#Chinese Lunar Exploration Program

[cosmicinflationkink]

First look at the actual Lanyue lunar lander prototype and the Mengzhou space capsule. A combined configuration of the two will be used to facilitate a crewed lunar landing by 2030. So far only models were shown for the lander, so seeing a prototype being built is kinda exciting :)

And also these two renders by Element115, because i really enjoy their art and wanted to share it :D

[tenth-sentence]

In January 2019, thanks to the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program, humans germinated a seed on the Moon.

"Soil: The incredible story of what keeps the earth, and us, healthy" - Matthew Evans

[skylobster]

Their sample return mission requires a relay satellite, remote sample gathering, and a lunar orbit rendezvous, transfer of sample to the orbiter, and safe return of the orbiter to Earth. The Chinese are getting pretty good at this!

A Chinese spacecraft landed on the far side of the moon Sunday to collect soil and rock samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side. The landing module touched down at 6:23 a.m. Beijing time in a huge crater known as the South Pole-Aitken Basin, the China National Space Administration said. The mission is the sixth in the Chang’e moon exploration program, which is named after a Chinese moon goddess. It is the second designed to bring back samples, following the Chang’e 5, which did so from the near side in 2020. The moon program is part of a growing rivalry with the U.S. — still the leader in space exploration — and others, including Japan and India. China has put its own space station in orbit and regularly sends crews there.

Continue Reading.

[elbiotipo]

Also I don't know why people talk like if Elon Musk and NASA for that matter are the only ones planning space exploration and settlement. There are three Chinese taikonauts in space right now with plans for a permanent lunar base and Mars programs in development. If it's such a billionarie thing, why are commies doing it?

hey, who's this gagarin guy?

[besiegedhunter]

Priestess Inspiration.

So once again not making a post about Red (I am) but I wanted to talk about something I thought of that I've not really seen anyone talk about and that's the possibility that Priestess is inspired by Chang'e, the Goddess of the Moon in China.

Also disclaimer: I'm no expert on either Chinese mythology nor anything Ancient Civilization. Also spoilers for CN.

So firstly the thing that got me onto this thought in the first place is this cg:

I'm unsure if we are told where this is but you can see Priestess and the new Cautus Hilda who Priestess resurrected because she wanted her own bunny I suppose.

Immediately to me I thought about how Terra has two moons and how one is implied to be artificial:

And with that thought I realized that Hilda might not just be there to be a parallel to Amiya but instead referencing Yutu, the rabbit that Chang'e has with her on the moon which would suggest that Priestess is inspired by Chang'e.

So what exactly is the story of Chang'e? Well there's different tellings and I'm sure there's more to her, I just want to stick to the basics but from what I understand the basics are:

She was a mortal woman who had a husband who was gifted the elixir of life which he decided wouldn't be drunk. In whichever telling it is, Chang'e ends up drinking it and ascends to the moon, taking her rabbit with her I believe, to become a goddess and live on the moon and Yutu creates the elixir of life.

While I believe she appears elsewhere, this is the story I want to focus on because it's her origin. It also focuses on the elixir of life which I think is quite fascinating in regards to Arknights because Priestess is everything to do with Originium which may make it analogous to the elixir of life.

I know that the elixir of life is extremely prevalent in Chinese mythology and throughout history many have tried to create one and got poisoned including many people in high positions.

And it seems possible that this angle is being explored, particularly through Hilda who as a Lateran pilgrim seems like she'll be heading down the path of using originium to "heal" the infected and wants to use originium in that way:

It's implied that Priestess did this but Hilda's expressed wanting to find her and to essentially do the same, if she can't already. I'm unsure on that detail.

And the whole 'ascending to godhood' does seem to be pretty accurate to Priestess considering what she can do but also that as far as we see the Doctor can't (I swear though the Endministrator from Endfield has some level of using originium.) and it seems no other Precursor is with Priestess.

Unsure about taking the elixir of life however though it could be assumed that the Doctor could play a role similar to Hou Yi, the husband from the story but I don't know how expansive that'd be.

Also as an random detail to throw out there, the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program is also known as the Chang'e Program whose crafts are named after her which I think is fitting since a lot about Priestess has so much to do with space and space travel.

Curious to see if anything comes from this.

