UNIVERSEH: The European Space University

Media

Media Zenith & Nadir, DJ Jeffery, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2003

Definitions

Short Definition
In astronomy, Nadir is a point on the celestial sphere that is directly below the
observer. The nadir is diametrically opposite to the zenith.

Detailed Definition
In astronomy, nadir lies on the intersection of the celestial sphere with the imaginary line passing from the observer through the centre of Earth. The direction of nadir matches that of the gravitational force. The nadir and the zenith form two poles of the horizon.

In medicine, nadir is predominantly used to describe blood cell counts at their lowest during chemotherapy. Each chemotherapy treatment comes with the nadir period. Figuratively, nadir means the lowest point and may be used to emphasize the state of one’s feelings, quality of activity and affairs.

Etymology
From Medieval Latin nadir, from Arabic naẓīr as-samt, composed of naẓīr
“counterpart, corresponding to” and as-samt“the zenith”

Sample Sentences

A nadir image is a satellite image or an areal photo of Earth taken vertically in the downward alignment.

During chemotherapy, the nadir time usually comes in about 10 days after the start of treatment, although this is mostly dependent on drugs given.

The relationship between the USA and USSR reached its nadir in the 1980s.

Translations of Terms/Concepts into Partner Languages

French
le nadir

German
der Nadir

Italian
il nadir

Polish
nadir

Swedish
nadir

Additional Translations of Terms/Concepts into Other Languages

Russian
надир

Ukrainian
надир

Links to Videos/Articles:

Source: https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/symbols-of-nasa.html

Definition:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency responsible for America’s civil space program, which aims to research areas of space for the benefit of humanity. 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration is a global leader in space exploration. It has 20 centres and facilities across the United States. Basic activities of the agency are studying the Earth, climate, Sun, Solar System and beyond. It conducts research (missions), testing and development to advance and develop space technologies. NASA's work also includes cooperation with U.S. industry, international partners, as well as with academia.

Sample Sentence(s):

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) unveiled its newest supercomputer, the Columbia, which is powered by 10,240 Intel Itanium 2 processors."
"These and other advanced concepts are being explored at the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Convergent Aeronautics Solutions program to help make possible new capabilities in commercial aviation."

Translations:

• French: Administration nationale de l'aéronautique et de l'espace
• German: Nationale Aeronautik- und Raumfahrtbehörde
• Polish: Narodowa Agencja Aeronautyki i Przestrzeni Kosmicznej
• Swedish: Nationella flyg- och rymdförvaltningen

Links to Videos/Articles:

https://www.nasa.gov/

Source : Kirk, A. (2015, April 25). The Mighty Orion Nebula from New Zealand. flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/67481624@N05/17243621226

Short Definition: 

Any kind of giant cloud that includes miscellaneous gas and dust; especially hydrogen, cosmic dust, and helium located in outer space.

Detailed Definition: 

As the basic components of galaxies, nebulae were stars before they formed. During the formation phase of these stars, the gases released into space initiate a fusion reaction with hydrogen atoms and form the foundations of a new star. Thus, the universe continues to expand.

Etymology:  

Ancient Greek (νεφέλη - nephélē): Cloud

Sample Sentences:

'Today the term nebula generally refers exclusively to the interstellar medium.'

'A nebula that is visible to the human eye from Earth would appear larger, but no brighter, from close by.'

Translations of Terms/Concepts into Partner Languages:

French:

Nébuleuse

Italian:

Nebulosa

German:

Nebel

Polish:

Mgławica

Turkish:

Nebula

Links to Videos/Articles:

https://spacecenter.org/what-is-a-nebula/

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/nebula/en/

https://www.space.com/nebula-definition-types

https://www.britannica.com/science/nebula

Short Definition
Neil Armstrong was an American astronaut and aeronautical engineer. He was born on August 5, 1930, and passed away on August 25, 2012. In 1969, he was part of the Apollo 11 Crew, whose mission was to land on the moon. Today, he is famous for being the first person to walk on the moon.

Detailed Definition
Neil Armstrong, the eldest of three children, was born and raised in Wapakoneta, Ohio. His passion for aviation ignited at a young age when he took his first airplane flight at the age of six. This experience sparked his curiosity and fascination with flight and on his sixteenth birthday, Armstrong obtained his pilot's permit, marking the beginning of his journey in aviation. The following year, he became a naval air cadet, further pursuing his passion for flying.

