Chandigarh, Thursday, November 25, 1999
Chandigarh, Thursday, November 25, 1999 |
The mysteries of black holes by Sarabjeet Singh BLACK holes is the term for star that have undergone complete gravitational collapse. Firstly there are thinly dispersed atoms of hydrogen in space, each having their own tiny gravitational power to attract other. Only 33 of 56 projects completed Cyclone-warning
system Ashwagandha
as cash crop Science
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The mysteries of black holes BLACK holes is the term for star that have undergone complete gravitational collapse. Firstly there are thinly dispersed atoms of hydrogen in space, each having their own tiny gravitational power to attract other. As time passes... one atom manages to get hold of another atom (within its gravitational range) thus producing conditions for hydrogen and helium (the most abundant elements in the universe) to gather in clouds, which is at a temperature of — 173°C. If the supply of hydrogen is continuous and in abundance the cloud could speedily condense into a new-born star called PROTOSTAR. The temperature inside it rises from a mere — 173°C to 10,000,000°C(107), (due to friction and gravitational energy which is converted into heat) which trigger on the fusion reaction of hydrogen. This further raises the temperature and protostar now begins to glow like an ordinary star that we see in night sky. Gravity is responsible for the birth of a star. Its attraction makes a star condense from clouds of floating gas. And when the star’s fire goes out (of course after some thousand million years) gravity crushes it into a white dwarf, a neutron star, or the strangest of all, black hole). When the nuclear fuel hydrogen runs low (which has been now converted into helium) the outward pressure inside the core drops and it would begin to contract again which further raises the temperature so that there are now favourable conditions for helium to start another fusion reaction. This cascade of nuclear reactions will continue like this until that poor innocent hydrogen is gradually converted into iron (which cannot be fused further into heavier element so easily because using iron as a nuclear fuel is like trying to burn ice.) Finally, the gravity (again) smashes this iron back into helium soaking up an incredible amount of energy. The star collapses with a tremendous energy flash that blows the outer envelope apart in a super novae explosion, and the star shines 1000 billion times brighter (for a few days). What remains is the crushed core which is not matter as we know it. Electrons have been squashed against protons, until the charges cancel out and they become neutrons. Now there is just a spherical mass of nutrons (like a giant nucleus) called Neutron star. The heavy neutron star can continue to contract indefinitely and it drops out of the universe altogether, leaving an empty black hole in space. For any given mass there is a particular length called ‘Schwarzschild radius”, and if that mass can be packed into a sphere with this radius the surface gravity becomes infinite and the collapse (contraction) seems to halt. There is no chance but if our sun has to become a black hole, it will have to shrink up to a ball of 4 miles in a dia! Jupiter will become a black hole when it shrinks up to a ball of dia 562.6 cm! The size of our moon when it becomes a black hole will be same as the full stop mark at the end of this sentence. But to our surprise this “full stop” size particle would still weigh the same as before (the moon as we know it today weighs 7.35x1019 metric tonnes). A black hole with the Earth’s mass would be less than 2 cm in dia and could happily eat the whole Earth to double its size. Matter thrown into the Black hole (may it be this newspaper, your pen, your car, an elephant, a mountain, whole earth or entire solar system) loses all its identity, and everything collapses to a mathematical point called singularity. The only measurable properties of black hole are its mass, event horizon radius, its rotation and electric charge. But.... of what use is a black hole to us? Scientists would love to conduct experiments in those colossal gravity fields. There is a prediction of theory of relativity that strong gravity fields slow down time. When Schwarzschild radius is reached the slowing of time becomes infinite and all light is redshifted out of existence. In reality we do note expect a static, spherical, ordinary black hole and spinning hole would therefore be a lens shaped. Though not certain, a very far-fetched use of this lens shaped hole is the “short cuts through space” or the most desperately needed “time travel”. The mathematics of a rotating blackhole is very very complex. Its singularity would not be a point but ring shaped, like a doughnut, and there would be two event