Canis Major Facts and Description

Canis Major Facts and Description In ancient times, people saw all kinds of gods, goddesses, heroes, and fantastical animals in the patterns of stars in the night sky. They told legends about those figures, tales that not only taught the sky, but contained teachable moments for listeners. So it was with a little pattern of stars called Canis Major. The name literally means Greater Dog in Latin, although the Romans werent the first to see and name this constellation. In the Fertile Crescent between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in what is now Iran and Iraq, people saw the mighty hunter in the sky, with a small arrow aimed at his heart - that arrow was Canis Major. The brightest star in our night sky, Sirius, was thought to be part of that arrow. Later on, the Greeks called this same pattern by the name Laelaps, who was a special dog who was said to be an incredibly swift runner. He was given as a gift by the god Zeus to his lover, Europa. Later on, this same dog became the faithful companion of Orion, one of his treasured hunting dogs. Scoping out Canis Major Today, we simply see a nice dog up there, and Sirius is the gem at his throat. Sirius is also called Alpha Canis Majoris, meaning its the alpha star (the brightest) in the constellation. Although the ancients had no way of knowing this, Sirius is also one of the closest stars to us, at 8.3 light-years. Its a double star, with a smaller, dimmer companion. Some claim to be able to see Sirius B (also known as the Pup) with the naked eye, and it can definitely be seen through a telescope. Canis Major is relatively easy to spot in the sky during the months that its up. It trails south-eastward of Orion, the Hunter, frolicking at his feet. It has several bright stars that delineate the legs, tail, and head of the dog. The constellation itself is set against the backdrop of the Milky Way, which looks like a band of light stretching across the sky. Searching the Deeps of Canis Major If you like to scan the sky using binoculars or a small telescope, check out the bright star Adhara, which is actually a double star. Its at the end of the dogs back legs. One of its stars is a bright blue-white color, and it has a dim companion. Also, check out the Milky Way itself. Youll notice many, many stars in the background. Next, look around for some open star clusters, such as M41. It has about a hundred stars, including some red giants and some white dwarfs. Open clusters contain stars that were all born together and continue to travel through the galaxy as a cluster. In a few hundred thousand to a million years, theyll wander off on their own separate paths through the galaxy. M41s stars will probably stick together as a group  for a few hundred million years before the cluster dissipates. There is also at least one nebula in Canis Major, called Thors Helmet. It is what astronomers call an emission nebula. Its gases are being heated by radiation from nearby hot stars, and that causes the gases to emit or glow. Sirius Rising Back in the days when people werent so dependent on calendars and watches and smartphones and other gadgets to help us tell time or date, the sky was a handy calendrical stand-in. People noticed that certain sets of stars were high in the sky during each season. For ancient people who depended on farming or hunting to feed themselves, knowing when the season for planting or hunting was about to occur was important. In fact, it was literally a case of life and death. The ancient Egyptians always watched for the rising of Sirius just about the same time as the Sun, and that indicated the beginning of their year. It also coincided with the yearly flooding of the Nile. Sediments from the river would get spread out along the banks and fields near the river, and that made them fertile for planting. Since it happened during the hottest time of summer, and Sirius was often called the Dog Star, thats where the term dog days of summer originates.

5 Discoveries Re-write Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

5 Discoveries Re-write Assignment - Essay Example I have been enrolled in a well sorted course at a renowned university where I am mentored to attain skills of hotel management, convention and leadership in order to become competitive in the market. My targets are high but realistic and I being a student find myself on right track of acquiring appropriate skills and expertise to begin my entry level career in convention business. However I find few gaps while attaining my desirable outcome that I tend to focus and improve to be at par with the competitors in the market. My strengths in the context of my life objectives include courtesy, politeness, customer management, planning and execution. At the same time I have few weaknesses in parallel like being introvert, least expressive and weak in research abilities. Being an entry incumbent or executive in convention, it is required to have sound communication skills and knowledge about applying innovative techniques. I need to improve my communication skills and be aware of contemporary practices in convention to overcome my skill gaps. I like to follow up some on job training or internship to fill the skill gaps. I would like to mold my behavior and attitude in order to be the best incumbent for branded convention centers. In order to improve my communication skills and research abilities, I need to overcome the fear and introversion so I become more social and interactive. I need to brainstorm myself so that I think and propose at alternative angles in order to enhance my analytical and research skills. The first step is to acquire opportunity of internship at convention centers to learn practical aspects of managing convention business and shaping myself as further suitable incumbent. There are always people in our social circle who discourage or hamper growth. However, I have been duly supported by my family and I am blessed to find kind support and right guidance from home. Moreover, my

