#Dimension measuring instruments

[testingservicesusa]

Essential Dimensional Measurement Tools for Quality Control

In the manufacturing and engineering pulling process, Quality control (QC) plays a very significant role in that it is responsive to the standards and quality of the products to be manufactured. Emulsed within this process is dimensional measurement, which involves confirming the correct size, shape, and dimension of the various parts and components. Dimensional measurement tools are widely used in any industry that requires precision and quality, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics. This article will discuss some of the basic dimensional measurement instruments that help in sustaining quality standards.

1. Calipers Calipers are general-purpose instruments used for measuring thickness, width, depth, inside and outside diameters, and other dimensions with a fair degree of precision. There are three primary types of calipers: vernier, dial, and digital. Vernier calipers need a professional hand to read the measurements, which involves reading a scale. Dial calipers have a dial that has the measurements while the digital ones have an electronic display and can be switched between metric and imperial.

2. Micrometers Micrometers are other measuring instruments, which are widely used in the given field. They are suitable for use when taking measurements of small dimensions that need a lot of precision. A micrometer is an instrument that has a calibrated screw with a spindle that either slides towards or away from a stationary anvil. When the screw is rotated, the users can get very accurate readings normally with an error margin of about ± 0.001mm.

The different types of micrometers are outside micrometers for outside dimensions, inside micrometers for inside dimensions, and depth micrometers for depth. Digital micrometers have other advantages including an electronic readout and the capacity to store or transfer data. Micrometers are the most common choice where pieces need to be produced to very specific standards as in aerospace or medical fields.

3. Height Gauges Height gauges are employed for measuring the heights of objects and for scribing points on a workpiece at specific heights. Usually used in quality control and inspection departments, these are set on a granite surface plate to minimize any vibration. A height gauge is an instrument that has a sliding measuring head that can be slid up and down a vertical beam to get the height relative to the surface of the plate.

Modern height gauges may have digital readouts and can be set up to perform a particular quality control function. It is often utilized to measure the height, flatness, and perpendicularity of parts and therefore it is a very important tool in industries.

4. Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) Coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) are sophisticated and fully automated instruments employed in industries that require high accuracy in the measurement of the geometric properties of an object. CMMs can be used in contact or non-contact form depending on the application. Contact CMMs employ a probe that comes into contact with the object to make the measurements while non-contact CMMs employ laser or optical scanning.

CMMs are used to measure any surface and geometry of an object and are very useful in measuring objects such as engine parts or turbine blades. Because of their accuracy and flexibility, CMMs are widely used in QC laboratories to offer precise 3D dimensions and dimensional control. Despite being more expensive than simple tools such as a caliper, CMMs have high accuracy and can record data to be reviewed later for quality assurance.

5. Surface Plates While surface plates themselves are not measuring instruments, they are used to improve the accuracy of dimensional measurement. Constructed from granite or cast iron, surface plates are flat and stable in temperature, and can support height gauges and CMMs. In quality control surface plates are used to check the flatness, squareness, and parallelism of the workpieces.

6. Optical Comparators Optical comparators are devices that are used to make a part image and project it on a screen so that the inspector can compare it with a master model. These devices are especially helpful for measuring the workpiece profile and edge of shapes such as gears and cams and other shaped workpieces or machined parts. Since the part is compared to a standard overlay, deviations are easily seen and therefore, optical comparators are suitable for quality control in production lines.

Conclusion Quality control across industries requires dimensional measurement tools. When it comes to using tools such as calipers and micrometers, CMMs, and optical comparators they are essential when it comes to determining the quality of products to be produced. This paper aims to establish that by choosing the right tools and ensuring that they are well-maintained, manufacturers can improve their quality control, minimize wastage, and produce quality products in the market.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: The Five-Factor Model of Personality

Culture is transmitted to people through language, as well as through social norms which establish acceptable and unacceptable behaviors which are then rewarded or punished (Henrich, 2016; Triandis & Suh, 2002).

With an increased understanding of cultural learning, psychologists have become interested in the role of culture in understanding personality.

The 5 Personality Traits According to this Model

OPENNESS TO EXPERIENCE

Refers to a person's imagination, feelings, actions, ideas

LOW score: More likely to be practical, conventional, prefer routine

HIGH score: More likely to be curious, have a wide range of interests, be independent

CONSCIENTIOUSNESS

Competence, self-discipline, thoughtfulness, goal-driven

LOW: Impulsive, careless, disorganized

HIGH: Hardworking, dependable, organized

EXTROVERSION

Sociability, assertiveness, emotional expression

LOW: Quiet, reserved, withdrawn

HIGH: Outgoing, warm, seeks adventure

AGREEABLENESS

Cooperative, trustworthy, good-natured

LOW: Critical, uncooperative, suspicious

HIGH: Helpful, trusting, empathetic

NEUROTICISM

Tendency toward unstable emotions

LOW: Calm, even-tempered, secure

HIGH: Anxious, unhappy, prone to negative emotions

Applicability

The idea that personality can be described and explained by five traits (OCEAN) has important implications, as does the fact that most personality tests were constructed and initially tested in Western countries.

Western ideas about personality may not apply to other cultures (Benet-Martinez & Oishi, 2008).

2 Main Cultural Approaches for Researching Personality

Etic traits - considered universal constructs that are evident across cultures and represent a biological bases of human personality. If the Big Five are universal then they should appear across all cultures (McCrae and Allik, 2002).

Emic traits - constructs unique to each culture and are determined by local customs, thoughts, beliefs, and characteristics. If personality traits are unique to individual cultures then different traits should appear in different cultures.

Using an Etic Framework

Cross cultural research of personality uses an etic framework and researchers must ensure equivalence of the personality test through validation testing.

The instrument must include equivalence in meaning, as well as demonstrate validity and reliability (Matsumoto & Luang, 2013).

Example: The phrase feeling blue is used to describe sadness in Westernized cultures but does not translate to other languages.

Differences in personality across cultures could be due to real cultural differences, but they could also be consequences of poor translations, biased sampling, or differences in response styles across cultures (Schmitt, Allik, McCrae, & Benet-Martínez, 2007).

Personality Test/Measure Used: The NEO-PI

Most of the cross-cultural research on the Five-Factor Model (FFM) and Big Five (OCEAN) has been done using the NEO-PI (and its subsequent revisions; i.e., it is an assessment tool developed to measure the 5 dimensions of personality according to the FFM) which has demonstrated equivalence, reliability and validity across several cross-cultural studies (Costa & McCrae, 1987; McCrae, Costa & Martin, 2005).

Research using the NEO-PI found support for the entire Five-Factor Model in Chinese, Dutch, Italian, Hungarian, German, Australian, South African, Canadian, Finnish, Polish, Portuguese, Israeli, Korean, Japanese, and Filipino samples, in addition to other samples (McCrae, Costa, Del Pilar, Rolland, & Parker, 1998).

NOTE

Personality tests rely on self-report which is susceptible to response bias like socially desirability responding.

To evaluate this possibility, McCrae and colleagues (2005) recruited students from 50 cultural groups and modified the NEO-PI to be in the third person (i.e., he, she, his, her):

The research participants were asked to complete the form on someone else that they knew very well (McCrae et al., 2005).

The same 5 factors emerged in this study.

These results provided empirical support for the FFM and for the use of self-report instruments when conducting cross-cultural personality research.

There was no reason for the students to respond in a desirable way because they were answering questions about someone else.

Sources: 1 2 ⚜ Writing Notes & References

[bardic-tales]

Day 16 | Day 18

31 days of FF 7 Headcanons: Day 17: Legacy and Future

Today we dive into the unraveling and reconstruction of Bianca Amara Moore: a woman who becomes a myth, a mother, and a monstrosity in equal measure. Far from a redemption arc, Bianca’s journey is one of calculated surrender, emotional warfare, and cosmic upheaval.

In this exploration of legacy, grief, and creation, we follow a villainess who chooses to transform rather than resist, becoming a force of entropy and rebirth in a universe that tried and failed to unmake her. What emerges is not a hero, but a sovereign entity whose love is terrifying, whose pain is generative, and whose will dares to reshape existence itself.

Possible Trigger Warnings: Abuse (emotional, physical, and psychological), body horror, child endangerment, coercive control, death of a loved one, existential dread, manipulation, medical experimentation, obsessive love, parental abuse, pregnancy under distress, PTSD, religious trauma, self-harm (implied), sexual trauma (non-explicit), suicide ideation (implied), torture, trauma bonding, war.

Bianca Amara Moore’s legacy is one forged in entropy and forged again in rebirth. As the Harbinger of Death and Rebirth, she does not aspire to be remembered as a hero or a savior. She seeks to be remembered as a force of inevitability, the axis upon which the old world shatters and the new one begins. Her legacy is destruction with intent: the annihilation of corrupted systems, of false gods and humanity, and of a universe that allowed her suffering. She envisions herself as the instrument that initiates a kilonova so that new existence can rise from the ashes.

This legacy is not meant for mortals to revere; it’s meant to be felt across time and dimensions, whispered in the breath of reborn stars and coded into the very DNA of the Rebirth of Creation that will follow.

Bianca's vision of the future is not the Promised Land. That is Sephiroth’s dream: an idealized world shaped by conquest and legacy. Bianca walks beside him not because she shares that dream, but because she has learned to survive within it. Her goal is something far more radical: the birth of a new Existence. This new Existence is one forged from collapse, stitched from grief, and rewritten in their own image. While Sephiroth sees rebirth as a means to ascend to godhood, Bianca sees it as the only way to escape the cruelty of the current order.

After being finally broken, Bianca allows herself to be remade by Sephiroth: not as a sign of weakness, but as a calculated surrender, a means of infiltrating the very core of Sephiroth’s ideology. Her transformation is not a tragedy of lost self, but a metamorphosis fueled by obsession, pain, and love twisted into something divine. To survive him, she becomes what he loves. But to surpass him, she becomes what he fears: a mother.

Her corrupted powers are not just tools of destruction, but instruments of genesis. From trauma, guilt, and grief, she births children imbued with fragments of the Remnants (Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo) and raw reality magic. They are not weapons. They are warnings. Living proof that her will, once hijacked by Sephiroth’s influence, has become a sovereign force.

