yak magazine - april issue

Yak Magazine // April 2016

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Issue 35 // April 2016By Students, for Students

Navigating foreign space // David Bowie tribute //

Conspiracy theories //NASA Women in space //

the space issue


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Yak Magazine // The Space IssueIssue 35 // April 2016

We are YAK Media: the University of Newcastle’s student media channel, run by UON students. Our three platforms – YAK Magazine, which boasts both a bi-monthly print edition, YAK Blog, and YAK TV – are run by dedicated teams of students.

Yak works hard to bring you stories covering all aspects of student life, from health and wellbeing, to travel and entertainment, to politics and study tips.

Let us know if you like what we do, have any suggestions for story ideas, or if you would like to get involved.

SUBMISSIONSThe Yak editorial team is always on the look out for passionate student writers and graphic designers to contribute to the magazine. If you would like to take the opportunity to get your work published, please send a sample of your writing or graphic design work to [email protected]

Stay cONNected

Printed by PrintCentre on Callaghan Campus.

Yak Magazine is a free publication supported by Student Central at the University of Newcastle © 2016. www.newcastle.edu.au

www.yakatuon.com

twitter.com/YakMediainstagram.com/[email protected]

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Check out Yak Digital online! Scan here.

edItORIaLManaging Editor // Sarah WebbDeputy Managing Editor // Sarah JamesDigital Managing Editor // Jackelyn BassettDeputy Digital Managing Editor // Bridie O’SheaPromotions Coordinator // Chelsea GrothWriter // Thomas BirchWriter // Nadene BuddenWriter // Chris DanielWriter // Jack MoranWriter // Georgia MueckWriter // Michaela Wagland

deSIGNLead Graphic Designer // Breanna YatesLead Digital Graphic Designer // Kathleen MaierGraphic Designer // Laura Unicomb

cONtRIBUtORSWriter // Phoebe ProwseIllustrator // Andrew WhitePhotographer // Anthony DelanoixPhotographer // James GarlickPhotographer // Paul HaesePhotographer // Murray McKean Photographer // Mink MinglePhotographer // NASAPhotographer // Alex ParkerPhotographer // Emma ParkerPhotographer // Peter Rudwell

cOveR aRtFront Cover // Breanna YatesBack Cover // Alex Parkes

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cONteNtS

05 // Have your Yak : Editorial06 // Have Your Yak : Students08 // Clubs & Societies : Physics and Chill09 // 5 Tips : To “Not Die” in Space10 // Navigating Foreign Space AKA UON12 // How to be an Astronaut14 // Study Snapshot : Centre for Space Food15 // Health : Space Food16 // Ladies in Space18 // What Science Fiction Says About Us20 // Climate Change : Forcing Us to Jump Ship?22 // The Power of a Conspiracy Theory24 // Photographic Centre

26 // Astrofest : Shooting for the Stars28 // Written in the Stars30 // “The Martian” : Myth or Reality32 // Star Wars : Our New Hope34 // Stardust Memories : A Tribute to David Bowie36 // Arts : Sci-Fi and Chill37 // What Sci-Fi Films to Look out for This Year39 // A Day in the Life : Astronomer and Engineer40 // Groovin’ the Moo42 // Mic Drop : Space Carbonara 43 // Mass Debate : Are we Alone in the Universe?44 // Watt Space : What Space?46 // What’s On : April and May

32. 26.

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When the team and I at YAK started thinking about the possibility of producing themed issues for YAK Magazine, filled with more pages and design opportunities, it seemed like a good way to re-brand this platform for pure aesthetic enjoyment and smart, fun writing. And finally, here we are.

YAK is, quite simply, a bunch of writing and art we all like and believe in. While there is always danger in generalising a whole group of people, I do think some experiences are somewhat universal to being a university student. YAK is a place to make the best of the beautiful pain of assessments and cringe-worthy awkwardness of realising you’re too broke to buy this week’s groceries. When it becomes too hard to appreciate the little things in life, we also have good plain fun and visual pleasure. When you’re too sick of having to be responsible students all the time, we have lots of eye-rolling rants, too.

