nerding-out-w-john

[nerding-out-w-john]

Hello everyone, another question compilation by EOS. Between the rig fire, the landslide and Fischler... well :|

If anyone asks I am in fact well rested.

Johnny! I have a question! How does the Big Green Brick fly despite not really being an aircraft but a Big Green Brick with backwards wings? Thank you in advance, Genuinely Interested Anonymous Fan

While I can't reveal too many details regarding the construction of any of the Thunderbirds, I can say that despite the stockiness of TB2 and the wing design, there is an ingenious quirk of aerodynamics that occurs at the higher altitudes we use to ensure there is no issues with flight paths in an emergency. Brains has been a weather enthusiast as long as I've known him and although his particular genius lies in engineering, he is also likely the world expert on atmospheric dynamics.*

( @scramjettracy )

Best quality each of your brothers possesses? - Anonymous

Each of my brothers have many qualities that I admire, and it's difficult to choose any as "best", as were they to lack any quality, good or bad, they wouldn't be themselves anymore. Nonetheless, I'll give it a go.

Scott has faith. Yes, he has faith in himself, but it's more than that. He has faith that we'll stand by his side, that we'll tell him when he's wrong. He has faith in humanity, in choices offered to those that I wouldn't necessarily agree would deserve them. Scott is our leader, not because he's the oldest, not because Dad put iR in his hands, but because he has so much faith in what we do that it makes all of us believe in it too.

Virgil has perception. We joke that he's a mind reader because he always seems to know when we need him, but truthfully, he's just paying attention to everything, quietly observing and taking it all in. He can step back and see the big picture, make connections none of use would have thought of while we're all concerned with the details. He knows who is scared beneath their anger, he knows who is staying brave in the face of injury, because Virgil sees people, he sees the situation, and he can perceive what is needed. He reminds us of the vision we made together, to help those in need and to make the world a safer place.

Gordon has kindness. Gordon is all about people, and his heart is just as prepared to love a thousand individuals he's never met as it is to love his family. In every action he takes, Gordon chooses to be kind every time, even when it makes no sense, even when he may get nothing in return. He is kind without thought, and he offers that freely to everyone he meets. I have yet to convince him that I do not need the kindness of his pranks. Even if it did make me smile to find another family of ducks hidden behind the toaster today. (EOS say 37 ducks to go)

Alan has an open mind. He's willing to learn, eager to grow, yes, but crucially he will listen to other people's ideas, their plans, their reasoning, before he acts. I know he has doubts about his abilities at times, but this has never been a quality linked to insecurity, and it has only ever been a strength. Alan takes care in his decisions when he considers them to be important, he takes on advice and weighs it and I know with more experience and confidence, that skill will only grow.

[nerding-out-w-john]

Hi. :~|

♤ ☆•~ shadow ~•☆ ♤

I suppose I'll introduce myself. I'm Kayo - Tan or Tin-Tin to my brothers on occasion - and I'm the Chief of Security for International Rescue. I'm not as fond of the limelight as my brothers, but a certain @thunderfledgeling persuaded me to make an appearance, so here I am.

Not too sure what I'll be talking about here; it'll likely be a mix of anything that's on my mind at the moment.

Feel free to ask any questions you might have about me, what I do in my spare time, my role in iR, what life on the island is like, or anything else you're curious about. I'm full of surprises, so expect the unexpected.

☆◇☆◇☆◇☆◇☆◇☆◇☆◇☆◇☆◇☆◇☆◇☆

Hello! this is Cora, the maniac who runs this RP blog as well as @tanushakyrano (despite the name, it's my regular thunderbirds fan account!) and @toboddly (my main, where I'll follow from) . as far as I can tell nobody else has made a Kayo RP blog so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon. Feel free to interact, ask questions and all that!

I'll figure out how I'll organise this blog eventually and update this post but for the minute I'll just say hello :)

[nerding-out-w-john]

Best quality each of your brothers possesses?

Your scariest moment working on TB5/for iR?

It would be inaccurate to say I don't think about the scary moments that have occurred, although I prefer not to dwell upon them. Every moment of fear is an indication of an unknown factor, of a space where more information is required, where planning must be more careful, and the situation needs to be reviewed to determine how to avoid such circumstances in the future. If we have enough information, we can control the environment and unknown factors become known to us, eliminating the need for fear.