horizons. And the trips into and then out of the event horizons are mathematically possible. It is strongly believed that a rocket entering a rotating blackwhole would not necessarily be crushed and could go throughout the ring shaped singularity and emerge into another time, past or future. If matter falls into a spinning hole, a part of it may be violently ejected just before reaching the event horizon. Some astronomers suspect a vast black hole in the heart of galaxy M 87, as it is famous for the enormous jets emitted from it, which contains as much material as a million suns. Another more practical use of a blackhole is that we could steal energy from matter falling into blackholes or tap the rotational energy of a spinning blackhole. In theory, although no energy can normally be extracted from a single hole but two identical black holes could be combined in such a way that up to 29% of their combined mass would be thrown out as radiation, elementary particles and antiparticles. For example two black holes if combined (of 6 km dia each) will explode with power of 1031 megatons of TNT (more than the energy emitted by our sun from its birth to death). Black hole can’t be seen and is located indirectly. One is suspected to be in the constellation: Cygnus X-1, which is 6500 light years away. It is sucking the material from its neighbourhood very luminous supergiant star. This stolen material is so strongly heated before entering the event horizon that it gives off X-Rays which we can detect. Although the singularity is enveloped by event horizon which produces the phenomenon ‘cosmic censorship’ but it is believed that with the death of a hole and the vanishing of the event horizon, a massless singularity might still remain! No one can certainly
describe what is the composition of the core of the
blackhole (the singularity). But we do at least know that
at singularity physics breaks down completely, a point
where rules of space & time fail. |
Only 33 of 56 projects
completed A NUMBER of startling facts have been brought out during review of the working of the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology undertaken by the audit. Only 33 projects (1991-96) were completed out of 56 projects undertaken by the Council. In one instance, Central grant of Rs 20 lakh was lying unutilised since March, 1994, due to non-commencement of the project. Two projects were abandoned half way after spending Rs 3.41 lakh. Lack of planning/monitoring the implementation of a project resulted in wasteful expenditure of Rs 8.88 lakh. One project relating to basic research undertaken at a cost of Rs 8.11 lakh was beyond the mandate of the Council. With a view to promoting science, technology and applied research in Punjab, to sensitise the public in environmental issues and to coordinate the development works of the State and the Centre, the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology was registered as a Society in July, 1983. While the basic research is done by the universities/institutes, the council assigns/ funds research projects, pilot projects which are applied in nature and most suitable to the State. The seven thrust areas identified by the council for its activities were energy and environment, water regime management, bio-technology, industrial technology, construction of building material technology, computer and electronics and popularisation of science. Out of 19 projects (Rs 58.16 lakh) financed by the Government of India, 18 were completed at a cost of Rs 52.16 lakh during 1991-96. Out of these, five projects were completed after 12 months of their scheduled dates of completion. One project sanctioned in March, 1994, had not commenced even after the expiry of three years. Out of 37 State Government funded (Rs 1.96 crore) projects, 15 projects related to four thrust areas, namely, construction of building material technology, energy and environment, biotechnology and popularisation of science. Of the remaining 22 projects, 15 projects though due for completion by 1995-96, were not completed till September, 1997. In six out of 15 projects completed in 1991-97, there was a time overrun of 10 to 60 months. The council attributed the delay to the time gap between release of grants by the Government and by the university to the project investigator and delay in purchase of equipment by the university. Again out of 15 completed projects, though the expertise/technology was developed in case of five projects, the council was not aware of the end-use of technology by the beneficiaries. Two projects were not optimally utilised due to shortage of manpower and delay of two years in starting the project. In case of one project for the use of flyash technology, the final conclusion of the research work regarding the usefulness of technology could not be drawn by the council. In