Science and magic are seemingly disparate realms of human understanding, yet National Geographic explores the fascinating intersection between these two apparently divergent fields. While science strives to uncover the natural laws governing our universe, magic operates on principles that defy the limits of our understanding. Though often seen as opposing forces, both science and magic offer unique perspectives on the mysteries of the world. National Geographic delves into the scientific realm, chronicling breakthrough discoveries that have reshaped our understanding of the universe. From quantum mechanics to astrophysics, the magazine explores the wonders of the natural world with scientific rigor. By uncovering the underlying laws that govern nature, science seeks to demystify the unknown, unraveling the secrets of the universe one discovery at a time.
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But through years of photographing a growing list of species from hummingbirds to parasites and their biological processes, he s arrived at as many discoveries as he has questions. The researchers designed the cloak this way because the calcite can only be configured for a very narrow wavelength of light, and human eyes are most sensitive to green, Barbastathis said.
By uncovering the underlying laws that govern nature, science seeks to demystify the unknown, unraveling the secrets of the universe one discovery at a time. In contrast, the magazine also delves into the world of magic and the supernatural. National Geographic recognizes the enduring human fascination with magic and explores its cultural significance across different societies.
New Invisibility Cloak Closer to Working "Magic"
System hides relatively big objects in visible light.
By Rachel Kaufman for National Geographic News Published January 28, 2011 • 3 min read Share Tweet EmailHarry Potter and Bilbo Baggins, take note: Scientists are a step closer to conquering the "magic" of invisibility.
Many earlier cloaking systems turned objects "invisible" only under wavelengths of light that the human eye can't see. Others could conceal only microscopic objects. (See "Two New Cloaking Devices Close In on True Invisibility.")
But the new system, developed at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, works in visible light and can hide objects big enough to see with the naked eye.
The "cloak" is made from two pieces of calcite crystal—a cheap, easily obtained mineral—stuck together in a certain configuration.
Calcite is highly anisotropic, which means that light coming from one side will exit at a different angle than light entering from another side. By using two different pieces of calcite, the researchers were able to bend light around a solid object placed between the crystals.
"Under the assembly there is a wedge-shaped gap," said MIT's George Barbastathis, who helped develop the new system. "The idea is that whatever you put under this gap, it looks from the outside like it is not there."
Invisibility Cloak a Boon for Drivers?
The new invisibility cloak still has its drawbacks: For one, it works best under green light. The researchers designed the cloak this way because the calcite can only be configured for a very narrow wavelength of light, and human eyes are most sensitive to green, Barbastathis said.
In addition, the cloaking effect works only if you look at the hidden object from a certain direction. Viewing the object from another angle will make it "reappear."
Also, the system can only cloak objects that fit under the mineral wedge, which in this case is just two millimeters tall. Still, a larger piece of calcite should be able to hide larger objects.
Barbastathis is confident that his team or another group will come up with a true, three-dimensional invisibility cloak soon. In the meantime, he can think of at least one practical application from the system as it stands. (Also see "Acoustic 'Invisibility' Cloaks Possible, Study Says.")
"I live in Boston, and in Boston a lot of streets converge at very sharp angles, so when you look at the traffic light, it's confusing whether you're seeing the traffic light for you or the light that is for the other street," he said.
With the current cloak, "you could hide certain lights from drivers so they do not get confused."
The new invisibility cloak is described in a paper published last week in the journal Physical Review Letters.
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Whether it is the mystical practices of ancient civilizations or the contemporary allure of illusions, the magazine sheds light on the role of magic in shaping human experiences. At the heart of the National Geographic's coverage lies the recognition that science and magic are two sides of the same coin - different paths to explore the unknown. The seemingly magical feats of ancient cultures can be understood through the lens of science, revealing the underlying principles at play. Similarly, science often encounters phenomena that push the boundaries of current knowledge, evoking a sense of wonder that borders on the magical. This interplay between science and magic allows National Geographic to offer a comprehensive view of the world, embracing both the rational and the mystical. In the eyes of National Geographic, science and magic coexist in a symbiotic relationship. They both serve to deepen our understanding of the world, providing different perspectives on the mysteries that surround us. By exploring this intersection, the magazine encourages its readers to embrace the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and to appreciate the infinite possibilities that lie beyond our current understanding..
Reviews for "National Geographic Explores the Science of Voodoo and Witchcraft in Haiti"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to reading "Science and Magic in the Eyes of National Geographic" as the premise seemed fascinating. However, I was highly disappointed with the execution. The book lacked depth and failed to provide any real scientific explanations for the supposed "magic" phenomena. It felt more like a collection of random anecdotes rather than a comprehensive exploration. Overall, not worth the hype.
2. Sarah - 1 star - As an avid National Geographic reader, I was expecting a lot more from this book. Unfortunately, "Science and Magic in the Eyes of National Geographic" fell short on every level. The content was poorly organized, and the writing style was dry and unengaging. Moreover, the book seemed to rely heavily on sensationalism rather than actual scientific analysis. It was a major letdown, and I would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Michael - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Science and Magic in the Eyes of National Geographic," but it failed to meet my expectations. The book lacked coherence and often veered off into unrelated tangents. The author seemed more interested in showcasing their personal beliefs rather than presenting a balanced exploration of the topic. I found myself questioning the credibility of the information provided. Overall, a disappointing read for those seeking a genuine scientific perspective.
4. Samantha - 3 stars - While "Science and Magic in the Eyes of National Geographic" had some interesting moments, it overall fell short for me. The book seemed to struggle with maintaining a consistent tone and direction, which made it difficult to fully engage with the material. Additionally, I was hoping for a more comprehensive examination of the scientific principles behind magic, but it only briefly touched upon the surface. It's an okay read for those with a passing interest in the subject, but not a standout in National Geographic's collection.
5. Robert - 2 stars - I found "Science and Magic in the Eyes of National Geographic" to be a missed opportunity. The book failed to provide a cohesive narrative or a deep exploration of the topic. It felt like the author was more interested in captivating the reader with sensational stories rather than delving into the scientific aspects. The lack of scientific rigor was disappointing, and the anecdotes often felt disconnected. Overall, not a compelling read for those seeking a well-researched examination of science and magic.