There have been plenty of moments that have required such review. What comes to mind is this: The solar flare that damaged Thunderbird Three's circuits indicated the need to incorporate greater research regarding our Sun's magnetic field into our systems and predictive model. This complex field is well studied, but requires more funding and opportunities to collaborate. The lack of information about how to predict solar activity stranded one person, and nearly killed Alan and Kayo.

I've never been more scared in my life, knowing I'd sent them into a situation with so many unknowns. Knowing that if they didn't return, that it had been my call.

I don't want to dwell on this any more.

[nerding-out-w-john]

... because the emergency alert went off. Remember Gordon, every time you're annoyed because the alarm interrupted your [swimming / nap / date / hot dog], it first interrupted me. And my cheeseburger.

:|

I know this is a weak question compared to the previous ones from others, but I'm curious.

How does TB5 work? Not as in systems 'n stuff, but as in where do you sleep, are the toilets space ones or normal ones, do you have a shower and if yes, how. Do you eat anything other than bagels?

Sorry for the long, kinda weird question, and have a nice day!

(also eh... you wouldn't mind sending someone over to uh... get me out of this sinkhole, right? Wouldn't wanna be a bother, just eh.. asking...)

-🍞

Thank you for your message 🍞.

It's important to direct all calls to an appropriate emergency line when needed - please do not use this channel to request assistance. I trust that the sinkhole you referenced is related to the situation attended by International Rescue earlier this week and your rescue was satisfactory.

On this note, I have been informed that the end-of-year report requires satisfaction statistics so please rate our services on a 5 point scale, with 1 indicating some improvement needed and 5 indicating you were rescued from your situation.

I have pointed out that there is some sampling bias in this kind of survey, since only those who survive these events unscathed are likely to leave a rating, and have been thusly informed that my protests are "unnecessarily morbid" and "indicate something is deeply wrong with [my] psyche".

...

With regards to your questions regarding TB5, I can inform you that I have access to all basic amenities including sleeping quarters, bathrooms, and yes... a shower. The water is directed in jets that provides the appropriate force so the stream may be directed temporarily even when the gravity ring is not engaged, but I must say, I do prefer showering when the ring is employed. If this is not possible due to scheduled maintenance, a simple washcloth will suffice, and if there is an emergency resulting in the gravity ring being damaged, I have more important considerations than showering, I can assure you.

Finally, yes I eat food other than bagels. Unfortunately, the cheeseburgers Virgil sends are usually cold when they reach me, so it's better as a meal option on Earth.

[nerding-out-w-john]

Hi john eeeeek! I’ve asked ur brothers and got differing answers so thought I’d ask u. Do u want to get married or stay a rich single Thunderbird? If not u, what one of ur brothers is getting married first?

Bri here - not calling you out specifically anon, but just to be clear for those who did not read the info page linked in my welcome post:

[nerding-out-w-john]

EOS, play the archive footage

thanks @ilikebigshipsandicannotlie, the effort was appreciated

I know this is a weak question compared to the previous ones from others, but I'm curious.

How does TB5 work? Not as in systems 'n stuff, but as in where do you sleep, are the toilets space ones or normal ones, do you have a shower and if yes, how. Do you eat anything other than bagels?

Sorry for the long, kinda weird question, and have a nice day!

(also eh... you wouldn't mind sending someone over to uh... get me out of this sinkhole, right? Wouldn't wanna be a bother, just eh.. asking...)

-🍞

Thank you for your message 🍞.

It's important to direct all calls to an appropriate emergency line when needed - please do not use this channel to request assistance. I trust that the sinkhole you referenced is related to the situation attended by International Rescue earlier this week and your rescue was satisfactory.

On this note, I have been informed that the end-of-year report requires satisfaction statistics so please rate our services on a 5 point scale, with 1 indicating some improvement needed and 5 indicating you were rescued from your situation.

I have pointed out that there is some sampling bias in this kind of survey, since only those who survive these events unscathed are likely to leave a rating, and have been thusly informed that my protests are "unnecessarily morbid" and "indicate something is deeply wrong with [my] psyche".

...

With regards to your questions regarding TB5, I can inform you that I have access to all basic amenities including sleeping quarters, bathrooms, and yes... a shower. The water is directed in jets that provides the appropriate force so the stream may be directed temporarily even when the gravity ring is not engaged, but I must say, I do prefer showering when the ring is employed. If this is not possible due to scheduled maintenance, a simple washcloth will suffice, and if there is an emergency resulting in the gravity ring being damaged, I have more important considerations than showering, I can assure you.

