August 22 - Russian Flag Day

   Posted on August 22, 2022     

This is an update of my post published on August 22, 2011:



Today Russians commemorate the 1991 hoisting of their new flag.

You probably already know that Russia used to be largest state in the communist nation called the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

Did you also know that Russia is the largest nation on Earth? It covers about one-eighth of all the land area in the world, which means that most of the other 195 other nations do not have their “fair share” of land!

Of course, Russia is only the 9th largest nation by population.


This map cuts off parts of Russia (in the north) - but you get
the idea. Russia's vast land houses fewer people than much-
much-much smaller Bangladesh!


Unlike the Soviet Union's red flag (seen above), which was almost entirely red, decorated with a yellow star, hammer, and sickle, Russia's flag features three broad stripes, one each of red, white and blue. Of course, these colors are associated with the U.S. flag, as well...but did you know that more than 30 countries have tri-color red-white-and-blue flags? Here are some of them:


This website has tons and tons of links you can use to learn about the Russian language and other aspects of this huge nation. 




I cannot talk about Russia without restating that its horrible leader, Vladimir Putin, has wrongfully invaded Ukraine and has killed many innocent people. Russia's government is guilty of crimes against humanity, and its military is guilty of war crimes. It must stop!




August 21 - Voyager 2 Reached Triton!

   Posted on August 21, 2022     

This is an update of my post published on August 21, 2011:





By this date in 1989, the little-space-probe-that-could had already accomplished its mission goals. It had gathered a lot of information about Jupiter and Saturn—and their moons and rings—and it had continued the Grand Tour by flying by Uranus and Neptune. Now Voyager 2 was about to exit the solar system, collecting and transmitting information as it went, and following in its identical twin's footsteps. (Voyager 1 was launched a few weeks after Voyager 2 but only visited Jupiter and Saturn on its way out of the solar system.) Scientists wanted Voyager 2 to check out one more world before it left:
Triton.

Triton is Neptune's largest moon. It's only half the size of Earth's moon, but it is far colder (of course, being so very far away from the sun), and it has a thin atmosphere.


Triton is unusual in that it is the only large satellite with a retrograde orbit. What does that mean? Well, all of the moons in the solar system orbit their planet in the same direction as the planet rotates. (Scientists explain that this is due to the way that planets and moons form.) That is, all but one: Triton orbits Neptune in the opposite direction of Neptune's rotation on its axis.


Voyager 2 sent back to Earth some pretty great photos of Triton. Check out NASA's photojournal. 


By the way, both Voyager 1 and 2 are still operating, still sending us information about deep space! It's been more than 34 years—far longer than the expected lifespan of the space probes—and they are still working for us! Here is a NASA site that shows how far away they are - it's constantly being updated!




Anniversary of the theft of the Mona Lisa!


August 20 - International Homeless Animals Day

  Posted on August 20, 2022     

This is an update of my post published on August 20, 2011:

(Third Saturday of August)




There are simply too many dogs and cats in the world. There aren't enough loving homes to go around. This overpopulation problem wouldn't exist if everyone spayed and neutered their pets. 

This is the day to make sure your own pets are “fixed” and to urge other people to do so as well.




In the past this day has been recognized with candlelight vigils planned for tonight, possibly near you, free spaying and neutering services at humane societies, adopt-a-thons, microchip clinics, and other activities. Check out the internet or local vets or humane societies to see if there are any events near you.





Anniversary of the Voyager 2 launch