The dangers of genetically modified organisms Research Paper

The dangers of genetically modified organisms - Research Paper Example The benefits of this technology accompany risks that are associated with it. The dangers of producing genetically modified organisms portray the other side of this picture. The risks of this technology have been analyzed and categorized in this essay in a systematic order. This essay depicts analysis of the dangers of this technology. First of all there are some fundamental Weaknesses in this Concept. This technology can’t exactly be defined precisely. The process of genetic modification involves gene transfer from one organism to another. A specific gene can be precisely isolated from DNA; however, the insertion of that isolated gene into the target DNA is basically random so this can cause interruption in the functioning of other genes that may be essential to the sustainability of that organism. This imprecision has further implications as well. This procedure can certainly cause mutations which may harm the environment. â€Å"Genetic engineering is like performing heart surgery with a shovel. Scientists do not yet understand living systems completely enough to perform DNA surgery without creating mutations which could be harmful to the environment and our health. They are experimenting with very delicate, yet powerful forces of nature, without full knowledge of the repercussions† ("What are the, "). Genetic engineers have genetically modified crops and plants to have specific desired characteristics. The firms that produce such crops have patents for their products. Here is a scenario to ponder upon. Since the seeds of such plants and crops have the same genetic structure and are being produced on a massive scale, the widespread crop failure of these crops is not unquestionable incase these crops are attacked by a virus or a pest that they are not resistant to. Moreover, this is not just limited to bioengineered farms. Plants reproduce by cross-pollination with the help of insects, birds and even wind which act as the

Overview of the organization of Wal-Mart Essay Example for Free

Overview of the organization of Wal-Mart Essay Today, one of the most common places known to everyone (Except Paris Hilton) is Wal-Mart. Last year, Wal-Mart had revenues of $191 billion and has 1,283,000 employees, as of 2002. Wal-Mart is the largest retail store in the United States, and is larger than any other retail chain in the world. Currently Wal-Mart operates over 4,150 retail facilities globally. According to the Fortune 500 index of the wealthiest and most powerful corporations in the world, Wal-Mart holds the number one spot, ranked by its total sales. The company is ranked as the second most admired company in the world by Fortune (www.fortune.com). With all these numbers, you would think they had a long drawn out plan with goals as long as their success, but when Sam Walton created Wal-Mart in 1962, he declared that three policy goals would define his business: respect for the individual, service to customers, and striving for excellence (www.walmart.com). Three very short, but successful goals, which have been working since. As I researched goals and planning, Wal-Marts goals are not the standard goals that I found. In the textbook there is information concerning characteristics of goals. Characteristics of Well-Designed Goals: 1) Written in terms of outcomes rather than actions. 2) Measurable and quantifiable. 3) Clear as to a time frame. 4) Challenging yet attainable. 5) Written down. 6) Communicated to all necessary organizational members. Management (Page 166 Para. 1) As we redirect to Wal-Marts goals, we can see that they would not be defined as well designed. Not many of the six characteristics would fit Sam Waltons goals. 1) Respect for the individual This could not be considered for outcomes rather than actions nor is it measurable and quantifiable. It contains no time frame and I hardly consider respect as a challenge. However the goals were written and have been communicated to all employees. When it comes to the respect from Wal-Mart stores many individuals feel Sam Walton has lost his sight. I researched what others had to say about the goals. Everyone says the store really got bad after Sam died, one individual explains. http://members.aol.com/walmopboy/abuse/strl.htm (Look Before You Leap) The site contains articles customers and employees have posted about the treatment they have received at various Wal-Mart stores. 2) Service to customers Once again this fits only the last two characteristics explained. It is written and has been communicated. 3) Striving for excellence This, compared to the other two fits the characteristics best. It could be considered for outcomes rather than action, and could be considered challenging. It is not measurable and quantifiable, nor clear as to a time frame. However, it is once again written down and communicated to the employees. When I researched how well these goals were communicated to the employees, I found that they are printed on the hiring paperwork. Once the paperwork is complete the employees do not see or receive the goals. Therefore, I do not feel the goals are communicated effectively among the employees and organization. In order for the goals to be achieved, I feel the employees must be aware of Sam Waltons sight. I believe the first step to achieve these goals effectively would be to instill them within the employees. They should be explained clearly and constantly. They should also be printed, in clear sight. This would help to  remind employees and show customers their attitudes. I also feel that the goals should have a clear time frame and measurable. For example: In one year, cut complaints to less than 20 per store. There should be some way to ensure the goals are being reached. By setting time frames and a measurable form the store can see how well or terrible they are doing. Resources: 1) Wal-Mart Homepage http://www.walmart.com/ [Accessed 18 July 2004] 2) Fortune http://www.fortune.com/fortune/ [Accessed 18 July 2004] 3) Wal-Mart Horror Stories Archives http://members.aol.com/walmopboy/abuse/strl.htm [Accessed 19 July 2004] 4) Robbins, Coulter (2005) Management Eighth Edition Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Custom Publishing