Finally, yes I eat food other than bagels. Unfortunately, the cheeseburgers Virgil sends are usually cold when they reach me, so it's better as a meal option on Earth.

[nerding-out-w-john]

"yeitjout"

I know this is a weak question compared to the previous ones from others, but I'm curious.

How does TB5 work? Not as in systems 'n stuff, but as in where do you sleep, are the toilets space ones or normal ones, do you have a shower and if yes, how. Do you eat anything other than bagels?

Sorry for the long, kinda weird question, and have a nice day!

(also eh... you wouldn't mind sending someone over to uh... get me out of this sinkhole, right? Wouldn't wanna be a bother, just eh.. asking...)

-🍞

Thank you for your message 🍞.

It's important to direct all calls to an appropriate emergency line when needed - please do not use this channel to request assistance. I trust that the sinkhole you referenced is related to the situation attended by International Rescue earlier this week and your rescue was satisfactory.

On this note, I have been informed that the end-of-year report requires satisfaction statistics so please rate our services on a 5 point scale, with 1 indicating some improvement needed and 5 indicating you were rescued from your situation.

I have pointed out that there is some sampling bias in this kind of survey, since only those who survive these events unscathed are likely to leave a rating, and have been thusly informed that my protests are "unnecessarily morbid" and "indicate something is deeply wrong with [my] psyche".

...

With regards to your questions regarding TB5, I can inform you that I have access to all basic amenities including sleeping quarters, bathrooms, and yes... a shower. The water is directed in jets that provides the appropriate force so the stream may be directed temporarily even when the gravity ring is not engaged, but I must say, I do prefer showering when the ring is employed. If this is not possible due to scheduled maintenance, a simple washcloth will suffice, and if there is an emergency resulting in the gravity ring being damaged, I have more important considerations than showering, I can assure you.

Finally, yes I eat food other than bagels. Unfortunately, the cheeseburgers Virgil sends are usually cold when they reach me, so it's better as a meal option on Earth.

[nerding-out-w-john]

I know this is a weak question compared to the previous ones from others, but I'm curious.

How does TB5 work? Not as in systems 'n stuff, but as in where do you sleep, are the toilets space ones or normal ones, do you have a shower and if yes, how. Do you eat anything other than bagels?

Sorry for the long, kinda weird question, and have a nice day!

(also eh... you wouldn't mind sending someone over to uh... get me out of this sinkhole, right? Wouldn't wanna be a bother, just eh.. asking...)

-🍞

Thank you for your message 🍞.

It's important to direct all calls to an appropriate emergency line when needed - please do not use this channel to request assistance. I trust that the sinkhole you referenced is related to the situation attended by International Rescue earlier this week and your rescue was satisfactory.

On this note, I have been informed that the end-of-year report requires satisfaction statistics so please rate our services on a 5 point scale, with 1 indicating some improvement needed and 5 indicating you were rescued from your situation.

I have pointed out that there is some sampling bias in this kind of survey, since only those who survive these events unscathed are likely to leave a rating, and have been thusly informed that my protests are "unnecessarily morbid" and "indicate something is deeply wrong with [my] psyche".

...

With regards to your questions regarding TB5, I can inform you that I have access to all basic amenities including sleeping quarters, bathrooms, and yes... a shower. The water is directed in jets that provides the appropriate force so the stream may be directed temporarily even when the gravity ring is not engaged, but I must say, I do prefer showering when the ring is employed. If this is not possible due to scheduled maintenance, a simple washcloth will suffice, and if there is an emergency resulting in the gravity ring being damaged, I have more important considerations than showering, I can assure you.

Finally, yes I eat food other than bagels. Unfortunately, the cheeseburgers Virgil sends are usually cold when they reach me, so it's better as a meal option on Earth.

[nerding-out-w-john]

Hi! Welcome to Tumblr!!!

My question is - do you have a favourite star or constellation (or other celestial body)?

But . . . I really hope that at some point you will consider explaining a bit about the different types of orbit (low earth orbit, geostationary, polar . . .etc).

Thanks!!

Thank you for the welcome :) I have to admit it is... nice to have a new way to connect with people on my downtime.

A favourite star or constellation... Of course, if we were to consider all the celestial bodies I wouldn't have the time to discuss them all. So many fascinating examples of astronomy, with so much to teach us about our universe.