[stillnaomi]

A New Year's address from President Xi Jinping

Greetings to everybody! Time flies fast, and the new year will be with us shortly. I extend my best wishes to you all from Beijing.

In 2024, we have together journeyed through the four seasons. Together, we have experienced winds and rains and seen rainbows. Those touching and unforgettable moments have been like still frames showing how extraordinary a year we have had.

We have proactively responded to the impacts of the changing environment at home and abroad. We have adopted a full range of policies to make solid gains in pursuing high-quality development. China's economy has rebounded and is on an upward trajectory, with its GDP for the year expected to pass the 130 trillion yuan mark. Grain output has surpassed 700 million tons, and China's bowls are now filled with more Chinese grain. Coordinated development across regions has gained stronger momentum, and mutually reinforcing advances have been made in both new urbanization and rural revitalization. Green and low-carbon development has been further enhanced. Indeed, a more beautiful China is unfolding before us.

We have fostered new quality productive forces in light of actual conditions. New business sectors, forms and models have kept emerging. For the first time, China has produced more than 10 million new energy vehicles in a year. Breakthroughs have been made in integrated circuit, artificial intelligence, quantum communications and many other fields. Also for the first time, the Chang'e-6 lunar probe collected samples from the far side of the moon. The Mengxiang drilling vessel explored the mystery of the deep ocean. The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link now connects the two cities across the sea. The Antarctic Qinling Station is now in operation on the frozen continent. All this epitomizes the lofty spirit and dreams of the Chinese people to explore stars and oceans.

This year, I have visited many places across the country and seen how our people enjoy their enriching lives. I saw the big, red Huaniu apples in Tianshui, Gansu and the fishing boats in Aojiao Village, Fujian loaded with their catches. I watched the millenium-old "Eastern Smile" in the Maiji Mountain Grottoes, and I learned more about good-neighborliness passed from generation to generation in Liuchixiang Alley. I enjoyed the hustle and bustle in Tianjin's Ancient Culture Street, and I saw how the people in Yinchuan's mixed-ethnic residential communities live together as one family. The concerns of the people about jobs and incomes, elderly and child care, education and medical services are always on my mind. This year, basic pension has been raised, and mortgage rates have dropped. Cross-province direct settlement of medical bills has been expanded, making it easier for people to seek medical treatment across the country. And consumer goods trade-in programs have improved people's lives... All these are real benefits to our people.

In the Paris Olympics, Chinese athletes raced to the top and achieved their best performance in Olympic Games held overseas, fully demonstrating the vigor and confidence of young Chinese. The PLA Navy and Air Force celebrated their 75th birthdays, and our servicemen and women are full of drive. When floods, typhoons and other natural disasters struck, members of the Communist Party of China and officials stepped forward to lead disaster relief efforts, and our people were of one mind and reached out to each other. People in all fields -- workers, builders and entrepreneurs, among others -- are working hard to fulfill their dreams. I presented awards to recipients of national medals and honorary titles. The honor belongs to them; it also belongs to every hard-working person who has lived up to their responsibilities.

In a world of both transformation and turbulence, China, as a responsible major country, is actively promoting global governance reform and deepening solidarity and cooperation among the Global South. We are making deeper and more substantive advances in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was a full success. We put forward China's vision at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, APEC, G20 and other bilateral and multilateral forums. We have contributed greatly to the maintenance of world peace and stability.

We celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China. With deep affection, we looked back at the sea change that has taken place across China since the birth of the People's Republic. Nurtured by our 5,000-plus years of continuous civilization, our country, China, is engraved not only on the bottom of the ancient bronze ritual wine vessel of He Zun, but also in the heart of every Chinese. At its Third Plenary Session, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China sounded a clarion call for further deepening all-round reform. We will march forward in great strides to advance reform and opening up as the trend of our times. We will surely embrace even broader prospects in pursuing Chinese modernization in the course of reform and opening up.

In 2025, we will fully complete the 14th Five-Year Plan. We will implement more proactive and effective policies, pursue high-quality development as a top priority, promote greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and maintain sound momentum in economic and social development. The Chinese economy now faces some new conditions, including challenges of uncertainties in the external environment and pressure of transformation from old growth drivers into new ones. But we can prevail with our hard work. As always, we grow in the wind and rain, and we get stronger through hard times. We must be confident.

