How Does a Gravitational Slingshot Work?

You’ve probably watched this sort of science-fiction scene more than once: some stalwart starship captain and their crew are fleeing from aliens/escaping a supernova /running out of fuel and are seemingly out of options, about to get eaten/vaporized/stuck. But then, just ahead, they spot a planet! So they head right for it, rockets blazing, then…

Read More

Is there any such thing as a safe investment?

Why are some investments traditionally considered safe? Here are the underlying risks of real estate, gold, and annuities. The elders in my family were big on safe investments. Growing up in the 1980s, I can recall receiving savings bonds as birthday gifts from far-flung aunts and grandmothers. Though these bonds were disappointing presents for any…

Read More
Back To Top