Not surprisingly, the term “Galapagos fauna” may conjure a slew of archetypal images: gargantuan tortoises, exotic sea creatures and of course, Darwin’s beloved finches. But what about the island’s more elusive populations like, say, the Galapagos penguins? What might appear a paradox is, in fact, a veritable reality. Despite the archipelago’s location atop the equator, in the Northern Hemisphere, there, in its tropical perimeters, exists a myriad of Galapagos penguins.
The Galapagos penguins are in fact the only penguins in the northern hemisphere, as this species traditionally inhabits cooler regions of the southern hemisphere. Their presence on the islands is attributed to the South American Humboldt penguin, from which the endemic species apparently evolved. According to the Charles Darwin Research Station, penguins have adapted to the Galapagos’ tropical land temperature, employing sundry tactics to prevent their frames from overheating. They shade their feet, ventilate the hollows under their wings, and swim in the cool waters of the Cromwell Current.
The Cromwell Current plays an integral role in the survival of the Galapagos penguins, as it provides the region’s most frigid current—an opportune place for penguins to dwell. Resting approximately 100 meters beneath the Pacific Ocean’s surface, this submarine current offers penguins a gentle enclave in which to swim and catch fish throughout the day. When evening approaches and the heat is tempered by nightfall, Galapagos penguins return to the land to sleep and nest.
Unfortunately, these adorable 4-5 pound, 53-cm creatures have recently been listed as endangered on The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. The IUCN, which has been evaluating the conservation status of species for over 40 years, first designated the species as endangered in 2000. Devastated by El Nino storms as well illegal fishing, oil spills, and several other threats, it is anticipated by IUCN that population trends may continue to decrease.
Despite these challenges, the Galapagos penguins remain a fascinating anomaly. Their presence along the equator continues to amuse and bemuse scientists and tourists alike.
By: Enid Glasgow
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Enid Glasgow is a travel writer who enjoys luxury Galapagos cruises with Big Five luxury travel
05 November 2008
04 November 2008
Solar energy mobile lab sparks student interest
Written by William Gest
Monday, 03 November 2008
A mobile learning lab featuring solar energy, wind turbines, and fuel cell technology visited Taylor High School Friday as part of an outreach program designed to get students thinking about careers in renewable energy.
Texas State Technical College-Waco, collaborating with the Texas Renewable Energy Education Consortium, created the lab to demonstrate renewable technology. The lab, which can be pulled by truck, is completely powered by solar panels and a wind turbine on the roof. The exhibit includes a solar-powered golf cart and a working demonstration of fuel cell technology
Johnny Sanford, vice president of the Taylor school board, said exposing students to renewable energy gives them an early start in a promising new field.
"Solar energy, to a lot of people, is still just a word," he said. "But if we always do what we always did, we'll always have what we always had."
Teacher Ed Johnson brought his afternoon auto mechanics class to see the lab.
"I'm trying to expose them to higher technology, and this is much better than just showing them a video about solar energy," he said.
While working in the auto mechanics class, senior Chris Currie figured out how to create an air-compression powered car using lead batteries and an electric motor. Currie plans to attend TSTC when he graduates
Inspiring students like Currie to think about career opportunities in renewable technology is the primary mission of the mobile teaching lab, TSTC-Waco Fuel Cell and Renewable Energy Technology Coordinator Sidney Bolfing said.
"You never know, you might spark an interest, if we can just get two or three of them to look at this," he said. "Some may call me and say 'I want to talk to you about this.'"
02 November 2008
All About The Stars
We all love gazing stars in the sky but do we know as to what are these stars made up of and how they are born. Well, there are lot many questions surrounding the stars. So, let us begin with their formation. Stars are basically made up of plasma. Nebula is a term often used in this regard. It basically refers to the assemblage of dust particles and gas and when all these dust particles and gases get together, they form a star.
Did you know that sun is also a star? It might appear strange to you, but yes sun is also a star which appears to be bigger than rest of the stars but is actually smaller in comparison to others. Not only that, it also has a much less quantity of mass as compared to others. This is the reason why it has been able to survive for so long. After knowing this fact, you must have come to know that mass of the star is inversely related to its life cycle; the more the mass a star has, the lesser will be its life span and vice versa.
