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Voyager 1 is back in action

By
Aimee
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Voyager 1 is back in action

Voyager 1, NASA’s iconic spacecraft and humanity’s most distant object, has resumed sending usable data back to Earth after a five-month hiatus.

At 47 years old, the Voyager 1 probe is the oldest currently operational deep space mission, and in it’s time, has traveled all the way through our solar system and out into the interstellar space that lies beyond the influence of our sun.

The spacecraft, which is currently more than 24 billion km (15 billion miles) away from Earth, stopped transmitting readable science and engineering data on November 14, 2023, despite continuing to receive commands and operate normally.

The Issue and Resolution:

The problem was traced to a malfunctioning chip in one of Voyager 1’s three onboard computers, specifically the flight data subsystem (FDS).

This chip was responsible for storing a portion of the FDS memory, including crucial software code.

Unable to repair the chip, NASA engineers devised an innovative solution:

1. They divided the affected code into sections.
2. These sections were stored in different locations within the FDS memory.
3. The code was adjusted to ensure all parts functioned cohesively.
4. References to the code’s location in other parts of the FDS memory were updated.

Current Status and Next Steps:

As of April 20, 2024, Voyager 1 has begun returning usable engineering data, allowing the team to check the spacecraft’s health and status for the first time since November. The next objective is to enable Voyager 1 to resume transmitting science data. The team will continue to relocate and adjust other affected portions of the FDS software in the coming weeks.

Voyager Mission Overview:

Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 and its twin, Voyager 2, have been exploring space for over 46 years. They are the only spacecraft to have directly sampled interstellar space, the region outside the heliosphere. Voyager 1 entered interstellar space in 2012 and continues to provide valuable data about this unexplored region.

The Voyager probes’ longevity is remarkable, considering their age and the harsh conditions of space. Their power comes from radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), which convert heat from decaying plutonium into electricity. As these generators produce slightly less power each year, engineers continually develop strategies to extend the missions’ lifespans.

While Voyager 1 has overcome this recent challenge, it serves as a reminder of the spacecraft’s age and the incredible feat of engineering that allows it to continue operating and communicating from the edge of our solar system.

First Human-Made Object in Interstellar Space:

Voyager 1 became the first human-made object to leave the heliosphere and enter interstellar space, traveling more than 11.6 billion miles (18.6 billion kilometers) from the sun. This unprecedented feat expanded the boundaries of human exploration beyond our solar system.

Scientific Discoveries:

The spacecraft’s journey provided crucial data about the structure and properties of the heliosphere, the protective bubble created by the sun’s magnetic field and solar wind. Voyager 1’s observations revealed that the heliopause, the boundary between the heliosphere and interstellar space, is much thicker and more complex than previously thought.

Interstellar Medium Characteristics:

Voyager 1’s instruments have been measuring interstellar magnetic fields, particles, and plasma waves, offering the first direct sampling of the interstellar medium. These measurements have shown that the interstellar environment is more dynamic and influenced by the sun than expected, challenging previous assumptions.

Technological Achievement:

The longevity and continued functionality of Voyager 1, launched in 1977, demonstrate remarkable engineering and technological prowess. The spacecraft continues to transmit valuable data across vast distances, with signals taking more than 17 hours to reach Earth.

Cosmic Perspective:

Voyager 1’s “Pale Blue Dot” photograph, taken from about 3.7 billion miles away, provided a profound visual representation of Earth’s place in the cosmos, inspiring philosophical reflections on humanity’s position in the universe.

Ongoing Scientific Value:

Even after a decade in interstellar space, Voyager 1 continues to send back valuable data, contributing to our understanding of cosmic rays, the nature of the interstellar medium, and the sun’s influence beyond the solar system.

The entry of Voyager 1 into interstellar space represents not only a triumph of human ingenuity and exploration but also an ongoing source of invaluable scientific data, reshaping our understanding of the cosmos beyond our solar system.

