We celebrated Pi Day with our international campers while playing math games.
“Pi” Day is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi) and is observed on March 14 since 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant digits of π. We celebrated Pi Day with our international campers while playing math games.
WHY DO ASTRONAUTS WEAR SPACE SUITS?
Astronauts must be wearing their spacesuits when they get out of their spacecraft and are exposed to the "space environment," but why?
Is the space environment dangerous for humans?
A common definition of space is known as the Karman Line, an imaginary boundary 100 kilometers (62 miles) above mean sea level. Unfortunately, the danger zone after this line is not a suitable environment for humans to live. The most common reason for this is that there is little or no respirable oxygen in that area.
Almost all living organisms utilize oxygen for energy generation. As we breathe in, oxygen enters the lungs and diffuses into the blood. Our lungs, working as a tiny factory, throw out the carbon dioxide molecule formed by 2 oxygen and 1 carbon atom at the end of the process.
Although oxygen deprivation seems to be the only real danger, it is actually only one of the dangers.
So what could be done to avoid these and similar dangers?
If you are going to go to space one day, perhaps the most important thing to take with you may be the spacesuit. Spacesuits are like a small spacecraft and protect astronauts from dangers in space. The Primary Life Support System (PLSS), which looks like a backpack, provides the suit with pressurized oxygen and ventilation while removing carbon dioxide, water vapor, and trace contaminants.
The spacesuits used on the International Space Station today remain there all the time. In other words, astronauts do not have their own space suit. The same spacesuit can be worn by several astronauts, according to the assignments from the Mission Control Center.
So can every astronaut wear the same spacesuit?
As you can imagine, the physical structure of every astronaut is not the same. Some astronauts may be tall, some are short, some may be a little leaner or overweight than others. It is precisely for this reason that astronauts have space suits in three different sizes (small, medium and large) that they use on the International Space Station. Since the connection points of these spacesuit are the same, an astronaut can make a special combination from these three different sizes if needed.
What does the spacesuit protect us from?
First of all, it can eliminate the oxygen deprivation that we mentioned at the beginning for a certain period of time. Each spacesuit has two oxygen tanks that work with a carbon dioxide removal system to allow a 6 to 8.5 hour spacewalk. Afterwards, the astronaut must return to the space station in order to refill the empty oxygen tanks. Another danger is related to the temperature in space.
Is space hot or cold?
Unfortunately, the temperature in space is either too high or too low for the human body to stand. For example, ,if an astronaut would go on a spacewalk without a spacesuit when the sun is shining brightly, he or she would suddenly encounter a temperature of about 120 degrees Celsius with the effect of radiation.
Without the sun, the temperature suddenly drops to about -120 degrees Celsius. This situation happens very, very suddenly because there is no atmosphere in space. Here, the only thing that keeps the astronaut safe in these difficult conditions is again the spacesuit. Another important item on the spacesuit is the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG), which incorporates clear plastic tubing through which chilled liquid water flows for body temperature control, as well as ventilation tubes for waste gas removal. Thus, the astronaut can always work comfortably in the spacesuit.
In addition to all these, the astronaut must wear a spacesuit to be protected from pressure, radiation and meteor dust.
Is there pressure in space?
Even though we can't feel it, air is constantly pressing down on us with a tremendous force. We cannot see this force with our eyes, but we constantly experience the results of this effect, especially when driving on steep hills or getting off an airplane. This pressure created by the air and the internal pressure created by the beat of our heart is constantly in balance. As we just explained, there is no air in space. This means that there is no air pressure in space. Therefore, spacesuits are inflated with a certain amount of air, just like a balloon, to apply the necessary external pressure to the astronaut. Thus, the body fluids of astronauts can remain in liquid form during a spacewalk.
Radiation in space
There is a special layer of atmosphere in the world that protects us from the harmful rays of the sun. For this reason, the sun does not affect us that much as long as we don’t fall a sleep under it on a summer day. However, since there is no atmosphere layer in space, the sun's harmful rays, also called radiation, can cause great harm to astronauts. Space suits have layers to protect astronauts from radiation and reflect incoming rays. Also included in the spacesuit is a gold-plated visor section to protect the astronauts' eyes.