Let us now discuss the life cycle of a small star of about one solar mass. It passes through different stages of life. As mentioned before, when nebula is available in high density, it leads to the formation of a star. After that, it condenses to form a huge blob of gas and ultimately contracts under its own gravitational force. As the star becomes hot, it glows in the sky and transforms into a protostar. If it has adequate substance, it attains a very high temperature of 15 million degrees centigrade. At this heat level, nuclear reactions take place, thereby causing fusion of hydrogen. This in turn gives rise to helium. At this stage, the star starts releasing energy and shines all the more. It is now called the main sequence star.
A small star stays into the main sequence stage till the entire hydrogen converts into helium. In the next stage, the helium core begins to shrink. When the core becomes extremely hot, it causes fusion of helium to form carbon. This leads to the expansion of its outer layer. After some time, it becomes cool and glows. The expanded star is popularly called red giant. After a certain period, the helium core vanishes and its outer layer goes away from the star in the form of a gaseous shell. The left core turns into a white dwarf and fades away. Then a stage comes when the star stops glowing and is called a black dwarf. So, this is the life cycle of a star.
By: Cushy
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Dave Clark is a freelance article writer and has been in the industry for many years, he has written many books and is very knowledgeable in various fields, Dave also works for Cushy Sofa a supplier of Memory Foam Mattresses Sofas and Divan sets
Did you know that sun is also a star? It might appear strange to you, but yes sun is also a star which appears to be bigger than rest of the stars but is actually smaller in comparison to others. Not only that, it also has a much less quantity of mass as compared to others. This is the reason why it has been able to survive for so long. After knowing this fact, you must have come to know that mass of the star is inversely related to its life cycle; the more the mass a star has, the lesser will be its life span and vice versa.
Let us now discuss the life cycle of a small star of about one solar mass. It passes through different stages of life. As mentioned before, when nebula is available in high density, it leads to the formation of a star. After that, it condenses to form a huge blob of gas and ultimately contracts under its own gravitational force. As the star becomes hot, it glows in the sky and transforms into a protostar. If it has adequate substance, it attains a very high temperature of 15 million degrees centigrade. At this heat level, nuclear reactions take place, thereby causing fusion of hydrogen. This in turn gives rise to helium. At this stage, the star starts releasing energy and shines all the more. It is now called the main sequence star.
A small star stays into the main sequence stage till the entire hydrogen converts into helium. In the next stage, the helium core begins to shrink. When the core becomes extremely hot, it causes fusion of helium to form carbon. This leads to the expansion of its outer layer. After some time, it becomes cool and glows. The expanded star is popularly called red giant. After a certain period, the helium core vanishes and its outer layer goes away from the star in the form of a gaseous shell. The left core turns into a white dwarf and fades away. Then a stage comes when the star stops glowing and is called a black dwarf. So, this is the life cycle of a star.
By: Cushy
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Dave Clark is a freelance article writer and has been in the industry for many years, he has written many books and is very knowledgeable in various fields, Dave also works for Cushy Sofa a supplier of Memory Foam Mattresses Sofas and Divan sets
A Fun Science Activity Simulating The Phases Of The Moon
The moon circles around the earth and the journey takes about a month. The moon does not have any light of its own and we only see the moon because of light from the sun reflecting from it. As the moon circles the earth the sunlight illuminates different parts of the moon. This is why the moon seems to take on different shapes or "Phases" during the month. When it is full moon the moon is completely lit up and it happens only once a month.
What we are going to do is simulate it and see why it happens.
This is what you'll need:
*A football (soccer ball) or beach ball
*Glue
*Glue Brush
*A glass
*Silver paper or foil
*A pair of scissors
*Reusable adhesive
*A torch
*A friend to do this project with
This is what you need to do:
1. Do this project in a room that can be darkened.
2. Wash and dry the ball thoroughly.
3. Now you have to paint glue all over the ball.
4. Rest it on a small bowl to keep it still.
5. Now you have to cut silver paper or foil into large square sheets.
6. Whilst trying to keep the paper as smooth as possible, wrap up the ball in the paper.
7. This now represents your moon.
8. Place a small piece of reusable adhesive under the ball (your moon.)
9. Place your moon on a table, with the adhesive keeping it in place and preventing it from rolling of the table.
10. Now is where the friend comes into the picture.
11. Let your friend stand at the one end of the table and shine the torch with a strong beam on your moon.
12. Now you have to go and stand at the opposite side of the table.
13. With the main lights out, look at your moon.
14. Now you have to gradually move around the table whilst still looking at your moon.
15. The moon is still being lit up on the one side by the torch.
16. You will see the different shapes it takes.
17. These shapes represent the different phases of the moon.
18. Can you name the phases?
19. Try to illustrate the phases for your project.
In this project your "moon" kept still and you moved around it. This was only to let you see the effect. In real life, of course, the moon circles around the earth whilst the earth circles around the sun. Try and explain why that has the same effect on the appearance of the moon as your circling your "moon."
