Virtual Content Has No Border

Tag: core

  • Stellar Flares: Unveiling the Secrets of Our Galaxy’s Core

    Stellar Flares: Unveiling the Secrets of Our Galaxy’s Core

    In a celestial dance of light and shadow, the heart of our Milky Way galaxy has been illuminated by the piercing gaze of NASA’s NuSTAR X-ray telescope. A team of astute researchers from Michigan State University (MSU) has cast new light on the enigmatic supermassive black hole, Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), that lies at the galaxy’s core.

    black hole

    Black holes, those cosmic enigmas that trap light in their gravitational clutches, are typically elusive to direct observation. Yet, through the indirect study of their gravitational influence on neighboring stars and gas clouds, astronomers have gleaned insights into their nature.

    Dynamic Environment at the Galaxy’s Core

    The team’s research stands as a testament to MSU’s dedication to cutting-edge exploration and nurturing the next wave of space scientists. “Their work exemplifies MSU’s commitment to pioneering research and fostering the next generation of astronomers,” Zhang proudly states.

    Flares Illuminate the Black Hole’s Surroundings

    Sanger-Johnson’s ten-year data analysis has unveiled nine previously undetected X-ray flares emanating from Sgr A*. These flares act as cosmic beacons, shedding light on the black hole’s immediate vicinity—a region typically shrouded in mystery due to intense gravitational forces.

    Decoding the X-ray Flares

    Each flare captured between 2015 and 2024 by NuSTAR offers a treasure trove of information, allowing astronomers to infer the physical conditions within the black hole’s extreme environment. “We hope that by building up this bank of data on Sgr A* flares, we and other astronomers can analyze the properties of these X-ray flares,” Sanger-Johnson explains.

    Echoes of Ancient Light

    Uteg’s approach diverges, focusing on the historical activity of the black hole by studying a giant molecular cloud known as “the bridge.” The cloud’s X-ray luminosity, a reflection of past outbursts from Sgr A*, has been meticulously tracked, revealing a gradual increase in brightness since 2008, peaking in 2020.

    Reconstructing the Black Hole’s Past

    This reflected light, an echo from centuries past, enables scientists to piece together a timeline of the black hole’s historical activity. Uteg’s analysis, supported by data from both NuSTAR and the European Space Agency’s XMM Newton observatory, suggests that roughly two centuries ago, Sgr A* was significantly more luminous in X-rays than it is today.

  • Earth’s Mystery: Scientists Discover Massive Solid Metal Ball at Core

    Earth’s Mystery: Scientists Discover Massive Solid Metal Ball at Core

    When it comes to understanding the planet we call home there is always something new to learn even for those of us who didn’t excel in science class. For years, there has been speculation about what lies within Earth’s core. While many people may assume it is just a solid round ball, but recent discoveries challenge that particular theory.

    Metal Ball

    Their unique approach allowed them to study the core in unprecedented detail and it was leading to the identification of a solid metal core. It is also known as an ‘innermost inner core’ or IMIC. This solid metal core was estimated to be around 800 miles in diameter and it constitutes nearly one percent of Earth’s volume. It is a much larger size than previously predicted.

    Last July, seismologists at the Australian National University made a groundbreaking revelation and it is a solid metal ball exists right at the center of Earth’s core. Through their studies of earthquakes and seismic waves traveling through the planet, scientists Thanh-Son Phạm and Hrvoje Tkalčić discovered this solid metal core, which they believe formed after a significant global event in the distant past.

    Phạm and Tkalčić propose that the metal inner core could serve as a ‘fossilized record’ of a significant tectonic event, offering insights into Earth’s evolutionary processes. Their findings underscore the importance of studying Earth’s core, not just for academic curiosity but also for understanding the fundamental mechanisms shaping life on our planet.

    According to Phạm, the solid metal core differs from the outer layer of the core in terms of atomic arrangement, suggesting it may possess distinct properties affecting the speed of seismic waves passing through it. Our researchers speculate that this solid metal core could hold vital clues about Earth’s history and the evolution of life on the planet’s surface.

     

  • Sony Pictures Core: Transforming Your PS5 into a Movie Hub

    Sony Pictures Core: Transforming Your PS5 into a Movie Hub

    If playing games on your PlayStation 5 is not enough and you want to watch movies too, you can use Sony Pictures Core, a movie streaming service. Sony Pictures Core, previously known as Bravia Core, is a movie streaming service available on PS4 and PS5 consoles. It offers access to a library of up to 2,000 movies from Sony Pictures, including early access to some titles, behind-the-scenes content, director’s commentaries, and exclusive offers.

    PlayStation

    The service also provides extra deals, like discounts on seven movies for seven days or access to additional content from Crunchyroll, available for a limited time. Check the PlayStation website or the Sony Pictures Core homepage for current deals.

    You don’t need a PS Plus membership to rent or buy movies on Sony Pictures Core, but there are exclusive benefits for Premium or Deluxe tier subscribers. If you have a PS Plus Premium or Deluxe membership, you can watch up to 100 movies for free on Sony Pictures Core. These are the highest tiers available for PS Plus. Renting or buying an average movie on Sony Pictures Core typically costs between $3.99 and $15.99.

    Sony Pictures Core is a free app available for download on PS4 and PS5 consoles. To get it, go to the Media tab on your PS5, press R on your controller on the home screen, select the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner, and search for Sony Pictures Core. Once you find it, select the app and press Download.

    Using Sony Pictures Core requires enabling HDCP settings on your PlayStation. HDCP, which stands for High-Bandwidth Digital Copyright/Content Protection, prevents streaming or recording content while watching it on the app.

    After downloading the app, you’ll be prompted to sign in with the PS Plus account or profile you’re using. If the account linked isn’t yours, select the correct email address. Next, agree to the terms and conditions by checking all the boxes and pressing Next.

