Singer / Songwriter / Lyrics / Music = Songs

• Down-or-Around-I.mp3
• Down-or-Around-I.mp4
• Down-or-Around-II.mp3
• Down-or-Around-II.mp4

[Verse 1]
The day winds down
Or does it really wind around?
(Down or around, around or down)

[Bridge]
The sun goes down
Or do we really go around?
(Down or around, around or down)

[Chorus]
Is it tomorrow today
Half a turn away
It must be yesterday
Somewhere…
Yet, I’m unaware

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 2]
The sun rises
In the East…
Or at best
Sets in the west
Or at least
As one sees
Relativity

[Bridge]
The sun goes down
Or do we really go around?
(Down or around, around or down)

[Chorus]
Is it tomorrow today
Half a turn away
It must be yesterday
Somewhere…
Yet, I’m unaware

A SCIENCE NOTE
Humans believed that the Sun revolved around the Earth for much of recorded history, with this geocentric model being prevalent from ancient times until the early modern period. This belief lasted approximately 1,400 years, from the development of the geocentric model in ancient Greece until the widespread acceptance of the heliocentric model in the 17th century.

Key Points in the History of the Geocentric Model:

1. Ancient Greece:
   • The geocentric model was formalized by the Greek philosopher Claudius Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD. His work, the Almagest, outlined a detailed geocentric system that remained the authoritative reference for over a millennium.
2. Middle Ages:
   • The Ptolemaic system was widely accepted and taught in Europe, the Middle East, and other regions during the Middle Ages. It was integrated into Christian, Islamic, and other worldviews.
3. Renaissance and Early Modern Period:
   • In the 16th century, the Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus proposed the heliocentric model, where the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. His work, “De revolutionibus orbium coelestium,” published in 1543, challenged the geocentric model but did not immediately overturn it.
4. 17th Century:
   • The heliocentric model gained empirical support through the observations of astronomers like Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, and Tycho Brahe. Galileo’s use of the telescope to observe celestial bodies provided strong evidence against the geocentric model.
   • Kepler’s laws of planetary motion and Isaac Newton’s law of universal gravitation further solidified the heliocentric model.
   • By the late 17th century, the heliocentric model had become widely accepted among scientists and scholars, effectively replacing the geocentric model.

Conclusion:

The belief that the Sun revolved around the Earth persisted from ancient times until the heliocentric model was scientifically validated and widely accepted in the 17th century. Therefore, this misconception lasted for over 1,400 years before being corrected through advancements in astronomy and physics.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

• Hurling-Through-Space.mp3
• Hurling-Through-Space.mp4

(Blip.)
[Instrumental, Synthesizers, Bass]
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 1]
Which is moving faster (past Her)
The Earth or the sky (Why?)
Or is rather
More of tie (Why?)

[Chorus]
Hurling through space (our place)
In a path with the sun (run, run)
But wait, I’m not done
We run around the sun
During every bit
We orbit
Our star
So, far…
And, just for fun
We spin (and spin)
All of this
On our axis

[Bridge]
So….

[Instrumental, Guitar solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 2]
Which is moving slower (Know Her?)
The Earth or the sky (Why?)
The thought sower
Wants to try

[Chorus]
Hurling through space (our place)
In a path with the sun (run, run)
But wait, I’m not done
We run around the sun
During every bit
We orbit
Our star
So, far…
And, just for fun
We spin (and spin)
All of this
On our axis

[Bridge]
So….

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass Runs]

[Bridge]
So….
What do I know
I try
Close to a tie
Or a bye
In any event,
I’m present
In the movement
The human race race
Through space

[Chorus]
Hurling through space (our place)
In a path with the sun (run, run)
But wait, I’m not done
We run around the sun
During every bit
We orbit
Our star
So, far…

[Outro]
And, just for fun
We spin (and spin)
All of this
On our axis

A SCIENCE NOTE
How fast is the sun traveling through space?
The Sun, along with the entire solar system, is traveling through space at a substantial speed. Here are the details:

1. Orbital Speed Around the Galactic Center:
   • The Sun orbits around the center of the Milky Way galaxy. It travels at an average speed of about 220-230 kilometers per second (approximately 490,000 to 514,000 miles per hour).
   • It takes the Sun about 225-250 million years to complete one orbit around the Milky Way’s center, a journey known as a galactic year or cosmic year.
2. Movement Relative to Nearby Stars:
   • In addition to its orbit around the galactic center, the Sun moves relative to the average motion of nearby stars in the local standard of rest (LSR). This motion is approximately 20 kilometers per second (about 45,000 miles per hour) towards the constellation of Hercules.
3. Movement with the Milky Way:
   • The entire Milky Way galaxy, including the Sun, is also moving through space. It is moving towards the Andromeda Galaxy at about 110 kilometers per second (about 246,000 miles per hour).