Also, I would like to send infinite big thank-yous to the late-night superheroes that are the new YAK Editorial team members, and to all of our wonderfully talented contributors, designers, photographers, and thinkers. All of these people agreed to take part in the re-branding of YAK before there was even the slightest possibility of paying them in grown-up cash and not Tim Tams and pizza (however, the latter is by far a better deal). THIS IS AMAZING. Do you know how much human beings like money? Our team has dug deep into their hearts and creative souls to bring you the wonderful content in this magazine.

In case you didn’t know, we distribute new magazines every second month: on Mondays when a new week of Uni begins, and probably when it’s really late in the afternoon and you should be writing a paper, but are Facebook stalking instead. (Oh. It’s just me who does that? Cool.)

Every month that we go to print, the magazine will feature a differently themed issue, and our theme for April is “Space”. Like when astronauts venture into the unknown areas of outer-space, so too do new and returning students endeavour to take on the foreign (or very familiar) territories of lecture halls, cringe-worthy group-assignments and library cram-sessions.

Enjoy!Sarah and the Yak team.

edItOR’S LetteR

Designed by Breanna Yates

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Designed by Laura Unicomb

Have yOUR yak // edItORIaL teaM

“ If you were an astronaut what would your space name be? ”

Sarah Webb Magazine Editor “Ripley”

Jackelyn Bassett Digital Editor “Astrojack”

Bridie O’Shea Deputy Digital Editor “Sailor Moon”

Chelsea Groth Promotions Officer “Pluto”

Chris Daniel Writer “I’d like to think ‘Helius’ or ‘Doc’, but I would definitely be a ‘Rusty.”

Georgia Mueck Writer “Cosmic Spew”

Michaela Wagland Writer “Marvin”

Nadene Budden Writer “David Bowie. I’ll have sequin spacesuits to ch-ch-change into”

Thomas Birch Writer “Sandra Bullock.”

Breanna Yates Lead Graphic Designer “Bean”

Kathleen Maier- Lead Digital Designer “Buzz”

Laura Unicomb- Graphic Designer “Astronauts & Crosses”

Jack Moran Writer “Stresshead or Constantly-Needs- Reassurance.”

Sarah James Deputy Magazine Editor “Marmalade (like space jam, heh)”


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Have yOUR yak // StUdeNtS“If you discovered a planet, what would you name it?”

Abbie Smith Bachelor of Secondary Teaching (Humanities)

“Pugtopia”

Ashwin Deen Masi Bachelor of Computer Science

“Earth 2”

Brandon Hayes Bachelor of Psychology

“Stacy”

Chris Bachelor of Civil Engineering

“Jenover”

Ciara Phillips Bachelor of Business

“Ice Coull”

Elia Holland Bachelor of Social Science

“Planet”

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Jacob Mangano Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering & Science (Psysics)

“Planet Squash”

Kezia Bower Bachelor of Social Work

“Haezec”

Lachlan Hopton Bachelor of Business/Commerce

“Airios”

Nicholas Quinn Bachelor of Business & IT

“Quinn”

Sirgum Kaur Bachelor of Arts

“Magris”

Tiernan Clark Bachelor of Science (Physics & Chemistry)

“Trump”


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cLUBS aNd SOcIetIeS // PHySIcS aNd cHILLMichaela Wagland discovers that It’s not just all about physics for the UON Physics Society.

Did you happen to see the splendid red shirts during the O Week Expo that read ‘Physics and Chill’? That was The UON Physics Society. Don’t be frightened by the name ‘cause completing physics equations isn’t always what they do. The society knows how much university students love a good feed, so they host pancake days and run the occasional BBQ. What is particularly astounding however is the liquid nitrogen ice cream they prepare each year for O Week.

Bringing out our inner nerds is something The Physics Society does well. So well, that the society hosts Sci-Fi movie nights twice a semester. “We watch a ‘decent film’ and a ‘good because it’s terrible film’ at each event”, Vice President Andrew Hart said. The intense stress of university life has a way of affecting us all, and The Physics Society understands that thoroughly. So, if you want a good excuse to watch a sci-fi film whilst munching on free pizza, The Physics Society is the place to be.