By: Magriet
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
For a very similar project on the earth, have a look at our site Easy Science Fair Projects You can also have a look at the Squidoo Lens Example Science Fair Projects
What we are going to do is simulate it and see why it happens.
This is what you'll need:
*A football (soccer ball) or beach ball
*Glue
*Glue Brush
*A glass
*Silver paper or foil
*A pair of scissors
*Reusable adhesive
*A torch
*A friend to do this project with
This is what you need to do:
1. Do this project in a room that can be darkened.
2. Wash and dry the ball thoroughly.
3. Now you have to paint glue all over the ball.
4. Rest it on a small bowl to keep it still.
5. Now you have to cut silver paper or foil into large square sheets.
6. Whilst trying to keep the paper as smooth as possible, wrap up the ball in the paper.
7. This now represents your moon.
8. Place a small piece of reusable adhesive under the ball (your moon.)
9. Place your moon on a table, with the adhesive keeping it in place and preventing it from rolling of the table.
10. Now is where the friend comes into the picture.
11. Let your friend stand at the one end of the table and shine the torch with a strong beam on your moon.
12. Now you have to go and stand at the opposite side of the table.
13. With the main lights out, look at your moon.
14. Now you have to gradually move around the table whilst still looking at your moon.
15. The moon is still being lit up on the one side by the torch.
16. You will see the different shapes it takes.
17. These shapes represent the different phases of the moon.
18. Can you name the phases?
19. Try to illustrate the phases for your project.
In this project your "moon" kept still and you moved around it. This was only to let you see the effect. In real life, of course, the moon circles around the earth whilst the earth circles around the sun. Try and explain why that has the same effect on the appearance of the moon as your circling your "moon."
By: Magriet
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
For a very similar project on the earth, have a look at our site Easy Science Fair Projects You can also have a look at the Squidoo Lens Example Science Fair Projects
Let's Learn About Our Planets
As we all know, there has been topical speculation of what constitutes a globe and what doesn't. The objective of this mystery was Pluto. Yet the IAU (International Astronomical Union) says that earth is "a celestial body that is in orbit around the sun, has sufficient heap for its self gravity to overcome rigid body army so that it assumes a near round model and has blank the neighborhood around its orbit."
Besides Earth and its moon Luna, there are eight other planets within our solar procedure that also surround their own orbiting satellites, or moons. The first of these planets, and the next to the sun, is Mercury. You would think that this globe being so close to the sun would mean the stuffed thing is quite toasty, but that is not firm. Only the piece bordering to the sun is the fried section. The elevation away from the sun can actually plummet hundreds of degrees below nought.
The second globe is Venus with its irritable posture near the sun. It needs to keep all the passion to itself with its thick atmosphere. Therefore the planet is hot all over and full of volcanic activity. It is not like us here on Earth where temperature is just right and everything has a particular square to espouse life. Mars, on the other hand, isn't so lucky. While the mistrust of where the water went looms in all our minds, this desert planet is constantly probed for a hint.
Then we have fifth planet, Jupiter with its active atmosphere and wild magnetic subject. Perhaps one of these living we can understand it and see why it is the enraged giant it is, but is it as annoyed as Saturn? Saturn sports rings that are made of ice and shake chunks and make the rings of Uranus look like infants. Unfortunately, not as much is known about Saturn and Uranus other than Uranus was apparently hit by a very titanic item that slanted it on its region.
Anyway, we now determine with lowly Pluto. This little deported that is more or fewer an increase orbiting the sun is still the axis of contest. Since it has been considered a planet since 1930, each is worn to its survival and many may become distraught at the verity this little guy may be exiled. Either way, we have a very impressive solar system with much more examine to come. Maybe through long and accurate study Pluto will learn its accurate destiny.
By: Jeff Seward
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
For info on facts about Mars and Moon facts, visit the Planet Facts website.