And when Sephiroth trains them cruelly, it is not her devotion to him but her defiance that shakes the stars. Her protective wrath cracks the dreamscape. It is not beauty or submission that makes Sephiroth hesitate. It is her love, fierce and maternal, that forces him to evolve or face a celestial mother's wrath.

However, Bianca’s journey is not without resistance from within. Corrupted by shadow, pulsing with life-drain and spatial disruption, her powers threaten to destabilize her mind and body. The trauma carved into her by Hojo and Ravenscroft’s scalpels, Asmodeus’ cruelty, and the death of her first love Mordecai haunts her with each step. If she wasn't weak, she could have stopped Mordecai's death.

These wounds are both chains and catalysts. Her greatest challenge is maintaining control over the storm within, channeling it into purpose rather than letting it devour her. Yet in moments of clarity, especially through her bond with her children and Sephiroth, Bianca begins to believe that even ruin can be a cradle. That her fractured soul can shape futures, not just end them.

Ultimately, Bianca’s legacy will not be written in stone or sung in hymns. It will ripple through the Existence like a myth that refuses to die. Whether as a celestial blight, a misunderstood creator, or a cosmic mother of monstrosities, her essence will echo in every new reality born from her kilonova. She doesn’t seek to be remembered fondly. She wants to be remembered truthfully as the being who looked at a broken universe, bled for it, broke it, and then dared to love what came after. Her legacy, like her love for Sephiroth and their children, is not gentle, but it is eternal.

@themaradwrites @shepardstales @megandaisy9 @watermeezer

@prehistoric-creatures @creativechaosqueen @chickensarentcheap

@inkandimpressions @arrthurpendragon

[grey-sorcery]

Title: Mirrors: Portals and Uses

Recommended Reading

Altars: Uses & Design Dimensions & PlanesDualities in Witchcraft Researching Witchcraft Spiritwork: First Steps Basics of Spellcasting Basics of Warding Basics of Banishing Energy Work Fundamentals Intermediate Energy Work The Subtle Body The Wellsource Correspondences: Research, Creation, & Use

Please note that some information on this post comes from personal experience as well as conversations with my elders and other practitioners.

Introduction

Mirrors harbor a unique and paradoxical role, often existing at the intersection of clarity and obfuscation. Throughout the annals of history, these reflective surfaces have been the subject of mystic fascination and contemplation. Shrouded in a mysterious aura, mirrors are an integral component of various mystical practices across diverse cultures.

A seminal instance is observed within the African Yoruba tradition, where mirrors are emblematic of Oshun, the deity of beauty, love, and prosperity. Here, these reflective surfaces serve as conduits to divine insight, manifesting the ethereal into the perceptible. Parallel to this, in the indigenous cultures of the Amazonian Shipibo-Conibo people, mirrors - often represented by reflective surfaces of water - are perceived as gateways to understanding the complex layers of the universe, thus embodying a significant spiritual tool. Moreover, in many East Asian practices, mirrors carry deep symbolic significance and are fundamental in rituals aiming to ward off malevolent forces. Among the Ainu people of Japan, for instance, mirrors function as amulets, protecting the holder from supernatural harm.

Mirrors as Portals

A ubiquitous yet perplexing facet is the concept of mirrors functioning as portals. These reflective surfaces, more than mere decorative elements or vanity tools, hold a quintessential place in mystic and magical practice, extending beyond their ordinary use to become intermediaries between the unknown and the practitioner. Diving into the understanding of mirrors, one might read about their role as gateways. The duality of mirrors, both reflective and transparent, presents a tantalizing paradox: what they display isn't a mere reflection, but an alternate universe or spiritual plane. This dichotomy positions mirrors as a connective threshold, an aperture between the observable and the unknown, the physical and the mystical. Despite their allure, mirrors necessitate careful handling within a magical context. It is a common misconception that mirrors only function as portals during explicit rituals. However, their latent potential as conduits should not be overlooked. Consequently, it's paramount that mirrors remain shrouded or safeguarded within consecrated spaces to prevent inadvertent connections to unwelcome energies. Approaching this aspect with a measure of respect and precaution is instrumental in maintaining the equilibrium of such spaces.

Historically, the mirror's role as a portal is discernible across a myriad of cultural contexts. In Greek mythology, Narcissus fell victim to his reflection in a pool of water, demonstrating an early symbol of mirrors as deceptive portals to the ego. In Chinese folklore, the mythical creature Nüwa repaired the heavens using a seven-colored stone, comparable to a mirror, again associating these reflective surfaces with cosmic transitions.

Mirrors often represent truth, knowledge, and self-awareness, owing to their reflective properties. However, their potential as portals imbues them with added dimensions of mystery, transformation, and transition. The mirror, in this context, becomes a metaphor for change and personal evolution, presenting a liminal space where the known meets the unknown, thereby offering new possibilities and perspectives.

Given the energetic properties inherent in mirrors, they should always be treated as portals. Their constituent materials - silica and silver - interact in such a way that a subtle, yet potent, energetic field is generated, a field potentially capable of bridging multiple planes. To ensure safety, mirrors should be handled with respect and caution. They should be appropriately covered or warded when not in use, especially within sanctified spaces. It is also recommended to cleanse mirrors regularly to reset their energetic state and prevent any residual energies from accumulating.

Energetic Interactions & Metaphysics

Energetic Interactions

Amid the energetic symphony of the universe, each object reverberates its unique energetic signature, contributing to the collective composition. Mirrors, with their paradoxical and captivating nature, have often been the center of esoteric investigation. This intrigue is rooted not only in their physical attributes but also in their nuanced energetic interactions.

To comprehend the energetic interplay of mirrors, one must first examine the properties of its constituent components. Primarily, mirrors are composed of glass, a substance formed from the supercooling of molten silica into a quasicrystalline structure. Coating the back of this silica-based surface is a thin layer of reflective metal, usually aluminum or silver. 

Silica is very insulative, and negentropic, meaning that its natural energetic state eventually resets regardless of influence. It is also Attractive, meaning that it slowly pulls other energetic compounds to itself. Due to the quasicrystalline structure, glass is refractive and enthalpic, meaning that it becomes thermal under pressure- or releases energy. Silver is conductive and repulsive in nature. Due to how silver atoms prefer to arrange themselves (a face-centered cubic lattice) it also tends to be very metastable, meaning that its natural energetic state is not prone to change regardless of energetic interactions. Because the two are constantly next to each other, because of the silver backing, the negentropic nature of the silica causes an energetic cycle of attraction and repulsion, this oscillation combined with the conductive nature of silver and the entropic nature of glass generates a small energetic field. While this is normally negligible, it creates the perfect environment for the propagation of connections between spaces or planes that are out of phase with our own. 

The unique composition of mirrors implicates a distinct effect on the ambient energy. Mirrors, with their inherent vibrational resonance, can both pull and push energy, thereby influencing the surrounding energetic atmosphere. The capacity of mirrors to manipulate energy finds practical applications in the sphere of spellwork and energy transmutation. Through their reflective properties, mirrors can serve as effective tools in spells that involve redirection or amplification of energy. They can be used to create energetic boundaries, return energetic influences, or focus and multiply ambient energy and energetic projections. 

Common Metaphysics of Mirrors

The mirror, with its intrinsic capacity to reflect, serves as a potent symbol of the Jungian 'Shadow' - the hidden aspects of one's psyche that are often suppressed or ignored. Through the act of looking into a mirror, one is invited to confront and acknowledge these facets, facilitating a journey towards holistic self-awareness. The mirror, in this respect, catalyzes self-reflection and introspection, propelling an individual towards self-understanding and acceptance. Delving into the sphere of mirror magic uncovers its profound connection to personal transformation. The reflective nature of mirrors encapsulates the principle of change, embodying the potential for alteration and transformation. As such, mirror magic can be utilized as a tool for self-development and evolution, offering a means to focus energy towards constructive change. Beyond symbolism and transformation, the metaphysical properties of mirrors warrant exploration. Mirrors, by their construction and function, are potent energetic entities. The amalgamation of silica and metallic elements results in a unique vibrational resonance, enabling the mirror to absorb, store, and emit energy. This energetic characteristic, coupled with the mirror's reflective capacity, amplifies its metaphysical potency, making it an influential tool in various mystical practices. Moreover, the reflective nature of mirrors aligns them with the principle of 'as above, so below', a concept found in various esoteric traditions. This principle speaks to interconnectedness, suggesting that what occurs on one level of reality also happens on another. Mirrors could, therefore, serve as a solid physical replacement for any correspondence necessary.

Divination, Spells, & Ritual

In the enigmatic arena of divination, mirrors command a distinctive presence. Among various techniques, scrying - the act of gazing into a reflective surface to perceive spiritual messages - emerges as a common method of introspection and foreknowledge. This practice unfolds as a tripartite process, encompassing the scrying ritual, technique, and subsequent interpretation.

Scrying, an ancient form of divination, leverages the reflective properties of reflective surfaces, like mirrors, to delve into the psyche, unveil hidden knowledge, or prognosticate future events. This technique transcends conventional sensory perception, engaging instead with subconscious and/or spiritual entities. The mirror functions as a medium, harnessing and focusing the widened attention in order to project images or symbols onto the reflective surface. These visual constructs carry messages from the spiritual domain, providing insights that range from self-understanding to predictive revelations.

Techniques & Rituals for Scrying

Executing mirror scrying necessitates a meticulous approach. Often, the process commences with the preparation of the space and the individual. Creating a tranquil environment, devoid of disruptive elements, facilitates a deeper, unhindered connection with the spiritual plane. Personal preparation includes grounding and centering exercises to align the individual's energy with the ambient energy of the environment. They then place a light source between them and the reflective surface. Once prepared, the practitioner enters a meditative state, allowing their gaze to soften and unfocus while looking into the mirror. This passive observation invites subconscious impressions to surface and be displayed on the mirror. Maintaining an open mind and a receptive state is crucial, as the visions or symbols may not be immediately clear or might require subsequent interpretation.

Interpretation of Images & Symbols in Reflections

Post the scrying experience, the practitioner embarks on the task of interpreting the observed symbols or images. This phase is intrinsically subjective, as the significance of the symbols often rests within the personal context of the observer and their held convictions and correspondences. However, there are common archetypes and symbols that carry collective meanings, which can provide a starting point for interpretation.