Of all the jobs in front of us, the most important is to ensure a happy life for our people. Every family hopes that their children can have a good education, their seniors can enjoy good elderly services, and their youngsters can have more and better opportunities. These simple wishes are our people's aspirations for a better life. We should work together to steadily improve social undertakings and governance, build a harmonious and inclusive atmosphere, and settle real issues, big or small, for our people. We must bring more smiles to our people and greater warmth to their hearts.

On the eve of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, I visited the city again, and I was gratified to see the new progress and changes there. We will unswervingly implement the policy of One Country, Two Systems to maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao. We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same family. No one can ever sever the bond of kinship between us, and no one can ever stop China's reunification, a trend of the times.

As changes unseen in a century accelerate across the world, it is important to rise above estrangement and conflict with a broad vision, and care for the future of humanity with great passion. China will work with all countries to promote friendship and cooperation, enhance mutual learning among different cultures, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. We must jointly create a better future for the world.

Dreams and wishes may be far, but they can be fulfilled with dedicated pursuit. On the new journey of Chinese modernization, everyone is a key actor, every effort counts, and every ray of light shines.

Splendor adorns our motherland, and starlight graces every home. Let us greet the new year with hope. May our great country enjoy harmony and prosperity! May all your dreams come true! May you all have a new year of happiness and peace

source: People's Daily, China via twitter

[pakkiyick]

The Great Archer and the Moon Goddess

Once upon a time, the God of the Eastern Heavens had ten unfilial sons. All ten Sun Children were too naughty to be disciplined and they disobeyed their mother’s order to go into the sky together. The irresponsible deeds of the spoiled urchins set off a catastrophe of epic proportions. Everyone in the mortal world was suffering from scorching heat. The prolonged blistering heat led to widespread droughts and crop failure. Humans were on the verge of death from famine.

Hou Yi was one of the gods living in Heaven who was good at archery. He was a heroic deity with strong determination. With his superb archery skill and formidable willpower, Yi was crowned as Lord Archer and was trusted by the Supreme God of All the Heavens. Chang E was Yi’s wife, who was a goddess with breathtaking beauty beyond description. Alongside her cherished spouse, she led a contented life in heaven.

The Supreme God of All the Heavens sent Lord Yi to teach the mischievous kids a lesson and save the people from untold miseries. Yi lived up to people's expectation and shot down nine suns in a row, left only one sun in the sky. From then on, common people were free from sweltering heat of multiple suns, and enjoyed light and warmth from the only sun.

Though the problem of searing heat was solved for good, people's lives had not yet returned to normal. There were three ferocious monsters kept ravaging every corner of the territory and caused terrible disaster to all citizens. Again, Yi successfully killed those fierce beasts and bring peace to the land.

Hailed as a hero on earth for the contribution to the country, Yi irritated the God of the Eastern Heavens since he murdered nine of God’s sons. As a result, Yi and his wife, Chang E, were banished from the Heavens forever. The couple lost their immortality and had to face the fate of dying as mortals. In order to avoid death and return to heaven, Yi set out a dangerous journey to find the Queen Mother of the West, who was the one who knew how to make the Elixir of Life.

Recognizing his considerable contribution to the mankind, the Queen Mother of the West awarded Yi with two phials of the Elixir of Life. Anyone who took one of the phials would become immortal on the earth, while taking two phials at the same time would enable the taker to return to the Heavens alone.

Yi originally planned to have an immortal life with his beloved wife together on earth, but Chang E betrayed her husband and drank all the phials on her own. The moment she took the elixir, her body was growing lighter and lighter, and eventually flew to the moon. Once landing on a deserted realm, Chang E found herself was in a cold and desolate place. Since then, the selfish goddess dwelled alone forever in the Palace of the Moon, with only a jade rabbit to keep her company.

To remember Chang E, Chinese people worship the moon by eating moon-shaped desserts called Mooncakes on the fifteenth day of the eighth month when the moon is at its fullest and brightest.