These movements are the result of complex gravitational interactions and the dynamic nature of our galaxy and the universe. While these speeds might seem incredibly fast, the vast distances in space mean that such motions are not noticeable from our everyday perspective on Earth.

How fast is the Earth orbiting the sun?
The Earth orbits the Sun at an average speed of approximately 29.78 kilometers per second, which is about 107,000 kilometers per hour (or roughly 66,600 miles per hour). This speed allows the Earth to complete one full orbit around the Sun in about 365.25 days, defining the length of a year.

• Orbital Path: The Earth’s orbit is an ellipse, so the speed varies slightly over the course of a year. The Earth moves fastest when it is closest to the Sun (perihelion) and slowest when it is farthest from the Sun (aphelion).
• Perihelion: Around early January, Earth is closest to the Sun, and its orbital speed can increase to about 30.29 kilometers per second (109,000 kilometers per hour or 67,600 miles per hour).
• Aphelion: Around early July, Earth is farthest from the Sun, and its orbital speed can decrease to about 29.29 kilometers per second (105,000 kilometers per hour or 65,200 miles per hour).

The average speed of 29.78 kilometers per second is a result of the balance between the gravitational pull of the Sun and the inertia of the Earth’s motion.

How fast is the Earth spinning on its axis?
The Earth spins on its axis at a rate that varies depending on your location. Here are the specifics:

• Equator: At the equator, the Earth’s rotational speed is about 1670 kilometers per hour (1037 miles per hour). This is the fastest speed due to the larger circumference.
• Poles: At the poles, the rotational speed is effectively zero because you are standing on the axis of rotation.

To understand this more clearly:

• Circumference: The circumference of the Earth at the equator is about 40,075 kilometers (24,901 miles).
• Rotation Period: The Earth takes approximately 24 hours to complete one full rotation (specifically, about 23.93 hours, which is why we have a leap year to account for the extra time).

This rotational speed causes the Coriolis effect, which influences weather patterns and ocean currents. The sensation of this rotation is generally imperceptible to us due to the constant speed and the vast size of the Earth.

Which is moving faster, the earth or the sky?
The concepts of the Earth moving and the sky moving are related to different reference frames, so let’s break it down:

1. Earth’s Movement:
   • Rotation: The Earth rotates on its axis at about 1670 kilometers per hour (1037 miles per hour) at the equator.
   • Orbit: The Earth orbits the Sun at approximately 107,000 kilometers per hour (66,600 miles per hour).
2. Sky’s Movement:
   • Perception of Sky Movement: From our perspective on Earth, the sky appears to move because of the Earth’s rotation. This apparent motion is about 15 degrees per hour, causing the stars, the Sun, and the Moon to rise in the east and set in the west.
3. Actual Motion of Celestial Bodies:
   • Stars and Milky Way: The stars in our galaxy, including the Sun, are moving through space as part of the Milky Way’s rotation. The Sun orbits the center of the Milky Way at about 828,000 kilometers per hour (514,000 miles per hour).
   • Galactic Motion: The Milky Way itself is moving through space, which adds additional motion to everything within it.

Which is Moving Faster?

• In terms of relative speed from our point of view on Earth, the Earth’s rotation and orbit dictate what we perceive.
• In terms of absolute speed through space, the Sun (and therefore the Earth, as it is part of the solar system) moves much faster through space compared to the rotation and orbit speeds of the Earth itself.

So, while the Earth’s rotation is faster than the perceived motion of the sky (which is actually a result of the Earth’s rotation), the Sun’s journey through the galaxy means the Earth is moving very fast through space. Thus, on an absolute scale, the Earth (as part of the solar system) is moving faster through the galaxy than it is rotating on its axis or orbiting the Sun.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

• Crepuscular-Rays.mp3
• Crepuscular-Rays.mp4

(Nice, oh so nice)
(Look twice, so nice)

[Verse 1]
You, yes, you
A breakthrough
Like the first light
In the twilight

[Chorus]
Crepuscular rays
Adding light to my days
Crepuscular rays
Bringing light in so many ways

[Instrumental, Flute Solo, Piano, Bass]

[Verse 2]
You, yes, you
Bring the light
Making day out of night
Love what you do
(I do)

[Chorus]
Crepuscular rays
Adding light to my days
Crepuscular rays
Bringing light in so many ways

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]

[Bridge]
Scattering of sunlight (Alright!)
Particles in the atmosphere (Steer)
Sunlight streams beam
Scenes of sunbeams
Fulfill dreams

[Chorus]
Crepuscular rays
Adding light to my days
Crepuscular rays
Bringing light in so many ways

[Outro]
Sunlight streams beam
Scenes of sunbeams
Fulfill dreams

A SCIENCE NOTE
The first rays of light that break through the clouds are often referred to as “crepuscular rays.” These rays appear to radiate from a single point in the sky and are typically seen during sunrise or sunset when the sun is low on the horizon. The term “crepuscular” comes from the Latin word “crepusculum,” meaning “twilight.”

