Astronomy Science Research Articles

주역과 정역, 그리고 천문역법적 사유에서 바라본 학산 이정호의 訓民正音 ‘天文圖’ 고찰

Hak San 鶴山 Yi Jeong-ho 李正浩 conceptualized and drew the “Hunminjeongeum-do” 訓民正音圖 (Diagram of Hunminjeongeum) using the basic initial consonants and 11 medial vowels of Hunminjeongeum 訓民正音 (It is the Korean alphabet, also called Hangeul). In the process, he added several strokes that were not part of the 28 letters of Hunminjeongeum to the “Hunminjeongeum-do” to emphasize the shapes of stars. This was intended to demonstrate the similarity between the “ Hunminjeongeum-do” and the “Jeongyeok Eight Trigrams Diagram” (正易八卦圖), thereby suggesting that the Zhouyi 周易 philosophy embedded in the creation of Hunminjeongeum inherently contains the Jeongyeok 正易 (Correct Zhouyi) philosophy. Furthermore, he created the Celestial Diagram of Hunminjeongeum using the 28 Lunar Mansions of the ecliptic, which he referred to as the Jeongeum cheonmun-do 正音天文圖. In this diagram, he included the two central positions, elevated as the Emperor of Heaven and the Great Emperor, and applied a 30- day month calendar using all of these elements. In fact, it is based on the discussion in the Jeongyeok regarding the “Diagram of the 28 Lunar Mansions’ Energy Flow chart” (二十八宿運氣圖). The Jeongeum cheonmun-do can be found to contain similar concepts to those in the records of astronomical calendrical science from the Lüshi chunqiu 呂氏春秋, written during the Warring States period in China, and the “ Yaodian” 堯典 chapter of the Shujing 書經. Moreover, it is closely related to the circular diagram of the Fuxi 64 Hexagrams and also shares commonality with the star illustrations found in the Cheonsang yeolcha bunyajido 天象列次分 野之圖, a celestial map engraved in the early Joseon Dynasty. Haksan sought to demonstrate through the Jeongeum cheonmundo that ‘the intention of King Sejong, the Sage King, to illuminate the Heavenly Way and care for the affairs of the people upon his ascension to the throne is revealed in the creation of the miraculous letters Hunminjeongeum, and that the spirit of its creation embodies the Confucian concept of the Heavenly Way.’

Unravelling the Enigmatic Nexus: Black Holes, Dark Matter, and the Interplay of Light, Gravity, and Electromagnetic Forces in Astrophysics and Astronomy

This research introduces a mathematical model positioning our physical reality within a ten-dimensional hyperspace, in which time acts as the unifying coordinate linking three-dimensional electric, magnetic, and gravitational spaces. Each domain is characterized by its respective field—electric, magnetic, or gravitational—and governed by intrinsic divergences and rotations, leading to a universal property known as Force Density, expressed in [N/m³]. This Force Density facilitates interactions among the distinct spaces while adhering to the principle of equilibrium, which posits that cumulative force densities from disturbances must consistently sum to zero. Building upon Einstein's General Relativity—which describes the curvature of spacetime by gravitational fields and assumes a constant light speed—this study proposes a perspective wherein light speed may vary during coherent laser beam interactions, prompting a re-examination of gravitational and luminous interactions across scales. The proposed model integrates the Stress-Energy Tensor and Gravitational Tensor, introducing a new tensor representation for black holes, termed Gravitational Electromagnetic Confinements, incorporating electromagnetic energy gradients and Lorentz transformations. This framework transcends traditional General Relativity, particularly evident in gravitational lensing. By reinterpreting Einstein's incorporation of the Gravitational Constant within the Energy-Stress Tensor, this work harmonizes gravity and light, offering insights into black hole solutions resonating with John Archibald Wheeler's 1955 research. Empirical data from Galileo satellites and MASER frequency measurements underscore discrepancies between established theories and this new model, enhancing the precision of gravitational observations. Through the confluence of Quantum Physics and General Relativity, as seen in approaches like String Theory, this interdisciplinary endeavor revisits the gravitational constant "G," redefining it while bridging theoretical frameworks, thus paving the way for breakthroughs in astronomical and astrophysical sciences.

