We're Being Invaded!!!

The aliens are in the U.S!

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Kites

 Kites are a common type of flying device ignored by the technological advancements of today. A kite is a toy that has a light frame with a thin material covering it. A long string determines the flight path of the kite.The kite glides. But do you know how the kite works? 

  First, let us define a kite. A kite is a child’s toy that has a frame that is light and has very thin material which stretches over it and is flown in the wind and the kite is at the end of a long string. The structure of a kite is composed of three main components: the kite body, the bridle, and the control line. Fabric, plastic, or plastic are stretched over the framework, converting the framework into a wing. The modern day uses of the kite are for recreation, scientific research, and art(such as aerial photography).

  Let’s see a little about the kite’s history. It’s unknown about the origin and the exact date of the kite. However, the earliest use of the kite was 2,000 years ago. The first kite’s origin comes from a legend. A Chinese farmer tied a string to his hat to keep his hat from flying away. Later kites were used for military purposes. For example, the Chinese General Han Hsin of the Han Dynasty use of the kite was the first recorded use of the kite. He flew the kite over the walls of the city he was besieging to measure how far his army would have to tunnel to slip past the city’s defenses. Later, the use of the kite spread across Asia. The kite also contributed to the invention of the airplane(the plane the Wright Brothers invented). Did you know that kites were used during World War I? Also, during World War II, kites were used to signal stranded pilots. Homan Walsh flew a kite across the Niagara Gorge and and when his kite landed on the opposite side of the river and the bridge was built because Walsh’s kite’s string landed on the opposite side. 

Source: http://blog.nasm.si.edu/aviation/how-kites-fly/

 The kite is capable of flight due to several features. First, the kite’s framework is light as well as the framework’s covering(the paper/fabric/plastic part). Otherwise the kite’s weight would prevent itself from flying.  Lift also helps the kite fly. Lift is an upward force that pushes it in the air. Lift is created by the variations in air pressure. The kite’s weight forces the kite downward due to gravity. Thrust forces the kite in the direction of motion. Forward motion, moving air, and tension from string all create thrust. Drag is the opposite force of the direction of motion and is created from the difference of the back and front’s air pressure and the friction between the moving air and surface of the kite. The equation equals coefficient x ((density x  velocity squared)/2) x reference area.In order to launch a kite into flight, the force of lift must overcome the force of weight. But to ensure the kite is in steady flight, the forces must be in equilibrium(lift is same as weight and thrust is equivalent to drag).The kite’s tail helps the kite be stable in flight. If the kite reaches a high altitude where the winds are strong enough, then the person controlling the kite doesn’t need to run anymore to stay in the air. 

  The modern day uses of the kite are for recreation, scientific research, and art(such as aerial photography). One potential function of kites in the future include eco-friendly transportation. For example, one cargo commercial ship used a computer controlled kite to travel. In 2013, Makani tested a prototype of kite that would harness wind energy and send the energy to a ground station through the kite’s tether(the string). Wind turbines on the kite will generate the electricity. The kite’s tether is actually made up of a high strength core  surrounded by conductive wires. This kite will eliminate 90% of materials of the standard wind turbine. Also, the kite will generate 50% more energy. Japan launched a kite into space with a Venus probe. The kite’s name is Ikaros which stands for Interplanetary Kite-craft Accelerated by Radiation. The kite was developed by JAXA( Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). The kite deployed its solar sail and became the first space mission to be propelled by sunlight. Engineers at JAXA hope that missions in the future will combine solar sailing with electricity to provide power to ion propulsion engines.

The possibilities of kites’ functions are endless. 

  

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Universal Explorer

Here is my newsletter article as a project:

Universal Explorer

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Winter The Dolphin

On December 10, 2005 a 2 month old dolphin was found off the coast of Mosquito Lagoon trapped in a crab trap. Jim Savage , a fisherman, found the dolphin and decided to free it. After he freed the dolphin he called Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission. The rescue party came and took her back to the center. Since the dolphin was found in the season of winter, they decided to call her Winter. Winter was placed in a holding tank. But the unfortunate dolphin lost her tail because of the rope that was wrapped around Winter's tail when she got trapped. All that was left was a stump. So Winter worked in her new condition by moving the stump from side to side ( a dolphin's tail usually moves up and down ). Although this method of swimming may be useful for the dolphin, it prevented her muscles from growing properly. A prosthetic limb maker, Kevin Carrol decided to help Winter by making a prosthetic tail. When the tail was completed they put it on Winter. Winter had to be retrained to swim the correct way as dolphins should swim. However, Winter can only wear her new tail for a hour or less each day because if she wears it too long, it will damage her skin. Today, Winter is very healthy and happy at Clearwater Marine Aquarium at Florida.

   

The movie, 'Dolphin Tale' is inspired by Winter's story and the real winter plays herself in it. I really like  movies based on true stories. Because of this movie, I get to know about Winter's fight for survival visually. What I like the most about Winter is she didn't relinquish the fight. It was really hard for everyone as nobody was certain about her fate. But there was a miracle and Winter's story has a happy ending. After all,we do love happy endings, don't we ?