When not confined in the walls of lectures and tutorials, The Physics Society is first and foremost a social club where intense physics conversations are

not always discussed. Keeping in the spirit of space, however, that is not to say a discussion about extra-terrestrial life couldn’t occur at a movie night. For a taste of the conversation, Andrew Hart says, “I think most of us are of the opinion that the universe is so large that life must have occurred somewhere else. That doesn’t mean we also think that aliens travelled all the way to earth to abduct Rusty the Farmer and leave circles in his corn fields.”

If you’re passionate or even interested by the world of physics check out The UON Physics Society on Facebook. Any questions can be answered via Facebook or email at [email protected].

“Bringing out our inner nerds is something The Physics Society also do well, with the sci-fi

movies nights they host twice a semester. to quote vice President andrew Hart, “we watch a ‘decent film’ and a ‘good because it’s terrible film’

at each event”.

© mrtimmi / Dollar Photo Club

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Venturing into foreign territory can be a little daunting (am I right first years?), let alone leaving the planet all together. If you ever find yourself stranded in space (you know, it totally could happen), here are some pointers to ensure you have the best chance of surviving.

1.Breathe, or don’t breathe, depending on the situation.We all know oxygen is kind of important for our survival, so always make sure you have a full tank at the ready. If you ever feel the urge to take off your space helmet, make sure you take in one really big breath beforehand as most places in the universe (as far as we know) don’t have oxygen readily available for our consumption.

2.Take food that is easily catchable. Gravity isn’t in abundance in space, so it’s probably best to take food which can easily be caught as you’re floating around. Those packet of chips? Probably not the best idea.

3.Make friends with NASA on Facebook.Being stranded in space isn’t ideal, but if you want the best chance of surviving, you need friends in high (or low) places. Send out a status update on Facebook and let NASA know where you’re heading.

4.No space-walking.Don’t go for space walks without proper experience. Remember what happened to Sandra Bullock in Gravity? Just don’t.

5.Matt Damon.The last (and best) tip to not die in space can be summed up in two words. Matt Damon. A man who was left for dead on Mars and still able to survive is someone you definitely want by your side when you’re stranded in space. Take Matt Damon with you everywhere you go and you’ll be sure to survive, even under the most ridiculous of circumstances. Matt Damon, we salute you.

fIve tIPS // tO “NOt dIe” IN SPaceStranded in space? thomas Birch has got your back.

“take Matt damon with you everywhere you go and you’ll be sure to survive, even under the most

ridiculous of circumstances.”

Designed by Kathleen Maier Photo by NASA // Unsplash.com


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NavIGatING fOReIGN SPace aka UON

Has UON got you feeling a bit out of this world? Sarah James will have you feeling like a native faster than the Millennium falcon.

MaNaGING cOURSe-LOad

One of the biggest struggles new students face is adjusting to the workload. For those coming straight out of school, the adult learning environment can be very confronting. There are no teachers telling you when assignments are due, and many courses are solely online. A great way to stay on top of things is to get a diary (and actually use it), and remember to start assignments early. Also, never be afraid to ask your tutor for guidance – they’re way more approachable than you might think and genuinely want to see students succeed!

Seasoned UON student, David McGeoch, believes the best way to adjust is by actively taking responsibility for your work. “At the end of the day, the success you have at university will come down to your own work and own capabilities of succeeding in the area you want to. If you take responsibility you can move forward. That means engaging with the course once the information starts coming through, learning all aspects, then working out where you want to go from there.”

It’s not all work and no fun, however. “Join a club that fulfils the goals that you have at the time. If you are interested in something like Communication, then think about ways you can move in that area,” David said.

INteRNatIONaL StUdeNtS

UON hosts students from over 40 countries, providing a rich multicultural experience. Naturally though, it is a massive transition that can leave you feeling home sick. Canadian Juris Doctor and student, Meena Brar, describes her biggest struggle as “not knowing a single person, and having to learn to open up to brand new people”.