Decline of Indian Southwest Essay -- Native Americans History Papers

Decline of Indian Southwest Lord Acton said, â€Å"The most certain test by which we judge whether a country is really free is the amount of security enjoyed by its minorities.† In the late 1800’s the security of the minorities in the southwest was in serious jeopardy. For the Apache’s the security was promised but rarely upheld by the American government. The minimal security the Navajo enjoyed vanished by 1846. Men like Kit Carson desired but often failed to maintain the peace and security for these Indian tribes. Kit Carson’s actions and the actions of others began the deterioration of the Indian culture in the southwest. The decline of the Indian southwest was caused by the idea of Manifest Destiny, which led to Indian confinement to reservations and the decline of Native American society. The idea of Manifest Destiny led the Americans to war with Mexico. In 1846, America gained control of what is now the Southwest. With this acquisition, America inherited years of Navajo-Mexican warfare. The Mexicans became American citizens; the Natives, being Indians, did not. Therefore, Indians were punished for attacks on Mexicans but not vice-versa (Brown 14). General Stephen Watts Kearney put it this way, addressing the Mexicans: 'The Apaches and the Navajos come down and carry off your sheep and your women whenever they please. My government will correct all this. They will keep off the Indians, protect you in persons and property " (L. Bailey 2). American officials, in an attempt to halt conflict between the Indians and the new settlers, prevent expensive wars, and open up lands to white settlers, created reservations for the Indians, crowding the Indians into areas and constricting them from finding or growing food. Wi... ...hwest might still thrive today. Bibliography Bailey, Lynn. The Long Walk. Pasedena: Socio-Technical Books, 1970. Brown, Dee. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee. Chicago: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1970. Debo, Angie. Geronimo The Man, His Time, His Place. University of Oklahoma Press, 1976. Hurtado, Albert L, ed. Major Problems in American Indian History. Lexington, Massachusetts, D.C. Heath and Company, 1994. Quaife, Milo Milton. Kit Carson’s Autobiography. University of Nebraska Press, 1935. Simmons, Mark S. â€Å"Kit and the Indiansâ€Å" University Press of Colorado, 1996. Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago, 1868. Utley, Robert M. The Indian Frontier of the American West 1846-1890. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1984. White, David. It’s Your Misfortune and None of My Own: A New History of the American West. University of Oklahoma Press, 1991. Decline of Indian Southwest Essay -- Native Americans History Papers Decline of Indian Southwest Lord Acton said, â€Å"The most certain test by which we judge whether a country is really free is the amount of security enjoyed by its minorities.† In the late 1800’s the security of the minorities in the southwest was in serious jeopardy. For the Apache’s the security was promised but rarely upheld by the American government. The minimal security the Navajo enjoyed vanished by 1846. Men like Kit Carson desired but often failed to maintain the peace and security for these Indian tribes. Kit Carson’s actions and the actions of others began the deterioration of the Indian culture in the southwest. The decline of the Indian southwest was caused by the idea of Manifest Destiny, which led to Indian confinement to reservations and the decline of Native American society. The idea of Manifest Destiny led the Americans to war with Mexico. In 1846, America gained control of what is now the Southwest. With this acquisition, America inherited years of Navajo-Mexican warfare. The Mexicans became American citizens; the Natives, being Indians, did not. Therefore, Indians were punished for attacks on Mexicans but not vice-versa (Brown 14). General Stephen Watts Kearney put it this way, addressing the Mexicans: 'The Apaches and the Navajos come down and carry off your sheep and your women whenever they please. My government will correct all this. They will keep off the Indians, protect you in persons and property " (L. Bailey 2). American officials, in an attempt to halt conflict between the Indians and the new settlers, prevent expensive wars, and open up lands to white settlers, created reservations for the Indians, crowding the Indians into areas and constricting them from finding or growing food. Wi... ...hwest might still thrive today. Bibliography Bailey, Lynn. The Long Walk. Pasedena: Socio-Technical Books, 1970. Brown, Dee. Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee. Chicago: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1970. Debo, Angie. Geronimo The Man, His Time, His Place. University of Oklahoma Press, 1976. Hurtado, Albert L, ed. Major Problems in American Indian History. Lexington, Massachusetts, D.C. Heath and Company, 1994. Quaife, Milo Milton. Kit Carson’s Autobiography. University of Nebraska Press, 1935. Simmons, Mark S. â€Å"Kit and the Indiansâ€Å" University Press of Colorado, 1996. Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago, 1868. Utley, Robert M. The Indian Frontier of the American West 1846-1890. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1984. White, David. It’s Your Misfortune and None of My Own: A New History of the American West. University of Oklahoma Press, 1991.