Entering the 21st century, China has launched a series of lunar exploration programs, sending multiple robotic spacecrafts Chang’e and robotic rovers Yutu ("Jade Rabbit") to land on the moon’s surface for scientific research. With the success of space program, China became the third country to set foot on the moon after the former Soviet Union and the United States.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Geologists discover hidden magmatism on the moon

Lunar igneous activities including intrusive and extrusive magmatism, and their products contain significant information about the lunar interior and its thermal state. Their distribution is asymmetrical on the nearside and farside, reflecting the global lunar dichotomy. In addition to previously returned lunar samples all from nearside (Apollo, Luna, and Chang’e-5), samples from the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin on the farside have long been thought to hold the key to rebalancing the asymmetrical understandings of the Moon and disclosing the lunar dichotomy conundrum.

Earlier this year, the Chang’e-6 mission of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program, successfully launched on May 3, landed on the lunar surface on June 2, and returned to the Earth on June 25 carrying a total of 1935.3g of lunar soils. It is the world’s first lunar farside sample-return mission, which landed in the south of the Apollo basin within the SPA basin on the farside. These precious samples would open a window to solve the long-standing question of lunar dichotomy, even reshape human’s knowledge of our closest neighbour. However, compared with the well-known mare volcanism surrounding the Chang’e-6 landing site, the intrusive magmatic activities have a much more obscure presence and origin, impeding future sample analyses when they are available for application.

In a recent research paper published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Dr Yuqi QIAN, Professor Joseph MICHALSKI and Professor Guochun ZHAO from the Department of Earth Sciences at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and their domestic and international collaborators have comprehensively studied the intrusive magmatism of the Chang’e-6 landing site and its surroundings based on remote sensing data. The study revealed their extensive distributions and obscure nature with significant implications for the petrogenesis of lunar plutonic rocks and the Chang’e-6 mission, which will facilitate scientists’ further study of lunar farside.

Key Findings The study has found that intrusive magmatism is widespread in the SPA basin. They occur in various forms including sills beneath floor-modified craters, linear and ring dikes shown by gravity data, and Mg-suite intrusions with characteristic spectral absorptions. These observations agree with the intermediate-thick crust of SPA where intrusion is favored. Landing in the SPA basin, Chang’e-6 likely collected plutonic rocks, excavated and transported by adjacent impact craters to the sampling site, that could be examined by the ongoing sample studies. They have discovered two heavily degraded floor-fractured craters (see Apollo X and Apollo Q craters in Figure 1), inspiring to identify more similar features on the Moon. All indicate that intrusive magmatism is abundant in the Chang’e-6 sampling region.

This study has traced potential plutonic materials in the Chang’e-6 samples and found that Mg-suite materials highly likely exist, primarily from the western peak ring of the Apollo basin delivered by Chaffee S crater. These Mg-rich materials contain crucial information on the origin of mysterious KREEP-poor Mg-suite rocks. Samples from both the intrusive and extrusive magmatism from the never sampled farside, especially the mysterious Mg-suite, will shed further light on solving the lunar dichotomy conundrum and a series of fundamental scientific questions relating to secondary crust building and early evolution of the Moon.

TOP IMAGE: Chang’e-6 landing site locates to the southern Apollo basin in the northeast of the South Pole-Aitken basin, lunar farside.  Credit Y. Qian

LOWER IMAGE:  Intrusive magmatism is extensive across the South Pole-Aitken basin, whose products highly likely collected by the Chang’e-6 mission.  Credit Y. Qian

[africa-space-com]

Lunar eclipses: scientific observations and cultural significance

Lunar eclipses have fascinated humanity for centuries, blending the realms of science and culture in a spectacular cosmic event. These phenomena occur when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. Let's explore the scientific aspects of lunar eclipses and their cultural significance across the globe.

The science behind Lunar eclipses

Lunar eclipses are of three types: total, partial, and penumbral.

1. Total Lunar eclipse: this happens when the Earth's umbra (the central, darkest part of its shadow) completely covers the Moon. During this period, the Moon can take on a reddish hue, often referred to as a "Blood Moon," due to Rayleigh scattering—the same effect that causes sunsets to appear red.

2. Partial Lunar eclipse: occurs when only a portion of the Moon enters the Earth's umbra. Part of the Moon appears darkened as it moves through the shadow.

3. Penumbral Lunar eclipse: this is the least noticeable type, where the Moon passes through the Earth's penumbral shadow, causing a subtle shading on the Moon's surface.