case of another project (allopathic impact of sunflower), since no adverse impact was noticed, no beneficiary was required to make use of it. The audit scrutiny revealed that even after a lapse of more than three years after the receipt of the grant (Rs 20 lakh), the pilot project for utilisation of flyash had also not been formulated/commenced. Source of any other funding had not been identified as of September, 1997. The council deposited in August, 1994, Rs 15 lakh in a bank under the money multiplier scheme which earned interest amounting to Rs 1.68 lakh up to August, 1996. The balance amount of Rs 5 lakh was lying in savings bank account of the council without revalidation of the grant by the Government of India. The council stated that since no entrepreneurs had responded to the project proposal, it had dropped the idea of providing this grant for promoting such a project and that it would be approaching the Ministry of Environment and Forests to allow to divert this grant for other purpose. A project study of insecticide and pesticide pollution of food stuffs and their toxic effect on man was submitted to the council by Punjabi University, which was referred by the council to the PGI, Industrial Texicology Research Centre, Lucknow, and Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Chandigarh, for evaluation of utility, cost etc. The project investigator certified that all the equipment required for completion of the project was available. However, despite adverse advice on the scope content of the project that the project was diffused, vague and repetitive and without verifying availability of equipment with the project investigator, the council approved the project for Rs 4.07 lakh and released Rs 1.67 lakh. The State Government refused to provide balance funds for the project. Audit scrutiny revealed that after spending Rs 1.66 lakh, the project investigator stopped further work without preparing any interim/final report on the plea that necessary equipment was not available with him. Similarly, a project, “computer aided instruction for teaching physics” prepared by Punjabi University to be completed within three years was submitted by the council to the Government, which released the first instalment of Rs 1.75 lakh. It, however, refused to release further funds on the ground that each university was having a computer department and as such could teach physics of its own. Since then, the project had not been completed either by the council or the university. The commencement of projects without detailed planning and identifying methodology for removal of water hyacinth from Harike wetland, couple with lack of regular monitoring of the execution of projects, resulted in wasteful expenditure of Rs 8.88 lakh. In reply, the council stated that frequent inspections could not be conducted due to shortage of manpower and in the belief that Government agencies like Irrigation Department and Wild Life Department would carry out the activities sincerely and effectively. Reply was not acceptable by the audit as it was mandatory for the council to coordinate and monitor all the activities relating to the project. A project “use of terpenoids to raise wheat production in Punjab” of Punjab Agricultural University was cleared by the council. The project related to basic research and was meant for increasing wheat production. Rs 8.11 lakh was spent on the project till August, 1991. The final report, however, recommended further study for preparing formulations for enhancing productivity of wheat seeds. The university was still carrying out the laboratory trials and the compound meant for application on wheat remained to be formulated (September 1997). The council stated that
since the project was mainly focussed on basic research,
it was not feasible to demonstrate the outcome of the
project till formulation was prepared and the PAU had
been asked to pursue the same further. The reply was not
considered tenable as the project sanctioned related to
basic research which was beyond the mandate of the
council thereby rendering the entire expenditure of Rs
8.11 lakh injudicious. |