“I have had most of my friends at home for a number of years, and you tend to develop a certain trust and you think you won’t need to find that again. It was also hard adjusting to the extremely warm weather, as I love the cold weather. There were also foods that either didn’t exist here or tasted different.”

Meena’s advice to new international students: “Find things that remind you of home and surround your room in them. For me, that included flags, clothing with my city on it... I also find if you find a food that reminds you of home also works. For me it sometimes is Kraft Dinner Mac n Cheese (brought from Canada) or even McDonalds! It also helps to have some international friends who can relate on that same level as you. Although all can sympathise with ‘homesickness’, not all have truly experienced it.” What she describes as most helpful though are the friends she has made. “They have become my support system, and my Australian family.” And the best way of making friends is putting yourself out there! “I think its important to get involved; whether it be through sports, volunteering, joining committees, anything that helps take up your time doing things you enjoy is the best experience,” Meena said.

It is totally normal to feel like an alien when starting university. Chances are you don’t know many people. You may have just moved to Newcastle and the workload is insane. Simply navigating the Hunter building can make it feel like you’re on another planet. While some people make university seem like a breeze (if only), settling in definitely isn’t easy. But rest assured that being a new student is something everyone has to go through. And there are so many of us who can say that we have come out the other side and survived!

“even though your degree seems long – it’ll be over before you know it! So make the most of what will be

one of the best experiences of your life.”

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LIvING ON caMPUS

If you’re living on campus, chances are this might be your first time living out of home. While this experience can be daunting, it is also one the most rewarding and fun experiences of your life! The residences strive to create a community culture, so get involved in as many activities as possible. The majority of students who live on campus will tell you that the best part is the lifelong friendships you forge. Every challenge can seem that little bit easier when you always have people close by to help.

The residential mentors (RMs) are also a great port of call. Their goal is to help you transition into uni life, and make living on campus as positive an experience as possible. Not only do they host activities to help you get to know your fellow residents, but they are also trained in First Aid, creating respectful environments, and drug and alcohol-related education. Even though your degree seems long – it’ll be over before you know it! So make the most of what will be one of the best experiences of your life.

GettING aROUNd

Unfortunately there’s no real cheat-sheet on how to navigate UON like a pro, other than getting out there and experiencing it. What’s important though, is to remember not to panic if you can’t find a room, and end up being a bit late to class. The staff are very understanding that new students are bound to get a little bit lost! Apps like ‘Lost On Campus’ are a great way to overcome this problem. Also, as old-fashioned as it is, don’t be afraid to just ask people for directions- 99 per cent of people are more than happy to help.

You learn quickly that parking is a nightmare. But a way of making it easier is, is instead of paying the $4.50 per day, get a parking permit ($157.50 annually). This saves you from having to walk around on a hot day looking for a ticket machine! Even better, be good to the environment and catch public transport. Plenty of local buses go to Newcastle Uni, and there is also the Warabrook train station.

“chances are you don’t know many people. you may have just moved to Newcastle and the workload is insane. Simply navigating the Hunter building can

make it feel like you’re on another planet.”

cHRISty- Biggest Struggle: Getting used to going from high school where everything is face-to-face, where there is a lot of blended learning and independent online learning instead.

JeN- Biggest Struggle: Doing cooking and laundry myself....and the mosquitos!Advice: Get Aeroguard bracelets – easier than spray.

BRad- Biggest Struggle: Everything in Newcastle is so far apart – difficult to navigate if you don’t have a car.

HaNNaH- Biggest struggle: The commute from the Central Coast. Advice: Plan a decent timetable and have a regular sleeping pattern (easier said than done).

SUPPORt SeRvIceS

It is natural to feel overwhelmed at times. Thankfully, UON offers a number of services if you’re in need of help. The Careers Hub is fantastic at preparing you for job interviews and improving your resume. But what is lesser known, is that the learning advisors there can also assist you with study, assignments and academic writing skills. UON is also home to a free and confidential counselling service.

WHat NeW StUdeNtS Have tO Say:


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HOW tO Be aN aStRONaUt

think you have what it takes for space travel? Jack Moran investigates what’s necessary for such a space bound career.