These eclipses are predictable and can be observed with the naked eye, though telescopes and binoculars enhance the viewing experience.

Observing a Lunar eclipse

Observing a lunar eclipse requires no special equipment or protective eyewear, unlike solar eclipses. Here are a few tips for a great viewing experience:

- Check local timings: eclipses occur at specific times, so check your local schedule to know when to watch.

- Find a clear view: a location with an unobstructed view of the sky will provide the best experience.

- Use binoculars or a telescope: these tools can enhance the details you see on the Moon's surface.

- Photography: if you enjoy astrophotography, a DSLR camera with a telephoto lens can capture stunning images of the eclipse.

Cultural significance of Lunar eclipses

Lunar eclipses hold deep cultural meanings in various societies, often interwoven with myths and legends.

- Ancient civilizations: many ancient cultures, such as the Babylonians and Greeks, studied lunar eclipses meticulously, using them to advance their understanding of celestial mechanics.

- Asian cultures: in some Asian traditions, lunar eclipses were seen as omens. For instance, the Chinese once believed that a dragon devoured the Moon during an eclipse, and they would bang drums to scare it away.

- Native American tribes: different tribes had varied interpretations, but many viewed the eclipse as a time of reflection and renewal.

- Modern interpretations: today, lunar eclipses are often seen as opportunities for contemplation and connection with the universe. They inspire awe and are sometimes linked to astrological beliefs about transformation and change.

Lunar eclipses are more than just astronomical events; they are intersections of science, history, and culture. They remind us of our place in the cosmos and the shared human fascination with the night sky. Whether you're a scientist studying celestial patterns or simply a stargazer enjoying the view, lunar eclipses offer a unique and awe-inspiring experience. So, the next time a lunar eclipse is visible in your area, take a moment to look up and appreciate this wonderful phenomenon.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 7.22 (after 1900)

1916 – Preparedness Day Bombing: In San Francisco, a bomb explodes on Market Street during a parade, killing ten and injuring 40. 1921 – Rif War: The Spanish Army suffers its worst military defeat in modern times to the Berbers of the Rif region of Spanish Morocco. 1933 – Aviator Wiley Post returns to Floyd Bennett Field in New York City, completing the first solo flight around the world in seven days, 18 hours and 49 minutes. 1936 – Spanish Civil War: The Popular Executive Committee of Valencia takes power in the Valencian Community. 1937 – New Deal: The United States Senate votes down President Franklin D. Roosevelt's proposal to add more justices to the Supreme Court of the United States. 1942 – The United States government begins compulsory civilian gasoline rationing due to the wartime demands. 1942 – Grossaktion Warsaw: The systematic deportation of Jews from the Warsaw ghetto begins. 1943 – World War II: Allied forces capture Palermo during the Allied invasion of Sicily. 1943 – World War II: Axis occupation forces violently disperse a massive protest in Athens, killing 22. 1944 – The Polish Committee of National Liberation publishes its manifesto, starting the period of Communist rule in Poland. 1946 – King David Hotel bombing: A Zionist underground organisation, the Irgun, bombs the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, site of the civil administration and military headquarters for Mandatory Palestine, resulting in 91 deaths. 1962 – Mariner program: Mariner 1 spacecraft flies erratically several minutes after launch and has to be destroyed. 1963 – Crown Colony of Sarawak gains self-governance. 1973 – Pan Am Flight 816 crashes after takeoff from Faa'a International Airport in Papeete, French Polynesia, killing 78. 1976 – Japan completes its last reparation to the Philippines for war crimes committed during imperial Japan's conquest of the country in the Second World War. 1977 – Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping is restored to power. 1981 – The first game of the 1981 South Africa rugby union tour of New Zealand and the United States is held in Gisborne, New Zealand. 1983 – Martial law in Poland is officially revoked. 1990 – Greg LeMond, an American road racing cyclist, wins his third Tour de France after leading the majority of the race. It was LeMond's second consecutive Tour de France victory. 1992 – Near Medellín, Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar escapes from his luxury prison fearing extradition to the United States. 1993 – Great Flood of 1993: Levees near Kaskaskia, Illinois rupture, forcing the entire town to evacuate by barges operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. 1997 – The second Blue Water Bridge opens between Port Huron, Michigan and Sarnia, Ontario. 2003 – Members of 101st Airborne of the United States, aided by Special Forces, attack a compound in Iraq, killing Saddam Hussein's sons Uday and Qusay, along with Mustapha Hussein, Qusay's 14-year-old son, and a bodyguard. 2005 – Jean Charles de Menezes is killed by police as the hunt begins for the London Bombers responsible for the 7 July 2005 London bombings and the 21 July 2005 London bombings. 2011 – Norway attacks: A bomb explodes, targeted at government buildings in central Oslo, followed by a massacre at a youth camp on the island of Utøya. 2012 – Syrian civil war: The People's Protection Units (YPG) captured the cities of Serê Kaniyê and Dirbêsiyê, during clashes with pro-government forces in Al-Hasakah. 2013 – Dingxi earthquakes: A series of earthquakes in Dingxi, China, kills at least 89 people and injures more than 500 others. 2019 – Chandrayaan-2, the second lunar exploration mission developed by Indian Space Research Organisation after Chandrayaan-1 is launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in a GSLV Mark III M1. It consists of a lunar orbiter, and also included the Vikram lander, and the Pragyan lunar rover.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Re todays' full supermoon. (Per Moongiant.)