Lunar Exploration Based on Ground-Based Radar: Current Research Progress and Future Prospects

Lunar exploration is of significant importance in the development and utilization of in situ lunar resources, water ice exploration, and astronomical science. In recent years, ground-based radar (GBR) has gained increasing attention in the field of lunar exploration due to its flexibility, low cost, and penetrating capabilities. This paper reviews the scientific research on lunar exploration using GBR, outlining the basic principles of GBR and the progress made in lunar exploration studies. Our paper introduces the fundamental principles of lunar imaging using GBR and systematically reviews studies on lunar surface/subsurface detection, the dielectric properties inversion of the lunar regolith, and polar water ice detection using GBR. In particular, the paper summarizes the current development status of the Chinese GBR and forecasts future development trends in China. This review will enhance the understanding of lunar exploration results using GBR radar, systematically demonstrate the main applications and scientific achievements of GBR in lunar exploration, and provide a reference for GBR radar in future lunar exploration missions.

LtU-ILI: An All-in-One Framework for Implicit Inference in Astrophysics and Cosmology

This paper presents the Learning the Universe Implicit Likelihood Inference (LtU-ILI) pipeline, a codebase for rapid, user-friendly, and cutting-edge machine learning (ML) inference in astrophysics and cosmology. The pipeline includes software for implementing various neural architectures, training schema, priors, and density estimators in a manner easily adaptable to any research workflow. It includes comprehensive validation metrics to assess posterior estimate coverage, enhancing the reliability of inferred results. Additionally, the pipeline is easily parallelizable, designed for efficient exploration of modeling hyperparameters. To demonstrate its capabilities, we present real applications across a range of astrophysics and cosmology problems, such as: estimating galaxy cluster masses from X-ray photometry; inferring cosmology from matter power spectra and halo point clouds; characterising progenitors in gravitational wave signals; capturing physical dust parameters from galaxy colors and luminosities; and establishing properties of semi-analytic models of galaxy formation. We also include exhaustive benchmarking and comparisons of all implemented methods as well as discussions about the challenges and pitfalls of ML inference in astronomical sciences. All code and examples are made publicly available at https://github.com/maho3/ltu-ili.

Astronomy Education for the Persons with Disability: A Systematic Literature Review

Astronomy Education for the Persons with Disability: A Systematic Literature Review

Low-frequency Radio Interferometric Array Imaging Pipeline Optimization Based on Distributed Execution Framework

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project is an international collaboration to build the world’s largest radio telescope, whose sensitivity and measurement speed will be an order of magnitude higher than those of all current radio telescopes. Radio continuum survey is one of the main observation mode of the SKA, and the establishment of a standard map of the survey area based on continuum imaging will provide an important foundation for subsequent astronomical science. The GaLactic and Extragalactic All-sky Murchison Widefield Array survey eXtended (GLEAM-X) is a project of the SKA pilot telescope Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) in 2018—2020. GLEAM-X is a new radio continuum survey project to be carried out with the MWA Phase II expansion array in 2018—2020. The experience of optimizing the imaging pipeline based on the distributed execution framework will help to solve the problem of massive data processing. In this paper, we describe the process steps of GLEAM-X imaging pipeline, integrate and improve it, and realize parallel processing of multiple pipelines on the China SKA Regional Centre Prototype (CSRC-P), and verify the deployment and test the correctness of the imaging pipeline system using GLEAM-X observation data. The GLEAM-X observations were used to validate the deployment of the imaging pipeline system and test its correctness. Then, to optimize the pipelines and improve the processing efficiency, the Data Activated Liu Graph Engine (DALiuGE) was used to integrate the imaging pipelines into the DALiuGE execution framework to automate the distributed parallel processing of the pipelines. Performance tests and results’ analysis show that the optimized imaging pipeline based on the DALiuGE execution framework has better performance, more flexible adaptability, and scalability than the traditional parallel approach, and can support future large-scale continuum imaging experiments during the first phase of SKA commissioning.

Problematics of Qibla Direction Determination in Sei Lepan Brandan District, Langkat Regency (Analysis of MUI Fatwa No. 5 of 2010 on the Amendment of MUI Fatwa No. 3 of 2010)

Qibla direction has always been a special concern of the MUI Fatwa Commission. With this paper, it is intended to find out something that has been behind the problem of determining the Qibla direction with the issuance of the Indonesian Ulema Council Fatwa No. 5 of 2010 on the Amendment of the Indonesian Ulema Council Fatwa No. 3 of 2010. This research uses qualitative field research (Field Research) and library research (Library Research), in an analytical descriptive method. The results of the study inform that a change in the fatwa of the Indonesian Ulema Council that has been related to the Qibla position needs to be addressed reasonably. A change that occurs only in a third dictum is that changes the position of the West to the Northwest which is the Qibla of Indonesian Muslims. The first fatwa number 03/2010 only used a fiqh approach, while the next fatwa number 05/2010 used a fiqh approach, astronomy science, and falak science. In addition, determining the Qibla position is not difficult if it is carried out with an expert, even anyone can do it even in a simple way, namely Rashdul Qiblah. Therefore, calculating the Qibla position which is essentially a calculation that aims to determine the position of the Kaaba of Mecca from a position on the surface of the earth today which then every person who has performed prayers, either with a condition that is standing, ruku', or prostration which is always in a position towards the ka'bah.