Meteor dusts that are faster than a bullet
Meteor dusts are small particles orbiting the earth. You might think; "How could a tiny dust particle hurt an astronaut?". Meteor dusts move in orbit of the Earth at a speed of approximately 24,000 km per hour. Therefore, when any small particle hits an astronaut, it can cause great damage. For this reason, there is a special protection shield in the upper part of the spacesuit and in the area called the Hard Upper Torso, which is similar to the structure of bulletproof vests. Thanks to this shield, the astronaut is protected from the vital damage that a meteor dust can cause.
What do astronauts eat and drink during a spacewalk?
Astronauts may have to take long space walks from time to time. The record belongs to two astronauts, Jim Voss and Susan Helms, who took a spacewalk for 8 hours and 56 minutes. Of course, astronauts can get hungry or thirsty during this long spacewalk. If necessary, you may think that they can go to the space station and have their food. But every minute in space is planned and very important. Taking off a spacesuit, that actually takes 15 minutes to put on with someone's help, can cost the astronaut half an hour, so the astronauts do not prefer to return to the space station and take a lunch break. NASA has found a solution to this issue as well.
Under normal circumstances, menus containing more than 1000 types of food are prepared for the International Space Station astronauts. These menus that include snacks can be consumed by astronauts at the station. There is also a high-calorie chocolate bar, fixed in a space suit helmet close to the mouth, so that astronauts can gain energy on challenging spacewalks. Especially on long spacewalks, astronauts enjoy the meal breaks where they consume these chocolates. Since they cannot use their hands, astronauts consume the chocolate bar by biting on it several times.
The next need of the astronaut consuming a high-calorie chocolate bar is of course water. At this point, a water bag located in the spacesuit helmet and a straw attached to this bag comes to aid. The tip of the straw can be opened and closed using only the mouth.
How much does a spacesuit cost?
The cost of a spacesuit is set at about $12 million. It can be said that this shield is cost-effective considering that a spacesuit is not crafted for every single astronaut and it can be used repeatedly for many years as long as there are no problems with it.
So what is the most expensive piece of a space suit?
Initially, it may look like the most expensive item on the space suit is the Primary Life Support System. This unit, which is responsible for adjusting the oxygen and the temperature levels, contains several electronic devices. However, in terms of cost, the parts that NASA spends the most are the gloves of the astronauts. Spacesuit gloves are the main limiting factor when it comes to working in space. Astronauts usually handle from 70 to 110 tools, tethers and associated equipment for a typical spacewalk. Like an inflated balloon, the fingers of the gloves resist the effort to bend them. Astronauts must fight that pressure with every movement of their hand, which is exhausting and sometimes results in injury. Furthermore, the joints of the glove are subject to wear that can lead to life-threatening leaks. For this reason, the gloves are specially designed to aid astronauts' mobility.
In a nutshell, spacesuits are basically wearable spacecrafts and can not only keep astronauts alive, but also feed them, allow them to communicate, and even be used as a toilet.
Would you like to be an astronaut? If you were an astronaut, what kind of spacesuit would you like to wear? You can share your comments with your friends on the following social media channels.
[description] => Why do astronauts wear space suits? Is the space environment dangerous for humans? We can immediately answer this question as yes. Okay, but why? [keywords] => Why do Astronauts Wear Space Suits, is the space environment dangerous for humans, Karman Line, spacesuit, dangers in space, Primary Life Support System, International Space Station, What does the spacesuit protect us from, Is there pressure in space, meteor dust, radiation in space, protect astronauts from radiation, spacewalk, What do astronauts eat and drink during a spacewalk, How much does a spacesuit cost, Spacesuit gloves [extra] => [{"key":"","value":""}] [created_date] => 2020-09-14 09:57:17 [updated_date] => 2021-03-24 16:19:03 [lang] => en [active] => 1 [search] => 1 [facebook_piksel] => ) [1] => stdClass Object ( [id] => 759 [parent] => 23 [order] => 17 [lang_id] => c2c7b2365c8b79529e83b3dcaaca4f7b [title] => Will We See Mars As Big As Our Earth's Moon? [subtitle] => 08.21.2020 [header_img] => 0 [list_img] => upload/media/en_list_img1.png [summary] => Will we really see planet Mars as big as our Earth's moon? [content] =>Recently, claims have been circulating on social media that Mars will approach Earth and even appear as big as the full moon in the sky on August 27, 2020. This news, which emerged during a similar convergence in 2003 and was repeated from time to time, unfortunately is only a hoax, although it attracts the attention of the society to astronomy. The claims spread so much that NASA made a statement, announcing that Mars would not look as big as a full moon.