September Harvest Full Moon

September’s full moon is known as the Full Harvest Moon, as it is the full moon that is closest to the fall equinox. In the northern hemisphere, the Full Harvest Moon rises very soon after sunset, providing plenty of bright light for farmers harvesting their summer crops. September’s full moon is so well-known for its luminosity and brilliance that certain Native American tribes even named it the Big Moon. The Full Harvest Moon holds major cultural significance in many different communities, who spend this full moon not just celebrating the fall harvest, but also the moon itself.

The most widely known tradition associated with the Full Harvest Moon is the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated by Chinese communities all around the world. It is also known as the Mooncake Festival. On the full moon night of the eighth lunar month, people gather with friends and family to admire the brilliant full moon while eating mooncakes and drinking tea. Mooncakes are a rich pastry traditionally filled with sweet bean paste or lotus seed paste, and sometimes even include salted egg yolks. The sweet osmanthus flower also blooms during this time, and is often used in teas and the reunion wine drunk when visiting with family. It is a common tradition to celebrate by carrying brightly colored lanterns, so you can often enjoy the beautiful sight of lanterns hanging in front of buildings or in parks, or sky lanterns floating towards the full moon.

There are many other variations on the Mid-Autumn Festival throughout Asia, including Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. The Japanese celebrate this full moon with the Tsukimi tradition (which literally means moon-viewing in Japanese), where people prepare offerings to the moon and eat round tsukimi dango, or rice dumplings. In Korea, this full moon is celebrated as Chuseok, which is one of Korea’s most major holidays, similar to Thanksgiving. People travel back to their hometowns for reunions with their family and tend to their ancestors’ graves. Traditional activities include exchanging gifts, playing folk games, drinking rice wine, and eating songpyeon, which is a rice cake shaped like a half-moon.

For most of the cultures that celebrate variants of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the desserts eaten during this festival are made using fruits, nuts, and grains harvested during this season. Similarly, the Full Harvest Moon is called the Nut Moon by the Cherokee tribes, who gather all sorts of nuts to make nut bread, which is eaten during harvest festivals such as the Ripe Corn Festival. During this moon, Native American tribes pay respects to Mother Earth for her generosity in providing food for her children, including corn and other staple foods.

Chinese communities, on the other hand, spend the Mid-Autumn Festival worshipping the Moon Goddess, Chang’e. According to legends about Chang’e, there used to be ten suns in the sky, which caused drought and suffering throughout the land. Houyi, a talented archer, shot down nine of the suns to save the world, and was rewarded with the position of emperor. Unfortuantely, he later became a malevolent tyrant, obsessed with the search for an immortality pill. In order to protect the common folk from being ruled over forever by a cruel emperor, his wife Chang’e stole the elixir of immortality from him during the full moon of the eighth lunar month. Enraged, Houyi chased after Chang’e, who swallowed the elixir to prevent Houyi from taking it. As a result, Chang’e became a deity herself and flew away to the moon, where she lives in a Moon Palace with her companion the Jade Rabbit, who pounds herbs in a pestle to help her create the elixir of immortality. Appropriately, the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program is named after Chang’e.