After earning a degree in aeronautical engineering from Purdue University in 1955, Armstrong began working as a civilian research pilot for the organization that would later evolve into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

In 1962, Armstrong joined NASA's space program and 7 years later, on July 20, 1969, he made history by stepping onto the surface of the moon, saying his iconic words, "That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind."

Following this achievement, Armstrong resigned from NASA in 1971. He then dedicated himself to teaching in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Cincinnati until 1979.

He passed away in 2012 at the age of 82.

Etymology
N/A

Sample Sentence(s)

"Neil and Buzz's footprints will be on the Moon for millions of years, because there is no wind to blow them away.” Who was Neil Armstrong? (2022). BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zhpchbk/articles/z4w3mfr

Links to Videos/Articles:

 ●      Who was Neil Armstrong? (2022). BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zhpchbk/articles/z4w3mfr

●      Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (Invalid Date). Neil Armstrong. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Neil-Armstrong

●      NTD. (2012, August 25). Neil Armstrong - First Moon Landing 1969 [Video]. YouTube.

●      Banijay History. (2018, October 10). First Man on the Moon: The Real Neil Armstrong | History Documentary | Reel Truth History [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXTML_0DBDM

Source: Video from NASA explaining NEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-OCcFnp2RA

Short Definition:

NEO, or near-Earth object, is a celestial body which is in the size range of meters to tens of kilometres, that orbits the sun and approaches the earth within the distance of 1.3 AU (astronomical units).

Detailed Definition:

Among the 600,000 known asteroids, only 20,000 of them are NEOs. To be classified as such, the object must be natural and cannot be manmade. Some of them could potentially hit the earth and for this reason, some organisation keep track of them everyday. Historically speaking, NEOs have had an impact of the earths geological and biological history. Most of the NEOs are Apollo asteroids (55.4%), meaning that they come from the Apollo asteroid group. The second most common are Amor asteroids (36.4%), and third most common are Aten asteroids (7.7%).

Etymology:

Acronym of "near-Earth object."

Sample Sentence:

An astronomer would for example say during a lecture: “The Amor asteroid, 433 Eros, was the first NEO discovered in 1898, by D. Witt of Berlin, Germany, using a photographic plate to record its position.”

Translations:

• French:
• German:
• Polish: NEO (obiekt bliski Ziemi) 
• Swedish:
  

Links to Articles/Videos:

Short Definition
Neptune is the eighth planet in our solar system and a gas giant characterized by its intense blue color. With its strong winds, reaching speeds of over 1,000 miles per hour, and its features such as dark spots and atmospheric disturbances, Neptune offers scientists a subject of study, providing insights into the dynamics and composition of outer gas giants.

Detailed Definition
Neptune is a gas giant, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with a distinct bluish colouration that is a result of its atmospheric methane content. One of the defining characteristics of Neptune is its size. It has a diameter of about 49,500 kilometres, making it nearly four times the size of Earth. It is also the fourth-largest planet by diameter and the third-most massive planet in our solar system, with a mass seventeen times that of Earth. This immense size contributes to the planet's powerful gravitational pull, which has a significant influence on the surrounding space.
Neptune is known for its dynamic and violent atmospheric conditions. It experiences extremely high wind speeds, reaching astonishing velocities of over 1,600 kilometres per hour - the fastest in the solar system. These powerful winds create distinct cloud formations and atmospheric bands that can be observed from space. From its immense size and atmospheric composition to its fierce winds and intriguing dark spots, this gas giant remains a source of fascination and wonder.

Etymology
The name "Neptune" originates from Roman mythology. In Roman mythology, Neptune was the god of the sea, freshwater, and earthquakes. The planet Neptune was named after this deity due to its deep blue colour, reminiscent of the vastness of the sea.

Sample Sentence(s)

"Neptune is the only giant planet that is not visible without a telescope." Miner, E. D. (Invalid Date). Neptune. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Neptune-planet

Translations of Terms/Concepts into Partner Languages

French
Neptune

German
Neptun

Italian
Nettuno

Polish
Neptun

Swedish
Neptunus

Additional Translations of Terms/Concepts into Other Lang...