Another of the Earth-Mars convergences that we will experience on August 27, 2020 took place on August 27, 2003. According to NASA's Mars Exploration Program, the distance between Mars and Earth has been shorter than ever before in the last 60,000 years and has dropped to about 56 million km. In this important astronomical event, Mars looked brighter than in previous ordinary convergences, but still was describes as a "bright red dot".
WILL WE SEE MARS AS BIG AS THE MOON?
Unfortunately, no. We won’t see Mars as big as the moon. When Mars appears side by side with a full moon in the sky, Mars' diameter appears on average 1/140 of the diameter of the full moon. On August 27, 2020, or on any other date, Mars will not look as big from Earth as the full moon looks.
Mars is about twice the size of the Moon. In this case, in order to appear as big as the Moon in the sky, it must be approximately 766 thousand km away from us. As far as the orbital mechanics of the solar system goes, it is impossible for Mars to come this close to us. Even if Mars were as close to Earth as the Moon would seem, the gravitational force would change the Earth's orbit, and this would create terrible tides; it would basically bring the end of the world.
HOW CLOSE WILL MARS BE TO EARTH?
The distance between Mars and Earth will decrease to 62.1 million km. We can say that the distance between the two planets is on average 225 million km. The orbits of Earth and Mars are not circular, but elliptical, and the distance between them is constantly changing, as the time the two planets take to complete a full orbit around the Sun are different. The 57.6 million km distance experienced on 31 July 2018 is not a common occurrence. (The closest Mars and Earth position, similar to the one on July 31, 2018, will occur in 2287) In 2003, Mars reached its closest position with the Earth in the last 60 thousand years at a distance of 55.6 million km.
[description] => Will we really see planet Mars as big as our Earth's moon on August 27? [keywords] => WILL WE SEE MARS AS BIG AS THE MOON, August 27 2020, gravitational force, HOW CLOSE WILL MARS BE TO EARTH, The distance between Mars and Earth, The closest Mars and Earth position, The orbits of Earth and Mars are not circular [extra] => [{"key":"","value":""}] [created_date] => 2020-08-24 16:58:30 [updated_date] => 2020-09-10 11:21:47 [lang] => en [active] => 1 [search] => 1 [facebook_piksel] => ) [2] => stdClass Object ( [id] => 735 [parent] => 23 [order] => 24 [lang_id] => 7becb6bcb4c5af47428bcdde80b02de0 [title] => What Happens If An Asteroid Hits Earth? [subtitle] => 06.30.2020 [header_img] => 0 [list_img] => upload/media/asteroid-impact.jpg [summary] => What Are The Effects Of An Asteroid Impact, How Can We Be Protected? [content] =>
ASTEROID IMPACT
Have you ever thought what would happen if an asteroid threatens to hit our world? After watching a movie like Armageddon, did you think that such a scenario could really happen?
Today, June 30, is celebrated as the International Asteroid Day. Since today has been announced as “Asteroid Day” to create global awareness of asteroids, we will take a journey on asteroids, the threats posed by asteroids, and how we can be protected from asteroid strike in this article.
WHAT ARE ASTEROIDS AND HOW ARE ASTEROIDS DISTINGUISHED?
"What are asteroids and how are asteroids distinguished?" It is among the most fascinating topics when it comes to our beautiful sky. The most famous asteroid we know crashed Earth millions of years ago, causing the extinction of dinosaurs. Scientists describe asteroids as "rocky celestial bodies that orbit the Sun and are much smaller than planets". There are thousands of oddly shaped asteroids in the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter. The asteroid belt is thought to be either residuals from a planet formed due to Jupiter's close-up force, or "rubble" left over from a planet shattered by a collision.
Ceres, the largest of the asteroids, whose dimensions can vary from 10 meters to 1000 kilometers wide, is about 960 km wide. One of the biggest reasons for scientific interest in asteroids is the possibility of having relatively unchanged remnants of the solar system's formation process from 4.6 billion years ago.
