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Why does human exploration of the universe never stop? From the "Ganshi Star Classic" during the Warring States period to the poems of the Song Dynasty poet Xie Fangde, we can see that human curiosity and exploration of the universe have run through ancient and modern times.
Ancient and Modern: From "Ganshi Star Sutra" to Xie Fangde's cosmic poems
The beginnings of ancient astronomy
During the Warring States Period, Wei astronomer Shi Shen compiled the Ganshi Xingjing, which is not only one of the earliest astronomical works in China, but also considered one of the earliest astronomy books in the world. The "Ganshi Star Sutra" recorded in detail the observation and understanding of the stars at that time, and laid the foundation for the astronomical research of later generations. Through long-term observations, Shi Shen recorded the laws and changes of celestial bodies, which not only helped people understand natural phenomena, but also provided important references for agricultural production and military arrangements.
Another important feature of ancient Chinese astronomy was its close integration with astrology. The ancients believed that changes in the heavens were closely related to human affairs, and that by observing the stars, we could predict good fortune and bad luck. This concept is also reflected in the "Ganshi Star Sutra". However, despite the superstition, the ancients' observations and records of the universe still reflected the scientific spirit and rigorous attitude, which laid a solid foundation for the later development of astronomy.
Astronomy is recorded in ancient books
With the advancement of history, the records of astronomy in ancient Chinese books have become more and more abundant. From "Huainanzi" and "Historical Records" to "Astronomical Chronicles" and "Mengxi Bi Tan", these ancient books contain a lot of content about astronomy. These records not only show the observations of astronomical phenomena of the ancients, but also reflect their deep thinking and unique insights into the universe.
For example, the Records of the Heavenly Officials records in detail the observations of ancient astronomers on celestial bodies, describing the movements of the sun, moon, planets, and stars. Through these records, future generations can understand how the ancients used celestial changes to speculate on weather, agricultural time, and national events. These ancient books are not only historical documents, but also a valuable heritage of ancient astronomical research.
In Mengxi Writings, Shen Kuo, a scientist from the Northern Song Dynasty, recorded his unique insights and innovative discoveries in astronomy. For example, he described in detail the formation process of a lunar eclipse and proposed new theories about the orbit of sunspots and stars. These records not only reflect his deep understanding of the universe, but also demonstrate the high level of astronomical research in ancient China.
The Universe in Literature
The Song Dynasty poet Xie Fangde wrote in "Little Lonely Mountain": "Tomorrow to climb the peak, you must make the extreme, and I have a wide heart when I look at the universe." This poem not only shows the poet's praise for natural landscapes, but also reflects his yearning and thinking about the universe. By ascending to the peak, the poet felt the immensity of the universe, and this experience made him feel the smallness of life and the greatness of the universe.
Ancient literature often depicts and celebrates the universe, which not only shows the love of nature of the ancients, but also reflects their curiosity about the mysteries of the universe. For example, the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai wrote in "Yebo Niuzhu Nostalgia": "I send my sorrow and the bright moon, and follow you until Yelangxi." Li Bai pinned his emotions on the bright moon, expressing his thoughts for distant friends, and also reflecting his deep understanding and unique feelings about the universe.
Through these literary works, we can see how the ancients expressed their thoughts and yearning for the universe through poetry and prose. These works are not only literary treasures, but also provide us with a unique perspective on ancient astronomy.
Footsteps of Exploration: From Gagarin to Mars Exploration
From Gagarin's first manned space flight in 1961 to today's exploration of Mars, all this demonstrates mankind's infinite pursuit and unremitting efforts for the universe.
The great feat of the first manned spaceflight
On April 12, 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin completed the first manned space flight in human history aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft at the Baikonur launch site. The flight not only marked the beginning of humanity's entry into the space age, but also sparked a boom in space exploration on a global scale. At an altitude of 301 kilometers above Earth, Gagarin circled the Earth and became the first human to go into space, a feat that left a deep mark on human history.
Gagarin's success was not only a personal victory, but also a major breakthrough in Soviet space technology. The successful launch and return of the Vostok 1 spacecraft demonstrated the Soviet Union's leading position in space science and technology. This event greatly inspired scientists and engineers across the globe and drove subsequent space exploration and technological development.
Moon and Mars exploration
On July 20, 1969, American astronaut Neil Armstrong successfully landed on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission, becoming the first human to set foot on the lunar surface. His phrase "This is one small step for me, but one giant leap for mankind" has become a classic quote. This moon landing not only fulfilled the dream of mankind for many years, but also demonstrated the power of science and technology. Subsequently, the United States carried out a number of missions to the moon to further explore the mysteries of the moon.
In addition to the moon landing, human exploration of Mars is also deepening. In 1976, the Viking 1 and Viking 2 probes of the United States successfully landed on Mars, sending back a large number of precious photos and data. These missions not only revealed the geological structure and atmospheric composition of Mars, but also laid the foundation for future manned missions to Mars. In recent years, with the progress of science and technology, countries have increased their investment in Mars exploration, hoping to achieve the feat of human landing on Mars in the near future.
Astronauts' contributions and sacrifices
On the road of space exploration, there are many brave astronauts who have made great efforts and sacrifices for it. Since Gagarin's first entry into space, 528 cosmonauts have "walked" out of Earth, and they have seen the vastness and mystery of the universe. Most of these astronauts returned to Earth safely, but there were also some who gave their lives for this great cause.