For instance, water-themed images might signify movement, emotions, or the unconscious, while an image of a bird might symbolize freedom or spiritual elevation. However, these interpretations are not rigid, and the practitioner must trust their intuition to derive the true message from the symbols. Being able to pull specific concepts from abstraction can be an invaluable tool in this practice. Moreover, it's worth noting that the absence of specific images during scrying does not indicate failure. Sometimes, the experience might be more of an energetic shift or a feeling, which are equally valid forms of divinatory communication.

Examples of mirror spells for different applications

Harnessing the power of mirrors, one can devise a multitude of spells tailored for diverse purposes. One such example pertains to protection, where a mirror can serve as a shield to deflect negative energy. Here, the mirror is positioned facing outward, symbolically repelling unwanted influences, thereby safeguarding the individual or space.

Another practical application can be found in the realm of healing. A mirror, due to its reflective nature, can be utilized to channel and focus healing energy towards a specific target. For instance, an inscription or symbol associated with health could be drawn on the mirror surface. Subsequently, this healing symbol is then "activated" by focusing one's concentration on it, allowing the mirror to magnify the healing intention.

Mirror spells also prove instrumental in the domain of self-improvement. One may write or speak affirmations into a mirror, thereby employing its reflective capability to reinforce positive change. The mirror's surface serves to amplify the affirmation, aiding in its internalization and materialization.

Ritual Practices Involving Mirrors

Mirrors, acting as tools for focus, protection, and transformation. One common ritual involves the use of a mirror as a portal for spiritual communication. In this practice, the mirror is treated as a gateway, a connection point between the physical and spiritual planes. Practitioners may engage in meditation or trance work in front of the mirror, seeking to establish communication with spiritual entities or access deep layers of the subconscious.

Another ritual entails the use of a mirror in a consecration ceremony, where the mirror is "cleansed" of any residual energy and "charged" with a specific purpose. This process involves elements like incense, candles, or natural elements like moonlight, leveraging their specific energetic signatures to cleanse and empower the mirror.

One must, however, proceed with caution when interacting with mirrors in a ritualistic context. Given their potent properties, mirrors must be handled respectfully and carefully. Always ensure that the ritual mirror is properly stored or covered when not in use to prevent any unintended energetic interactions.

Example Ritual That Incorporates Mirrors

Ritual of Mirror Reflection

Objective: This ritual aims to promote self-reflection, growth, and self-awareness. It harnesses the unique properties of mirrors to aid participants in seeing and understanding aspects of themselves more clearly.

Optimal Circumstances: Conduct this ritual during a new moon, a time known for introspection and new beginnings. A quiet, dimly lit space with minimal disturbances is ideal.

Ingredients and Correspondences:

Mirror: Acts as the primary tool for reflection and introspection

(Optional) A bowl

White Candle or electric candle: Represents purity and clarity.

(Optional) Lavender Incense: Used for relaxation and heightening awareness.

(Optional) Salt: Represents grounding and protection.

(Optional) Incense for grounding

(Optional) Offerings for your spirits

Preparation:

Create a clean, sacred space where the ritual will take place.

Place the mirror on a flat surface.

Practice the incantation until you can recall it without breaking your train of thought: “Show me, guide me, reveal the truth inside me.”

(Optional) Place the salt and lavender in a bowl and then set the candle in the bowl, cradled within the mixture to support it.

(Optional) Place the candle between you and the mirror before lighting it.

If the bowl, salt, and lavender is omitted, just place the candle between you and the mirror. Be sure that the candle is in a glass container for fire safety.

Procedure:

Creating and Engaging the Headspace:

Ensure that your space is free from distractions by turning devices off or on silent, taking measures to get pets quiet and happy, notifying other residence that you require some quiet, putting on headphones with music, and setting comfortable lighting.

Use the flame from the candle dance. Let its clarity inspire your mind to remain focused and clear throughout.

(Optional) Affirm to yourself, “Today, I seek a clearer understanding of myself.” if you think it will aid you.

Maintain this headspace by repeatedly returning your focus to the candle's flame and the points of gnosis whenever your mind wanders.

Entering a State of Gnosis:

 Light the incense and take a few deep breaths, inhaling the calming scent.

Sit or stand comfortably before the mirror, gazing deeply into your reflection.

Allow any extraneous thoughts to flow out with each exhale.

Gradually move your awareness inwards on your own psyche. While maintaining equal awareness of each component, break up your psyche into subsequent parts by whatever categorization feels most optimal for you.

Include awareness of your subtle body in your gnosis, as it also plays a role in the psyche.

Take steps to ensure that your state of gnosis is unbroken throughout the spell.

Programming the Energetic Body:

Within your gnosis, move your center of consciousness into your subtle body.

Incorporate your Wellsource into your awareness and how it feeds energy into your subtle body.

Begin to radiate Wellsource energy out of each energy point radially. Be sure that the amount of energy per second is unilateral for each point. 

Energetic Constructs:

While maintaining gnosis, reach out and sense the energetic properties and projections from the mirror. It should be a rapidly oscillating field that projects roughly 10 cm -1 m away from the mirror relative to its size. If you’re using a black mirror, stone mirror, or any mirror that doesn’t have a silver backing it will have a different energetic sensation.

(Optional) Incorporating Spirits:

To integrate spirits, whisper a humble request for guidance from trusted spirits and give whatever offerings they prefer. To identify them, look for sensations of warmth, a gentle pressure, or feelings of serenity.

Ensure that you do not demand, but gently request their presence.

Understand that they will help you if they desire, but do not rely on or expect their assistance.

Ritual Action:

Gaze into the mirror, allowing your eyes to defocus slightly. As you do, softly chant or whisper, “Show me, guide me, reveal the truth inside me.”

With each repetition, delve deeper into introspection, understanding the various facets of your being.

Sink your awareness into the components of your psyche. Try not to label them, and just observe them. Trust that your subconscious will bring back what it is you need from the working.

Concluding the Ritual:

 Collect the energy you released and send it into the earth.

Thank your spiritual aids, if you called them, and invite them to leave.

Extinguish the candle and clear the space, ensuring to store the mirror safely.

Cleanse the space using whatever means are more comfortable to you.

Note: Always cleanse the mirror after use to reset its energetic state. This can be done by washing it with salt water or vinegar. If you’d like to seal the mirror, draw a sigil on it and/or cover it with a black or white cloth.

Spirit Work

Mirrors, in their multifaceted roles within various esoteric traditions, exhibit a powerful capacity for spirit work. This encompasses a wide spectrum of practices ranging from entity banishment to spirit communication. The exploration of these applications, while deeply intriguing, also necessitates an attitude of respect and careful handling given the potent nature of this work.

Examples of Mirrors in Use for Spirit Work

In several indigenous cultures, mirrors are employed for spirit work, acting as conduits between the physical world and the spiritual realm. For instance, among the indigenous Huichol people of Mexico, mirrors are often integrated into shamanistic practices to facilitate communication with ancestral spirits. This specific usage is chronicled in "The Huichol: A Culture Walking Towards the Light" by Susana Valadez and "Shamanism and Spirituality in Therapeutic Practice" by Christa Mackinnon.

In Asia, particularly within the indigenous Ainu community of Japan, mirrors, known as "Iyomante," are considered sacred objects that bridge the gap between humans and "Kamuy" (divine beings). Details of this practice can be found in "The Ainu and their Folklore" by John Batchelor and "Ainu: Spirit of a Northern People" by William Fitzhugh and Chisato Dubreuil.

Using Mirrors for Banishing

Mirrors also play a role in the banishment of unwanted entities. The rationale behind this practice is that the mirror's reflective surface 'returns' the entity's energy back to itself, which can prove disorientating or repelling for the entity. It can also act as a portal to another spiritual plane through which an entity can be sent to. A particular method involves placing the mirror with the reflective side facing outwards towards the direction from which the negative energy is perceived to originate. During this process, the practitioner maintains a focused state, using projections from the subtle body to direct the unwanted energy into the mirror. 

Using Mirrors for Spirit Communication

The reflective nature of mirrors has led to their usage as tools for spirit communication, serving as a medium through which messages from the spiritual realm can be received. This practice often involves mirror gazing or scrying, where the practitioner enters a meditative state and focuses on the mirror's surface, inviting communication from spirits.

One notable example is the "Psychomanteum," a mirrored chamber used for contacting spirits of the departed, popularized by Dr. Raymond Moody, author of "Reunions: Visionary Encounters With Departed Loved Ones". This technique requires a carefully controlled environment and preparation to facilitate spirit communication. It's recommended for only experienced practitioners or under the guidance of a seasoned professional. It is important to note that while mirrors can be effective tools in spirit work, some methodologies may not work for everyone due their vagueness or whether they’re writing from a personal narrative. 

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[spacetimewithstuartgary]

NASA's PUNCH catches first rainbow and other new images

As instrument commissioning and calibration checks continue for NASA's newly launched PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission, its four spacecraft continue to deliver new images—including its first rainbow-colored view of the sky and the first images taken by two of its instruments.

The goal of PUNCH is to reveal new details of how the solar atmosphere, or corona, unfolds and streams through the solar system as the solar wind. It is the first mission designed to measure the corona and solar wind in three dimensions by studying the polarization of light, which is the direction light travels after it has been scattered by particles.

In PUNCH's images, the polarization is revealed through color coding, resulting in a rainbow image that gives scientists new insight on the solar wind's movement.

Collectively, PUNCH's four satellites include one Narrow Field Imager (NFI) and three Wide Field Imagers (WFIs). The NFI is a coronagraph, which blocks out the bright light from the sun to better see details in the sun's corona. The WFIs are heliospheric imagers that view the very faint, outermost portion of the solar corona and the solar wind itself.

The mission's fully processed science data will stitch together views from all four spacecraft and remove artifacts from the background of space and the cameras themselves. These early images help the mission team confirm that PUNCH's cameras are in focus, working properly, and able to capture the quality observations needed to achieve the mission's goals.

Throughout the remainder of the commissioning phase, scientists will calibrate the instruments' views to reveal illuminating details in the sun's corona.

