Hi all,

I am not sure I ever advertised this: a while ago I started putting together some interactive web apps to illustrate concepts related to the expansion of the Universe and dark energy. The first couple of interactive demos are up, so have a look!

One app is called "Expansion" and shows some surprising features of the cosmic expansion; in particular, how the universe can expand without a unique center!

The other is a simple game called "SuperNova Hunter" which illustrates some aspects of observing the universe to get a handle on the physical properties of dark energy. When you play it a few times you'll find yourself adopting a similar strategy to that used by actual astronomer who hunt supernovas (supernovae for those who had Latin at school) to learn about dark energy.

Have ideas for other expansion/dark energy concepts that could be illustrated with interactive apps? Post your responses here!

Thank you!

Best regards,
Ben

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Creator of Cosmology@Home

Thank you Ben, I'll have a look.

Very interesting, thank you Ben.

Thanks Julie -
I hope you enjoyed the free mini-games. Let me know if you have any questions!
Cheers,
Ben

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Creator of Cosmology@Home

Hi Ben,

I realize you posted this last year, but I just clicked on the link. I found it quite interesting too, but am not clear on how to play the game in which you catch supernovae.

What do you click to catch one? I have been left clicking, but it does nothing on the screen. Am I missing something?

Thanks, and I appreciate your making this up to raise awareness about supernovae.

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Jeffrey Paul Bradt
Physics student, University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, USA

Hi Ben,

I realize you posted this last year, but I just clicked on the link. I found it quite interesting too, but am not clear on how to play the game in which you catch supernovae.

What do you click to catch one? I have been left clicking, but it does nothing on the screen. Am I missing something?

Thanks, and I appreciate your making this up to raise awareness about supernovae.

Hi, yea that confused me a bit at first too. I think you just have to make sure you've hit "S" to start. After that you don't have to click anything, just move your mouse over the SNe for long enough.

Hi Jeffrey -

Remember to click inside the game before pressing S to start - it doesn't register the key stroke otherwise and nothing happens.

All the best,
Ben

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Creator of Cosmology@Home