Crepuscular rays are caused by the scattering of sunlight by particles in the atmosphere, and they are accentuated when there are breaks in the clouds, allowing the sunlight to stream through in visible beams. These rays can create a dramatic visual effect and are sometimes poetically referred to as “sunbeams” or “God rays.”

In addition to crepuscular rays, when these beams of light appear on the opposite horizon, typically just after sunset or just before sunrise, they are called “anticrepuscular rays.” These rays are less commonly seen but can be equally striking.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous

• Buoyant-Force.mp3
• Buoyant-Force.mp4

1, 2, 3
And, we all float on….

[Instrumental, Electric Piano, Bass]

[Verse 1]
Something’s keeping me a float
Keeping my head above water
In a world so cutthroat
Rise above the slaughter

[Chorus]
A buoyant force
Keeping me on course
Rise above
With the force of love

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 2]
Keeping my head above water
So I can see reality
Getting harder as it’s getting hotter
I guess we’ll see

[Chorus]
A buoyant force
Keeping me on course
Rise above
With the force of love

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Bridge]
Buoyancy
Sensitivity to density
Replaces
Displaces
As a matter of fact
I’m flat on my back

[Chorus]
A buoyant force
Keeping me on course
Rise above
With the force of love

[Outro]
Buoyancy
Sensitivity to density

[End]

A SCIENCE NOTE

The ability of humans to float on water is primarily governed by the principles of buoyancy and density. Here are the key physics concepts involved:

Buoyancy

Archimedes’ Principle:

• This principle states that any object submerged in a fluid (liquid or gas) experiences an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of the fluid that the object displaces.
• For a human body to float, the buoyant force must equal the gravitational force (weight) acting on the body.

Buoyant Force:

• Buoyant force (F_b) can be calculated using the formula: Fb=ρfluid×Vdisplaced×gFb​=ρfluid​×Vdisplaced​×g where:
  • ρfluidρfluid​ is the density of the fluid (water, in this case).
  • VdisplacedVdisplaced​ is the volume of the fluid displaced by the object.
  • $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity.

Density

Density of the Human Body:

• Density ($\rho$) is mass per unit volume (ρ=mVρ=Vm​).
• The average density of the human body is slightly less than that of water, primarily due to the presence of air in the lungs and body cavities, and fat tissues, which are less dense than water.

Comparison with Water:

• Freshwater has a density of approximately 1,000 kg/m³.
• If a human body’s density is less than 1,000 kg/m³, the body will float because the buoyant force will be greater than the gravitational force acting on the body.

Factors Affecting Floating

Lung Capacity:

• Air in the lungs significantly affects buoyancy. Inhaling increases lung volume, reducing the overall density of the body and making it easier to float.
• Exhaling decreases lung volume, increasing the body’s density and making it more likely to sink.

Body Composition:

• Fat tissue is less dense than water, while muscle and bone are denser. People with higher body fat percentages tend to float more easily.
• Muscular individuals with low body fat may find floating more challenging.

Body Position:

• Spreading the body out (e.g., lying flat on the back) increases the surface area and volume of water displaced, enhancing buoyancy.
• Compact positions (e.g., tucking knees to the chest) decrease the volume of displaced water, reducing buoyancy.

Example Calculation

For a simplified example, consider a person with a mass of 70 kg and an average density slightly less than water, say 980 kg/m³. If the volume of this person is: Vperson=mρperson=70 kg980 kg/m3≈0.0714 m3Vperson​=ρperson​m​=980kg/m370kg​≈0.0714m3

The buoyant force when the person is fully submerged in freshwater: Fb=ρwater×Vperson×g=1000 kg/m3×0.0714 m3×9.81 m/s2≈700 NFb​=ρwater​×Vperson​×g=1000kg/m3×0.0714m3×9.81m/s2≈700N

The weight of the person: Fg=m×g=70 kg×9.81 m/s2=687 NFg​=m×g=70kg×9.81m/s2=687N

Since the buoyant force is greater than the gravitational force, the person will float.

In summary, humans float on water due to the buoyant force exerted by the displaced water, which, for most people, exceeds their weight due to the lower density of the human body compared to water. Factors such as lung capacity, body composition, and body position significantly influence this buoyancy.

From the album “Right Now” by The Beatless Sense Mongers

MegaEpix Enormous