Mourning Cloak Butterfly: The Montana State Insect

By
Alan
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Mourning Cloak Butterfly: The Montana State Insect

The Mourning Cloak Butterfly (Nymphalis antiopa) is the official state insect of Montana, designated in 2001 through House Bill No. 365.

It’s notable for its striking appearance and unique life cycle, which allows it to thrive in the state’s cold, mountainous regions.

The Mourning Cloak has a wingspan of up to four inches, with dark maroon to brown upper wings featuring a broad yellow border and iridescent blue spots along the edges. The underside of its wings is gray with lighter brown edges, providing effective camouflage when resting on tree bark.

Mourning Cloaks are one of the earliest butterflies to emerge in spring, often appearing before winter snows have fully melted. They are known to hibernate as adults, seeking shelter under tree bark or in leaf litter during winter months. In spring, they can be seen basking in the sun to warm their bodies before flight, a critical behavior for their survival in colder climates.

Mourning Cloaks primarily feed on tree sap, which becomes available in spring as trees begin to exude sap from damaged areas. They are also attracted to flowers and can be seen feeding on dandelions and other early blooms.

The Mourning Cloak Butterfly is not only significant for its ecological role but also as a symbol of Montana’s natural heritage. Its long lifespan—up to 11-12 months—makes it one of the longest-living butterflies, allowing it to experience multiple seasons and contribute to the ecosystem over time.

Significance of the mourning cloak’s colors:

The iridescent blue spots on the Mourning Cloak butterfly serve several significant purposes.

1. Visual attraction: The bright blue spots create a striking contrast against the dark maroon wings, making the butterfly visually appealing. This feature may play a role in mate selection and species recognition.

2. Predator deterrence: The iridescent blue spots, combined with the yellow border, create a bold pattern that may startle or confuse potential predators. This visual display could serve as a warning signal, potentially deterring attacks.

3. Thermoregulation: The dark coloration of the wings, including the blue spots, helps the Mourning Cloak absorb heat efficiently. This is crucial for its survival in colder climates and enables it to be active earlier in spring compared to other butterfly species.

4. Symbolism: In some interpretations, the blue spots represent hope and renewal, contrasting with the darker overall coloration that symbolizes mourning or transformation. This juxtaposition of colors reflects the butterfly’s role as a symbol of rebirth and change in various cultural contexts.

5. Camouflage: When the butterfly’s wings are closed, the underside pattern, including the subdued version of the spots, helps it blend in with tree bark, providing effective camouflage.

Not only is the Mourning Cloak a visually striking butterfly, but it also holds profound spiritual meaning for some individuals.

In various cultures and beliefs, the Mourning Cloak Butterfly is viewed as a symbol of transformation, rebirth, and hope.

The name itself is derived from the historic garb worn during times of bereavement.

The butterfly’s appearance is believed to represent the process of mourning and healing, reflecting the soul’s journey from darkness and grief to light and renewal.

As it emerges from its cocoon, the butterfly signifies the metamorphosis we undergo as we face life’s challenges and evolve into more resilient beings.

Northern Lights: Auroras forecast for Thanksgiving

By
Alan
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Northern Lights: Auroras forecast for Thanksgiving

Northern Lights: Auroras forecast for Thanksgiving — On Thanksgiving in Great Falls there’s a good chance to see the northern lights with the Space Weather Prediction Center forecasting geomagnetic storms that could make the Aurora Borealis visible further south than usual.

NOAA indicated that a Kp index of around 5 to 6 is expected for the night of November 28, 2024, suggesting that the lights might be visible in Great Falls on Thanksgiving and on Black Friday.

The best viewing times are likely to start around 8PM Mountain and last through the evening and into the early morning hours. Then on Friday evening with best viewing starting again at 8PM until early Saturday morning.

Clear or partly cloudy skies are forecast for both nights, enhancing the likelihood of visibility. Temps are forecast to be in the low teens so be sure to bundle up.