It's odd then, how stars get tied so closely to stories, and to home. It was Scott who taught me to find north using the stars, a new badge on his scout uniform. Dad told me about how stars look different in space, how the atmosphere creates ripples in their light, and I remember how badly I wanted to see it for myself. And it was Mom who told me the stories that could be found in the constellations. She collected them, told them to us to lull us to sleep.

My favourite was her version of Capricornus. She told me that it told the story of the father of the sea-goats, Pricus. His children were curious, wanting to explore the world, and more importantly the land. But Pricus knew that to explore the land meant the tails that helped them swim in the sea would be sacrificed and they would be separated from him forever. He had the power over time, and turned back the clock again and again, drawing his children near every time they came too close to the shore. When he eventually came to understand he couldn't keep his children safe and close by forever, he asked Chronos to make him mortal so he could mourn the loss of his children but not endure it forever. Instead, Chronos set him in the sky, where he could watch over his children from afar.

Mom used to say that's what Dad was doing on his trips, watching us from afar.

Capricornus was always my favourite because of that. Nowadays, I know I can't turn back time and keep her close anymore than Pricus could. But if she's watching over me, it'd be with him.

Oh and EOS is badgering me to say she likes Scorpius best.

Further reading:

https://www.universetoday.com/19825/constellation-capricornus/

https://greekgodsandgoddesses.net/gods/pricus/

[nerding-out-w-john]

Sounds about the right amount of time to me. I have time scheduled on Earth again in March - Brains and I need to complete our annual checks of life support systems.

I haven't forgotten the last time you "volunteered" for monitor duty either *squints* I'm still finding ducks in odd places. EOS says there are 42 still unaccounted for on board.

Welcome to my John Tracy RP Blog!

Chances are, you've caught me mid-rescue operation, but EOS is filtering and compiling questions on my behalf so that when I have a moment I can respond.

Please send me questions about physics, space, life on TB5, and whatever nerdiness your heart desires!

[Info and Disclaimers] [Tags]

Open to interaction with canon character RP blogs and non-RP blogs.

Check in with me by DM over on @tracybirds if you want to interact via an original character RP blog first :)

I see my friends, you get ONE question about TB5's orbit. Once I've struck this through, I'm ignoring the rest lol <3

[nerding-out-w-john]

*sigh*

Yes, Gordon, I did. What's the point of making a schedule if none of you read it?

Scott, you can survive 2.5 weeks without my presence, I promise you....

Welcome to my John Tracy RP Blog!

Chances are, you've caught me mid-rescue operation, but EOS is filtering and compiling questions on my behalf so that when I have a moment I can respond.

Please send me questions about physics, space, life on TB5, and whatever nerdiness your heart desires!

[Info and Disclaimers] [Tags]

Open to interaction with canon character RP blogs and non-RP blogs.

Check in with me by DM over on @tracybirds if you want to interact via an original character RP blog first :)

I see my friends, you get ONE question about TB5's orbit. Once I've struck this through, I'm ignoring the rest lol <3

[nerding-out-w-john]

Thank you EOS, for compiling the following questions while International Rescue had to contend with a sinkhole. Remember to stay calm in an emergency, and always follow the instructions of the trained responders who have a much better understanding of the situation at hand.

@idontknowreallywhy asked:

Aaaaah since I can’t ask about orbits… can I ask about time travel? What are your thoughts, Professor Tracy?

Time is one of the most fundamental physical phenomena in the universe... and one of the most poorly understood.

The first glimpse of this is in how we define time. Defining time is inherently self-referential; in order to define say, a second, we must assume that there is a regularity in the frequency of some event. Technically, the units of time measure time intervals, not time itself.

Next we can consider what happens to time in special relativity; for all intents and purposes "time" slows down the fast you go. This is the effect of time dilation. One could easily take the perspective that the Twin Paradox describes a real event of time travel.

When considering general relativity, time becomes intrinsically linked to the dimensions of space with the well known description of spacetime. The concept of our universe being apart of a four dimensional continuum has reshaped our understanding of the physical properties that underlie it, and time itself, not time intervals, or duration, or events, but time is a part of that.

Finally, we come back to how we define time, not by time itself but by the events that occur within time. If there is no exchange of energy, no physical events to measure against, is time still real? Does time still pass in the context of the heat death of the universe? Does time cease to exist if there is no way to measure change? Or does it endure as a physical phenomena, the way the fundamental forces of the universe will?

