Learning English Podcast - July 18, 2024
2Digest
Scientists have confirmed a cave on the moon, not far from where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed 55 years ago. They suspect there are hundreds more that could house future astronauts. An Italian-led team reported recently that there is evidence of a large cave that can be entered from the deepest known pit on the moon. It is located at the sea of tranquility, just 400 kilometers from Apollo 11's landing site. The pit, like the more than 200 others discovered there, was created by the collapse of a lava tube. Researchers examined radar measurements by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and compared the results with lava tubes on Earth. Their findings appeared in the scientific publication Nature Astronomy. The radar data shows only the beginning part of the underground area, the scientists say. They estimate it is at least 40 meters wide and tens of meters long, probably more. Lunar caves have remained a mystery for over 50 years. So it was exciting to be able to finally prove the existence of one. Leonardo Carrera and Lorenzo Brutzoni of Italy's University of Trento wrote in an email. "Most of the pits seem to be in the Moon's ancient lava plains," scientists say. There also could be some at the Moon's South Pole, the planned location of NASA's astronaut landings in the years to come. Permanently shadowed craters there are believed to hold frozen water that could provide drinking water and rocket fuel. During NASA's Apollo program, 12 astronauts landed on the Moon, beginning with Armstrong and Ultron on July 20, 1969. The findings suggest there could be hundreds of pits on the Moon and thousands of lava tubes. Such places could serve as a natural shelter for astronauts, protecting them from cosmic rays and solar radiation, as well as from very small meteorite strikes. The act of building living areas from nothing would be more difficult and take more time, even when including the possible need of strengthening the cave walls to prevent a collapse, the team said. Rocks and other material inside these caves, unchanged by the difficult surface conditions over the ages, also can help scientists better understand how the Moon evolved, especially in terms of its volcanic activity.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the Learning English program and the hosts, Ashley Thompson and Mario Ritter, Jr. It also mentions the program's focus on English learners and its slower pace and simplified language.
Moon Cave Discovery
This Chapter discusses the discovery of a cave on the moon, located near the Apollo 11 landing site. The cave is believed to be a collapsed lava tube and could potentially house future astronauts. The discovery was made by an Italian-led team using radar measurements from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
Spade-Toothed Whale Found
This Chapter reports on the discovery of a dead spade-toothed whale on a New Zealand beach. Scientists believe this is a rare opportunity to learn more about this elusive species, which is considered the world's rarest whale. The discovery has sparked interest in understanding the whale's habitat and behavior.
Password Managers and Paskeys
This Chapter explores the use of password managers as a solution for managing multiple online passwords. It discusses the benefits of using password managers, including increased security and convenience. The chapter also introduces "paskeys", a new technology that aims to replace passwords altogether, and explains how they work and their potential advantages.
Keywords
Moon
The natural satellite of Earth, a celestial body that orbits the Earth. It is the fifth-largest moon in the Solar System and the only one known to support human life. The Moon is a significant object in Earth's history and culture, influencing tides, providing light at night, and inspiring countless myths and legends. It is also a key target for space exploration, with missions to the Moon aiming to understand its formation, geology, and potential for future human settlements.
Lava Tube
A natural underground tunnel formed by flowing lava during volcanic eruptions. Lava tubes can be found on Earth and other celestial bodies, including the Moon and Mars. They are often characterized by their long, cylindrical shape and smooth, glassy walls. Lava tubes are of interest to scientists because they can provide insights into volcanic activity and geological processes. They are also considered potential habitats for future human settlements, offering protection from radiation and extreme temperatures.
Spade-Toothed Whale
A rare and elusive species of whale found in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is known for its distinctive spade-shaped teeth and its deep-diving habits. The spade-toothed whale is considered the world's rarest whale, with very little known about its population, behavior, or diet. The recent discovery of a dead spade-toothed whale on a New Zealand beach has provided scientists with a rare opportunity to study this enigmatic species.
Password Manager
A software application that stores and manages user passwords for various online accounts. Password managers aim to simplify the process of managing multiple passwords by generating strong, unique passwords and storing them securely. They also offer features such as auto-filling login details and two-factor authentication, enhancing online security. Popular password managers include LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane.
Paskey
A new technology that aims to replace passwords for online authentication. Paskeys use biometrics, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to verify user identity. They are stored on the user's device and work with a cloud service to establish a secure connection. Paskeys are considered more secure than passwords and are being adopted by major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft.
Apollo 11
The first crewed mission to land on the Moon, launched by NASA on July 16, 1969. The mission was commanded by Neil Armstrong, with Buzz Aldrin as the lunar module pilot and Michael Collins as the command module pilot. Armstrong became the first human to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969, uttering the famous words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Apollo 11 was a landmark achievement in human space exploration and a symbol of scientific and technological progress.
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. government agency responsible for space exploration, aeronautics research, and space science. NASA has played a pivotal role in advancing human knowledge of the universe, developing groundbreaking technologies, and inspiring generations of scientists and engineers. Its missions have included sending humans to the Moon, exploring Mars, studying distant planets, and developing new technologies for space travel.
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
A robotic spacecraft launched by NASA in 2009 to orbit the Moon and map its surface in high resolution. The LRO has provided valuable data about the Moon's geology, topography, and composition. It has also helped to identify potential landing sites for future human missions and to study the Moon's polar regions, where water ice may be present.
Q&A
What is the significance of the newly discovered cave on the moon?
The cave is significant because it could potentially provide shelter for future astronauts, protecting them from cosmic rays, solar radiation, and meteorite strikes. It also offers a unique opportunity to study the Moon's geological history.
What are the benefits of using a password manager?
Password managers offer several benefits, including increased security by generating strong, unique passwords and storing them securely. They also provide convenience by auto-filling login details and supporting two-factor authentication.
How do "paskeys" work and what are their advantages?
Paskeys use biometrics to verify user identity and are stored on the user's device. They establish a secure connection with a cloud service, eliminating the need for passwords. Paskeys are considered more secure than passwords and are being adopted by major tech companies.
What is the significance of the discovery of the dead spade-toothed whale?
The discovery provides a rare opportunity for scientists to study this elusive species, which is considered the world's rarest whale. It allows them to learn more about its habitat, behavior, and diet.
What are some of the challenges in studying marine animals like the spade-toothed whale?
Studying marine animals like the spade-toothed whale is challenging because they live in deep ocean areas, making it difficult to observe and research them. Their rarity and elusive nature also contribute to the difficulty of studying them.
Show Notes
Table of contents
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