Articles written by Rod Kennedy

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About me - Rod Kennedy

Currently I write a monthly astronomy article for our local news paper and a monthly Arts and Science article for an on-line Masonic Magazine.

I enjoy the outdoors, geocaching, chess, reading and writing.

I am happily married with 2 children and I am an active

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Education > High School Math & Sciences Why some teens dislike math and science: 3 of 48
After three years of teaching high school astronomy I have come to a number of conclusions regarding why some teens hate science (and by extension mathematics). The realization came after careful observation, wading through mountains of lack-luster exam responses and the administration of two less than impressive body of evid... More..
Sciences > Sciences (Other) Are we alone in the universe?: 5 of 74
The question of life elsewhere in the universe has occupied mankind's thoughts for hundreds of years. The idea has only grown in the collective consciousness in the years since humans first stepped off this planet. Yet the question of life in the universe, versus that of intelligent life, draws the most heated debate. After a... More..
Sciences > Astronomy Astronomical explanation of the summer solstice: 2 of 15
The summer solstice may be one of the most misunderstood phenomenon in all astronomy. Many people mistakenly believe that the summer solstice is the time when Earth is closest to the sun. However, on the first day of summer Earth is actually further from the sun than in December. So what does cause the longest day of the year... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Science fiction: 42 of 291
Oh Bury Me Not...Astronaut Casey Britt watched as Bill Richardson's body quit moving fifty feet below among the rust colored rocks of the ravine. Pale Martian sunlight glinted off the shattered shards of his helmet's faceplate. She was surprised how quickly it had happened, but then Bill hadn't expected anything had he? Why w... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Comparative Religion Learning tolerance and understanding of other religions: 3 of 18
Since the dawn of civilization there has been a wide variety of religions and religious beliefs observed among humans. Some of them survive to this day, others have been lost in the sands of time. The fact that there are (or have been) so many different religions suggests that there is not necessarily one "true" faith suitabl... More..
Sciences > Astronomy Was the Apollo moon landing real or a hoax?: 7 of 40
Today, there is an entire generation of Americans that are not old enough to remember the Apollo moon landings. Sadly, this has led to the belief by many that the Apollo program, while real, did not actually land men on the moon. They argue aggressively using pseudo science and weak arguments. Yet the evidence that humans did... More..
Sciences > Astronomy Astronomy and space basics: 1 of 4
2009 marks the beginning of the International Year of Astronomy. It is probably no surprise then, that this particular "Year of Astronomy" occurs 400 years after Galileo Galilae first turned the telescope skyward. The anniversary of such a world changing event is bound to have many people asking "how do I become an amateur as... More..
Arts & Humanities > Fantasy & Science Fiction Understanding what science fiction really is: 7 of 20
Understanding science fiction ultimately comes down to understanding humanity. Good quality, thought provoking science fiction should not only engage our senses and imaginations but also place a mirror before us and cause us to take a good hard look at ourselves. Everything from how we treat one another to what we can accompl... More..
Sciences > Astronomy What is an eclipse?: 8 of 20
Aside from being a clever name for a new type of chewing gum, and eclipse is a naturally occurring phenomenon in which a celestial body such as the moon covers or obscures another celestial object such as the sun. While the moon can obscure other objects such as far off planets or distant stars, this phenomenon is referred to... More..
Sports & Recreation > Martial Arts Getting started with Tai Chi Chuan: 4 of 9
Tai Chi Chuan is considered one of the national treasures of China. Throughout that vast nation one may, on any given day, find a park or other open area filled with people performing this ancient art. The slow, graceful motion, the fluidity of form and the serenity of the practitioners convey the sense that Tai Chi Chuan is ... More..