Latest news with #GreatWheel
Miami Herald
15-07-2025
- Miami Herald
Family travel 5: Explore fun options in these US cities
American cities provide rich learning environments and immersive entertainment for families. Here are five to consider. Seattle Seattle provides a dreamscape for kids. Stay near the newly expanded waterfront and you'll be close to many top attractions for a family crew. You'll be steps from the seaside aquarium, the Great Wheel and Wings Over Washington as well as a slew of eateries and ice cream vendors. Plan to see the playful fish toss at Pike Place Market, and wander through the famous marketplace where fresh seafood, vegetables, flowers and other curiosities are plentiful. Ride the monorail to Seattle Center where you'll find the iconic Space Needle, Artists at Play playground, the Pacific Science Center and the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, plus the option for lunch or an afternoon snack at the Armory. Consider taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island for a multifaceted experience. After a busy day in the city, return to the Four Seasons Seattle where dinner in the Goldfinch Tavern and a pool with a view provide respite. For more: Cincinnati, Ohio Perched aside the Ohio River, this vibrant city melds a Midwestern vibe with a little Southern charm borrowed from its nearby Kentucky neighbor. Go local with a stop on the Donut Trail for sweet treats or sample a favorite sausage and oat dish called goetta. While in town you'll want to meet a world-famous hippo family (including siblings Fiona and Fritz) at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Animal lovers can also take a break on the train ride or whirl on the carousel. Later, opt for hands-on exhibits at the Children's Museum, part of the Cincinnati Museum Center where you'll also find an Imax Theatre and other rotating exhibits. Explore the underwater world at the Newport Aquarium. Among the more popular destinations is nearby Kings Island. The amusement park gets high marks for thrilling roller coasters, the Planet Snoopy kids area and Soak City, a water park where slides, rides and play areas provide all-day fun. For more: Nashville, Tennessee Head to the home of the Grand Ole Opry and the best in country music where y'all will learn how a simple radio broadcast spawned a global entertainment phenomenon. From industry legends to the latest luminaries, you'll get a taste of history along with a contemporary dose of the genre in the 'home of American music.' Take in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, the Bluebird Cafe and the Johnny Cash Museum. Ask about backstage passes, behind-the-scenes tours and family packages. Nashville is also one of the best destinations in the world to sample free live music. Whether exploring local neighborhoods or visiting iconic venues, you'll find talented musicians performing without a cover charge every single day. You'll also want to check out the award-winning zoo, numerous parks and outdoor venues as well as hiking, kayaking and picnicking options. For more: Kansas City, Kansas This Midwestern city is proud of everything from their mouthwatering BBQ to their crowd-pleasing sports teams. New in town is The Museum of BBQ, an immersive, colorful environment that encourages play while visitors learn about the elements and regions of American barbecue. Children ages 5 to 12 will want to explore Kaleidoscope. Sponsored by Hallmark Cards, it's a free studio environment where kids can tap into their artistic zone to create puzzles, draw and color. Families will also want to explore Legoland, the zoo and aquarium, the Ernie Miller Nature Center and the Wonderscope Children's Museum, where in 15,000 square feet of indoor space and a half-acre of year-round outdoor adventure, the focus is on STEM learning activities. For more: New York City There is so much to see and do in the Big Apple you may have to take It one bite at a time. But seeing the city through a child's eyes will be a thrill all on its own. Central Park is huge and you could spend a day there exploring Heckscher Playground, taking a spin on the carousel, wandering through the Central Park Zoo and searching for the Alice in Wonderland statue. Will you ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, catch a kid-friendly play on Broadway, ride to the top of the Empire State building, or opt for other birds-eye observation places around the city? Younger kids will enjoy the Children's Museum of Manhattan and the American Museum of Natural History, a hit for their dinosaur halls. You'll want to consider a trek along the West Side's Highline, a 1.45-mile-long elevated greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur, or a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. For more: _________ Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Sustainability Times
12-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'James Webb Spots Cosmic Shock': This Newly Found Ancient Structure Challenges Everything We Knew About the Early Universe
