The Age of the Universe:
The debate goes on…and on…and on.
Report by
F.Comm. DL Wey
DOSR: SFS – SFC
In many reports from the OSR, there has been research conducted to determine the ‘age’ of the universe. There are those who believe the age to be around 12 to 15 billion years [based, in part, on the ‘accepted’ age of earth] and those that believe the age to be some 15 percent less [or roughly 9.75 billion to 12.75 billion].
These estimates are based, in part, on observations made by the Hubble and various radio telescopes on the ground. In the case of the Hubble, the area observed was a galaxy designated NGC 4603 [the farthest galaxy (yet) known to contain Cepheid variables, or, ‘distance-marking stars].
From these observations astronomers determined the ‘age’ of the universe to be between 12 and 14 billion years, which is only a shade off original estimates.
From the observations made using the
Very Long Baseline Array [which were taken from ‘radio hotspots’ in a galaxy designated NGC 4258] its distance was measured at slightly more than 23 million light years. This, of course, raises questions of its validity, as measurements based on Cepheids taken in ‘this’ [meaning our MilkyWay] galaxy yielded distances of 27 million to 29 million light years.
In effect, this would bring into question the use of ‘distance-marking’ stars, or Cepheid variables altogether, and possibly setting back the ‘proof’ of the age of the universe indefinitly.
Quantum Computers:
In search of a practical means
Report by
R.Adm. RM Wey
OSR: SFS – SFC
The advances in quantum mechanics in the latter years of the 20th century have brought forth, for the first time, the means in which a computer system would be based solely on the quantum nature of reality.
Though in the very first stages of development, the benefits are enormous. The first nanometer-scale [One-billionth (10–9)
of a meter, or roughly 3 ten millionths of an inch] qubit has been successfully constructed onto a silcon chip.Where this differs from conventional ‘chips’ is that a qubit would run as an algorithm over many different numbers at once, using only as many (qu)bits as a regular computer would need to do the same with but a single number.
There are many obstacles yet to be over come, one of which, the vast array of quantum states the electrons in semi-conductors can assume, is being addressed through the use of a superconducting quantum dot [a tiny finger of aluminum deposited on an insulating layer of a chip].
Although the qubit currently can only maintain its properties for approximately 2 nanoseconds, it is sufficient to switch states [as in zero and one] about 25 times.
The next goal on the horizon is to increase the qubits lifespan and then, to begin wiring them in ‘groups’ to form simple logic gates.