VEDIC ASTRONOMY AND ASTROLOGY AND ITS PRACTICAL APPLICATION IN MODERN ERA: A CASE STUDY

India also has a very long history of traditional science through the ages through its various epoch-making traditional scriptures. Major traditional scientific texts and scientific elements are composed directly or indirectly in the Sanskrit Language and are mostly related to ancient Indian Vedic literature. Among several branches of traditional Indian sciences, the most ancient branches are, in most cases, astronomy, medicine, etc. India also has a very long history of astronomical sciences (jyotiḥ-sāstra) and medicine (āyur-veda). Indian classical astronomical sciences are roughly divided into mathematical astronomy (gaṇita-jyotiṣa) and astrology (phalita-jyotiṣa). All these scriptures directly or indirectly influenced Indian culture and life. Even today Indian people are following the directions of these sacred texts. Here I would like to do a case study of the only hospital related to Indian Astrology and Astronomy. The name of the hospital is ‘Unique Sangeeta Memorial Hospital’ and it is dedicated to the service of mankind with a mixture of traditional Vedic Astrology and Astronomy and modern Medical knowledge.

The error of John Horgan: the author of the prediction of 3 K temperature of the Universe was McKellar and not McCullough

This short communication was written to the interest of the Astronomy teaching or the dissemination of the Astronomy Science to correct an information present in the popular book wrote by John Horgan (originally in 1996), The end of science: facing the limits of knowledge in the twilight of the science age, respect to the prevision of the CBR temperature prior to Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson. Horgan quoted Andrew McCullough. The correct name is Andrew Mckellar. Another error is the year of the publication of the McKellar’s paper: 1940 (in the Astronomical Society of the Pacific journal) and not 1941 as he quoted in his book. It is also discussed the good predictions of the CBR temperature made prior to Penzias & Wilson using a not Big Bang’s model of the Universe.

Learning-based surface deformation recovery for large radio telescope antennas

Abstract The surface deformation of the main reflector in a large radio telescope is closely related to its working efficiency, which is important for some astronomical science studies. Here, we present a deep learning-based surface deformation recovery framework using non-interferometric intensity measurements as input. The recurrent convolutional neural network (RCNN) is developed to establish the inverse mapping relationship between the surface deformation of the main reflector and the intensity images at the aperture plane and at a near-field plane. Meanwhile, a physical forward propagation model is adopted to generate a large amount of data for pre-training in a computationally efficient manner. Then, the inverse mapping relationship is adjusted and improved by transfer learning using experimental data, which achieves a 15-fold reduction in the number of training image sets required, which is helpful to facilitate the practical application of deep learning in this field. In addition, the RCNN model can be trained as a denoiser, and it is robust to the axial positioning error of the measuring points. It is also promising to extend this method to the study of adaptive optics.

Integration of Science and Religion: Salat Time in Astronomical Perspectives

The integration between science and religion in determining prayer times is one of the efforts of astronomers to understand the Qur'an and at the same time deepen scientific knowledge. This makes Muslims aware of the importance of studying religious knowledge and general knowledge at the same time. This research is library research. By using references from previous studies, this study covers how prayer times are from an astronomical perspective. Determination of prayer times from an astronomical perspective always pays attention to the star's arguments that have been determined. The explanation of prayer times in the Qur'an and hadith needs to be redefined through the science of astronomy so that the integration between sciences can be clearly described.

Hans Pfaall's Breath: Edgar Allan Poe and Antebellum Atmospheres

ABSTRACT: This essay examines the connections between Edgar Allan Poe's "The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall" and the scientific and political discourse of antebellum America, particularly insofar as it centered on atmospheric science. This essay argues that Poe's story should be read within an antebellum comprehension of atmospheric science that used the atmosphere as a metaphor to comment on freedom, revolution, and slavery. I read Hans's journey through the atmosphere as a thought experiment addressing the contemporary scientific challenge of measuring the upper atmosphere, while also engaging with the era's scientific literature, notably the work of the French astronomer Benjamin Valz. Furthermore, the essay examines the story's engagement with racial determinism and its commentary on human liberty. I suggest that Hans's interaction with the atmosphere both figuratively and literally reflects upon contemporaneous ruminations about race and bondage. By placing "Hans Pfaall" amidst the scientific discourse on atmospheric and astronomical sciences and examining its political and intellectual underpinnings, the essay contributes to the understanding of Poe's work within the broader context of nineteenth-century science and its metaphorical use in literature to address questions of human liberty and knowledge.