[thanks Ian Sanders]

[hepmansspaceblog]

Chinese Lunar Exploration Program.

Danke, Ben0610!

[brightkidschineseschool]

Top Bilingual Chinese Classes in Forest Hill and Middle Village for Kids of All Ages

In today’s interconnected world, being bilingual is more than just a skill — it’s a gateway to cultural richness and expanded career opportunities. Among the languages gaining remarkable popularity in New York communities is Chinese. For families living in Queens, particularly in areas like Middle Village and Forest Hill, there’s been a growing interest in bilingual Chinese classes in Middle Village and the top bilingual Chinese classes in Forest Hill. These classes not only help children embrace a new language but also immerse them in one of the world’s oldest and most dynamic cultures.

The Rise of Bilingual Education in New York’s Suburbs

Parents in the Forest Hill and Middle Village neighborhoods have shown increased interest in giving their children a competitive edge by introducing them to Mandarin Chinese. The demand has led to the rise of several reputable institutions offering Chinese schools for kids in Forest Hill and bilingual Chinese classes in Middle Village. These schools blend language instruction with cultural education, helping young learners grasp not just vocabulary and grammar, but also traditions, stories, songs, and values rooted in Chinese heritage.

Benefits of Enrolling in Bilingual Chinese Programs

Why are parents so eager to join the top bilingual Chinese school in Forest Hill? Because the benefits go far beyond language fluency. Studies show that children who learn a second language at an early age exhibit improved cognitive skills, better problem-solving abilities, and higher academic performance across multiple subjects. When you choose one of the top bilingual Chinese classes in Forest Hill, your child isn't just learning to speak another language — they’re developing a versatile brain and an open worldview.

Moreover, Chinese schools for kids in Forest Hill often incorporate activities like calligraphy, Chinese dance, traditional holidays, and music, creating a well-rounded curriculum that inspires creativity and global citizenship.

Why Middle Village and Forest Hill Are Ideal Locations

If you're located in Queens, the neighborhoods of Middle Village and Forest Hill offer a wonderful balance of community feel and educational resources. Bilingual Chinese classes in Middle Village have gained attention for their personalized approach and small class sizes, allowing each child to receive the support they need.

Meanwhile, the top bilingual Chinese classes in Forest Hill attract families from diverse backgrounds who value quality education and cultural integration. The schools here often employ native-speaking teachers trained in both language education and early childhood development, ensuring that your child’s linguistic journey is both effective and enjoyable.

Cultural Immersion Through Language

Another reason to join the top bilingual Chinese school in Forest Hill is the emphasis on cultural immersion. These schools believe that language cannot be taught in isolation. Therefore, their curriculum includes interactive cultural experiences, from celebrating Lunar New Year to exploring Chinese folklore. This hands-on exposure helps children connect emotionally with the language, making learning more engaging and impactful.

Many Chinese schools for kids in Forest Hill also partner with local Chinese cultural organizations, host events for families, and encourage community engagement. This kind of involvement fosters a deeper appreciation for Chinese traditions and builds lasting friendships among students and families.

Parental Involvement and Community Support

Parents who enroll their children in bilingual Chinese classes in Middle Village or top bilingual Chinese classes in Forest Hill often find themselves welcomed into a supportive community. Schools frequently host workshops and events to help parents understand the learning process and continue language exposure at home. Whether you're a native Chinese speaker or someone entirely new to the language, you'll feel encouraged to participate in your child’s educational journey.

The strength of parental involvement also plays a role in the growing reputation of these programs. Families share glowing testimonials about how these schools have transformed their children into confident, culturally aware, and bilingual individuals.

Tailored Learning for Different Age Groups

Whether you have a preschooler, a kindergartener, or a school-age child, there are Chinese schools for kids in Forest Hill and bilingual Chinese classes in Middle Village designed to meet your child’s developmental needs. Programs typically range from toddler language exploration sessions to structured academic classes for older children.

Some of the top bilingual Chinese classes in Forest Hill also offer weekend and after-school programs, making it convenient for busy families. These flexible schedules ensure that learning can be part of your child’s routine without interfering with other school or extracurricular commitments.