Besides Earth and its moon Luna, there are eight other planets within our solar procedure that also surround their own orbiting satellites, or moons. The first of these planets, and the next to the sun, is Mercury. You would think that this globe being so close to the sun would mean the stuffed thing is quite toasty, but that is not firm. Only the piece bordering to the sun is the fried section. The elevation away from the sun can actually plummet hundreds of degrees below nought.
The second globe is Venus with its irritable posture near the sun. It needs to keep all the passion to itself with its thick atmosphere. Therefore the planet is hot all over and full of volcanic activity. It is not like us here on Earth where temperature is just right and everything has a particular square to espouse life. Mars, on the other hand, isn't so lucky. While the mistrust of where the water went looms in all our minds, this desert planet is constantly probed for a hint.
Then we have fifth planet, Jupiter with its active atmosphere and wild magnetic subject. Perhaps one of these living we can understand it and see why it is the enraged giant it is, but is it as annoyed as Saturn? Saturn sports rings that are made of ice and shake chunks and make the rings of Uranus look like infants. Unfortunately, not as much is known about Saturn and Uranus other than Uranus was apparently hit by a very titanic item that slanted it on its region.
Anyway, we now determine with lowly Pluto. This little deported that is more or fewer an increase orbiting the sun is still the axis of contest. Since it has been considered a planet since 1930, each is worn to its survival and many may become distraught at the verity this little guy may be exiled. Either way, we have a very impressive solar system with much more examine to come. Maybe through long and accurate study Pluto will learn its accurate destiny.
By: Jeff Seward
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
For info on facts about Mars and Moon facts, visit the Planet Facts website.
Solar Panel Installation Procedure
The process of solar panel installation is easy if you know what to do. A thorough understanding of the installation process helps home owners to choose the right devices and equipments to produce the most desired results. In this article, we’ll discuss solar panels and its installation process.
Define: Solar Panels
Solar panels are special devices capable of capturing the light emitted by the sun and convert the absorbed light into the electricity. Solar panels are the most important equipments of the solar power system. Therefore, one should always choose the highest quality of solar panels regardless of the selection of the installation process.
Solar Panels Installation: The Process
Once you have decided to install solar panels at your home or office, gathering relevant information is must. Educate yourself a bit to develop an understanding to choose the best to complete the entire installation process. Gathering information is important as different solar panel brands need to be installed differently. Also, the installation process of solar panels varies with their sizes. Hence, a good understanding is important while installing solar panels.
You can hire a professional installer if you are not able to install the system of your own. Usually, installing the panel without prior experience is not safe as it could be a risky job to do. For example, if you are planning to install the solar panels onto the roof, you should be careful about handling the wires and other equipments used in the process. You may have to climb ladders and do such works, so prepare yourself or take the help of professional installers who holds some experience in the solar panel installation process.
In general, solar panels are installed on a low pitched shingle or metal roof. However, many people prefer installing their panels on a flat roof..
By: Editor22
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
The article is contributed by a professional content writer, having experiences of working in different industries. For further information on home solar panels and solar panel installation please visit www.getsolar.com/
Define: Solar Panels
Solar panels are special devices capable of capturing the light emitted by the sun and convert the absorbed light into the electricity. Solar panels are the most important equipments of the solar power system. Therefore, one should always choose the highest quality of solar panels regardless of the selection of the installation process.
Solar Panels Installation: The Process
Once you have decided to install solar panels at your home or office, gathering relevant information is must. Educate yourself a bit to develop an understanding to choose the best to complete the entire installation process. Gathering information is important as different solar panel brands need to be installed differently. Also, the installation process of solar panels varies with their sizes. Hence, a good understanding is important while installing solar panels.
You can hire a professional installer if you are not able to install the system of your own. Usually, installing the panel without prior experience is not safe as it could be a risky job to do. For example, if you are planning to install the solar panels onto the roof, you should be careful about handling the wires and other equipments used in the process. You may have to climb ladders and do such works, so prepare yourself or take the help of professional installers who holds some experience in the solar panel installation process.
In general, solar panels are installed on a low pitched shingle or metal roof. However, many people prefer installing their panels on a flat roof..
By: Editor22
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
The article is contributed by a professional content writer, having experiences of working in different industries. For further information on home solar panels and solar panel installation please visit www.getsolar.com/
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