    You’ll be asked again if you want to link your PS Plus account with Sony Pictures Core. This is necessary to access the 100 free movies with a PS Plus Premium or Deluxe subscription. Press Agree and Continue to confirm.

    Once your Sony Pictures Core account is created, you can navigate the app. Scroll through different categories and find the Included with PlayStation Plus section to access the free movies. Use the left arrow button to access the menu, where you’ll find the search bar, your Library, and Studio Access for bonus material like deleted scenes and director’s commentaries. When you find a movie you’re interested in, select it and press Rent or Buy, depending on your preference. You can find your purchased or rented movies in your Library.

  • Challenger Deep: The Mysterious Core of the Mariana Trench

    Challenger Deep: The Mysterious Core of the Mariana Trench

    The Mariana Trench, a name that has intrigued explorers and scientists for ages, is a colossal mystery of the deep ocean. Stretching over an astounding length, it’s mind-boggling to think that this trench is only 69 kilometers wide. What’s even more astonishing is that its deepest point is aptly named Challenger Deep, making the Mariana Trench the deepest ocean trench on Earth.
    Mariana Trench
    The trench’s depths are shrouded in perpetual darkness, as sunlight cannot penetrate its profound abyss. This extreme depth results in an incredible amount of water pressure, an environment where the human body would succumb instantly if exposed. Researchers have long been captivated by the trench’s enigmatic allure, prompting numerous expeditions to unveil its secrets.
    In the early 1900s, a small submarine was sent into its depths to investigate if any marine life could survive in such extreme conditions. However, the results remained inconclusive. It wasn’t until large-scale studies were conducted in 2011 and 2014 that we began to understand the trench’s hidden world.
    In the trench’s most profound regions, scientists have encountered an array of peculiar fish species that were previously beyond imagination. The Mariana Trench itself is believed to have formed nearly 180 million years ago, adding to its aura of mystery and intrigue. To put its incredible depth into perspective, consider this: if you were to start measuring the height of Mount Everest from the trench’s lowest point, you would still not reach sea level.
    One notable pioneer in the exploration of the Mariana Trench is filmmaker and explorer James Cameron. He was the first person to capture images of the Challenger Island region, revealing some of the trench’s secrets to the world. These images have provided invaluable insights into the trench’s unique ecosystem.
    One of the trench’s most bizarre inhabitants is the anglerfish, a rare marine creature that dwells in its deepest realms. Its eerie and unsettling appearance is a result of its adaptation to an environment where sunlight never reaches. As a result, very little is known about their breeding habits and behaviors.
    The anglerfish possesses a unique feature – a rod-shaped appendage on its head that emits light, which it can turn on and off. This adaptation helps attract prey in the pitch-black depths where it resides. Other fascinating trench inhabitants include hermit crabs with unusually long legs that allow them to move on all fours, and a jellyfish with the remarkable ability to toggle its own bioluminescent light, creating a mesmerizing display in the pitch-black depths.
    These discoveries continue to unveil the mysteries of the Mariana Trench, shedding light on the extraordinary life forms that thrive in one of Earth’s most extreme environments. Among them is the giant grenadier marine fish, capable of reaching lengths of up to two meters and surviving in these challenging depths for a remarkable duration.
    The Mariana Trench remains a testament to the hidden wonders of our planet, reminding us that even in the most extreme and inhospitable environments, life has found a way to thrive and adapt. As our understanding of this trench deepens, the secrets it holds are sure to inspire future generations of explorers and scientists.
  • Breaking the Cost Barrier: Build Solid Mid-Budget PC with Core i5-12400 Under $600

    Breaking the Cost Barrier: Build Solid Mid-Budget PC with Core i5-12400 Under $600

    Building a mid-budget PC has become challenging due to the soaring prices of graphics cards. However, Intel’s latest processor, the Core i5 12400, has gained popularity in the mid-budget segment. In today’s build, priced at $600, we have incorporated Intel’s Core i5 12400 processor, along with discussions on motherboard selection and memory support, alongside software and gaming benchmarks.

    Mid-Budget PC

    The Intel 12th Gen Core i5 12400 is now available in the market for $225. However, one major hurdle with this processor is the lack of budget-friendly motherboards available. Unlike AMD builds, which offer the advantage of using new processors on older boards with a simple BIOS update, Intel requires a new motherboard for nearly every generation. The 12th Gen CPUs utilize the LGA 1700 socket, replacing the previous LGA 1200 socket used in the 10th and 11th Gen processors.

    Considering budget constraints, our recommended choice for the motherboard is the Prime h610m-a, priced at $110. It offers adequate support for the Core i5 12400. However, if you have extra funds, the B660 board priced at $160 provides additional features such as memory overclocking and more ports. Those who require these features can consider investing in the B660 board, particularly for those looking to build with the more powerful 12600 processor.

    In terms of memory, current builds do not require high-speed RAM. DDR4 RAM running at 3200 MHz is sufficient and easily attainable without any complications. Additionally, upgrading the motherboard in the future will provide an opportunity to experience DDR5 RAM. For this build, we are utilizing two Corsair Vengeance LPX 8GB 3200 MHz RAM sticks, priced at $65 each.

    Storage preferences differ from person to person, so in this build, we are excluding additional storage options apart from a system drive. A 128GB M.2 PCIe SSD is included, priced at $28.

    In terms of the case, value-oriented options with decent build quality and features are sought after in tight budgets. For this build, we have chosen a case from a reputable brand that comes with four fixed rainbow RGB fans, priced at $35.

    To power the system, we have opted for the ANTEC CSK 450W Power Supply, priced at $40. This build, with the Core i5 12400, excels in gaming performance, but for those prioritizing overall productivity, the 5600G processor may be a better fit.