Getting out and away from city lights might provide best viewing experience.

The solar storm could pose a minimal threat to things like satellites, GPS signals and power grids, but it may also provide some additional Thanksgiving entertainment when football and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade have long ended.

Because of the way the solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetosphere, the powerful eruption should make the vibrant northern lights visible to a wider swath of the Northern Hemisphere than usual.

What are the Northern Lights:

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.

Solar Wind:

The sun emits a stream of charged particles known as solar wind.

Magnetic Field Interaction:

When these particles reach Earth, they are guided by the planet’s magnetic field towards the poles.

Atmospheric Collision:

As these particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen in Earth’s atmosphere, they transfer energy which excites the atmospheric atoms.

Light Emission:

When the atoms return to their normal state, they release the absorbed energy as light.

Oxygen produces green and red lights, while nitrogen can produce blue or purplish-red auroras.

Green auroras are the most common, resulting from oxygen about 60-150 miles above Earth.

Red auroras occur at higher altitudes where oxygen is less dense.

Blue or purplish-red lights are from nitrogen.

The intensity and visibility of the Northern Lights depend on solar activity, particularly during solar storms or coronal mass ejections, which can significantly increase the number of particles reaching Earth.

General Tso’s Chicken

By
Alan
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General Tso's Chicken

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, with crispy fried chicken.

Here’s a basic outline of how to make it, inspired by common recipes found online:

Ingredients:

Chicken:

1 to 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg, lightly beaten (for marinating)
1 cup cornstarch or a mix of cornstarch and flour for coating

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup chicken broth or water
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons sugar (brown or white)
2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
1-2 teaspoons of sesame oil

Optional:

chili garlic sauce, Sambal Oelek, or red pepper flakes for heat

Aromatics:

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1-2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Dried red chilies or chili flakes

Directions:

Marinate the Chicken:

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Toss the chicken in the beaten egg.

Coat the Chicken:

Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in cornstarch or your flour-cornstarch mix until well coated.

Fry the Chicken:

Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet to about 350°F.
Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 4-6 minutes.
Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Sauce:

In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, chicken broth, vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and the cornstarch slurry.
In a clean pan or wok, heat a small amount of oil, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, then add the dried chilies or flakes.

Combine:

Pour in the sauce mixture, bring to a simmer, and let it thicken slightly.
Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a bit more water or broth to adjust the consistency.

Serve:

Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serve hot over steamed white rice with a side like broccoli.

Notes:

Spiciness: Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chilies or chili flakes.
Crispiness: For extra crispiness, some recipes suggest double frying the chicken.
Sauce Variation: Some recipes might include ingredients like orange zest or juice for a citrus twist, or use less sugar for a less sweet flavor.

General Tso’s Chicken, while not authentically Chinese in its current form, has become a beloved staple in Chinese-American cuisine, offering that perfect balance of flavors that’s often described as better than takeout when made fresh at home.

Enjoy!!

Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana

By
Alan
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Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana

Here is a simplified recipe for Olive Garden’s famous Zuppa Toscana:

Ingredients:

1 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild, depending on your preference)
4 slices of bacon, chopped
1 large onion, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 large potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch thick slices or diced if preferred
1 cup heavy cream
2-3 cups chopped kale (or spinach if you prefer)
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional for additional heat)
Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Cook the Sausage and Bacon:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
Add the sausage to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary, but leave a little for flavor.

Sauté the Vegetables:

Add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage. Cook until the onions start to become translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Simmer the Base:

Pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Add the sliced potatoes to the pot. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Combine Ingredients:

Once the potatoes are nearly cooked, return the cooked bacon to the pot.
Stir in the heavy cream, simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Do not boil after adding the cream to avoid curdling.

Add Kale:

Add the chopped kale to the soup. Cook until the kale is wilted but still vibrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Season and Serve:

Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes:

If you like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the broth.

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.

This recipe captures the essence of Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana with its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and a bit of spice.

Enjoy!

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