WHAT HAPPENS IF AN ASTEROID HITS OUR PLANET?
It is totally acceptable to worry about an asteroid crashing into the Earth, even though most asteroids are smashed before they enter the Earth's atmosphere. Just like the asteroid that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, they can leave their orbits and hit the Earth.
So what happens if the bad scenario happens, that is, an asteroid hits Earth? With an asteroid hitting the Earth; dust and smoke rising in the atmosphere prevents sunlight from reaching our world and causes the total temperature to drop. This event can lead to the death of many living things. If an asteroid the size of an apartment hits Earth, this blow could possibly destroy a small city. If an asteroid the size of a 20-storey building hits Earth, this blow can completely flatten a small country.
The biggest reasons for scientists to research asteroids, in addition to having more information about the solar system, is that they want to learn their total numbers and learn more about their trajectories and physical properties. If the course of an asteroid turns towards us, of course we would like to know!
On June 30, 1908, a 40-meter asteroid hit the Tunguska region in Siberia. This impact destroyed a London-sized woodland, making it the most influential and most important asteroid impact in recent world history. On June 30, 2016, it was declared as "International Asteroid Day" by the United Nations, and it was aimed to raise awareness about the threat of collision with Earth, created by countless celestial bodies floating in space. Every year on Asteroid Day, scientists, astronauts, and celebrities come together to help raise awareness about the dangers our planet faces from Earth-crossing asteroids. In these events, our poor defense state in space is emphasized against potential asteroid collisions, and in the event that these dangerous and free-floating celestial objects turn to Earth, science fiction scenarios and possible solutions are explained.
So how can we protect our home, our Earth, from this threat?
The only way to eliminate the threat of the asteroid hitting the Earth is to detect them and divert them from their course. Many organizations, primarily NASA, perform regular scans of the sky to identify celestial bodies at risk of hitting our planet. These organizations actively seek out the best ways to protect the Earth from celestial bodies that could hit it. By preparing with good planning, we can prevent the destructive effect an asteroid can have.
These studies, called planetary defense, consist of five steps.
- Detecting the Asteroid
We cannot prevent an asteroid from hitting the Earth, if we do not know about its existence. Astronomers use ground-space-based telescopes to detect celestial bodies that could pose a threat of impact. In addition, infrared imaging tools help find objects that are too dark to see through the reflected lights. - Observing the Asteroid
Even if we find the asteroid, how do we know if it will hit Earth? We may need to monitor and obtain information with several telescopic observations that last for days, months or even years and every information we acquire helps us determine the estimated trajectory of the asteroid. - Defining the Asteroid
We can use many telescopic and spacecraft observations that can tell us about the features of the asteroid such as rotation rate, structure, speed, and if they threaten the Earth, we can use it to change their routes. - Changing the Course of the Asteroid
What do we do when an asteroid headed towards Earth is spotted? The possibility that this asteroid destroys a city or creates a giant tsunami is not something we want to think about in the first place. There are possible preparedness techniques for bad scenarios; however, these scenarios need further development and testing. Depending on the situation, our options vary depending on how much time we have, whether we are faced with a large or small size asteroid. Measures that can be applied in such a case include the development of techniques regarding the use of a gravitational builder (changing the course of the asteroid by creating gravitational force with a spacecraft), medium-distance collision (hitting one or more spacecraft on the asteroid), or a laser beam (heating a part of it to generate a thrust force on the asteroid). As a last resort, nuclear options can be used to break down the asteroid. - Training and Coordination
Any asteroid hitting the Earth will require international disaster response. In addition, training is required in disaster and emergency management institutions and the public regarding the asteroid threat. It is important that everyone is aware of the level of threats and the potential to eliminate this threat.
Apart from all these, amateur astronomers can work together with scientists to defend our planet. Amateur astronomers can help identify smaller and potentially destructive asteroids hidden in the universe.
So would you like to be an amateur astronomer?
Who knows, maybe you can be one of the guards of our "home"!
Meteorite: A meteorite is a solid piece of debris from an object, such as a comet, asteroid, or meteoroid that originates in outer space and survives its passage through the atmosphere to reach the surface of a planet or moon.
Falling Star: Falling star is the common name for the visible path of a meteoroid as it enters the atmosphere to become a meteor.