Cyclone-warning system Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing an indigenous Doppler early cyclone-warning radar which is scheduled to be ready by next month. The Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) is expected to enhance early cyclone warning capabilities especially on the cyclone-prone east coast of India, a top source in ISRO Telemetry Tracking Command (ISTRAC) network, which is developing DWR, told PTI. After the development of the sophisticated radar, the technology would be transferred to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for production of several such radars for the use of Indian Meteorological Department for advance detection of cyclones, the sources said. There are at present 12 conventional early cyclone warning radars installed on the east and west coasts of India. These radars operate in the band frequency of 2,700 megahertz to detect cyclone and other weather conditions within a radius of 40 km. The conventional radars use beamed and reflected ratio frequency waves to locate changes in weather conditions. DWRs are based on Doppler Effect Principle determining the location and the intensity of the coming cyclone based on changes in radio frequency waves due to movements of the target from the radar. In normal weather conditions, the vertical velocity of air mass is one metre per second. However, in convective phenomena in which the lighter heated air from the ground level rushes towards higher altitudes, the vertical velocity increases to more than 20 metres per second. DWRs are able to precisely calculate the radial component of this velocity thereby providing the exact intensity of the developing cyclone as it comes closer to land, the source said. DWR provides digital signal analysis and graphic utilities that helped in real time display of developments of cyclones. It provides precise advance warnings enhancing the lead time needed for saving human lives and property. The proposal to develop an indigenous DWR was approved last year and the design and development had started subsequently. However, the cyclone in Orissa has pushed ISTRAC scientists to have the radar ready by December. DWRs would have a life
span of at least 15 years. However, the plan to install a
series of DWRs on the east and west coast of India in a
phased manner will be backed by a tie-up between ISRO,
BEL and the meteorological department to update and
maintain DWR network to ensure longer service, the source
added. (PTI) |
Ashwagandha as cash crop Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been identified as a potential cash crop for greening the dry land zones and making the waste lands productive. The researchers in the Department of Plant Physiology, Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, have found “Ashwagandha” as one of the most valuable medicinal and industrial cash crops which can be profitably introduced in the farming pattern of Himachal Pradesh, and also the adjoining States, because it requires little after care, and has a long shelf life. Moreover, the dry land areas have no other cash crop. Now popularly known as “Indian Ginseng” Ashwagandha is mentioned as an important drug in the ancient Ayurvedic literature. Its roots used to be prescribed for hiccup, female disorders, cough, rheumatism and dropsy. In the prevailing systems of medicines, its roots are used for anti-inflamatory, adaptogenic, aphrodisiac, restorative, hypnotic and nerve tonic properties. Its aqueous extract with other herbal materials is used in the ayurvedic and unani formulations. Similarity between “Ashwagandha” roots and restorative properties of Ginseng roots have led it to being called Indian Ginseng. Dr S.K. Kaushal and Mr Sanjeev Kumar, of the university, who are doing research on this medicinal plant, are of the view that there is a vast scope for specialised farming of valuable herbs, culinary plants, medicinal plants, cosmetic plants and aromatic plants in Himachal Pradesh where there is a variation of temperature, land topography which is characterised by undulating and uneven features. Irrigation facilities are inadequate, and under rainfed conditions vast tracts of land in the dry land areas, known as Changer area, are available which are brought under low productive traditional crops. Himachal Pradesh has plenty of waste lands and marginal lands located in pollution-free atmosphere highly conducive for the cultivation of such medicinal plants. With the growth of ayurvedic industries, there is a great demand of the raw materials from such medicinal plants. It can be grown in the sub-tropical parts of Una, Kangra, Mandi, Bilaspur and Sirmour districts of Himachal Pradesh, and the adjoining areas of the other States. The studies on the effect of fertilisers, time of sowing, plant growth regulators have shown that by using the recommended practices, farmers can get dry root yield ranging from 250 to 600 kg per hectare, which can fetch return much higher than from other crops. Normally it can yield 150 to 500 kg of dry roots per hectare. The market price of dry roots is about Rs 40 per kg. “Ashwagandha” is a bushy, perennial herb but normally it is utilised as annual herb, cultivated in rain-fed conditions and propagated through seeds during July and August, when nearly three-fourth of Himachal Pradesh and other areas have sufficient rainfall. It is an erect,
evergreen shrub, 30-150 cm high, found throughout the
drier parts of India, in waste places and on bunds, also
cultivated to a limited extent for medicinal roots.