The social science perspective on the Fermi paradox

Abstract The Fermi paradox points to the apparent contradiction between the idea that the emergence of life and civilization on Earth is an objective process following the general rules of Nature and that there are no visible signs of other civilizations beyond Earth. The Fermi paradox is widely discussed in astronomical, biological and other natural sciences but almost totally ignored by social sciences, even though more than half of known explanations deal with intentions and behaviours of extraterrestrial civilizations (ETCs) or social aspects of the evolution of technological civilizations. The article analyses the problem and possible solutions to the Fermi paradox from the perspective of social sciences. In this article I argue that the Fermi paradox is primarily a social science problem, and the most plausible solutions have to contain some form of social science explanations. Three types of explanations are discussed, namely, those related to ETCs’ intentions, capacities and the consequences of their decisions and activities. I argue that attempts to explain the paradox by referring to specific goals and motives of ETCs are the least plausible. Arguments related to the capacities and consequences are more solid but do not convincingly solve the paradox. I conclude that the Fermi paradox is an important problem for social sciences whether ETCs exist or not, and it should attract greater attention from social scientists.

THE ACCURACY OF QIBLA DIRECTION OF CEMETERIES USING MODERN QIBLA TOOLS

It is important to determine the Qibla direction accurately, because it is a requirement for the validity of prayer and this article discusses the Qibla direction of cemeteries, especially in Bone District, by taking direct measurement at the location of the cemetery. This is a field research which is oriented to several cemeteries in Bone District using qualitative descriptive analysis and multi-approaches, namely normative theological, sociological, historical, and modern technological approaches. The data collected through this research were obtained from direct observation at several public cemeteries in Bone District and documentation during the observation. The results show that the direction of the cemeteries at the research sites is different, so it can be concluded that the measurement of the Qibla direction at these locations still uses the classical method, such as following the direction where the sun sets in the evening and looking for clues through the stars at night to determine the Qibla direction, although those methods are still just an estimate due to the lack of public understanding of measuring the Qibla direction. From this research, the researchers hope that people will understand more about the Qibla direction, not only based on the place where the sun sets, but also determine the Qibla using astronomical tools, both manual and modern. In this way, the astronomical science will further develop and the issue of Qibla will no longer be a matter of debate, because it uses proper knowledge.

Aristotle as an Astronomer? Sosigenes’ Account of Metaphysics Λ.8

Abstract I have argued elsewhere that the idea that Aristotle aspired to improve the theories of the planetary motions of Eudoxus and Callippus by adding the ‘counteracting’ spheres (ἀνελίττουσαι) first emerged with the Peripatetic exegete Sosigenes in the second century CE. This paper supplements that argument by contrasting two major lines of interpretation of the astronomical system set out in Metaphysics Λ.8: Adrastus of Aphrodisias’ widely ahistorical account, and Sosigenes’ attempt to save Aristotle against later developments of astronomical science.

Implementation of Religion and Astronomy for Children Through the Reggio Emillia Learning Model

Developing religion and science in early childhood requires the right stimulation to develop optimally. This study aims to analyze the influence exerted by the Reggio Emilia learning model in developing religion and the science of astronomy in children. This research belongs to the quantitative research in quasi-experimental using the posttest-only control group design. The population in this study were 18 early childhood children aged 5-6 years. Sampling was done using a saturated sample technique, in which all population members were used as research samples. Data collection in this study was carried out using non-test methods in the form of observation, interviews, and questionnaires. The research instrument used was in the form of children's religious and scientific ability instruments. The data obtained in the study were then analyzed using quantitative descriptive analysis techniques through validity testing, reliability testing, normality testing, and hypothesis testing. The results of the data analysis show that the calculated f value is 3.789 and a significance value of 0.007. The hypothesis is accepted by the results obtained with the sig <0.05 and f count > f table; this study has a sig value of 0.007 <0.05 and f count of 3.789> 3.63. Based on these results, the Reggio Emilia learning model positively and significantly influences astronomy's religious and scientific values in early childhood.

Analysis and refinement of intensity correlation imaging.

