Explores perfect numbers, defined as positive integers equal to the sum of their proper divisors. Examples include 6, 28, and 496, with only 52 known today. It discusses mathematical properties, unsolved questions about odd perfect numbers, historical significance, and the connection to Mersenne primes, highlighting their allure across centuries.
The author shares a curated list of five recommended science books, emphasizing that they are well-reviewed and written by experts in their fields. The selection includes titles from prominent scientists including Neil Degrasse Tyson and David Deutsch, targeting a general audience interested in science.
Updated 7 December 2025 The ashen light is a faint glow, which many people claim to have seen on the night side of Venus. The Italian astronomer Giovanni Riccioli (1598 -1671) first reported it back in 1643, 33 years after Galileo had made the first observations of Venus with a telescope and discovered the planet… Continue reading The Mystery of the Ashen Light of Venus
This post discusses the use of latitude and longitude for mapping locations on the Moon and other celestial bodies in the Solar System. It explains how these coordinates are defined, the arbitrary selection of prime meridians, and variations across different planets, emphasizing the importance of consistent astronomical conventions for navigation and mapping.
I saw this article on the BBC News website. about people watching the Sun rise on the June solstice at Ness Point (lat 52.481 oN, long 1.763 oE), which is the UK’s most easterly location. Source Dozens watch sunrise at UK's most easterly point - BBC News It is impressive that 200 people got up… Continue reading The June Solstice at Ness Point
Explaining Science 