For example, on January 28, 1986, the U.S. space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven astronauts. The tragedy shocked the world and reminded us of the risks and challenges of space exploration. Still, the courage and dedication of these astronauts inspire future generations to continue exploring the unknown universe.
Exploring the universe is a common dream of mankind, which requires not only advanced technology and equipment, but also the efforts and dedication of countless brave scientists and astronauts. Their contributions and sacrifices have laid the foundation for what we have achieved today and pointed the way for future exploration.
Space Heroes: The Tragedy of Soyuz XI and the Discoverer of Pluto
The tragedy of Soyuz XI
In June 1971, the Soviet Union's Soyuz-11 mission experienced a tragedy. The main purpose of the mission was to dock with the first Soviet space station, Salyut I, and conduct scientific experiments. Three cosmonauts – Georgy Dobrovolsky, Viktor Pachaev and Vladislav Volkov – excelled in the mission, successfully completing the docking and experimental tasks. However, on the way back to Earth, tragedy struck.
When the spacecraft was re-entering the Earth's atmosphere, the pressure valve failed, causing the air inside the spacecraft to leak rapidly, and three astronauts died due to lack of oxygen. A post-mortem investigation revealed that the main cause of the accident was a flaw in the design of the spacecraft and an inadequate rigorous inspection of the aircraft. The tragedy of Soyuz-11 shocked the world and made people more aware of the great risks of space exploration.
The sacrifices of these three astronauts are not only remembered, but also promote the continuous improvement of space technology and safety measures. Their bravery and dedication to the cause of science inspired later astronauts and scientists to move on. This tragedy is an important juncture in the history of human spaceflight, reminding us that we must attach great importance to safety and risk management while pursuing scientific breakthroughs.
The discovery of Pluto
Clyde William Tombaugh, the American astronomer, is credited with the discovery of Pluto. In 1929, the young Tombaugh was hired by the Lowell Observatory to search for a hypothetical object then known as "Planet X". Through hard work and meticulous observations, Tombau succeeded in discovering the distant planet on March 13, 1930, and named it Pluto.
The discovery of Pluto was not only a great personal achievement for Tombaugh, but also a significant event in the history of astronomy. The discovery of this planet proves that with patience and meticulous observation, scientists can reveal the hidden secrets of the universe. Tombaugh's working methods and discovery process became an important case in astronomy education and research, inspiring countless later astronomers.
Clyde Tombaugh not only discovered Pluto, but also made other important contributions to the development of astronomy. He has been involved in several astronomical studies, discovered several asteroids and comets, and provided valuable data for the understanding of the solar system. Tombaugh's diligence and scientific spirit made him a legend in the astronomical world.
Ashes Fly Out of the Solar System: The Legend of Tombaugh and the New Horizon
Clyde Tombaugh's last wishes
Before his death, Clyde Tombaugh expressed a special wish: that some of his ashes could be sent to space to realize his ultimate exploration of the universe. This wish was honored and fulfilled after his death. On January 19, 2006, NASA launched the New Horizons probe, one of its missions to explore Pluto and its moons. The probe carried a small portion of Tombaugh's ashes as a tribute to the great astronomer.
Sending Tombaugh's ashes to Pluto is not only a memorial to his discovery of Pluto, but also a tribute to his outstanding contributions to the field of astronomy. Tombaugh's last wish was fulfilled through the New Horizons, making him in a sense the first human to "leave" the solar system. This action deeply touched countless astronomy enthusiasts and scientists, and demonstrated the spirit of scientific exploration and the endless curiosity of human beings about the universe.
The mission of the New Horizon number
The New Horizons probe's main mission is to explore Pluto and its moons, providing humanity with unprecedented detailed data and images. The probe successfully flew past Pluto on July 14, 2015, sending back a large number of high-resolution photos and scientific data. This information reveals Pluto's complex geological structure, diverse geomorphological features, and dynamic changes in the atmosphere, providing scientists with valuable research data.
The success of New Horizons is not only a huge achievement for NASA, but also marks a major breakthrough in humanity's exploration of the edge of the solar system. Scientists were amazed by the geomorphological features such as icebergs, canyons, and glaciers captured by the probe. These discoveries further deepen our understanding of the outer solar system and provide important references for future exploration missions.
"Space travelers" flying out of the solar system
After completing Pluto's main mission, New Horizons continued to fly farther to the edge of the universe and began exploring other objects in the Kuiper Belt. The probe is accelerating out of the solar system and has become another "space traveler" after Voyager 1 and Voyager 2. New Horizons' journey symbolizes humanity's endless quest to explore the universe and inspires future scientists and missions.
Tombaugh's ashes, as a special "passenger" on the New Horizons, bear witness to this great scientific journey. Every flight of the probe, every new discovery, continues to write a magnificent chapter in human exploration of the universe. The New Horizon is not only the crystallization of science and technology, but also the highest tribute to Tomberg and all those who have contributed to scientific exploration.
Lulu concluded
From ancient astronomical observations to modern aerospace achievements, mankind's exploration of the universe has always been full of courage and wisdom. The tragedy of Soyuz XI reminds us of the risks of space exploration, while New Horizons demonstrates our determination to continually pursue the unknown. What kind of new realm of the universe will we move towards in the future? Everyone is welcome to share your views and expectations in the comment area.