Exploring the Cosmos: A Reflection on My Most Popular Articles
Written on
Tales of The Universe
This article presents a selection of my twelve most popular stories from Medium, along with reflections on why they resonated with readers.
1. Traveling Through Spacetime at Light Speed
28K views, 9.7K reads, 277 fans, 130hr 20 min reading time (Dec 2019)
My most popular piece discusses the concept of speed within 4D Minkowski spacetime. In this framework, everything moves at the same speed when accounting for all four dimensions—three spatial and one temporal. The more one travels through space, the slower the passage of time becomes. Conversely, standing still in space means one experiences time at the maximum rate.
Our speed through spacetime is constant. The more we move through space, the less we experience time, and vice versa.
2. Rewiring Your Brain
13K views, 6.9K reads, 628 fans, 201hr 34 min reading time (Dec 2019)
Ranking second in both views and reads, this article on neuroplasticity stands out for its fan engagement and earnings. It delves into how our brains can adapt: by generating new neurons, forming new connections between them, and modifying existing ones. Discover practical tips on how to harness this knowledge for self-improvement.
Neuroplasticity. Eat, drink and be merry.
3. The Illusion of Time
12.5K views, 3.2K reads, 188 fans, 152hr 50 min reading time (Oct 2019)
This piece on the nature of time, inspired by Dean Buonomano’s book “Your Brain is a Time Machine,” examines time from three perspectives: physical, biological, and neurological. It ranks third in views and second in reading time and earnings.
Understanding time through three lenses: physical, biological, and neurological.
4. Newton’s Gravity Discovery During Quarantine
11.4K views, 2.5K reads, 43 fans, 5hr 18 min reading time (Mar 2020)
Written during the initial pandemic lockdown, this article reflects on Isaac Newton's discovery of gravity while he was isolated due to the plague in 1665-1666. It encourages readers to view isolation as an opportunity for deep thought rather than mere productivity. Although it attracted many clicks from search engines, the reading time was relatively short.
Solitude and self-isolation can spark profound reflection.
5. Tachyons: Theoretical Particles Beyond Light Speed
8.7K views, 1.7K reads, 102 fans, 113hr 59 min reading time (Nov 2019)
Tachyons, imagined as faster-than-light particles, may seem like science fiction; however, they stem from theoretical physics. According to relativity, no particle can accelerate beyond light speed, yet particles created during the Big Bang might exhibit such properties. These particles could possess strange characteristics, such as imaginary mass, and could only move backward in time.
Discovering the connection between tachyons, the Higgs field, time travel, and dark energy.
6. Are We Just Temporary Fluctuations?
6K views, 2.4K reads, 149 fans, 104hr 07 min reading time (Sep 2019)
This philosophical piece rooted in science speculates on whether the Universe’s total energy balances to zero, suggesting it could be a zero-sum game. It discusses temporary fluctuations in empty space where energy seems to emerge from nothing.
What existed before the Universe began? Can something arise from nothing?
7. Experiencing Post-Drinking Blues
5.3K views, 2.8K reads, 52 fans, 17hr 16 min reading time (Oct 2019)
Many can relate to the feeling of sadness after a night of drinking. This article investigates the effects of alcohol on brain chemistry and neurotransmitters, providing insights for those looking for remedies. The popularity indicates widespread curiosity, though the reading time suggests attention may have been affected by alcohol consumption.
Understanding mood swings after alcohol intake and how to alleviate them.
8. Three Instances of Faster-Than-Light Travel
4.8K views, 1.4K reads, 125 fans, 129hr 42 min reading time (Sep 2019)
This article argues that faster-than-light travel is possible in specific cases that adhere to physical laws. It discusses particles moving through mediums, space expansion, and the phenomenon known as "spooky action at a distance."
Exploring instances of FTL travel without violating physical laws.
9. The Science Behind Tenet's Time-Reversal
3.2K views, 823 reads, 42 fans, 10hr 23 min reading time (Sep 2020)
Christopher Nolan's film "Tenet" explores backward time travel by manipulating the arrow of time and thermodynamics. Although it garnered more views than reads, it appeals to those fascinated by entropy, antiparticles, and alternative cosmological models.
Analyzing entropy and its connection to the concept of time.
10. Best Practices for a Great Start to Your Day
3.2K views, 1.3K reads, 12 fans, 2hr 21 min reading time (Dec 2019)
This uplifting article shares morning routines that foster good habits for starting the day positively. It's a quick, inspirational read, contrasting the longer scientific pieces that draw more reader engagement.
Morning rituals for enhancing daily productivity.
11. Journey Into a Black Hole
2.4K views, 1.3K reads, 75 fans, 39hr 58 min reading time (Oct 2019)
What would it be like to traverse a black hole? This article explores the experience, including the concept of spaghettification and what happens beyond the event horizon.
Hypothetical survival and exploration of black holes.
12. Viruses: Colorless Entities
2.2K views, 1.1K reads, 36 fans, 14hr 13 min reading time (Mar 2020)
In 2020, I reflected on viruses and their lack of color due to their size being smaller than the visible light spectrum. They do not absorb or reflect visible light, making them nearly transparent unless viewed through an electron microscope.
The invisibility of viruses and their microscopic examination.
Thank you for reading!
This concludes my overview. Most of these articles were published in 2019, reflecting my higher activity on Medium that year. As 2020 concludes, I plan to continue exploring popular science topics in 2021.
If you're interested in joining my journey into curiosity and science, feel free to join my Facebook group, Science and Curiosity, or subscribe to my newsletter for updates on new articles.
Thank you for your interest, stay curious, and see you in 2021!