IN A NUTSHELL 🌌 The James Webb Space Telescope discovered a massive spiral galaxy , named the Great Wheel, formed just two billion years after the Big Bang. , named the Great Wheel, formed just two billion years after the Big Bang. 🔍 This galaxy stretches nearly 320,000 feet across, almost matching the Milky Way 's diameter, though it is less massive. 's diameter, though it is less massive. 📈 The discovery suggests rapid galaxy formation in the early universe, challenging existing astrophysical models. in the early universe, challenging existing astrophysical models. 🚀 The findings underscore the importance of continued investment in space exploration and technology to uncover the universe's secrets. The exploration of the universe has taken a giant leap forward with the revelations from the James Webb Space Telescope. Recently, a significant discovery was made, highlighting the presence of a large spiral galaxy, similar to the Milky Way, formed surprisingly early in the universe's history. This finding has not only intrigued astronomers but also challenged existing theories about galaxy formation. As we delve into these new insights, we realize the profound impact such discoveries have on our understanding of the cosmos and our place within it. The Discovery of the Great Wheel The discovery, described as fortuitous, occurred in November 2022 when Themiya Nanayakkara from Swinburne University of Technology and her team were searching for quasars, which are active galactic nuclei powered by supermassive black holes. In the process, they identified a spiral galaxy, now referred to as the 'Great Wheel,' existing merely two billion years after the Big Bang. This galaxy stretches nearly 320,000 feet across, almost matching the Milky Way's diameter of approximately 328,000 feet. Although it holds significantly less mass than our galaxy, the discovery of such a large spiral structure at this point in cosmic history is remarkable. Nanayakkara emphasizes that the Milky Way had an additional 10 billion years to grow compared to the Great Wheel. This makes it not the oldest known spiral galaxy, but certainly the largest at such an early age. As we perceive it now, this galaxy might have expanded significantly, potentially surpassing the size of the Milky Way due to the passage of 10 to 12 billion years since we last observed it. This discovery has prompted astronomers to reconsider the growth patterns and timelines of galaxies in the early universe. 'They're Coming From Space!': Mysterious Radio Signals Repeating Every 2 Hours Identified in That Distant Star System Implications of Rapid Growth Current understanding of the early universe suggests that the development of such a sizable spiral galaxy is not impossible, yet highly improbable. The authors of the study, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, propose that this galaxy could have formed through the collision and merging of multiple smaller galaxies or by accumulating massive amounts of cold gas. The existence of such a structure has significant implications for our understanding of the evolution of early disk galaxies. Geraint Lewis from the University of Sydney notes that these galaxies must have developed remarkably rapidly. Observing more of these structures early in the cosmos's history could necessitate adjustments to our current models. The recent identification of the smallest galaxy ever observed further underscores the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of galaxy formation. Such findings push the boundaries of our knowledge and encourage continual refinement of our understanding of the universe's early years. 'Earth Is Not Unique Anymore': Harvard Scientists Reveal Countless Earth-Like Planets Lurking in Distant Galaxies Reevaluating Cosmic Models The finding of the Great Wheel and other similar structures compels astronomers to reevaluate existing cosmic models. Traditionally, galaxies were thought to form and grow slowly over billions of years. However, the presence of a massive spiral galaxy so early in the universe's timeline suggests that galaxy formation can occur much more rapidly under certain conditions. This revelation prompts questions about what other factors might contribute to such rapid growth. Are there environmental or cosmic conditions that accelerate galaxy development? Understanding these variables could offer new insights into the forces that shaped the universe as we know it today. As astronomers continue their observations, the data collected by the James Webb Space Telescope will be pivotal in refining our models and potentially overturning established theories. 'Doomsday Coming Sooner Than You Think': This Groundbreaking Study Reveals the Imminent Threat Facing Humanity and Why We Need to Act Now The Future of Astronomical Exploration The implications of these discoveries extend beyond academic curiosity. They underscore the importance of continued investment in space exploration and technology. As the James Webb Space Telescope continues to unveil the universe's secrets, it opens new avenues for research and discovery. The data gathered not only enriches our understanding of the cosmos but also poses new questions about our universe's past, present, and future. How many other galaxies like the Great Wheel exist, waiting to be discovered? What other secrets does the universe hold that could redefine our understanding of reality? These questions drive the scientific community to push the boundaries of exploration, ensuring that humanity continues to reach for the stars. The universe remains a vast and largely uncharted expanse, filled with mysteries waiting to be uncovered. With each new discovery, we gain a better understanding of our place in the cosmos. As we continue to explore, what other unexpected revelations might we encounter that challenge our current perceptions and ignite our curiosity about the universe? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (25)