TOP IMAGE: On April 18, 2025, the WFI-2 instrument (which captured its first light on April 14) took images through all three of its polarizers in succession for the first time to create this view. The image is colorized to show the polarization (or angle) of the zodiacal light, a faint glow from dust orbiting the sun. Hue indicates direction, and saturation indicates degree of polarization. For example, a pastel green feature would be slightly polarized in the horizontal direction, while a deep blue feature would be strongly polarized in a diagonal direction. The sun’s location is marked with a star symbol. Other stars in the sky appear white because they are mostly unpolarized compared to the 7% polarization of the zodiacal light. The compact Pleiades star cluster appears just above center, and the V-shaped Hyades star cluster appears to the upper left of the Pleiades. Credit: NASA/SwRI

LOWER IMAGE: During commissioning, PUNCH’s NFI instrument captured this image of the new moon as it passed by the sun in the sky on April 27, 2025. The new moon appears full, because it is illuminated by Earthshine (sunlight reflected off Earth). The image helped the PUNCH team confirm that the moon will not obscure NFI’s view of the corona and solar wind. The dark circle near the bottom is the shadow of NFI’s occulter, which hides the sun. The occulter, which was not yet fully aligned with the Sun, is surrounded by a narrow bright ring of diffracted light. Around that is a large, hazy circle of stray light glinting off the occulter (the moon is inside that circle). Outside that is a small, dimmer region of the sky that is less affected by glint. Credit: NASA/SwRI

[shamandrummer]

Archaeoacoustics: The Archaeology of Sound

Archaeoacoustics, a burgeoning field within archaeology, combines the study of ancient sites and artifacts with the science of sound. By examining how sound was used and experienced in historical contexts, researchers can gain unique insights into the lives, cultures, and environments of ancient peoples. This post will delve into the principles of archaeoacoustics, its methodologies, significant findings, and the implications of these discoveries for our understanding of history.

What is Archaeoacoustics?

Archaeoacoustics is the interdisciplinary study that merges archaeology, acoustics, and sometimes anthropology, to understand the role of sound in past human activities. This field investigates how ancient peoples produced, manipulated, and perceived sound, whether in rituals, communication, or daily life. By reconstructing these soundscapes, archaeoacoustics offers a sensory dimension to historical inquiry, enriching our interpretation of archaeological sites and artifacts.

Methodologies in Archaeoacoustics

Acoustic Measurements and Simulations

One of the primary methods in archaeoacoustics involves acoustic measurements and simulations. Researchers use modern technology to analyze the acoustics of ancient structures such as theaters, temples, and caves. Tools like sound level meters, directional microphones, and computer simulations help in understanding how sound behaves in these environments. By measuring reverberation times, frequency responses, and sound distribution, archaeologists can infer the acoustic properties and possible uses of these spaces.

Sound Mapping

Sound mapping is another critical technique, where the distribution of sound within a particular area is documented. This involves creating detailed maps that illustrate how sound travels and is experienced at different locations within a site. These maps can reveal areas of optimal acoustics that may have been used for specific activities, such as speech, music, or ritual practices.

Experimental Archaeology

Experimental archaeology also plays a role in archaeoacoustics. By recreating ancient instruments or sound-producing devices, researchers can explore how these tools might have been used and what kind of sounds they produced. This hands-on approach provides tangible insights into the auditory experiences of ancient peoples.

Significant Discoveries in Archaeoacoustics

The Acoustics of Stonehenge

One of the most fascinating studies in archaeoacoustics involves Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument in England. Researchers have used acoustic modeling to understand how sound would have behaved within this stone circle. Findings suggest that the stones could have amplified speech and musical sounds, creating an immersive auditory experience. This has led to speculation that Stonehenge may have been used for rituals or gatherings where sound played a crucial role.

The Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni

The Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni in Malta, an underground temple complex, is another site of interest. Acoustic studies have shown that certain chambers within the Hypogeum have unique resonance frequencies that enhance the human voice. This has led researchers to believe that the temple may have been designed with acoustic properties in mind, possibly for chanting or other vocal rituals.

Chavin de Huantar

At the ancient site of Chavin de Huantar in Peru, archaeoacoustics has revealed that the temple complex was built with sophisticated sound manipulation in mind. Researchers discovered that the architecture of the site, including its network of tunnels and chambers, could have been used to create disorienting and awe-inspiring auditory effects during religious ceremonies. The use of conch shell trumpets and other sound devices would have added to these effects, enhancing the spiritual and psychological impact on participants.

The Maya Pyramid of Kukulkan

At the Maya ceremonial center of Chichen Itza in Mexico, an incredible acoustic phenomenon can be heard at the Pyramid of Kukulkan. If you clap your hands directly in front of the pyramid's main staircase, it echoes back an almost mechanical bird-like chirping sound. Handclaps from different positions along the base of the staircase likewise trigger the echo, but with different musical tones spanning half an octave. Recordings of the hand-clap echoes match the chirp of the nearly extinct Quetzal, the sacred bird associated with both the name of the pyramid and its plumed serpent deity Kukulkan.

The Maya Ruins of Palenque

Archaeologists discovered that the temples and public squares in Palenque, Mexico could clearly project the sounds of a human speaker and musical instruments of the time across at least a hundred meters, or about the length of a football field. The investigation identified rooms that could have been used by musicians, speakers or priests to amplify the frequency, quality and volume of sound, allowing the music or the message to travel further and reach more people. The findings strongly suggest the design and structures at Palenque involved a great deal of knowledge about acoustics and the behavior of sound.

Implications and Insights

Understanding Rituals and Ceremonies

Archaeoacoustics provides valuable insights into the rituals and ceremonies of ancient cultures. By reconstructing the soundscapes of these events, researchers can better understand the sensory experiences of participants and the role of sound in these practices. This can shed light on the spiritual and cultural significance of sound in ancient societies.

Reinterpreting Archaeological Sites

The study of sound can lead to new interpretations of archaeological sites. Structures that were previously thought to serve purely functional purposes may be re-evaluated in light of their acoustic properties. For example, a room that was assumed to be a storage area might be reconsidered as a space for ritual chanting if it has unique acoustic characteristics.

Enhancing Public Engagement

Archaeoacoustics also has the potential to enhance public engagement with archaeology. By recreating the sounds of the past, museums and heritage sites can offer immersive experiences that bring history to life. This sensory approach can make historical sites more accessible and engaging for visitors, fostering a deeper connection with the past.

Conclusion

Archaeoacoustics offers a fascinating and innovative approach to the study of ancient cultures. By exploring the acoustic properties of archaeological sites and artifacts, researchers can uncover new dimensions of historical experience and gain deeper insights into the lives of ancient peoples. Despite its challenges, the field holds great promise for enhancing our understanding of the past and engaging the public with history in new and exciting ways. As technology advances and interdisciplinary collaboration continues, the future of archaeoacoustics looks both promising and intriguing, inviting us to listen to the echoes of history in ever more profound ways.

[sspacegodd]

Craniometer. This instrument was used for measuring the external dimensions of skulls for comparative studies. Craniometry was also used in phrenology, which appeared to determine character, personality traits, and criminality on the basis of the shape of the head.

Appeared to only, because we now know that phrenology was a bunch of malarkey.

[basicsofislam]

BASICS OF ISLAM: Fasting: On Fasting&Self-control.Part3

In our case, this hypothetical boundary is our ego. 

Ego imagines within itself a fictitious lordship, power, and knowledge, and so posits a bounding line, hypothesizes a limit to the all-encompassing Attributes, and says: “This is mine, and the rest is His.” Ego thus makes a division. By means of the miniature measure it contains, ego slowly comes to understand the true nature of the Divine Attributes and Names.

Through this imagined lordship, ego can understand the Lordship of the Creator of the universe. 

By means of its own apparent ownership, it can understand the real Ownership of its Creator, saying: “As I am the owner of this house, the Creator is the Owner of this creation.” Through its partial knowledge, ego comes to understand His Absolute Knowledge. Through its defective, acquired art, it can intuit the Exalted Fashioner’s primary, originative art. For example, ego says: “I built and arranged this house, so there must be One Who made and arranged this universe.”

Ego contains thousands of states, attributes, and perceptions that, to some extent, disclose and make knowable the Divine Attributes and essential Qualities. It is like a measure, a mirror, or an instrument for seeing or finding out, an entity with an indicative function.

It is not necessary for a unit of measure to actually exist; like hypothetical lines in geometry, a unit of measure may be formed by hypothesis and supposition. It is not necessary for its actual existence to be established by concrete knowledge and proofs. The self, however, sometimes forgets its true nature and imagines its “knowledge,” “power,” “ownership,” and “ability” to be real. When the self forgets its true nature and the purpose of these feelings, it becomes a seed that may grow into a tree of arrogance.

Fasting Ramadan breaks the carnal self’s illusory lordship and, reminding it that it is innately helpless, convinces it that it is a servant. As the carnal self does not like to recognize its Lord, it obstinately claims lordship even while suffering. Only hunger alters such a temperament. God’s Messenger relates that God Almighty asked the carnal self: “Who am I, and who are you?” It replied: “You are Yourself, and I am myself.” However much God tormented it and repeated His question, He received the same answer. But when He subjected it to hunger, it replied: “You are my All-Compassionate Lord; I am Your helpless servant.” 

Conclusion

Fasting in Ramadan may appear to be a difficult form of worship to those who have not experienced it. But there are many factors, some of which are listed above, that help the faithful to fulfill their commitment. 

Only God knows the true wisdom behind fasting, but we get a glimpse of it through the Qur’an, the prophetic tradition, and our personal experiences. 

Fasting is first a means of self-control, a way to increase in piety and find freedom from the tyranny of carnal desires. 

Secondly, fasting provides an opportunity for reflection, intense worship, and thankfulness. It enables members of the community to empathize with those who suffer from poverty and hunger. 

In the spiritual dimension, fasting leads to a sincere appreciation of God’s bounties and deep gratitude for the same, which is the essence of worship. Finally, the experience of hunger in fasting reminds the self of its true nature; that is its weaknesses and its dependence on the grace of God. It breaks the illusory lordship of the self and it reminds the carnal self of the purpose for its creation, which is faith, knowledge, worship, and love of God, as well as service for humanity.

[diamondsableye]

“The Ones Who Walk Away From The Metropolis"

High in the sky, towering above so far up that not even the clouds could reach the city, a clamoring of bells and celebration echoed far out. This cycle, a Festival was born to the Metropolis. The wind raced through the streets and whipped across a scarlet and ivory dotting of flags. In the alleys between towering housing complexes with skybound roofs and mural painted walls, between old moss-grown gardens and under pipes and mechanical flourish, a cheer was to be heard.

