
A) Dormant
B) Extinct
C) Active
3. What is the moon called in German?
A) Luna
B) Mond
C) Moon
4. Which company made the iPhones?
A) SAMSUNG
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Scientific Answers
B) XIAOMI
C) APPLE
ANSWERS
1. = A
2. = B
3. = B
4. = C
Fun Time! Are you bored? Try and copy this image!
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Scientific Answers
SCIENTIFIC ANSWERS
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Inside our magazine, you will find useful information about Space,
Technology, mountains, and forests. You will also discover other things
you didn't even know existed! Keep the answers in your mind, because
there's a quiz too!
Editors: Zeta and Maritina
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