Throughout the history of human civilisation, every culture has had its own idea of the future. The crushing disappointments that are so often part of the human condition have sometimes led to crises of confidence in the future, replacing hope with despair. But most have learned from their life experiences and the stories told by their elders that what we do in the present, when informed by the knowledge of the past, can shape the future in objectively better ways.
Our planet is 4.5 billion years old. While the future can't be predicted with certainty, it is certain that the future of Earth is shaped by a number of factors including the Sun's evolution as well as a variety of interconnected environmental, technological, social and economic trends.
About the evolution of the Sun renowned astrophysicist Stephen W. Hawking says in his seminal book A Brief History of Time: "A star is formed when a large amount of gas (mostly hydrogen) starts to collapse in on itself due to gravitational attraction. As it contracts the atoms of gas collide with each other more and more frequently and at greater and greater speeds - the gas heats up. Eventually, the gas will be so hot that when the hydrogen atoms collide they no longer bounce off each other, but instead coalesce to form helium. The heat released in this reaction, which is like a controlled hydrogen bomb explosion, is what makes the star shine. The additional heat also increases the pressure of the gas until it is sufficient to balance the gravitational attraction, and the gas stops contracting. It is a bit like a balloon... Star will remain stable like this for a long time, with the nuclear reactions balancing the gravitational attraction.
Denne historien er fra December 22, 2024-utgaven av The Statesman Siliguri.
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Denne historien er fra December 22, 2024-utgaven av The Statesman Siliguri.
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ISL: Mumbai City FC beat Chennaiyin FC, jump to fourth spot
An early goal by Nikolaos Karelis steered Mumbai City FC to a 1-0 win against Chennaiyin FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Mumbai Football Arena (MFA) on Saturday evening.
Additional drinks breaks to counter record heat during MCG Test
With the five-match Test series between India and Australia locked at one-all, the tussle for the Border-Gavaskar trophy heats up not only on paper, but also on the ground with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting the temperature to reach 40 degrees in Melbourne on the first day of the Boxing Day Test.
Bowlers hit nets as Team India gear up for Boxing Day Test in Melbourne
The Indian bowlers went through an intense practice session at the nets at the iconic MCG on Saturday
KL Rahul eyes unique hat-trick ahead of Melbourne contest
As India aims to secure a crucial series lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia during the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), all eyes will be on Indian opener KL Rahul, who has been in exceptional form in a series that has largely been challenging for Indian batters.
Trying to deflect attention from AAP's failure: JD(U) leader on Kejriwal's letter to Bihar CM
JD(U) Working President Sanjay Jha on Saturday launched a scathing attack on AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, saying that by writing a letter to the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the Ambedkar row, the latter was trying to divert attention from the \"failures\" of his party-led government in the national capital.
100 per cent digitised ration cards under NFSA; 80 cr beneficiaries under ONOR
It has been a remarkable year for the Department of Food and Public Distribution, with the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY) extended for five years starting January 1. This includes 100 per cent digitised ration cards under the National Food Security Act across India, and 99.8 per cent of fair price shops (FPSs) are now automated using electronic point of sale. The One Nation One Ration card is enabled across the country, covering 80 crore beneficiaries, among others.
PM Narendra Modi invites adventure lovers to visit Rann Utsav
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited everyone to Gujarat's famous Rann Utsav, which will go on till March 2025.
Himanta brushes off imaginary claims by Bangladesh, highlights Assam's leap towards technological advancement
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has categorically dismissed claims surrounding an alleged imaginary map created by certain individuals in Bangladesh, purportedly showing Assam as part of their territory.
Peace has returned to NE in last ten years: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister assured that all ongoing projects would be completed within three years
JK's Chenab Bridge designed for a life of 120 years
Chenab Bridge, an engineering marvel of the Indian Railway and the world's highest Arch Railway bridge, has been designed for a life of about 120 years.