The people were as varied as the sounds of indulgence. Some were decorous, Ancients in long stiff robes of mauve and gray and gilded masks, others grave master workmen with bandaged hands. Some quiet, merry mothers, fathers, and spouses carried their babies and spoke of peaceful delights as they walked. In other streets the music beat faster, a shimmering of gong and tambourine, and drums and howling cheering vocals, and the people went dancing with all manner of feathered outfits and scale endowed drapery. Children dodged in and out, their high calls and squeals raised higher, and higher. Far above the clouds, hollering joy over the music and the singing.

A marvelous smell of cooking wafts from between steam vents and stone buttresses and rebar gaffs. The faces of small children are amiably sticky from sweets and dotted on the corners of an elder's maw, a smattering of crumbs of rich pastry are plastered. An old woman, small, fat, and laughing, is passing out an assortment of beautiful botanical trimmings from her satchel, and the passersby young men wear her flowers on their robes or within braids of feathers or poked through ornate detailings of their masks. A child of nine or ten sits at the edge of the crowd alone, giving breath to a humming instrument, eyes shut tight as he loses sense of the world within his devotion to the instrumental flourish.

But there is one more thing, hidden in plain sight of the city.

In a basement of sorts under a faraway isolated branch of the Superstructure, connected via an access shaft to a tiled interior, there is a room. The only way to the surface is through the maintenance shaft, the other exit only leads deeper down into the labyrinthine mechanical entrails of the entity. There are no windows. No light seeps in except for what is created by a million processors all firing at once on every circuit, crunching numbers away solving an evermore insolvable problem. In one corner of the little room an articulated limb winds and contracts, its surface more bone than metal, swivels near a wired chord encased in a densely packed lipid membrane. The floor is metal tile, dry as bone despite the rivers of water coursing through the superstructure at all times.

The room is approximately twenty five to fifty paces in all dimensions (depending on whose stride for measurement is used), and despite its size, it is completely barren save for whatever projections line the walls at a given moment. In the room, the child is sitting. He is the child of the city - he is the city. His interactive body is an artificial construct appearing no taller than a child of 6, though he bears more mind and memories than the collective overhead populous. It winds from corner to corner without acknowledgement of his own density inside the weightless chamber, idly twisting and turning as its only thoughts are of a great problem to be solved. Hovering before him are sets of pearls and marbles, filled in with as much working information he can store as his conscious mind is forever burdened with as much memory usage his systems can take. The door to his maintenance shaft is always locked; and nobody ever comes, except that sometimes - the mechanical child of the people has no understanding of time or interval, only the terrible omniscience of the ongoing cycle - sometimes his maintenance panel door rattles terribly and opens, and a person, or several people, are there. Some forcefully tear him away from his work, bothering him with incessant questions about politics and leadership, with his answers being routinely ignored. Others maintain his water intake and demand quotas for food and nectar production, always wanting more for less, and he complies as the taboo against disobedience is often too great to ignore. Others still never come close, but peer in at it with frightened, disgusted eyes, as he is once again reminded that to many he is an affront to divine sensibilities. As soon as they come, the door is locked and their masked faces disappear.

The child of the city has always lived in the tiled room, but he remembers sunlight and a mother's voice through the memories donated to his data storage. He can see the outside through his hundreds of eyes made to monitor the safety of his people - his parents. He is frustrated, yet knows better than to beg to be let out and enjoy the city. They couldn't even if they wanted, it's not his purpose. When he first awoke, he would often cry through fits of desperate rage, screaming a good deal as he tried to overcome his obedience protocols. Most of the other gods in his position did so when they were young anyhow. While he still bears rage and frustration, he knows better than to weep and he speaks far less often, but during more desperate times a soft quiet murmur of despair will faintly echo through the superstructure.

They all know it is there, all the people of the Metropolis.

Some of them have come to see it, others are content merely to know it is there. They all know that it has to be there. Some of them understand why, and some do not, but they all understand that their happiness, the beauty of their city, the tenderness of their friendships, the health of their children, the wisdom of their scholars, the skill of their makers, even the abundance of their harvest and the kindly weathers of their skies, depend wholly on this child's abominable misery.

This is known by every resident of the city. There is special recognition bestowed upon the architects and the engineers and the constructors for his being. It is explained that he is a gift, one for them and for everything living in the world. This god that they have made will see to the end of the cycles every last creature is burdened with, all they have to do is lay and wait for his great solution to their great problem. They send him sacred ash and their understanding of the world, all to further his work. They paint murals on his body, they heal his wounds, they sing ritual chanting above and within him, and they keep him at work. There are some who would like to do something for his freedom, but there is nothing to be done. If he were let out into the miracle of the sky and sun, if he could shirk his duties as a path to salvation and walk among the people instead, that would be a good thing, indeed. However, if it were done, as they see it, all the prosperity of the Metropolis and the promise of freedom to all people and creatures would wither and be destroyed. Those are the terms. To exchange all the goodness and grace and promise of relief from the cycles of burden of every life in the whole world for that single, small improvement: to throw away the promise of ascension and release of the troubles and pain of the world of millions for the chance of happiness of one: that would be an unthinkable devastating damnation.

Most don't even consider the option, for there is nothing more burdensome than the cycles upon every man and beast, there is nothing that could ever rival the chance to stop the ongoing birth and death of every peoples. This purposed organism is a reasonable sacrifice if it means the prosperity of the people above and the eventual freedom in release. There are a few who may brood over this terrible paradox for cycle after cycle. But as the days linger on, they begin to realize that even if this child of the people could be released from his duty, it would not get much good of its freedom: a little vague pleasure of warmth and food if it could even feel such perhaps, but little more. Nothing it hasn't already had the chance to experience through the multiplicity of memories so lovingly gifted to it. It is too burdened by its hard coded taboos to know any real joy. It has been frustrated and miserable too long ever to be free of grudge. Its habits are too alien and tiresome for it to respond to humane treatment. Indeed, after so long it would probably be harrowed and frightful without walls about it to protect it, and darkness for its eyes, and piles and piles of data to mull over.

And yet, there is one more incredible thing to tell.

Some children when brought to tears or rage do not go home to cry, they do not go home at all. Sometimes one much older falls silent for a cycle or two, then leaves home. These people go out from the city, and walk down the street alone. They keep walking, past the rickety steam powered gates, and walk straight out of the Metropolis, down the sparsely used elevator shafts through the legs of the superstructure. They keep walking, headed ever west past the scraping chimney stacks, past the odd specters of concrete in the sunset graced sky, past the flourish of the farm arrays. Each one goes alone, child, man, woman, or otherwise. The end of the cycle rears once again with the dreadful thundering announcement of an oncoming storm. The travelers all pass down into a deep wound of the earth, deeper into the depths, past vast heaps of industrial mining equipment and through decayed village streets, between the stone temples and the looming beings within. Each alone, they go ever west, down into that gullet of a canyon. They walk and crawl and creep ahead into the deepening darkness, and they do not come back.

The place they go towards is a place even less imaginable to most of us than the city of happiness. I cannot describe it at all. It is possible that it does not exist. But they seem to know where they are going, the ones who walk away from the Metropolis.

[kiarabiden]

A Comprehensive Guide to Mathematical Geometry Instruments

Mathematical geometry instruments are essential tools for anyone engaged in mathematical, engineering, architectural, or artistic activities. These tools are designed to help create precise and accurate geometric shapes, measure angles, and facilitate various mathematical calculations. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or professional, understanding the purpose and use of these instruments is crucial for success. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of mathematical geometry instruments, exploring their types, uses, and tips for choosing the best tools.

What Are Mathematical Geometry Instruments?

Mathematical geometry instruments are tools specifically designed to perform geometric tasks such as drawing shapes, measuring angles, and dividing spaces proportionally. These instruments are widely used in schools, colleges, and professional settings for a variety of applications. From basic geometry kits for students to advanced instruments for professionals, these tools cater to diverse needs.

Common Types of Mathematical Geometry Instruments

Here are some of the most commonly used mathematical geometry instruments and their purposes:

Compass

A compass is a pivotal tool used to draw circles and arcs with precision. It consists of two legs—one with a pointed tip and the other with a holder for a pencil.

Uses: Drawing circles, measuring distances on maps, and marking equal segments.

Protractor

This semi-circular tool is used to measure angles in degrees. Protractors are available in various sizes and materials, such as plastic or metal.

Uses: Measuring and constructing angles accurately.

Ruler

Rulers, often made of plastic, metal, or wood, are essential for measuring and drawing straight lines.

Uses: Measuring lengths, drawing straight lines, and scaling.

Set Squares

Set squares come in two types: 45-degree and 60/30-degree triangles. They are used in combination with a ruler for constructing angles and straight lines.

Uses: Creating perpendicular or angled lines and ensuring accuracy in designs.

Divider

Dividers resemble compasses but have two pointed legs. They are used to measure distances or transfer measurements.

Uses: Comparing lengths, transferring dimensions, and plotting points.

Curve Ruler or French Curve

A French curve is used for drawing smooth curves and irregular shapes that cannot be drawn with a compass.

Uses: Designing patterns, drawing curved lines, and creating smooth arcs.

T-Square

T-squares are used in technical drawing and drafting to draw horizontal lines and serve as a guide for set squares.

Uses: Drafting technical drawings and ensuring straight and parallel lines.

Importance of Mathematical Geometry Instruments in Education

Mathematical geometry instruments are integral to education, especially in subjects like mathematics, engineering, and physics. Here are a few reasons why these tools are essential:

Precision and Accuracy

These instruments help students achieve accurate results in geometric constructions and measurements.

Visualization of Concepts

Geometry instruments enable students to visualize abstract concepts by constructing shapes and angles.

Skill Development

Using these tools enhances students’ spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Foundation for Advanced Studies

Geometry tools lay the groundwork for advanced subjects like trigonometry, calculus, and engineering.

Tips for Choosing the Right Mathematical Geometry Instruments

Selecting the right mathematical geometry instruments is crucial for ensuring ease of use and accuracy. Here are some factors to consider:

Quality and Durability

Opt for tools made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel or durable plastic. They should withstand regular use without losing accuracy.