How to Choose the Right Program

When you decide to join the top bilingual Chinese school in Forest Hill, it’s important to look beyond just the curriculum. Consider the qualifications of the instructors, the teacher-student ratio, the classroom environment, and how well the program integrates culture with language. The best programs in Forest Hill and Middle Village prioritize a balanced and joyful approach to education.

Ask for a trial class or attend an open house. Talk to other parents whose children are enrolled in Chinese schools for kids in Forest Hill or bilingual Chinese classes in Middle Village. First-hand experiences can help you assess the quality and fit of a program for your child.

A Future-Ready Investment

Learning Chinese is not just a short-term educational activity; it's a long-term investment in your child's future. With China playing a major role in global economics and politics, proficiency in Mandarin will open doors in diplomacy, international business, and cultural exchange. Choosing one of the top bilingual Chinese classes in Forest Hill now could pave the way for scholarships, study abroad programs, and elite career opportunities down the line.

[mindblowingscience]

China on Friday launched a lunar probe to land on the far side of the moon and return with samples that could provide insights into differences between the less-explored region and the better-known near side. It is the latest advance in China's increasingly sophisticated space exploration program, which is now competing with the U.S., still the leader in space. China also has a three-member crew on its own orbiting space station and aims to put astronauts on the moon by 2030. Three Chinese lunar probe missions are planned over the next four years.

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[hauntedwhispersheart]

While there isn't a specific agreement or program explicitly focused on Russian-Chinese spaceship collaboration to check solar flares, there is a general trend of increased space cooperation between the two countries. This cooperation covers various aspects, including launch vehicle technologies, space debris monitoring, and joint lunar exploration. The 2013-2017 China-Russia Space Cooperation Agreement, and subsequent agreements in 2018 and 2021, demonstrate this broader partnership. 

China-Russia Space Cooperation: Implications of a Growing ...

Apr 25, 2023 — China and Russia signed an agreement on space debris monitoring and data exchange in November 2018. ... Technical coop...



CNA | National Security Analysis



COMPETING IN SPACE

In 2022, Iran launched a second military satellite, tested a new IRGC launch vehicle, and received the Khayyam remote sensing sate...



Space Operations Command (SpOC) (.mil)



China-Russia Space Cooperation: The Strategic, Military, Diplomatic ...

May 8, 2023 — 2013-2017 China-Russia Space Cooperation. Agreement. Beginning in 2013, China-Russia space cooperation began to be gove...



Air University (af.edu)



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[sibi007]

The Moon: A Timeless Companion in the Night Sky

For millennia, the Moon has captivated humanity. It has served as a guiding light for travelers, inspired poets and lovers, and played a crucial role in our understanding of the universe. Whether viewed through the lens of science or mythology, the Moon remains one of the most enchanting celestial bodies.

A Scientific Marvel

The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite and the fifth largest moon in the solar system. It plays a significant role in stabilizing our planet’s axial tilt, which affects climate and seasons. Additionally, its gravitational pull influences ocean tides, creating a delicate balance essential for many forms of life.

Scientists believe the Moon formed about 4.5 billion years ago, likely from debris left over after a massive collision between Earth and a Mars-sized body. Its surface, marked by craters, mountains, and vast plains called maria, tells a story of cosmic impacts and volcanic activity.

A Cultural and Mythological Icon

Throughout history, cultures across the world have revered the Moon. In Greek mythology, Selene was the goddess of the Moon, while the Chinese legend of Chang’e speaks of a woman who ascended to the Moon, where she resides with a jade rabbit. Many Indigenous cultures also attribute spiritual significance to lunar cycles, using them to guide agricultural and ritual practices.

The Moon has also been a source of artistic inspiration, appearing in countless works of poetry, music, and literature. From Shakespeare’s verses to Van Gogh’s paintings, its luminous presence continues to stir human imagination.

Humanity’s Journey to the Moon

In 1969, the Apollo 11 mission marked a turning point in history when Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the Moon, uttering the famous words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Since then, space agencies have continued to explore the Moon, with plans to establish a sustainable human presence in the coming decades.

The Moon’s Future

As technology advances, lunar exploration is entering a new era. Missions like NASA’s Artemis program aim to return astronauts to the Moon, paving the way for deeper space exploration. Scientists are also investigating the possibility