Talking Tech: With this issue, Manor Ink launches two new science columns, one about space and the other about STEM subjects.

Not a bird or a plane. A ‘jellyfish’

By Isabella Deans | Manor Ink

A glowing ethereal cloud of multiple pretty colors appeared in the pre-dawn sky on Tuesday, Oct. 13, along the southeastern seaboard of the United States. This unusual phenomenon is known as the “space jellyfish” effect. It gets its name from the cloud’s resemblance to a jellyfish, with a wide body and long flowing tendrils.

This display was created by the exhaust from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that blasted off from Cape Canaveral, FL, on a resupply journey to the International Space Station. It was even visible here in the Catskills.

The science behind the space jellyfish begins within the rocket’s engines. Falcon 9 burns refined kerosene with liquid oxygen which produces an extremely hot exhaust mixture of water vapor and carbon dioxide. As the rocket climbs into thinner air above, the lower atmospheric pressure allows the exhaust to expand into a wide gas plume.

The timing of the launch was the key factor as to why this display was so noticeable. People on the ground were still in the Earth’s shadow before sunrise, while the rocket’s exhaust, high in the atmosphere, was able to catch the early sunlight. Some of this water vapor can condense and freeze as the exhaust cools under good conditions. The sunlight can illuminate the plume high above Earth while the ground below remains dark, revealing the glowing jellyfish shape.

The dark background makes the illuminated plume stand out, allowing observers to see its shape more clearly. The space jellyfish is a fascinating example of how science and nature can come together to create something extraordinary.

Getting innovative with science fun

By Halle Thomas | Manor Ink

Hmm, what does STEM mean? To answer that, let’s check. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. You might already know bits and pieces, like how a pendulum works, or making a floor plan. Either way, this new monthly column is designed to help you learn about STEM. STEM also helps build lifelong curiosity and innovative thinking.

STEM helps people learn critical thinking and math skills while potentially having fun. It also helps people to learn from failure and try things new to them such as attempting to build something to make an egg fall slower when dropped from high up or trying to make a robot that helps people do chores. STEM is one of those things that can be fun but you need to be persistent to learn.

In the Rockland Elementary School, students now have a STEM class taught by Mr. Liam Maloney. Manor Ink recently had a chance to speak with Maloney about the class.

“Students could always use more time in science,” said Maloney. Along with that, the kids that go to his class will have fun by designing floor plans, trying to make an invention to stop an egg from breaking when dropped from various heights, coding to make robots work and so much more. And if you readers at home can’t do those projects, here’s a project with just a few ingredients that will be a surprise.

A STEM Volcano

Ingredients

• Apple

• Baking Soda

• Vinegar

Tools

• A spoon to scoop the apple out

• A tray to have the explosion on

Directions

1. Put the apple on the tray.

2. Hollow out the apple with the spoon.

3. Put the baking soda in the hollowed-out apple.

4. Add the vinegar to the baking soda and watch it ooze out.