Recent work in astronomical imaging has demonstrated a phase retrieval algorithm, coupled with a stochastic search algorithm that reduces the necessary integration times for intensity correlation imaging by many orders of magnitude and simultaneously determines the pixels that are to be constrained to zero intensity. The present paper conducts a detailed analysis of these algorithms, including the probabilistic structure of the stochastic search process. The understanding acquired leads to significant simplification and acceleration of the algorithms which may significantly advance astronomical science.

Safely advancing a spacefaring humanity with artificial intelligence

A “Space Renaissance” is underway. As our efforts to understand, utilize and settle space rapidly take new form, three distinct human-space interfaces are emerging, defined here as the “Earth-for-space,” “space-for-Earth” and “space-for-space” economies. Each engenders unprecedented opportunities, and artificial intelligence (AI) will play an essential role in facilitating innovative, accurate and responsive endeavors given the hostile, expansive and uncertain nature of extraterrestrial environments. However, the proliferation of, and reliance on, AI in this context is poised to aggravate existing threats and give rise to new risks, which are largely underappreciated, especially given the potential for great power competition and arms-race-type dynamics. Here, we examine possible beneficial applications of AI through the systematic prism of the three economies, including advancing the astronomical sciences, resource efficiency, technological innovation, telecommunications, Earth observation, planetary defense, mission strategy, human life support systems and artificial astronauts. Then we consider unintended and malicious risks arising from AI in space, which could have catastrophic consequences for life on Earth, space stations and space settlements. As a response to mitigate these risks, we call for urgent expansion of existing “responsible use of AI in space” frameworks to address “ethical limits” in both civilian and non-civilian space economy ventures, alongside national, bilateral and international cooperation to enforce mechanisms for robust, explainable, secure, accountable, fair and societally beneficial AI in space.

Parameter estimation of LAMOST Medium-Resolution Stellar Spectra

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the problem of estimating three stellar atmospheric physical parameters and 13 elemental abundances for medium-resolution spectra from Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST). Typical characteristics of these spectra are their huge scale, wide range of spectral signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), and uneven distribution in parameter space. These characteristics lead to unsatisfactory results on the spectra with low temperature, high temperature, or low metallicity. To this end, this paper proposes a stellar parameter estimation method based on multiple regions (SPEMR) that effectively improves parameter estimation accuracy. On the spectra with S/N ≥ 10, the precisions are 47 K, 0.08 dex, 0.03 dex, respectively, for the estimations of (Teff, $\log \, g$, and $\rm [Fe/H]$), 0.03–0.06 dex for elements C, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Mn, and Ni, 0.07–0.13 dex for N, O, S, K, and Ti, while that of Cr is 0.16 dex. For the reference of astronomical science researchers and algorithm researchers, we released a catalogue for 4.19 million medium-resolution spectra from the LAMOST DR8, experimental code, trained model, training data, and test data.

Ancient Indian Education: It’s Relevance and Importance in the Modern Education System

Purpose: India has a rich tradition of education and learning right from ancient times and especially during the Renaissance period, the Golden Age of Indian Culture. The major three achievements in education, during this period were the decimal system, the great Sanskrit epics, and the contribution to the sciences of astronomy, mathematics, and metallurgy. The four Vedas, i.e., the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and the Atharvaveda were configured through ideals, practices, and conducts. The doctrine of action (Karma) occupies a very significant place in the Indian system of education and has evolved during the transition from ancient to modern education. Two methods of teaching were being practiced during the Vedic period. First, the verbal/oral method, and the second based on thinking (Chintan). Current higher education has shown trends of multidisciplinary approaches along similar lines. NEP 2020 also suggests a multidisciplinary approach. Bloom’s Taxonomy defines three domains of learning, cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. The ancient education system is also based on the three domains, to develop higher-order learning by building up the lower-level cognitive skills. Approach: The exploratory study based on secondary published research articles on the education system in India, seeks to interpret extant academic research on the relevance of the ancient education system in modern multidisciplinary education. Findings: The literature analysis emphasizes that ancient learning systems based on Vedas included many yogic practices. In general, to calm the mind and improve learning, asanas, chanting of mantras, and meditation were done. The same practices are emphasized by HEI, guided by UGC and AICTE. Universal Human value (UHV) has been implemented for all-around personality development and practice of an integrated approach in Yoga. Modern methods to develop memory include the logical method, spaced learning, and rational memory. All of these are derived from the ancient way of teaching and learning. Using the ABCD listing methodology this paper explores the advantages, benefits, constraints, and disadvantages of the modern education system, both from learners’ viewpoint and teachers’ viewpoint. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.