UNIVERSEH: The European Space University

Full moon Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:FullMoon2010.jpg 25 Nov. 2021 Natural satellites Source : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_satellite#/media/File:Moons_of_solar_system_v7.jpg 25 Nov. 2021

Definition

The Moon (Luna, Selene, Cynthia) as Earth’s only natural satellite; moons as natural satellites

Etymology:

From Proto-Indo-European “mēnsis” meaning “month" -> Proto-Germanic “mēnōn” -> Old English “mōna”

Translations:

• French: lune (f) [lyn]
  
• German: Mond (m) [moːnt]
  
• Polish: Księżyc [‘kɕɛw̃ʒɨt͡s]
  
• Portuguese: lua (f) [‘lua]
  
• Swedish: måne [ˈmoːˌnɛ]
  

Links to videos/articles:

By SpaceMusk - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76817044

Short Definition:

A Moon Base is a type of facility on the surface of the moon, that could help us building up a colony on the moon.It could be the next frontier on our endeavour to become intergalactic and it could be a steppingstone to regions, that are not feasibly reached by spacecraft from earth, or it could become a centre for industry. In this way we could outsource industry or practices, that are not likely to become CO2-neutral soon.

Detailed Definition:

A Moon Base is a type of facility on the surface of the moon, which enables human activity on the moon.

As China and USA chose the same locations for their proposed moon bases, it could lead to the next smaller space race to the moon, only this time the mission would be to stay on it and to leave a small team to colonize the moon.

Ice from the poles could be melted to get Water and this in turn could be split by electrolysis to hydrogen and oxygen, which are the main ingredients for liquid rocket fuel.

The moon base could be used as a steppingstone to far distances because the rocket fuel needed to transport cargo from the moon is much lower than the earth due to the decreased escape velocity. So, a moon base could be used as a stopover to other proposed ideas like asteroid mining or it could help the Mars base.

To justify the high investment costs, the moon base needs to be economically viable sooner rather than later. The mining of important resources like aluminium, titanium, and helium -3, which is used to fuel fusion reactors, could be helpful, if it proves to be economically and ecologically viable.

A few suggestions could make this project much more autonomous by producing living soil from lunar regolith and mixing the moons soil, regolith and a plant-based glue to produce a 3D-printing material, which will prove to be absolutely essential for this kind of project.

Etymology:

Moon from Old English mōna

Base from Latin basis and from Ancient Greek βάσις (básis)

A Moon base could help with making fusion reactors more efficient, by having a higher abundance percentage of Helium-3, which is used as a fuel in those reactors.

If a Moon base can prove to become autonomous, we could outsource some of our CO2- intensive industries to the moon, if it also proves to be economically viable

Short Definition
The Moon Treaty is an agreement that the Moon, its orbit and other celestial bodies may not be used for military purposes. This treaty recognizes the Moon as a place of exclusively peaceful action.

Detailed Definition
The first discussions by the Legal Subcommittee on the Moon Agreement began between 1972 and 1979. However, the treaty itself did not enter into force until 1984.

No military bases can be established on the Moon under this treaty. Also, on its territory and orbit may not be any weapons of mass destruction. For the sake of this agreement, the Moon can only be used for friendly and non-destructive purposes. However, it does not prohibit military personnel from being on the Moon to support the lunar missions.

An important point of this agreement is that all parties are committed to informing the United Nations and the public about their activities research and planned bases on the moon. The last big point of this treaty is the recognition of the Moon as common heritage of mankind. This means that no country has the right to claim the natural resources of the Moon and use them as their profit.

Etymology
Moon (Noun.), originated from English Medieval word Mōna, that comes from Latin metri (to measure) and mensis (the month).

Sample Sentence(s)

Moon Treaty is an important Agreement, and its topics are still important discussion today.

Translations of Terms/Concepts into Partner Languages

French: Traité sur la Lune

German: Mondvertrag

Italian: Trattato sulla Luna

Polish: Traktat Księżycowy, Układ Księżycowy

Swedish: Månfördraget

Links to Videos/Articles:

• United Nation Office for Outerspace (2014), Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, Retrieved from https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/treaties/intromoon-agreement.html

• NTI (n.d.), Moon Agreement, Retrieved from https://www.nti.org/education-center/treaties-and-regimes/agreement-governing-activities-states-moon-and-other-celestial-bodies-moon-agreement/

• Yale University (n.d.), The Moon Agreement, Retrieved from https://energyhistory.yale.edu/library-item/moon-agreement

• Online Etymology Dictionary (n.d.), moon (n.), Retrieved from https://www.etymonline.com/word/moon#etymonline_v_18330

• Peak, T. (2014), Moonset, ESA, Retrieved from https://www.esa.int/Space_in_Member_States/Poland/Pierwsze_kroki_przed_powrotem_na_Ksiezyc

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.