You can meet Winter HERE.

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Amazon: The Deadliest Rain Forest On Earth

The Amazon rain forest in South America is the largest rain forest on Earth. It covers 2.124 million sq miles (5.5 million km²). This rain forest contains the Amazon river, exotic animals, and majestic views. But what you don't know that Amazon rain forest has some of the world's most dangerous animals on the planet.

Let's get to know more about these wild beasts of the jungle, if you dare.....

   

BULL SHARK : This shark have the ability to live in saltwater 

areas and freshwater areas. They live in the Amazon River.These sharks will attack humans who are swimming in the river but the animal mistakes them for prey or is just curious. These sharks can grow up to 7 - 11.5 feet (2.1 to 3.4 meters) and weigh up to 200 - 500 pounds ( 90 - 230 kilograms ). These creatures also live in the Mississippi River.

ELECTRIC EEL : The electric eel can discharge electricity by using cells called electrocytes which can release up to 600 volts. Even though this animal looks similar to an eel it is mostly related to carp and catfish. These animals are nearly blind so they create 10 volt charges that helps them notice their surroundings. Electric eels can grow up to 6 to 8 ft (1.8 to 2.5 m) and weigh up to 44 pounds(20 kilograms). 

FRESHWATER STINGRAY : It is very surprising to see a stingray in the Amazon River. Like other stingrays, it has a poisonous tail that can cause pain and even death. They can also can camouflage with the riverbed. 

ARMY ANTS : These ants very destructive. They don't stay in one mound, they move continuously and set up temporary homes. An single ant bite is equivalent to a wasp bite. Their bites can send a full grown man into shock. They can take on any animal bigger than itself. 

These are only few of the dangerous animals you will encounter in Amazon rain forest. If you see any of these animals, it's always wise to move slowly away from them before it’s too late!

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Denali : Alaska's Frontier

Denali National Park is a place full with exotic nature, rare views, and is home to North America's tallest mountain, Mt. McKinley, or as the natives call it, Denali which means "high one". Denali National Park is very large. In fact, the park itself is bigger than the state Massachusetts! This park is divided into three sections. They are the taiga, tundra and alpines. 

Denali is well known for its diversity of wildlife. Most of the 

exotic animals thrive in the lowest region- The Taiga. You can meet moose, beavers, lynx, wood-frog, opus beetle here. The wood-frog is the only amphibian found in the park. The tundra is the next. Trees cannot grow in this region because part of the soil is frozen and turns into permafrost. so only the plants with short roots can take hold in thin layer of soil. The wildlife here includes arctic ground squirrels, caribou, collared pika. Tundra is also sanctuary for dall sheep, only white sheep found in the world. That's the reason, Denali is the national park. The tundra predators are gray wolves and grizzly bears!

The alpines covers half of the park , is at highest altitude and extremely dry. In Denali, crevasses can be a hundred feet deep and wrong step can be last. Only one creature lives here, ice worm. They are adopted to live in cold temperature,if temperature rises above 40F, Ice worms starts to melt ! The higher up in the alpines, temperatures drops even further. The only one creature can withstand this- the humans. 

Almost 1,100 people try to scale Mt. McKinley every year. Though, only half make it to the top !

The outer limit of Denali is the highlight of all. Well above the wilderness and in to the thermosphere an aurora borealis occurs. The Denali is the perfect spot to view this dazzling display of light.

  

In the lower level of the Denali Visitor Center is a place where you can express what Denali means to you. Here is my most favorite thought shared by past visitors,

"Denali means new adventures, experiences, sensations, sights and knowledge. My job as I leave this beauty is to let it change me and my treatment of the world."  

And that's what true Denali is... !

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Australia's Deadly Wildlife

  Australia is the most popular destination nowadays. Even though, for travelers it's paradise getaway , but it's also home to some of the most venomous and deadly animals of the planet. These creatures can kill you in mere seconds.

Let's take a look of Australia's deadly wildlife : 

 

BOX JELLYFISH : Box jellies aka sea wasps live primarily in the coastal region of Northern Australia. The smack is nearly 

invisible and their venom is considered to be among the most deadly in the world, containing toxins that attack the heart, nervous system, and skin cells. 

SYDNEY FUNNEL WEB SPIDER : You can describe it as most deadliest spider in the world. It produces highly toxic venom in large amount and has large dagger like fangs to inject. It has a bite strong enough to break through a human toe nail. 

SALTWATER CROCODILE : It is the world's largest reptile. They are camouflage attack predators , So can be extremely dangerous. An average size saltwater crocodile has a bite force of 5,000 pounds. 

BLUE RINGED OCTOPUS : It's a pretty creature to look at, but don't attempt to touch one. Despite its small size, it is considered to be one of the world’s deadliest venomous animals .The toxin in the southern blue-ringed octopus’s venom is 1,000 times more powerful than cyanide.

These are only a few of the many deadliest animals you encounter in Australia. If you already have other creatures on your list, feel free to share!

    

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