In terms of the careers we dream about as children, astronaut stands proudly next to occupations such as police officer, firefighter or musician. While flying into space and exploring distant worlds might have fascinated us when we were younger, we rarely consider the reality of the kind of career path that would allow us to reach such lofty ambitions.

According to a 2015 NASA press release announcing the start of the recruitment process for their next intake of potential astronauts, the answer to that question lies in science and technology. The press release specifies that in order to be considered, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biology, physics or mathematics. Bachelor of Arts graduates, it seems, need not apply.

This new class of would-be astronauts, who will begin training in 2017, will also be required to pass tests such as the NASA long-duration spaceflight physical and psychological screenings. NASA also requires candidates to have either at least three years of professional experience in their chosen field or 1000 hours of piloting experience.These requirements are not exactly unusual for prospective astronauts. Neil Armstrong, one of the most famous astronauts in history, held both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in science with a major in aerospace engineering, as well as years of experience as a test pilot before he entered the space program.

The other two members of Armstrong’s historic Apollo 11 mission were similarly qualified, with Buzz Aldrin earning both a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and a doctoral degree in astronautics. Michael Collins, the often forgotten third member of the mission, also had a bachelor of science. All three also had backgrounds in the armed forces with Aldrin and Collins both serving in the Air Force, while Armstrong served in the Navy; a trend that continues today for NASA personnel, but is not necessarily a requirement for candidature.

For Australians with space bound goals, however, there is a further challenge as all NASA astronauts are required to be United States’ citizens. All three Australians who have been to space, Phillip K. Chapman, Paul Scully-Powers, and Andy Thomas,

emigrated to the United States and became citizens before they were admitted into NASA’s training program. This is because all astronauts are considered civil servants as NASA is a government agency and under U.S. law all civil servants must have U.S. citizenship.If you’re looking to go to Mars, however, this round of recruitment would not necessarily be for you.

“This next group of American space explorers will inspire the Mars generation to reach for new heights, and help us realize the goal of putting boot prints on the Red Planet,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. According to NASA, the activities of the 2017 class of astronauts will largely take place aboard the International Space Station. The next group of astronauts will also be focused on enabling long-duration space flight and both human and robotic exploration of deep space, which should create the technology that will allow manned missions to Mars in the future.

NASA’s application process for their 2017 class has now closed but as it drew a record-breaking estimated 18,300 applicants, it is clear that anyone with dreams of being an astronaut will have a wide field of competition. Of the more than 6,100 hopefuls who applied for NASA’s 2013 astronaut program, only eight were accepted to begin their training.

While not yet announced, based on past intakes the next round of NASA applications should begin sometime in late 2019 so all budding space explorers out there should start studying.

“applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in

engineering, biology, physics or mathematics.”

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Designed by: Breanna Yates


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The University of Newcastle’s Centre for Space Physics is an internationally connected research group devoted to, as you can guess, the study of space physics.

Space physics is a comparatively young field of research that has developed rapidly since the 1950s and, according to UON Centre for Space Physics Director, Professor Colin Waters, can be described as sun to mud physics. “Space physics is usually explained by its comparison with astrophysics,” Professor Waters said. “Topics such as black holes, the origin of the universe, extra-terrestrial planets and galaxies and stars all belong in astrophysics.”

On the other hand, space physics also focuses on the properties and dynamics of the environment where we place our satellites, Professor Waters said. To him, what makes the field interesting is that, while it has astrophysics’ sense of space discovery, the area is close enough to Earth to have practical everyday importance. This importance, Professor Waters noted, is why space physics should matter to even the non-scientific community.

“Civil and military satellite operations such as GPS, Earth observation and communications are all placed in the near-Earth space environment,” he said. “How that environment affects these assets is directly linked to replacement schedules, satellite design, and orbit anomalies.”

Space physics is crucial to the efficient and consistent operation of the technology that we depend on in the modern world. Professor Waters stated that the other important factor to consider is how the behaviour of the near-Earth environment that space physics studies can effect life on the Earth’s surface. The behaviour of near-Earth space is referred to as “space weather”, and while the weather can cause picturesque phenomena such as the auroras seen at the Northern and Southern lights, it can also lead to devastating effects on the ground, with Professor Waters citing a 1989 incident in Quebec as an example.

