NUMBER THEME
Observing the Universe

Where stars are born

Since the 17th century, scientists have been using optical telescopes to study celestial bodies and phenomena in space. However, most of the radiation emitted by distant celestial bodies is absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere. To address this, telescopes are equipped with additional instruments such as a photometer, interferometer, and spectroscope. Depending on the range of electromagnetic waves they study, telescopes are categorized as optical, radio, X-ray, gamma, infrared, and ultraviolet telescopes.
Observatories housing these instruments are typically built in remote areas with frequent clear days. However, observations from Earth observatories are limited by atmospheric effects that distort electromagnetic radiation. To overcome these limitations, telescopes are placed on artificial satellites launched into space or directly put into orbit around the Earth. The concept of using a telescope in Earth's orbit was proposed in 1923 by Hermann Oberth, a German scientist recognized for his contributions to astronautics and rocket technology.
As for the role of astronomers from Serbia today, they continue to play a significant part in these studies. They are involved in conducting observations, data analysis, and contributing to international collaborations aimed at advancing our understanding of the universe.

BASES ON THE MOON

With the help of LEGO solutions

The European Space Agency (ESA), in collaboration with the LEGO Group, is exploring the possibility of constructing objects on the moon using 3D-printed building blocks made from lunar regolith, which resemble LEGO bricks.
When building permanent bases and facilities on the moon, using lunar resources already present, known as ISRU (In Situ Resource Utilization), is much more practical and feasible than transporting materials from Earth. Lunar regolith is an ideal building material due to its properties, particularly its strength and ability to shield against cosmic radiation. The basic concept involves using a 3D printer to heat the regolith until it melts and then applying the melted material layer by layer to construct structures, similar to how today's home 3D printers use melted plastic. However, researchers at the European Astronaut Center in Cologne have an even more intriguing idea. Instead of layering, they propose using building blocks in the shape of LEGO bricks.

COSMONAUTICS

The pursuit of real visitors from outer space

In a paper published in February 2024, astrophysicist Dr Alan Stern, along with colleagues from the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in Colorado, proposed a mission to intercept one of the following interstellar objects to be observed in our solar system using a robotic spacecraft called the Interstellar Object Explorer (IOE), based on currently available technologies.
Interstellar objects include astronomical bodies such as asteroids, comets, and even runaway planets that travel through interstellar space, not orbiting a star or belonging to a star system. These objects are scientifically interesting because they are remnants of materials from forming planets in their original star systems. Studying their physical characteristics and chemical composition would enhance our understanding of planet and star formation. Additionally, the possible presence of building blocks of life or their precursors on these objects could support the theory of molecular panspermia, suggesting the distribution of life's building blocks through space objects. While the presence of interstellar objects passing through the solar system has been hypothesized for decades, confirmation of their existence only occurred in 2017 and 2019.

NEURALINK PROJECT

Second brain chip - with corrections

Elon Musk's company is continuing clinical research for a project involving the implantation of a brain-computer interface. This technology aims to help people with disabilities manage computer commands using the power of thought, making it easier for them to communicate with their environment.
Six months after Neuralink, Elon Musk's company, implanted a brain chip in its first recipient with quadriplegia, the American biotech company announced on August 6 that it had successfully performed the same procedure for a second patient. This patient will be able to communicate and operate computer commands using only the power of their thoughts, thanks to the implant. Additionally, Neuralink hopes to implant the brain chip, called Link, in eight more participants by the end of the year for the clinical trial, despite encountering some problems with the first patient, 29-year-old Noland Arbaugh.