Comet: A comet is an icy, small Solar System body that, when passing close to the Sun, warms and begins to release gases, a process called outgassing. This produces a visible atmosphere or coma, and sometimes also a tail.
Space Camp Turkey, which was founded by late Kaya Tuncer as an Aegean Free Zone Development & Operating Company (ESBAS) enterprise on June 12th, 2000, opened its doors to the youth in Turkey and in the world to inspire them in shaping their career paths, exploring different cultures, and building international friendships.
Space Camp Turkey, one of the two space camps in the world, is continuously updating its curriculum and facility with the latest technological advancements. Every academic year, Space Camp Turkey is focused on increasing its program options while offering different educational content which include robotic designs, astronaut training simulators or space shuttle simulation mission to kids between the ages of 7-18.
STATE-OF-THE-ART IMPROVEMENTS
Since 2000, we have had the opportunity to bring many innovations to life, both in our program content and in physical conditions of the facility. By adding a space station module to our simulated space shuttle mission, missions that were performed by NASA for 30 years, we had the opportunity to present a more realistic and challenging task to an activity that is known as the most beautiful and special activity we have implemented in Space Camp programs. By enriching our 6-day International Galactic Summer Camp programs, we have had some students return year after year to attend our camp programs for a total of 6 years.
With the renovation projects we have done; we renewed several different activities starting from the popular observatory activity to the “Generation: Mars” area, where we discover Mars and represent exemplary living quarters, with designs that inspire and capture the age. In order to offer the most up-to-date training content to our participants, we always followed the agenda closely; and with that we created the "Minecraft" program. We showed that there is no limit to creativity by using 3D Printer technology, and we sailed to unique adventures on the Moon surface and around Mars with “RIOT 3D” and “Hurricane 360” simulators using virtual reality technology. After continuing its renovation efforts in recent years, our institution has prepared its surprises for the students that will attend the International Galactic Summer Camp programs in August of 2020.
Over 24 special guests, including astronaut Douglas Hurley, who went to space with the SpaceX Demo-2 mission, and Charlie Duke, one of the 12 astronauts that walked on the moon, were hosted at Space Camp Turkey since its establishment.
Let's check out the important events that took place over the years at Space Camp Turkey;
- 2000 - Space Camp Turkey opened its doors to the world's youth on June 12, 2000 by the late Kaya Tuncer.
- 2002 - Through Global Friendship Through Space Education Foundation (GFTSE), young people from different countries and cultures found the opportunity to participate in the programs.
- 2003 - With the Partner School Science Program, Turkish and world youth came together to make joint studies in the fields of science and space technologies.
- 2004 - The National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations Foundation (NECO) awarded our founder, Kaya Tuncer, the 2004 Ellis Island Medal of Honor at a gala ceremony on New York City’s Ellis Island for his contributions to international peace.
- 2004 - 2008 - Between these years, 445 scholarship participants from 71 different cities attended the National Space Camp Week and received training in the field of space sciences and technologies and made international friendships.
- 2010 - Space Camp Turkey turns 10! More than 100 thousand participants from 45 different countries attended the camp.
- 2011 - STS-135 Atlantis Crew Astronaut Douglas Hurley and other crew members that took part in NASA’s last space shuttle mission "STS 135", came together with our participants at Space Camp Turkey after returning from the historic mission.
- 2012 - Partner School Science Program – Online education was started with video conferencing connections with schools in Europe.
- 2013 - 10th year of Partner School Science Program! In 10 years, over 5.500 students from Turkey and the world has attended the program.
- 2013 - Charlie Duke, who served as lunar module pilot during NASA's Apollo 16 program, met with the participants of Space Camp Turkey as a special guest.
- 2014 - The "Competence-Based Learning Key to Successful Methodology- KEYS" project meeting, which was organizes as a part of the European Union Commission "LLP - Comenius", was completed. Six moderators from Bulgaria, Belgium and Italy, and 45 teachers from Izmir participated in the meeting held at Space Camp Turkey.
- 2014 - We Renovated! Along with the "Magic Planet" 360 viewing projection system, Mars tour with virtual reality and the planetarium system, we have also renovated our rocket construction, rocket design, and Suit Me Up classrooms.
