Anne Helmenstine

Myrtle Beach

Science Writer and Blogger at Dotdash Meredith

@dotdashco #Chemistry and #Science writer https://t.co/1rAKCdAprf owner, scientist, mom, writer, gardener, musician, pyro.

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Articles

The Largest Nuclear Test in Space

1 day ago | freerepublic.com | Anne Helmenstine

Free RepublicBrowse · SearchGeneral/ChatTopics · Post ArticleSkip to comments. Starfish Prime: The Largest Nuclear Test in SpaceThoughtCo. ^ | June 2, 2019 | By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.Posted on by silent majority risingStarfish Prime was a high-altitude nuclear test conducted on July 9, 1962 as part of a group of tests collectively known as Operation Fishbowl.
Planets in Order From the Sun - A Guide to Solar System Structure

2 days ago | sciencenotes.org | Anne Helmenstine

The planets in order from the Sun reflect a structured arrangement shaped by the forces of gravity, heat, and time. Starting from the rocky worlds near the Sun to the distant gas and ice giants, the planets follow a consistent pattern shaped during the formation of the solar system. Beyond the traditional eight planets, belts and clouds of icy and rocky bodies populate the outer reaches, providing important clues to the solar system’s history and evolution.
How to Write a Hypothesis

3 days ago | sciencenotes.org | Anne Helmenstine

A hypothesis is a testable statement that predicts the relationship between two or more variables. Whether you’re conducting a scientific experiment, a psychology study, or a social science survey, writing a strong hypothesis is a crucial first step in the research process. This guide explains how to write a hypothesis, including what it is (and is not), the different types of hypotheses, how to recognize a good one, and a step-by-step method for creating your own.
Europium Facts - Symbol Eu or Atomic Number 63

6 days ago | sciencenotes.org | Anne Helmenstine

Europium is a soft, silvery rare earth metal with atomic number 63 and element symbol Eu. It has the highest reactivity, lowest density, and lowest hardness of the lanthanides. Known for its strong photoluminescence, europium plays a critical role in red and blue phosphors used in electronic displays, energy-efficient lighting, and anti-counterfeiting technologies.
The Scientific Method

1 week ago | sciencenotes.org | Anne Helmenstine

The scientific method is a systematic way of learning about the world through observation, experimentation, and evidence-based reasoning. It provides a logical framework scientists use to ask questions, develop explanations, and test ideas. By following this method, we reduce bias, minimize errors, and increase confidence in our conclusions. It ensures objectivity and repeatability in experiments. It helps distinguish fact from opinion or belief.
What Causes Earthquakes? What Is an Earthquake?

1 week ago | sciencenotes.org | Anne Helmenstine

An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the ground caused by the rapid release of energy stored in the Earth’s crust. Most earthquakes occur along geological faults, particularly near tectonic plate boundaries. They range in magnitude from barely perceptible tremors to devastating events capable of leveling cities. Earthquakes are natural geological phenomena that also have profound social, economic, and environmental impacts.
Solar Prominence or Filament

1 week ago | sciencenotes.org | Anne Helmenstine

A solar prominence is a large, bright feature extending outward from the Sun’s surface, often in a loop shape, consisting of relatively cool, dense plasma suspended above the Sun’s photosphere by magnetic forces. These structures are anchored in the Sun’s photosphere and extend outward into the corona, the Sun’s outer atmosphere. Prominences consist of of hydrogen and helium plasma, and despite their lower temperature compared to the corona, they remain suspended due to strong magnetic fields.
Blood Vessels - Types, Function, Anatomy

2 weeks ago | sciencenotes.org | Anne Helmenstine

Blood vessels are tubes that transport blood throughout the body. Together with the heart, they make up the circulatory system. Blood vessels deliver oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and immune cells to tissues while also removing waste products like carbon dioxide and urea. They play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis, regulating body temperature, and ensuring tissue viability. Blood vessels are tubes that transport blood.
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram in Astronomy

2 weeks ago | sciencenotes.org | Anne Helmenstine

The Hertzsprung–Russell diagram (commonly abbreviated as H–R diagram) is a graphical tool that astronomers use to classify stars based on their luminosity (or absolute magnitude), spectral type (or surface temperature), and evolutionary stage. Developed independently by Ejnar Hertzsprung and Henry Norris Russell in the early 20th century, the H–R diagram revolutionized stellar astronomy by revealing distinct groupings of stars and providing insight into stellar evolution.
Haber-Bosch Process

2 weeks ago | sciencenotes.org | Anne Helmenstine

The Haber-Bosch process is an industrial method for synthesizing ammonia (NH₃) directly from nitrogen (N₂) and hydrogen (H₂) gases under high temperature and pressure, in the presence of a catalyst. Developed by German chemists Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch in the early 20th century, the process revolutionized agriculture by enabling the large-scale production of ammonia-based fertilizers. Prior to its development, the global supply of fixed nitrogen was limited, constraining food production.