Henry Carter Hull

For many years the Hubble Space Telescope has collected breathtaking images of the cosmos with remarkable clarity. Now, ground based telescopes are fighting back. They are combining the sight of several instruments and correcting atmospheric shimmer. This program presents and explains the designs, uses and output of different types of telescopes used to see our universe. From the Keck in Hawaii, the Very Large Telescope in Chile and OWL, the Overwhelmingly...

How far is a star or a galaxy? Scaling and measuring the cosmos is a complex problem. Scientists are integrating mathematical applications and scientific technology to create standards. Distances are so vast they are described in light years – the distance light travels in a year. Nearby stars are measured by trigonometry – the technique of parallax. Farther out, astronomers use so-called "standard candles", the 'Type Ia supernovae' is the...

Christmas Island, discovered December 25, 1643, is just a speck of land in the Indian Ocean. The annual red crab migration at the beginning of the rainy season, however, is so massive it can be seen from the air. It has been named a wonder of the natural world. This program follows this terrestrial arthropod from its rainforest burrow, across dangerous landscape to the ocean to mate. The park offers the perfect forest ecosystem for the Christmas...

As we continue our history of the Periodic Table organizational system and discovery of the elements, this program examines the elements lithium and beryllium. The characteristics of alkali metals and alkali earth metals are discussed in detail, with the help of graphics and animation demonstrating their similarities and differences. Students will learn why elements are organized into specific groups and their relations to the rows and columns of...

Yellow clouds of nutrient-rich sand, iron particles and microscopic aerosols from the Sahara Desert blow north over Europe and west over the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. Meteorologists research the impact of 'desert clouds' to changes in climates, weather patterns and ecosystems. Desertification of forest lands and fertile agricultural areas increases the size and number of desert storms.

Much of the cosmos cannot be seen through optical telescopes. But it can be detected in wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum ranging from gamma-rays, through x-rays and ultra-violet to infra-red and radio. They reveal cauldrons of starbirth, exploding stars, neutron stars and black holes. Most exciting are Gamma-ray Bursters – cosmic flashes as bright as a million trillion Suns. In this program, we learn more about visible light (7 colors...

Clouds have an enormous influence on the greenhouse effect. This is why it is important to find out what role clouds play in the climate and how they influence the thermal balance of the earth. Meteorologists studying clouds in Europe tell us that by learning about the microphysical processes that occur naturally in clouds, researchers gain new fundamental knowledge that can help improve weather and climate forecast models. This program explores...

In a gas turbine, the linear motion of gas causes rotors to spin, ultimately creating electricity. The forward rotating blades pump air under high pressure into the combustion chamber where natural gas ignites on contact with the air. At 1,500 degrees Celsius, the stream of gas rushes past the rear turbine blades, causing the entire rotor to spin. A generator transforms that rotational energy into electricity. This program shows the extreme precision...

Strength and stability are important factors in airplane or space vehicle design. Engineers create vehicles that are strong enough to flyEffectively and efficiently by using specific materials and structures that are lightweight and durable. Important decisions are made regarding the materials that are used to make the fuselage, wings, tail, and engine. Many airplane materials are now made of composite materials that are lightweight, yet stronger...

Comets have been causing fear in the minds of humans for millennia. Now new spacecraft are giving us insights into their composition and behavior. Comets allow us to study what the solar system was like in its formative period. They orbit the Sun in the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud. This program teaches students about comets and helps students understand why comets cause both fear and fascination.