- 2014 - 100th connection with NASA! The Partner School Science Program (PSSP) participants made a live videoconference connection with NASA and received information from expert Scott Anderson about the "Manned Flights to Mars" project.
- 2014 - ESBAS and Space Camp Turkey founder, the late Kaya Tuncer, was inducted into the Space Camp Hall of Fame during a ceremony held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
- 2015 - Space Camp Turkey turns 15!
- 2016 - The first Family Space Camp Tour was organized.
- 2017 - Space Camp Turkey adds 2 brand new simulators to its programs. In the 360 degree rotating Hurricane 360 VR Simulator; VR glasses provide an exciting, high adrenaline virtual reality adventure, while the RIOT 3D Ride Simulator provides a true 3D ride on the Moon!
- 2017 - ESBAS, the parent company of Space Camp Turkey, was awarded the “2017 Turkey Excellence Award” by Quality Foundation (KalDer) during the 26th National Quality Congress award ceremony. KalDer evaluated Space Camp Turkey as ‘Good Practice’ in terms of ‘Sustainable Future Creation’.
- 2018 - Space Camp Turkey's interactive educational area "Generation Mars" Exhibit has its grand opening! The exhibit consists of different modules such as the habitat, laboratory, research and supply unit and also provides a chance to watch a short movie called "Life on Mars" with three-dimensional mapping technology. The students also learn about the difficulties of living on Mars and the technologies necessary to overcome these difficulties.
- 2019 - An exclusive Space Camp Tour for Teachers organized for the first time.
- 2020 - ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) connection was established! Live radio connection with NASA Astronaut Andrew Morgan at the International Space Station (UUI).
Our institution, which has been providing nonstop service for 20 years to raise the leaders of the future, is happy to continuously improve its service quality by being aware of how important the satisfaction of our teachers and students is. Our determination to add value to the cores of education will continue with each innovation we carry out. Space Camp Turkey is an experience every child should discover at least once in their lives. We hope to shed light on the visions of the children all over the world for many years.
As Space Camp family, we will find answers to the curious questions about space and space sciences and share the details of space related researches already made or to be done. Our expert guests that will illuminate the deep and dark space that contains the unknowns since the past will also be with you in this program. Before we begin our journey, let’s talk about what Space Camp Turkey is and what is being done there.
(Make sure to turn on the subtitles)
Space Camp Turkey, which was considered to be a gift to the youth of the world and was founded by late Kaya Tuncer and his wife Mary Tuncer as an ESBAS enterprise in the Aegean Free Zone, contains 7 space training simulators, 1 space shuttle flight simulator and 2 virtual reality simulations. Along with all these, several special concept classrooms where space related education takes place and an exhibit area that contains modules influenced by the future Mars colony ideas, can be found at Space Camp Turkey. Participants receive their training using these simulators and simulations in most daily and accommodated programs at Space Camp Turkey.
Along with the programs offered throughout the year for children and young people aged 7-18, there are also program options that can be customized for adults. You can also find detailed information about Space Camp programs at www.spacecampturkey.com
For now, it’s time to say goodbye. We will continue to keep in touch, either from the depths of the universe, or from somewhere within the solar system, and will explore space together.
Stay with love, stay at home!
[description] => Space Camp Turkey will begin sharing educational videos via its YouTube channel! [keywords] => curious questions, expert guests, space training simulators, space shuttle flight simulator, virtual reality simulations, future Mars colony ideas, space camp [extra] => [{"key":"","value":""}] [created_date] => 2020-06-26 13:14:52 [updated_date] => 2020-07-17 17:51:12 [lang] => en [active] => 1 [search] => 1 [facebook_piksel] => ) )
Why Do Astronauts Wear Space Suits?
Why do astronauts wear space suits? Is the space environment dangerous for humans?
Will We See Mars As Big As Our Earth's Moon?
Will we really see planet Mars as big as our Earth's moon?
What Happens If An Asteroid Hits Earth?
What Are The Effects Of An Asteroid Impact, How Can We Be Protected?
Space Camp Turkey Turns 20!
Space Camp Turkey started its journey with the slogan "We Shape Future Leaders" and today is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Educational Videos Coming Soon!
Space Camp Turkey will begin sharing educational videos via its YouTube channel!