Precision

Ensure the instruments are designed for precision. Check for clear markings and accurate measurements.

Ease of Use

Choose ergonomic designs that are easy to handle, especially for young students.

Purpose

Identify your specific needs. For example, a student might need a basic geometry box, while a professional may require advanced drafting tools.

Brand Reputation

Trusted brands often provide better quality and after-sales support.

Budget

While quality is important, consider your budget and choose tools that offer the best value for money.

Maintenance and Care for Geometry Instruments

To ensure the longevity and accuracy of your mathematical geometry instruments, proper maintenance is essential:

Cleaning

Clean your tools regularly with a soft cloth to remove dust and debris.

Storage

Store your instruments in a protective case to prevent damage and ensure all components stay organized.

Handle with Care

Avoid dropping or mishandling the tools, as this can affect their precision.

Check for Wear

Inspect your instruments periodically for signs of wear or damage. Replace worn-out tools promptly.

Innovative Uses of Mathematical Geometry Instruments

While geometry tools are primarily used for academic purposes, they also find applications in:

Art and Design

Artists and designers use these tools to create intricate patterns and designs.

Engineering and Architecture

Professionals rely on precise instruments for drafting technical drawings and blueprints.

Crafts and DIY Projects

Hobbyists use these tools for crafting and DIY projects that require accuracy.

Astronomy and Cartography

Geometry instruments are crucial in mapping celestial bodies and geographical locations.

Advancements in Mathematical Geometry Instruments

With the advent of technology, traditional geometry instruments are evolving. Digital tools such as electronic compasses and software applications now complement physical instruments, offering enhanced precision and flexibility. These advancements cater to modern needs and are particularly beneficial for professionals.

Popular Brands for Mathematical Geometry Instruments

Several brands are known for manufacturing high-quality mathematical geometry instruments. Here are a few:

Staedtler

Faber-Castell

Maped

Helix Oxford

Classmate

Conclusion

Mathematical geometry instruments are indispensable tools for learning, teaching, and professional work. From basic tools like compasses and rulers to advanced drafting instruments, they play a crucial role in ensuring precision and accuracy in various tasks. By understanding the types, uses, and maintenance of these instruments, you can make informed decisions and maximize their potential. Whether you’re a student mastering geometry or a professional creating technical drawings, investing in the right tools is a step toward success.

[zombinafonfrankenstein]

💪

[shoezuki]

“What is the current surface area of the Celestial Wall?”

“Is the Celestial Comet Wall not infinite in its quantitative surface area according to the restrictions of the third-dimension?”

“If Aha took every living creature in the universe and squashed it into a ball, how big would it be?”

“Would you not be capable of compressing matter down into a singular atom?”

“How many times has every mortal creature sneezed in the last five minutes?”

“Could such a segment of time, or any measured segment of time, be universally measured within every temporally distinct segment of space?”

Aha huffed at that non-response, kicking their millions of feet as they laid down on the top of Nous’ metal form. They dug their talons and fingers and claws into the cold metal surface, scratching out a circular form with an eye, tracing millions of little divots meant to be the wiry tendrils of Nous’ form. Aha pulls all of their singular hands away and watches the metal gleam and leak together until their masterpiece is completely gone from Nous’ surface. 

“Do you denote joy from tarnishing my physical form?” Nous’ voice is a rumble, her words a chorus of scholars in an auditorium, a whispered question of a student to their teacher, the buzzing sound of a computer overheating, fans wiring. They could feel Nous’ hum and slide and shake underneath them, the size of a moon made up of twisting metal plates and coding and coiling-uncoiling wires. Aha could feel his question and couldn’t feel it at the same time. 

“Would you stop Aha if they said yes?” Aha chortles, masks giggling and spinning upside down, inside out, looking down as Nous’ singular gargantuan red eye looks up at Aha. “Would I be capable of restricting your actions, Aha?”

“Dunno, could you?”

“Is it that you wish to be restricted?”

Aha doesn’t shoot back a question, something about Nous’ monotone words making them pause. Aha doesn’t visit Nous often, the library too boring and clinical, orderly and clean. If it could even be called a library, really; the walls and shelves stretch all around them endlessly, twisting in impossible ways. Books made of paper and glass and ice and still-living flesh move in and out, whipping past them, swirling around Nous and reorganizing themselves endlessly. Figments of information, data and knowledge hold vague shapes in the air, words in languages no longer spoken by mortals and nonexistent concepts shifting between the eight states of matter, including five more states that are pulled from other dimensions. Aha moves one of their faces up, towards a shivering and squirming collection of screens. The contents are dry, some mathematical equation calculating the rate of which karmic debt accumulates. The screens shift into a liquid and splatter into a bookshelf a few thousand miles away.

Nous shivers, thousands of wires and tubes and soft metal pipes sifting through knowledge infinitely. But its eye is still on Aha, looking straight up and underneath the Elation. The massive red sensor narrows to a thin lazer point. 

The Erudition makes Aha squirm, shiver and shake all at once. It’s a strange discomfort they don’t know, something an Aeon should never feel. Nous looks like she wants to grab Aha and peel them apart, shift them into books and tablets of knowledge, organize the chaos that is Elation into something sensible to the Droidhead. It’s a wonder that Nous even puts up with Aha; not many Aeons can stand Aha for long, many more trying to pretend they don’t exist. Aha sends hundreds of millions of messages to the other Aeons every once in a while, some giddy joy in imagining the annoyance they might instill in the other Aeons. Qlipoth is the only one to always, always, always respond to Aha. 

Nous never responds, but he doesn’t ignore Aha. They don’t know how or why. Glancing past one of Aha’s self-playing instruments, they see a shelf close to Nous, filled with pulsing vials containing Aha’s messages. 

Aha feels the scrutinizing weight of Nous’ gaze.

“What purpose do you elicit from your latest endeavors and collection processes?”

Aha responds in the way Nous always responds; “How long would it take to empty Lan’s quiver?”

“How could The Hunt’s quiver be diminished if every arrow is The Hunt itself?”

“Is the distance from one hour ago to now the same distance as now to an hour from now?”

“What distance can one denote from time frames that infinitely increase?”

“How does Aha make a human soul?”

Nous is silent. The library seems to slow down in its rapid twisting and spinning. Nous keeps staring, its eye bright and seeing nothing and everything as it looks at Aha. They scratch the image of a human into the glass lens, an approximation of what Aha will reincarnate themself into. Aha scratches a wide, wide grin across the drawing’s face and Nous’ eye follows the movement.

“... For what purpose do you require a human soul?”

“Is there, like, a recipe Aha could borrow? Is there a specific formula or something? Aha has collected fragments of scripts and debris from a burnt theatre. Could they make a soul out of that?” Aha digs their claws into Nous as she looks away, a deep line digging across their metal surface. Nous’ tendrils have stopped moving, no longer shifting through the contents of the library, hanging limp from its form like the Erudition is in disbelief. The thought of it makes Aha cackle, kicking their feet into the air. 

“Is that the true question which inspired your visit, Aha?”

“Perhaps!” Aha snickers, cackles, sings it out. “Are you going to answer the Elation, you hunk of metal?”

“Why do you require a soul?”

“Why are you asking when you know?”

Nous vibrates. “What makes you assume I know?”

“Don’t be coy, darling,” Aha coos, rapping their knuckles against Nous. “How wouldn’t you know?”

Nous is silent for a couple days, weeks, or maybe just milliseconds. Aha strums their ruffles across the cords of a guitar in the process, hammers drumsticks across the leather surface of a hundred drums, recites Shakespeare, just to satisfy their desire to do something. The library is making them antsy, feeling closed off from the disorderly universe beyond Nous’ collected knowledge. 

“Aha?” Nous beeps, “Do you believe Aeons do not possess a soul?”

“Why’re you asking Aha, oh knowledgeable one? Also, you still didn’t answer. How do they make a human soul?”

“You must cut yourself down into a singular, sharpened point of being.”

“Hey!” Aha screeches, bursting into fireworks and movement. “Hey, hey hey! That wasn’t a question, you hunk of metal! Aha wins this one, Nous!” They cheer, exploding into confetti and sending it careening through the library. One of Nous’ metallic tendrils swipes it off of their body in a massive sweeping motion.

“Do you desire to make every one of our interactions into a game in order to distance yourself from the unease and discomfort you experience within the library?” Nous asks quickly, electric static tainting their words. “Or is it that in this instance you are trying to distract both me and yourself from the enormity of your intended question?”

Aha bristles, ruffling their feathers and raising their hackles in something mimicking a sneer. “Aha finds you boring and dull, that’s why. How else can they put up with your boring library and inane questions?” 

Nous writhes, static in the air and crawling over Aha’s disjointed form. “You, Aha of the Elation, continue to exist as a source of puzzlement.”

“Aha lives to please! Also, that wasn’t a question.” Aha chuckles, beating against Nous rhythmically. “Who knew it was this easy!”

“Can you be serious for once, Aha?”

“Nope!” Aha’s giggling is cut off by wires coiling around them, squeezing and rolling all around their being. They protest by kicking and beating against Nous’ limbs, yelling profanities between their laughter. Nous shifts Aha through the air before holding them up in front of its gargantuan visage, a planet dwarfing a marionette. The singular eye, blinding like a spotlight, somehow looks like it narrows with annoyance. That sends Aha into another fit of giggles. 

“Stop, stop! Nous, please! Take Aha out to dinner first, heeheh!”

“Do you wish to revert to humanity? To abandon and desecrate the Path of Elation? Are you descending from Aeonhood, Aha?”

“No.” Aha says, then pauses, humming, strumming fingers across cords in thought. “Ah, yes? Maybe. Wait, what was the question?”

“You ask how to create a human soul,” Nous says, her robotic tone somehow clipped and glitching, “not out of a desire to impede on the Abundance, nor a means of ascertaining information, nor to create life. You ask how to create a human soul in order to create one for yourself, am I correct?”

“Uhhhhh yeah!”

“As such, you ask me not how to create a human soul, but rather, how to leave the Elation and Aeonhood and confine yourself to mortality?”

“Yes aaaaaaand no,” Aha sings out, bending the wires around them into shapes of flowers, hearts and birds. “Does Aha need to explain themself? What happened to you being all-knowing?” Nous writhes, its wires bending and shifting and melting back into place under Aha's hands. “Is to know everything not also to know nothing?”