To navigate time is to experience change. We travel in time every day, in the only way we know how, forwards and onwards.

Further reading:

The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

https://www.nist.gov/si-redefinition/second-introduction

https://energywavetheory.com/spacetime/

@surfingsquido asked:

So tell me, Professor Tracy, what’s your favourite alien?

Gordon, I know you just want a shout out for being a part of the group that documented the first instance of life outside our planet. Of course the Europaanian Lucillia is my favourite alien, it's the most significant astrobiological discovery to date, and I'm proud of the part you and Alan had to play in that.

[nerding-out-w-john]

Scott, you might have dragged me onto this "hellsite" as Gordon calls it, but the madness will be kept to a minimum.

And you see me every day, there's no need to miss me. I posted my Earth schedule last week, and no I will not be accepting the changes you keep suggesting on the document - it was a final copy, not a draft.

Welcome to my John Tracy RP Blog!

Chances are, you've caught me mid-rescue operation, but EOS is filtering and compiling questions on my behalf so that when I have a moment I can respond.

Please send me questions about physics, space, life on TB5, and whatever nerdiness your heart desires!

[Info and Disclaimers] [Tags]

Open to interaction with canon character RP blogs and non-RP blogs.

Check in with me by DM over on @tracybirds if you want to interact via an original character RP blog first :)

I see my friends, you get ONE question about TB5's orbit. Once I've struck this through, I'm ignoring the rest lol <3

[nerding-out-w-john]

this is the obligatory tb5 orbit question. pls explain, mr tracy

Please Mr Mustachious, Mr Tracy was my father.

Being asked to an explain an orbit seems to be an excellent place to start our discussion of physics. Orbital mechanics is an important subject these days, as the exosphere grows more and more crowded with expeditions for commerce and pleasure becoming more accessible. The doorstep of space is no longer just for the scientists or adventurers, and as a result more and more objects join TB5 in orbit every day.

How do orbits occur? People will blithely describe them as motion where you're continuously falling towards Earth, but what does that mean? Here we need to understand the cause of motion - forces.

Sir Isaac Newton was one of those who described the so called Laws of Motion, and in this he described a vital aspect of physics; that a change in motion would only occur if a force were applied to it. In physics, we will refer to any change in motion as an acceleration. If you speed up? A force is acting on you causing acceleration (see Figure 1a). If you slow down? A force is acting on you causing acceleration (see Figure 1b). If you change direction? A force is acting on you causing acceleration (see Figure 1c).

The type of acceleration depends on the difference in direction of the force and the direction of the velocity.

Figure 1: Demonstrating different types of acceleration caused by forces.

Now we must consider the motion of an ORBIT. As we know, an orbit involves an object constantly changing direction as it circles a planet. So we know that TB5 must be subject to two physical phenomena - first it must have a forward velocity, and second it must have a force acting on it to change the direction of its motion as it orbits.

That force is the gravitational force which pulls TB5 down towards the Earth, hence the descriptor of an orbit being "falling", and the velocity is supplied by the initial engine thrust when TB5 was first launched (see Figure 2). In space there is very little friction (another force!) to counteract this forward velocity and slow down TB5, so there is no need for continuous engines onboard and fuel consumption is minimised. Fuel instead is utilised for the ever important life support and computer systems.

Figure 2: The gravitational force (blue) acting on TB5 at various positions about its orbit, shown alongside its velocity (red).

As you've seen before, TB5 is capable of propulsion, and indeed changing orbits. This is where good communication with space agencies, space companies and more becomes vital. Any change in orbit by any craft comes with a collision risk if the orbital mechanics are improperly calculated. All movements must be lodged with the Space Division of the GDF and any violation incurs maximum penalties of $5,000,000 in fines, 3 years imprisonment, and suspension of space licenses. No persons or corporation have even been sentenced with their license to operate in space being permanently revoked.... yet.

[nerding-out-w-john]

Welcome to my John Tracy RP Blog!

Chances are, you've caught me mid-rescue operation, but EOS is filtering and compiling questions on my behalf so that when I have a moment I can respond.

Please send me questions about physics, space, life on TB5, and whatever nerdiness your heart desires!

[Info and Disclaimers] [Tags]

Open to interaction with canon character RP blogs and non-RP blogs.

Check in with me by DM over on @tracybirds if you want to interact via an original character RP blog first :)

I see my friends, you get ONE question about TB5's orbit. Once I've struck this through, I'm ignoring the rest lol <3