Besides providing income to the growers and the States,
it can beautify the waste lands which are in abundance in
the country. |
Science Quiz 1. Name the winner of the 1999 Nobel Prize in medicine. For which major contribution has he been selected for this coveted award? 2. Name the US based Indian scientist who was recently appointed co-chairman of the US President’s highly prestigious Information Technology Advisory Committee. To which particular field of science has he made significant contributions? 3. Less intake of this micronutrient by a pregnant woman may result in still-birth or a mentally retarded child. Another serious problem caused by its deficiency is enlargement of thyroid gland. Which nutrient are we talking about and how is generally consumed? 4. A hydrogen atom contains a proton as nucleus and an orbiting electron. Scientists have produced in the laboratory an atom containing a proton as nucleus and a particle called muon orbiting around it. What name has been given to such an atom? 5. Which is the fastest spinning object in our solar system discovered only last year? How long is its “day” that makes it the shortest of all the “days” of known objects in the solar system? 6. What distinguishes the category of plants such as pitcher plant, sundew, venus fly trap and bladderwort from other plants in general? What is the common name of this category of plants? 7. What name is given to the force that makes a body move in a circular path? How much work does this force do on the object during one revolution? 8. The main constituent of talcum powder is talc or soap stone, to which some perfume is added for fragrance. What is the chemical name of this softest mineral? 9. Tobacco is well-known to cause asthma and cancer. But scientists have recently extracted a human protein from tobacco leaves that can boost human immune system and can help treat cancer, asthma, arthritis and some other diseases. Can you name this protein? 10. HESCO is a voluntary organisation engaged in the task of rural development by undertaking projects and technologies suitable to the rural poor, especially in the hills. What is the complete name of this organisation? Answers 1. Guentor Blobel, a
native of Germany, working in the USA; for research on
proteins which shed new light on some human diseases 2.
Dr Raj Reddy; Robotics 3. Iodine; by consuming iodised
salt 4. Muonic atom 5. Asteroid 1998 KY 26; 10.7 minutes
of earth 6. They capture and digest insects to obtain
nitrogen; Insectivorous or carnivorous plants 7.
Centripetal force; zero 8. Magnesium silicate 9. Gamma
interferon 10. Himalayan Environmental Studies and
Conservation Organisation. |
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Decimalisation
project Cognizant will modify the Exchange Business Systems and for the Stock Clearing Corporation of Philadelphia to accommodate trading prices using decimals rather than fractions. Testing for priority systems will begin in March 2000 in accordance with industry-mandated requirements and testing for secondary systems will being in May. By August, all listed stocks and companies will be traded in decimal instead of fractional prices. Speech
recognition software This product introduction will add a new dimension to Internet usage by making it possible through speech commands. The Dragon NaturallySpeaking version 4.0 enables the user to browse the Internet by voice. Utilising the software, the user can activate Microsoft’s Internet Explorer through voice commands to jump to links, use the e-mail package, participate in online chats, surf bookmarked websites, enter text in fields, and other functions. The user can speak naturally, without pausing between words, into the special microphone provided with the product, and words appear immediately on the screen and into most Windows applications, including Microsoft Word, Corel, WordPerfect, e-mail, Internet and chat-room software. The software allows the user to dictate up to 160 words per minute, which is more than the typing speed of expert typist - 80 wpm. With a 300 mhz processor and 64 MB RAM or more, the software now requires an initial training period of as little as three to five minutes to learn a user’s voice as compared with earlier version which took up to 30 minutes. Net Visions
launches Net Power The four modules of Net Power- user registration, inventory control, shopping cart and order tracking - will significantly reduce time and costs of conducting business and lead to improvement in quality of goods and services delivered. Intel’s new
family of processors The Itanium brand extends Intel’s reach into the highest level of computing enabling powerful servers and high-performance workstations which will address the increasing demands that the Internet economy places on e-Business. The processor’s massive computing resources and ability to execute many instructions simultaneously helps the computer provide the greater speed and responsiveness often required for e-Business solutions. The production would begin in mid-2000 and the Itanium processors based servers and workstations would be available in the second half of the year. Merant PVCS bags
HCL order PVCS Professional, gives teams the power to organise software assets, track and communicate issues and standardise the software build process for end-to-end software configuration management. Citibank-rediff.com
e-commerce pact Over a million Citibank card holders in India will receive discounts and guaranteed gifts during the festival season when they shop for the first time on the rediff.com site, a specially designed offer for Citibank card members. Rediff.com and Citibank will shortly launch a previleged program for their overseas Non-Resident Indian customers. NRIs who have rupee checking accounts with Citibank will be able to buy products at special discounts for themselves and their loved ones in India — R.
Suryamurthy/Gaurav Choudhury |
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