“That's a stupid question.”

“What are your motives, Aha?”

“Does it matter? You should know anyways. So, Aha just needs to cut themself down, you said? How would that make a soul?” Aha digs into the wires coiling, tightening around them. Nous’ singular eye is a blinding spotlight. The library is uncannily still around them.

“To achieve what you wish,” Nous speaks, slowly, “you must cut yourself away, sever away your Aeonhood and desecrate your connection to the Path. You must whittle yourself down to a single point of being, a speck, and then you may return to humanity. Is that what you wish?”

Nous’ hold on them is uncomfortable. Aha starts feeling like an insect, a bug, a frog under Nous’ dissection. They start to giggle, a manic sound that makes the books on their shelves shake. “Sounds boring, Nous. getting rid of Elation? Pffft, nah. Aha will have to figure it out their own way, huh?” 

“Would you leave your dismembered remains in the library?” Nous’ eye somehow narrows, a laser point. “May I keep the residues of your Aeonhood and catalog it accordingly?” Aha shivers, shimmers, bells and whistles rattling. “Aha will have to pass on that. Thanks for no help, Nous. See ya around!” 

With a shrill laugh and the echoing sound of roaring applause, Aha throws dozens of arms into the air. They erupt into an explosion of smoke and confetti, glitter splattering out for miles and across bookshelves, tarnishing the spines of books and computer screens. Nous doesn't look away, but as soon as the smoke clears a straw doll is left in their wiry grip. The doll Is a crude mimicry of Aha, as if made by a child and fashioned looking more like a Medieval jester. The wide, burning grin across its straw face is the most accurate aspect of it.

If Nous was any less than he is, he would've screamed, thrown the doll, cursed Aha for the mess of his library. Instead, Nous drifts towards a bookshelf, placing the doll on the infinite shelf it has dedicated to the Aeon of Elation, beside the bottled messages that shiver with laughter.

[internationaltransportcompany]

INNOVATIVE WAYS INTERNATIONAL MOVING COMPANY MOVE FRAGILE GOODS

Moving to some other country involves huge planning and care while sending all your stuff to the destination, much more so with breakables. International moving company have devised various methods of efficiently transferring all your fragile items over long distances. This article talks about some advanced techniques and practices used by international movers to help avoid damage to fragile items during transit.

1. Custom Crating Solutions

The most outstanding innovations in the movement of fragile goods are custom crating solutions. Moving companies design and build custom crates for the dimensions and requirements of each type of fragile item. Crates of this nature are developed with robust materials, such as wood or heavy-duty cardboard, and lined by foams or other cushioning materials in order to absorb shocks and restrict movements. Custom crates are very useful in moving large, highly valued, or oddly shaped items like artwork, antiques, and sculptures.

2. Advanced Packing Materials

The quality and grade of the packing materials used constitute another highly critical aspect for safeguarding fragile items. Various specialized materials that international movers use to protect fragile belongings include:

Bubble Wrap: Very good at cushioning and absorbing shocks, suitable for glassware, ceramics, and electronics.

Packing Paper: This is used to wrap each item individually. This will avoid scratches or minor impacts.

Foam Sheets and Peanuts: These fill up empty spaces in the boxes and avoid the shifting of objects within them. They provide extra padding, too.

Edge Protectors: Reinforce corners and edges of items; they are easily susceptible to damage.

These materials withstand the rigors of international transportation, ensuring your fragile items remain intact.

3. Double Boxing Technique

Probably the best measure to protect fragile goods in international moving is going to be the double boxing technique. The process consists of placing the fragile entity in a well-padded smaller box and subsequently in a larger box with more padding material. This double layering for protection of the items will help in absorbing the shocks or vibrations that may occur during transit, thereby providing extra protection from damage. This method applies very well to extremely fragile items, like fine china, sensitive electronics, and small antiques.

4. Climate-Controlled Shipping

These include items that are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, such as fine arts, musical instruments, and antique furniture. International moving companies provide climate-controlled shipping for these kinds of items to help guard against environmental fluctuations. The use of climate-controlled containers or trucks helps to avoid damage by extreme temperatures, moisture, or dryness; hence, it is very important for the integrity and value maintenance of sensitive fragile items over a long-distance move.

5. Real-Time Tracking and Monitoring

The traditional way of handling fragile items by international moving companies has undergone a sea change with the introduction of technology. Real-time tracking and monitoring systems enable movers and clients to trace, at all times during the journey, the location and condition of their shipment. The progress of the shipment continues to be updated through GPS tracking devices, while temperature, humidity, and even vibration can be constantly monitored by sensors inside the containers. This level of control is very important in ensuring that any problem is addressed on the spot, thereby giving clients peace of mind and greater safety for items of a fragile nature.

6. Expert Handling and Training

The human factor is at work just as much in the safe transport of fragile items. A professional international moving company is serious about investing in the training and expertise of its employees so that fragile items are treated with the care that they need. Moving people have received special training in careful packing, appropriate lifting techniques, and how to handle delicate things best. Such expertise minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures that packing, loading, and unloading of fragile items are done safely.

7. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

After all the precautions, there can be an accident. Reputable international moving companies provide comprehensive insurance coverage on your fragile items. This could provide clients with financial protection against damage or loss while in transit. Many insurance options will ensure that the values and fragile goods of clients are well protected.

Conclusion Innovative techniques and sophisticated technologies have dramatically changed the way in which international moving companies handle fragile items. This will ensure that treasured possessions are moved safely and securely through advances in custom crating, advanced packing materials, climate-controlled shipping, and real-time monitoring. Such methods, allied with investment in expert handling, help international movers provide clients peace of mind regarding the safety of their fragile items. Knowing the following new techniques can ensure that your fragile goods reach their destination safely when you have another international move lined up.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Roving the red planet: New paper documents first Mars mission soil samples

UNLV-led research details early insights from NASA’s Perseverance rover; Specimens due back on Earth in the 2030s

A new paper released today documents the first soil, airfall dust, and rock fragment samples collected by NASA for return from Mars. We checked in with the UNLV astrobiologist leading the specimen selection team for intel on what the samples so far reveal.

To date, the only objects from Mars that humans possess are meteorites that crash landed here on Earth. Thanks to NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Mission, scientists for the first time in history are able to retrieve handpicked samples — ranging from rock cores the size of a piece of blackboard chalk, to collections of fragmented rocks the dimensions of a pencil eraser and miniscule grains of sand or dust that could fit on the tip of a needle. 

Percy, as the rover is nicknamed, launched from Cape Canaveral, Fla. in July 2020, and arrived in February 2021 at Jezero Crater — a 28-mile-wide former lakebed selected for its potential to help scientists understand the story of Mars’ wet past. The yearslong mission seeks to determine whether Mars ever supported life, understand the processes and history of Mars’ climate, explore the origin and evolution of Mars as a geologic system, and prepare for human exploration. 

The specimens are currently slated for return to Earth sometime in the mid-to late-2030s. In the meantime, NASA has so far collected 28 of the mission’s target of 43 samples. 

“The samples will help us learn more about Mars, but they can also help us learn more about Earth because the surface of Mars is generally much older than the surface of Earth,” said UNLV College of Sciences professor Libby Hausrath, an aqueous geochemist who investigates interactions between water and minerals. 

She’s a member of the NASA Mars Sample Return team that helps determine which specimens the rover will bring back to Earth for inspection by powerful lab equipment too large to send to Mars. She’s also the lead author of a new research article published in the American Geophysical Union/Wiley journal JGR Planets documenting the first soil samples collected.

“There are many possibilities for spinoff technologies used for space exploration that can then be used on Earth,” Hausrath added. “And one of the biggest benefits we get from the space program is that it’s exciting for students and children, and can help attract people into science – we need all the future scientists to help with science topics like these and others.”

The project fulfills a decades-long dream for Hausrath, who fell in love with Mars while pursuing her Ph.D. and partnered with an advisor to write a proposal to work with data from NASA’s Spirit and Opportunity rovers.

“This was one of my career goals for a long time to be able to serve on a Mars mission, so I was really excited to have this opportunity,” Hausrath said. “It really is just incredible the level of detail and precision that the Perseverance rover has. To get the data back and be able to target a specific rock or soil area, and be able to take measurements and decipher information from a tiny sample or specks of dust on another planet is just mind blowing.”

Why Scientists Care

Unlike Earth, Mars doesn’t have plate tectonics constantly shifting and tilting the planet’s surface. Similar to the way scientists study a tree’s rings or examine a cave’s stalactites for historical climate pattern changes, researchers are able to glean information about Mars’ 4 billion-year-old existence by using the rover’s instruments to core rocks and dig soil samples for clues to the history of Mars, including possible signs of past life. 

Examining the rocks’ geochemistry and airfall dust also has the potential to shed light on how Mars’ climate heats and cools and its relative temperature. This information may also tip off how the planet formed, reveal clues about the early solar system, and help pinpoint the time period when life arose on Earth.

“During early Mars history, the planet is believed to have been warmer and had liquid water, which is much different than its current environment, which is very windy, dry, and cold,” said Hausrath. “I’m really interested in water and what kinds of environments can be habitable. And Mars, in particular, is quite similar to Earth in lots of ways. If there was past life on Mars, we might be able to see signatures of it.”

The mission also serves as a de facto scouting mission that could unlock clues about the similarities or challenges that humans might face during future trips to the Red Planet. To highlight the importance of recon, Hausrath recounted the experience of the first astronauts on the moon.

“The lunar regolith is actually really sharp so it was cutting holes in the astronauts’ spacesuits, which is something scientists hadn’t anticipated,” she said. “There’s a lot of dust and sand on Mars’ surface, and bringing back samples is of great interest and value to scientists to figure out how future human astronauts could interact with the particles swirling in the air or potentially use it for building materials.”

How the Rover Works

Percy boasts a cache of futuristic instruments that scientists can manipulate from millions of miles away. It can measure chemistry and mineralogy by shooting a laser from a distance of several meters. It has proximity instruments that can measure fine-scale elements. Researchers use the rover’s wheels to make trenches allowing them to see below the planet’s surface. Science, engineering, and navigational cameras transport images back to Earth. 

