Interview with Donald Terndrup

One major difference in astronomy apart from any other studies is the emphasis on large scale data, or “Big Data.” And what this data hold for astronomers and astrophysicists is a numerous amount of objects: moving, pulsating, orbiting, swirling, etc. One focus is at the center of our own galaxy, a large black hole in which many stars orbit called a quasar. Now to obtain these large samples of space to collect the amount of data we need to further the studies of quasars, there needs to be large telescopes and ultraviolet light detectors that picture movement every night to point out differences in the sky. Some of which are the Large Synoptic Telescope in Chili and the GAIA which provides accurate distances for up to one billion stars. As Dr. Terndrup followed the information of quasars, he studied closely as the winds projecting outwards from the black hole while analyzing and reading charts and graphs from which we can only really “see” a quasar. It is very hard to approximate what a quasar really looks like, so the only way to read what is going on is from the models, charts and diagrams developed from theorists and even artists. From this, Terndrup can translate the information over in a teachable manner so others are able to begin the next step of measurements. What happens with the winds and how fast are they moving? What are the effects they have on the galaxy? The data collected is put into a process of studying the physical effects of the quasars which are then interpreted into many measurements of math and physics. The physical effects are reevaluated to determine or tweak the amount of measurements added or reduced. In a graph, the measurements would be put to tests from a multitude of combinations until a single or compound of combinations are put together to match what is observed. As of now it takes hundreds of hours to compute all the model combinations of the physical parameters that explain one spectrum. This is mainly done through the use of a computer and still takes an excess amount of time which may end up being tedious for some. Many are trying to work on these programs to improve the models of quasars, because what’s the point in the study if we can’t come close to its physical appearance?

Interview with Todd Thompson

Todd Thompson’s interview over his work, supernovae, has been one of the few things that push me towards what I want to study. Even though this is one of the many few scenarios that he studies, it is one that intrigued me the most. It was presented that most objects, living and non-living, have been constructed through a long-term process from other solar systems. This is what, at most, interested me. When a star begins its decomposition, it shines brighter than most other stars in the galaxy. This can be described by an increase of heat that begins “boiling” the internal structure of the star that gives off many elements such as oxygen, hydrogen, helium, and even iron. The same key components that make up an organism here on earth can also be found from a decomposing star. That brings the question as to whether or not those same elements from the star are the exact same that make up the human body, or any other living structure? Well, the answer is yes. A star will reach its “last day” when it can no longer fuse silicon into iron to create equilibrium and eventually collapse. This collapse will create an explosion which forces all elements outwards to distant solar systems. The only problem is that we cannot predict when a star will collapse and explode, or create a black hole. Also, it may take millions of years for this “star dust” to reach us here on Earth. However, astronomers have been keeping a close eye on the Betelgeuse star for it has developed into a massive giant that could pop right out of the sky. The supernova explosion could be visible up to twenty-three days much like the Crab Nebula. So, how long might this explosion take to reach Earth and enrich its atmosphere with elements of oxygen or feed our plans of carbon dioxide? Also, could it have taken many exploding stars to create life as we know it by developing habitable plants? There is a lot of biology and chemistry that lies beyond the realm of astronomy as well as physics. This is what Todd lives for, to theorize why and how this happens. He develops ideas and equations that could be the missing piece to the puzzle, and it may all seem made up, but then what’s the point in the theory? Could we have been built and nurtured by other stars in the galaxy? It’s all questions from here.