Color Symbolism in Great Gatsby Essay

White: related to Jordon and Daisy, usually represents purity, ironically it represents the false purity and corruption of Daisy and Jordon. White is also related to dreams and fantasy, which ties into Gatsby and Nick because to them the girls were like fairies that seemed to float around. Daisy can be related to a white flower with a golden center because as you see in the novel she appears pure on the outside, but is corrupted by the golden money on the inside. Blue: related to Gatsby and his dream, numerous times Gatsby’s party is described as having a romantic blue aura around them. When Gatsby is with Daisy it’s a perfect blend of blue and white that blissfully make the area feel like a dream. Blue seems to represent success in this novel too because when Gatsby starts his new life with Dan Cody the first thing he buys is â€Å"a blue coat†. However, like most good things in this novel, once the party is over or Daisy leaves Gatsby; that’s when the mysterious yellow haze takes over the blue. Red: related to Gatsby and Nick, with Gatsby it symbolizes strongly the ugliness of reality and the masquerade of success. With Nick, it illustrated the dazzling world of the rich and the enchantment of material riches. However as the novel progresses red becomes grotesque and is related to violence and death. Yellow: related to money and wealth. This is the most widely used color in the novel; it’s usually used in conjunction with a demotion of something being gold to just plain yellow. A great example of this is Gatsby’s car, before it kills Myrtle it’s a â€Å"pristine cream colored car† however, after the murder it loses its luster and become a yellow car. Green: related to Daisy and encouragement of Gatsby, beckoned Gatsby to make Nick invite Daisy over so they could meet. However, Gatsby seeking the blue and green hue disregards the yellow that creeps in and ultimately leads to his tragic downfall.

The Memoir Early Bird By Rodney Rothman Essay - 1323 Words

The memoir Early Bird, written by Rodney Rothman, is an intriguing story of Rothman’s journey into a retirement home as a middle adult. His intention in visiting and observing the retirement home is to get an inside look at what retirement is like and what he has to look forward to later in life. Throughout his time spent at Century Village, Rothman experiences what it is to be retired, to live with an elderly generation, and is able to witness and record many oddities that lay in aging. His record in his memoir reveals to the public some common themes seen in the elderly generation, but it also reveals some deviations from the norm. Looking at the characters Margaret, Alan and Buddy and Abe, Jimmy, and Vance as well as the community in general, it is possible to observe some distinct characteristics that follow the expected predictions of retirement societies and other characteristics that deviate from the expected course of these communities. Margaret is the first woman of C entury Hills that Rothman comes into contact with. She happens to be the one who opens up her apartment to allow Rothman to actually come to Century Hills to visit the retirement facility. Besides having this utilitarian importance, Margaret serves to demonstrate one of the more apparent observations seen in many elderly populations across the world. This observation is that many of the human senses decrease in quality. These senses include hearing, vision, smell, taste and touch. Some of the medical