Thursday, November 14th, 2024

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Here’s a cool space fact: Venus rotates so slowly that one day there is longer than its entire year (243 Earth days vs. 225 Earth days).

World News

The Lonely Castle

The Nabataean Kingdom, stretching from the southern Levant to northern Arabia, thrived by strategically controlling the lucrative Incense Route through the Arabian Peninsula. This trade network brought immense wealth and influence, enabling the Nabataeans to construct impressive monuments carved directly into rock, with their most renowned structure being al-Khazneh in Petra, Jordan. Yet, their architectural mastery extended beyond Petra, with significant examples like Qasr al-Farid scattered throughout their territories, showcasing the kingdom’s sophistication and wealth.

Qasr al-Farid, or the "Lonely Castle," is a standout tomb located in Madâin Sâlih (also known as al-Hijr or Hegra) in northern Saudi Arabia. Built in the 1st century AD, this four-story tomb is one of 111 monumental tombs in the region, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike other tombs in Madâin Sâlih, which are grouped in clusters, Qasr al-Farid stands alone, enhancing its unique presence. Its design features four pilasters—two on each side and two at the center of the façade—an architectural choice that emphasizes the tomb's importance and the wealth of its commissioner. Nearby tomb groups, including Qasr al-Bint, Qasr al-Sani, and Jabal al-Mahjar, further reveal the area’s rich history and the Nabataeans' dedication to monumental tomb-building.

Although the Nabataeans, originally a nomadic people, settled around 2,500 years ago and flourished between the first century BC and the first century AD, the reason why Qasr al-Farid was never completed remains unknown. The rougher stonework at the lower part of its façade suggests a unique construction approach, likely starting from the top and working downward—a method observed in other Nabataean structures. The Nabataeans’ ingenuity in politics, arts, stonemasonry, and advanced water management systems, such as wells, cisterns, and aqueducts, marks them as one of the most accomplished civilizations of their time, with Qasr al-Farid standing as a testament to their architectural prowess and cultural depth.

Innovation

Wood-Paneled Satellite

A Japanese research team has launched LignoSat, the world’s first wood-panelled satellite, to explore the potential of timber as a renewable material for space exploration. The 900g satellite, which was transported to the International Space Station on a SpaceX mission, will soon orbit Earth to test whether wood could withstand the harsh environment of space. This experiment aims to understand if timber, a sustainable resource, could play a role in future space projects.

Crafted from magnolia wood using traditional methods without screws or glue, LignoSat offers a unique experiment in material science. Kyoto University’s Professor Koji Murata noted that wood might endure space conditions even better than on Earth, as the absence of water and oxygen reduces its chances of deterioration. He likened the idea to early airplanes constructed from wood, suggesting that a wooden satellite could be feasible. Researchers even propose that if trees were grown on the Moon or Mars, wood might eventually serve as a locally sourced building material for future space colonies.

Though primarily made of wood, LignoSat still includes aluminum and electronic components necessary for functioning in orbit. Equipped with sensors, the satellite will monitor how the wood panels hold up over its six-month journey around Earth. Dr. Simeon Barber from the Open University acknowledged the concept's innovation but cautioned that wood’s variable properties might limit its use in critical spacecraft components. While wood’s renewability is a positive, Dr. Barber remained skeptical of wooden satellites significantly reducing space debris or re-entry pollution, noting that burning the material upon re-entry might require additional resources in the initial launch.

Lifestyle

95-year-old Pickleball Player

In Gardner, Kansas, Lois White, a great-great-grandmother, defies her age by embracing an active lifestyle filled with vibrant hobbies. At 90 years old, White regularly plays pickleball twice a week at New Century Fieldhouse, competing against players decades younger in their 50s and 60s. Pickleball, a sport similar to European padel, is played on an indoor hard court with a slower ball and has gained popularity across the U.S., attracting enthusiasts like White who cherish the social and physical benefits of the game.

Beyond pickleball, White fills her week with a range of activities that keep her sharp and engaged. She plays cards, recently picked up square dancing, and even learned to play the mandolin as part of a local group, the Pickers and Fiddlers. “I stay active because it keeps me feeling young,” White told KCTV News 5, demonstrating her commitment to learning and trying new things despite her age.

White’s boundless energy has deep roots in her family-oriented life. She married a soldier at 17, raised six children, and coached a softball team with her husband, sharing her love of sports with their daughters. After her husband’s passing 30 years ago, White found renewed motivation in her large family, which includes 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Despite their occasional worries, she is adamant about the importance of staying active, saying, “You need to keep moving.” Her story serves as a testament to the power of family, movement, and resilience in living a fulfilling life at any age.

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Mind Stretchers

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