First Semester Status : Complete

There are many things to talk about with just one semester. First of all, I went through the experience of a major change. As much as I love architecture, astrophysics suits me more and what I find more interesting and enjoyable. That means I have a whole new set of goals for myself and that is completely okay with me. However, my number one goal is to always enjoy what I do because that brings out a positive attitude which makes things so much easier in my life. And that’s why I decided to continue minoring in architecture because I still enjoyed it with all the friends I had made along the way. And that’s another thing, without all these newcomers in my life, I don’t know where I’d be. They’ve really helped me along with encouragement and motivation. So even though I sliced my fingers up in studio several times, they were always there to help me. I hope that I can remain in my scholars even though I’m taking on this change in my life. It’s a double major, so there is a lot to catch up on. But scholars have really helped me through this first semester by pushing me to explore campus and be adventurous. And so I did, and I loved it. I also hope to travel some day with some of the research I would be taking up in astrophysics. Not sure what I would be doing, but it’s something in the next chapter of my life that I can’t wait for.

FOTOshop Project

This little project consisted of going out and finding a spot around Columbus that was “overlooked,” meaning it was abandoned and unused but had the potential to become something. Well, we didn’t know there would be a spot right in our backyard in OSU’s own campus. This large green space right outside of Haverfield served no purpose but to mock us. It has been fenced off ever since move in day and I’ve only seen the barriers don once, but they came right back up the next day. So instead of just leaving this green space to continually be unused, we turned it into a jungle gym for adults. Mainly things that involved rope courses and high up study areas you had to climb to that were too dangerous for little children, but still fun for adults. We also wanted to incorporate this idea throughout campus so this idea would be widespread in other unused green areas instead of right outside Haverfield. This was a great project to work with others, the only problem is that we were all constantly busy and had little time to meet and had to do a lot outside of the group to work individually. Other than that, we all got along well and it was a great experience for future planning! I wouldn’t really change anything about this project. For myself, it brought out the inner child of design. Here is our PowerPoint for this project: FOTOshop

The Final Journey of Downtown Columbus

Columbus is a vast city with much to do. If you say there isn’t anything to do, then you’re just blind or lazy. This fall break, my girlfriend and I explored the realm of downtown Columbus, taking the COTA buses far and wide to places we couldn’t imagine. Thursday, October 13, Jessica and I first traveled to the Columbus Commons that just seem like a useless area; however, after much exploration, we found a game that I will show below where lights would pop up and you and another player would hit the color you chose to get more points. It was so fun that we decided to do it again and video it for you all. Also, it looked as if groundskeeping was setting up for an event on stage in front of the large green space that held many recreational events. I would give anyone the advice to come study here on their free time because this large area was just so quiet and peaceful which juxtaposes the large mass that downtown really is. I would go back any time to relax, play games or chill around the food trucks they set up there frequently and I recommend you do the same.

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After the Columbus Commons, we visited the Columbus Museum of Art which I already shared in the last post. I do recommend the children’s section over any of the other sections because I just felt more interactive and immersed in the children’s section because it was hands on learning. Anyways, after the museum, we ran right into The Roosevelt Coffeehouse. It was in an odd location but its architecture, style, and layout were phenomenal. The coffee , however, was not the greatest. I even tried Jessica’s who go something completely different than I did and it tasted the same as mine. It’s just like the Columbus Commons, though, if you want some peace and quiet, I thoroughly recommend this little coffee shop, but if you’re looking for a delicious coffee, then I would recommend you travel elsewhere. It’s all about the learning experience, though!

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The last visit of Thursday was the Topiary Garden of Deaf School Park. There weren’t as many topiary figures as I expected; however, the way they were sculpted was what I found most interesting. I know that it takes a bit of manpower to trim up the bushes to look like people but the way nature just finds a way to climb its way towards the sun through the metal wiring just fascinated me. School had just let out at this point and children were running around everywhere, it was very nostalgic to the days that I would go to the park during school. It was soothing and I found many memories right here in this little park that I had from back home. This is another peaceful and fun little location to walk along trails, sit and relax on benches, or watch wild children run rampant throughout the park. It was a fun little experience.