THE CENTURY OF
ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY

Discovery of brain rhythms

The fundamental neurophysiological method that records the electrical activity of the brain is electroencephalography (EEG). This method has been a catalyst for scientific knowledge about the human brain over the past hundred years, fundamentally altering the way medicine studies the central nervous system (CNS). Since the first EEG recording of brain waves in 1924, a significant milestone in the medicine of that era, electroencephalography has played a pivotal role in propelling neuroscience forward. It has greatly contributed to our understanding of human cognitive abilities, including perception and memory, as well as our awareness of reality and reasoning.
The specific record that is the result of the EEG, known as the electroencephalogram, has always been a vital diagnostic tool in neurology. It helps in the detection, definition, and treatment of various brain disorders, including epilepsy, in a safe and non-invasive manner. By recording brain waves, electroencephalography can register not only physiological states, such as wakefulness and sleep, but also pathological changes like epilepsy, encephalopathy, stroke, and other brain damage.

EVOLUTION

The rise of Homo sapiens

All human beings on this small planet, from the Arctic in the north to the Antarctic in the south, from America in the west to Japan in the east, belong to one single species - Homo sapiens. Although we are divided into races - white, black, and yellow - it still does not change the fact that we are the same; we can mate and have fertile offspring, which is the main feature of each species. Throughout history, we have learned what we are like: more often warlike than peaceful, worldly than spiritually minded, and far more inclined to an easy life than to hard but fruitful work. However, the human species was created much earlier than history. Species similar to modern humans appeared about 2.5 million years ago. Although Homo sapiens has long wanted to see itself as a being separate and utterly different from the rest of the animal world, we are still only part of a large (and boisterous) family of great apes. Chimpanzees are our closest relatives, as are gorillas and orangutans. We are only used to seeing ourselves as the only human beings because in the last 10,000 years, our species was the only human species on Earth. However, once upon a time, not so long ago in the geological past, there were many other species belonging to the genus Homo.

SNAKES OF SERBIA

Like a "guardhouse", under the threshold

Fossil remains of many species of snakes have been found in Serbia, dating from the early Miocene to the late Pleistocene (from about 18 million to about 20 thousand years ago). Some of them are extinct (Zamenis paralongisimus), while some species live in the Mediterranean today (Hierophis viridiflavus, Elaphe quatuorlineata). In Serbia, there are ten species of snakes, three of which are venomous: poskok (Vipera ammodytes), šarka (Vipera berus) i šargan (Vipera ursinii).The šarka (sharka) and šargan (shargan) are considered natural rarities and are protected, meaning they may not be disturbed, injured or killed. The poskok is under strict use and traffic control regulations, with its collection allowed only every third year to produce antidotes.

MATHEMATICS

Through fairy tales, legends and fables

TExcluding theoretical mathematicians, 'ordinary' mathematicians, who often feel the urge to explain the ubiquitous nature of mathematics, are a unique group. The application of mathematics is evident in the natural sciences, music, painting, and other arts. But what about literature? Is it also a part of this interdisciplinary relationship? Although the contents of fairy tales, fables, and legends are usually filled with unpleasantness, scary and even bizarre events, and characters with distinct negative traits, there is no doubt that they attract the attention of both children and adults. Why? It's not just because of the happy ending. All these literary forms carry essential messages, nurture and develop children's imagination, and adults see symbolic meanings in them. Mathematician Nenad Kuzmanović, in the book "Mathematical Love", attempted to clarify the hidden meanings in these literary forms using concepts also used in mathematics. One of the most famous fairy tales, "Little Red Riding Hood", can be analyzed from several mathematical angles.

MEGASTRUCTURES

Black sea mole

Throughout history, humans have sought to materialize their ideas by conquering spaces. This may range from small-scale intentions with minimal environmental impact to grand endeavours driven by the ambitions of rulers, engineers, and builders. Our planet is home to numerous megastructures, which are a result of technological innovations, religious influence, and the geological forces that have shaped our world. From the Pyramids and Hadrian's Wall to Angkor Wat and Bernal Sphere, there are numerous architectural marvels that reflect humanity's pursuit of grandeur and functionality, aiming to bring us closer to our celestial visions. From ancient times to the present day, the goal has remained consistent: to attain greater size, wider expanse, and greater height, reaching toward the skies and the stars, and even delving into the depths of the sea when necessary. The construction of megastructures has often given rise to unsolved mysteries.