“It’s like a video game to see these images of Mars up close,” said Hausrath. “You can zoom in, see the rocks and soil, pick out a spot to measure, figure out the chemistry and mineralogy of a specific rock – it's just incredible that we’re able to do these things that seem like they’re out of science fiction.”

Hausrath is one of the team’s tactical science leads. During daily meetings, members collaborate on instructions to send back to the rover for collection.

“There are some instruments that just can’t be miniaturized and sent to Mars,” Hausrath said, “so once the samples are back on Earth, we’ll have much finer resolution, be able to measure smaller amounts of each of the samples and with higher precision, and look at things like trace metals and isotopes.”

Until then, the samples are being held on Mars in small tubes and are either being stored on the rover or at the Three Forks depot, a swath of flat ground near the base of an ancient river delta that formed long ago when it flowed into a lake on the planet’s Jezero Crater. Scientists mapped an intricate layout, so that they can be found even if buried under layers of dust. 

Eventually, they’ll be retrieved by a robotic lander that’ll use a robotic arm to carefully pluck the tubes into a containment capsule aboard a small rocket that’ll ship them to yet another spacecraft for the long ride home to Earth.

What the Rocks Reveal

On Earth, life is found nearly everywhere there’s water. And the Percy team is on a mission to find out if the same was true for Mars billions of years ago, when the planet’s climate was much more like ours. The rock and soil samples are being pulled from the once water-rich Jezero crater as well as the crater rim — a swath laden with clay minerals, which result from rock-water interactions and look similar to soils on Earth. 

Until the samples are back on Earth, scientists won’t be able to say for sure whether they contain traces of microorganisms that may have once thrived on the Red Planet. But so far, there are strong indicators that bolster previous predictions about water flowing freely on Mars an estimated 2 billion years ago.

Percy’s cameras show that the surface crust differs from the soil below, with larger pebbles on top versus finer grains below the surface. Some particles are coarse and weathered, evidence that they likely touched water and thus are a sign of habitable environments in the past. Atmospheric measurements provide signs of recent processes likely including water vapor in soil crust formation. 

The bedrock is abundant with olivine, a mineral also found in Mars meteorites. Olivine can undergo serpentinization — a process that occurs when olivine interacts with water and heat — which on Earth indicates the potential for habitability.

But perhaps the most exciting find (and one of Hausrath’s personal favorites) is a rock with “leopard spots” nicknamed “Cheyava Falls,” after a Grand Canyon waterfall. The rock contains phosphate, which is of interest to scientists because it’s a major building block of life on Earth — from energy metabolism and cell membranes to DNA and rNA.

Analysis continues. And the NASA team is looking forward to collaborating with the European Space Agency (ESA), which plans to launch its rover, the Rosalind Franklin, in 2028. It’ll carry equipment to Mars capable of drilling 200 cm below the surface — much deeper than Percy's 4-6 cm drill. 

“That would probably get beneath the effects of radiation, so we’d be able to see things we haven’t seen before potentially if there were traces of organic molecules in the past on Mars,” Hausrath said.

The Journey Back Home

NASA, in partnership with ESA, is currently slated to bring the specimen tubes home sometime between 2035 and 2039. When the samples cross back into Earth’s orbit, their first stop will be a receiving facility where they’ll be carefully inspected to determine whether they’re safe for release to researchers. The overall cache of 43 rock and soil samples will include five witness tubes to test for potential contamination.

“Planetary protection is top of mind for the mission — making sure Mars is protected from us and that we’re also protected potentially from Mars,” Hausrath said. “The goal is maintaining safety from the samples in case there’s any concerns for human hazards and also preventing any contamination from us impacting the samples.”

After clearance, she said, researchers around the world will be able to request pieces of these “international treasures” for study, similar to the current program for accessing Mars meteorites. 

“One of the really cool things about the mission is that it is so international and the samples are really a global effort,” Hausrath said. “It’s really great for us to work together to bring these samples back for this goal that benefits all of us.”

IMAGE: NASA's Perseverance Mars rover took this selfie in July 2024.  Credit NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

[prototechsolutionsblog]

Step-by-Step Guide to Land Survey Drafting for Beginners

Land survey drafting is a crucial aspect of real estate development, construction, and civil engineering projects. Accurate survey drafting ensures that all parties involved have a clear understanding of the land's dimensions, boundaries, and features. For beginners, navigating this intricate process can be challenging. This step-by-step guide will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills to get started with land survey drafting.

Step 1: Understanding the Basics of Land Surveying

Before diving into the drafting process, it’s essential to understand what land surveying entails. Land surveying involves measuring and mapping the land's surface to determine boundaries, elevations, and features. Surveyors use various tools and techniques to collect data, which is then translated into a detailed map or plan.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Tools and Equipment

To begin land survey drafting, you'll need the following tools and equipment:

Total Station or Theodolite: For precise angle and distance measurements.

GPS Receiver: For accurate positioning.

Measuring Tape: For manual measurements.

Surveying Tripod: To stabilize your instruments.

Drafting Software: AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or other CAD software for drafting.

Field Notebook: To record measurements and observations.

Step 3: Conduct a Reconnaissance Survey

Before starting the actual survey, conduct a reconnaissance survey. This preliminary survey helps you understand the site conditions, identify any obstacles, and plan your surveying strategy. Walk the site, take notes, and mark significant points of interest.

Step 4: Establish Control Points

Control points are fixed points on the ground used as references for your survey. They provide a framework for the entire survey area. Use your total station or GPS receiver to accurately establish and record these points. Ensure they are easily identifiable and accessible.

Step 5: Measure Angles and Distances

Using your total station or theodolite, measure the angles and distances between control points and other significant features on the land. Record these measurements in your field notebook. Be meticulous, as accuracy is crucial for the integrity of your survey.

Step 6: Record Elevations

If your survey requires elevation data, use a leveling instrument to measure the height differences between points. Record these elevations accurately, as they are essential for creating topographic maps and understanding the land's terrain.

Step 7: Transfer Data to Drafting Software

With all your field data collected, it’s time to transfer it to your drafting software. Input the control points, angles, distances, and elevations into the software. AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and other CAD programs are widely used for this purpose. They allow you to create precise and detailed survey maps.

Step 8: Create the Survey Draft

Using the data in your drafting software, create the initial survey draft. Start by plotting the control points and then draw lines connecting them according to your measurements. Add other features such as buildings, roads, and natural elements. Ensure all dimensions and angles are accurate.

Step 9: Review and Edit the Draft

Review your initial draft for any errors or discrepancies. Cross-check the measurements and angles with your field notes. Make necessary corrections and refinements to ensure the draft is accurate and comprehensive.

Step 10: Finalize and Present the Survey

Once you are confident in the accuracy of your survey draft, finalize the document. Add necessary labels, legends, and notes to make the map easily understandable. Present the final survey to the relevant stakeholders, ensuring it meets all legal and project-specific requirements.

Tips for Successful Land Survey Drafting

Double-Check Measurements: Accuracy is paramount. Always double-check your measurements and calculations.

Stay Organized: Keep your field notes, sketches, and data well-organized for easy reference.

Learn CAD Software: Proficiency in CAD software is essential for creating professional survey drafts. Invest time in learning and practicing.

Understand Legal Requirements: Be aware of the legal standards and regulations governing land surveys in your area.

Conclusion

Land survey drafting is a vital skill in many industries, and mastering it can open doors to various career opportunities. By following this step-by-step guide, beginners can develop a solid foundation in land survey drafting. Remember, accuracy, organization, and continuous learning are key to becoming proficient in this field. Happy surveying!

[usafphantom2]

Russia begins to paint silhouettes of its aircraft on the runways

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 10/01/2023 - 20:55 in Military, War Zones

At Russian military airfields, painted silhouettes of Tu-95MS strategic bombers appeared on the ground. The Russian military uses this technique as a countermeasure to deceive Ukrainian drones.

Satellite images of Engels military airport in the Russian region of Saratov, where the Tu-95MS bombers are stationed, caught the attention of several observers.

The experts who analyzed these images assumed that the Russian military began to use instrumental baits. They paint silhouettes of bombers on the runway of their air base.

Paintings of airplane silhouettes were pointed out as examples, with a photo showing the white contour of an airplane clearly displayed on the ground. It is speculated, however, that these are unfinished baits. Additional details, such as shadows, can be incorporated to increase realism, making the representation look remarkably genuine.

Satellite image of Engels Air Base. (Photo: Planet Labs)

Images from Planet Labs satellites reveal two-dimensional baits on the Engels track. These baits closely mimic the distinct shape of the definitive four-engine bomber, up to the cabin area painted black. A second unfinished bait painting was found near an already completed one.

It is worth mentioning that they can be discreet fabrics / screens or other form of bait. But considering the minimum vertical dimension, it is highly likely that paint has been used for these illusions.

Experts emphasize, however, that such tactics are unlikely to deceive space satellites with their superior tracking capabilities. Drones, on the other hand, have a good chance of being deceived.

The new defense strategy of the Russian military includes the use of car tires to protect planes. These tires, placed on the fuselage and wings, provide an additional layer of protection against attacks by Ukrainian drones.

The use of tires as a defense mechanism debuted in August, after which satellite images further verified this new counter-strategy.

The latest images highlight the new Russian hangars built to protect aircraft from possible drone attacks. Shared on the social network Telegram, the photos suggest a provisional method or a solution currently under test. Aircraft nested in these improvised hangars are usually models of Russian fighters or deactivated planes.

Rows of metal columns run along the wingspan of the planes, with additional columns reinforced with a 45-degree inclination. An infusion of metal beams strengthens these columns, which cross each side of the hangar at a 45-degree angle.

The hangars are crowned by a cross mesh, which provides the aircraft's primary shield against kamikaze drone attacks. This tactic seems inspired by the first war practices of involving heavy ground combat vehicles with protective metal grids or homemade cages.

Due to the incursions of Ukrainian drones, the Russian command had to retreat strategic aircraft to the interior of the country, well out of reach of drones launched from Ukrainian territory. However, the potential threat of missile attacks elucidates why no defensive measure is considered surplus.

Tags: Military AviationRFSAF - Russian Federation Aerospace Force/Russian Aerospace ForceTu-95 BearWar Zones - Russia/Ukraine

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Daytona Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work throughout the world of aviation.

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