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Moving on to Saturday, October 15,  for the grand finale, Jessica and I took the COTA bus all the way to COSI for our last great adventure! There was just so much to do there that I just can’t explain it all in one small paragraph. From the outdoor exhibit to the aquatic center and all the way up to the planetarium, adventure lied, waiting for us. I was even tricked into doing the unicycle across the rope in which I am dearly afraid of heights. I have a great little video to show about that!!! Anyways, there was just so much to do that I hope all these pictures and video can explain for me. There was even a small architectural structure of COSI that I got a picture with that fit right into this scholars group. I recommend COSI to anyone and everyone no matter how old you are. Well, I hope you take my word for all these areas in downtown Columbus and I hope you enjoy these embarrassing videos of me from COSI!!!

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Columbus To Do List Part 1

I chose to explore the downtown region of Columbus in which I expect to be a more open world than Ohio State’s campus. I look forward to finally extend my reach past campus because it gets boring every once in awhile to just be stuck in one place for so long. Also, I hope to learn how to use the bus system better by traveling this longer distance. This will be a great experience to find fun little activities just right down the road and instead of just finding five areas to explore, I might find more and bring others along with me to try out some of these places that are relatively new to me. It is always fun to find new things that are interesting and even build up some knowledge about the surrounding areas. One place in particular that I have already visited was the Columbus Museum of Art. As a college student, I thought that this wasn’t going to be very exciting at all. Well, I actually found myself having one of the greatest times of my life in the interactive section of the museum. I took my girlfriend, Jess, along with me and we built a puzzle together and drew trees and even built a birds nest together. These may seem like childish things to do but it was more interesting to me than the paintings upstairs. We had also visited other places that day but I don’t want to spoil the entire adventure in one post! We had a great time, considering it was fall break and there was nothing else to do!

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Journal #1 – A New Beginning

I never thought that I would end up here at The Ohio State University. However, these past couple of weeks have really made me feel like im at home. Welcome week was phenomenal, especially getting floor seats just ten feet away from Ke$ha’s. It made me realize that there will always be something to do, and the things I’ve wanted to do, I haven’t been able to do yet because the university is always keeping me busy! As I’ve been taking my courses, I have realized that I am exactly where I want to be. I have enjoyed all of them so far and the professors are very entertaining. All but one of my classes are set up in Knowlton, so it really feels like a school wishing a university which I can relate to from back home. Also, I’ve become closely acquainted with my roommates making it feel like my friends from high school are right here in college with me! I love it here on campus. It really feels like a home away from home where I can start my independence from my family and start my life careers. I’ve been wanting to start this new chapter of my life for so long, and now that it’s here, Ohio State has really helped for making me feel welcomed to start.

G.O.A.L.S.

[ “G.O.A.L.S.” is a place where students write about how their planned, current, and future activities may fit into the Honors & Scholars G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement. For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.

Global Awareness: Students cultivate and develop their appreciation for diversity and each individual’s unique differences. For example, consider course work, study abroad, involvement in cultural organizations or activities, etc .
Original Inquiry: Honors & Scholars students understand the research process by engaging in experiences ranging from in-class scholarly endeavors to creative inquiry projects to independent experiences with top researchers across campus and in the global community. For example, consider research, creative productions or performances, advanced course work, etc.
Academic Enrichment: Honors & Scholars students pursue academic excellence through rigorous curricular experiences beyond the university norm both in and out of the classroom.
Leadership Development: Honors & Scholars students develop leadership skills that can be demonstrated in the classroom, in the community, in their co-curricular activities, and in their future roles in society.
Service Engagement: Honors & Scholars students commit to service to the community.]

Career

[“Career” is where you can collect information about your experiences and skills that will apply to your future career.  Like your resume, this is information that will evolve over time and should be continually updated.   For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]

Artifacts

[Artifacts are the items you consider to be representative of your academic interests and achievements. For each entry, include both an artifact and a detailed annotation.  An annotation is a reflective description of the artifact that attempts to communicate its significance.  For more information, go to: http://honors-scholars.osu.edu/e-portfolio. Delete these instructions and add your own post.]