 Dutch

Neptunus

Turkish

Neptün

Spanish

Neptuno

Links to Videos/Articles:

●       Miner, E. D. (Invalid Date). Neptune. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Neptune-planet

·       Moses, J. A., Cavalié, T., Fletcher, L. N., & Roman, M. R. (2020). Atmospheric chemistry on Uranus and Neptune. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, 378(2187), 20190477. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2019.0477 

●       In Depth | Neptune – NASA Solar System Exploration. (n.d.). NASA Solar System Exploration. https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/neptune/in-depth/

●       National Geographic. (2019, March 28). Neptune 101 | National Geographic [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NStn7zZKXfE

●       Astrum. (2016, October 13). Our Solar System’s Planets: Neptune [Video]. YouTube.

Short Definition:

A Neutron star is a celestial body and is the collapsed core of a massive supergiant star that had a total mass of about 10-25 solar masses. Compared to other stellar objects, they are much smaller and much denser. Not counting black holes or hypothetical stellar objects, they are the densest stellar object in the universe.

Detailed Definition:

A Neutron stars is a stellar object, which is only a few kilometres in diameter, but has the mass of a star. So even compared to others stellar objects they have a mind-boggling density and are even so dense, that they are on the cusp of becoming a black hole. Stars hold an equilibrium between the force of gravity forcing plasma inwards, which in turn enables fusion of hydrogen to helium, and this releases energy that pushes outwards. So the equilibrium is directly linked to the amount of hydrogen available in stars. Breaking this equilibrium in our sun would result in it transforming to a red giant and then to a white dwarf. In those massive supergiant stars, gravity will prevail and will compress the core to the density of an atomic nucleus, which in turn forces heavier elements to fuse, and thus the outer layer will get bigger by a factor of x100. After a time the heavier elements are fused to iron and can not be fused any more, so the fusion activity will cease, and the star will collapse to its core. Electrons and Protons will be forced into each other and form Neutrons as dense as in atomic nuclei, where nuclei are so densely packed, they form a layer that is called nuclear pasta. Another interesting property is that they are spinning really fast, which empowers their magnet fields and gives them the strongest magnet field in our universe.

Etymology:

Neutron from Ne and uterà neutral +on ending from ion subatomic particle suffix

Sample Sentence(s):

The physics in the core of the Neutron stars are still largely unknown and are still subject of speculation.

 Scientists were able to detect gravitational waves of two merging Neutron stars and confirmed the theory of Albert Einstein.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Nicolaus_Copernicus#/media/File:Nikolaus_Kopernikus.jpg Author : Unknown Year: (n.d.) Title: Nicolaus Copernicus Description: Portrait of Nicolaus Copernicus Retrieved Date: May 29, 2023, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nikolaus_Kopernikus.jpg

Definitions

Short Definition
Nicolaus Copernicus was a Polish astronomer and mathematician of the Renaissance era. Copernicus proposed the theory of heliocentrism, which stated that the Sun was at the centre of the solar system. 

Detailed Definition
Nicolaus Copernicus (1473 - 1543) was a renowned astronomer, economist, physician and mathematician of the Renaissance era. 
Copernicus is most famous for his theory of heliocentrism, which challenged the prevailing belief at the time that the Earth was the centre of the universe. Copernicus contradicted the idea that the Sun, not the Earth, was at the centre of the solar system, and that the planets orbited the Sun in circular orbits. Copernicus' revolutionary idea was expressed in his book, which laid the foundation for the scientific revolution that further development into modern astronomy.

Etymology
The name "Kopernik" is thought to be derived from the Old Slavic word "kopr," which means "dill." 

Sample Sentence(s) 

1. Before Nicolaus Copernicus published his heliocentric theory, people generally agreed that the Moon and the Sun orbited the motionless Earth and that Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn were beyond the Sun in that order.

Author : Britannica Year: (n.d.) Title: Nicolaus Copernicus Source: Encyclopedia Britannica Retrieved Date: May 29, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicolaus-Copernicus

2. As I gazed up at the glittering constellations of stars, I couldn't help but think of the groundbreaking astronomer, Copernicus, who revolutionised our understanding of the universe with his heliocentric theory.

Translations of Terms/Concepts into Partner Languages

French
Nicolas Copernic

German
Nikolaus Kopernikus

Italian
Niccolò Copernico

Polish
Mikołaj Kopernik

Swedish
Nicolaus Copernicus

Additional Translations of Terms/Concepts into Other Lang...

Russian : Николай Коперник

Links to Videos/Articles:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7740908.stm

Author : BBC News Year: 2008 Title: Poland honours Copernicus Source: BBC News Retrieved Date: May 29, 2023, from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7740908.stm 

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicolaus-Copernicus