In that case, a massive geomagnetic storm caused by a powerful burst of gas and magnetism released from the sun resulted in a nine-hour electricity outage in the Canadian city. This event was not even the strongest storm to hit the Earth, unlike the Carrington Event that hit in 1859, which saw the Northern Lights extend as far down as Honolulu and caused widespread damage to telegraph systems.

According to a 2011 National Geographic article, if something like the Carrington Event hit the Earth today, it would destroy hundreds of power transformers in the United States alone, and cripple satellite communication and global positioning worldwide. Research into these kinds of events are exactly the kind of work that the Centre for Space Physics does, although Professor Waters said that the focus of research also changes according to international and local priorities. Some of the Centre’s current research includes studying how so called highly energised ‘killer’ electrons may punch through satellite casing and disrupt the electronics on-board as well as investigating the effects that a severe space weather event may have on Australia’s electricity grid. The Centre also collaborates with many other institutions worldwide for projects, such as working with the University of Minnesota, in creating computer simulations of space weather phenomena and participating in Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory study of the electric currents that power auroras. The Centre also has joint studies with University of Alberta, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre and the South Africa Space Agency, among others, and has a number of instruments in Antarctica, which Honours students have travelled to.

According to Professor Waters, the main degree pathway into the exciting field of space physics is a Bachelor of Science majoring in Physics, although it is not the only option. “We do have researchers in Space Physics with backgrounds in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and also Bachelor of Mathematics.”


StUdy SNaPSHOt // ceNtRe fOR SPace PHySIcS

Study Snapshot looks at the different areas of research being conducted by students and staff at the University of Newcastle. this month, Jack Moran interviews Professor colin Waters about UONs centre for Space Physics.

“Space physics is crucial to the efficient and consistent operation of the technology that we

depend on in the modern world.”

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Everything we’ve known about space foods has been a lie. A carefully, Hollywood constructed lie. It turns out that silver wrapped bland food bars for breakfast, lunch and dinner aren’t the only option when it comes to astronaut diets. Then what do these space heroes eat? I hear you ask. Well, it depends on the length of time the astronauts are actually spending in space.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) nutritionist, Scott Smith, reveals that having a good amount of iron in an astronaut’s diet is important to fight off fatigue. Spicy green beans are an option to keep healthy whilst tasting food and filling your body with the nutrients it needs. However, Smith does mention that too much iron isn’t a good thing either. “In flight, you end up with more iron than you need because your blood volume contracts.”

A study posted in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in May, 2013 showed that an increased storage of iron correlated with increased bone loss in astronauts on missions, ranging from two to eight months. The prolonged weightlessness of spaceflight

makes astronauts prone to lose bone mass. So to strengthen bone mass, adding foods high in calcium is highly recommended, like cheese, yoghurt, nuts and seeds.

However, while food is about feeding your body nutrition, astronauts aren’t aliens and they too like their food to taste delicious, just like us Earthlings. The weightless environment means that all the fluids that usually drain out of a person’s nasal passages stay put instead, leaving astronauts feeling like a cold sufferer – and blocked up when it comes to taste. So foods with lots of spice and salt are life saviours! Can I get an Amen for teriyaki beef, cashew curry chicken, and chilli con carne?

You are what you eat. And if you eat like this, you my friend can be an astronaut too.

HeaLtH // SPace fOOdBridie O’Shea dishes up the truth about space food.

“NaSa nutritionist, Scott Smith, reveals that having a good amount of iron in an astronaut’s diet is important

to fighting off fatigue.”


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Nicole Mann, Anne McClain, Jessica Meir, and Christina Hammock Koch. Say hello to the women who will one day visit Mars.

These may not be household names yet, but they will be in the near future. These extraordinary ladies make up 50 per cent of the 2013 class of NASA astronauts, a first in the history of the NASA space program, and a giant leap for women worldwide. The team was hand-picked from over 6000 applicants and, according to NASA Administrator, Charles Bolden, “they’re ready to help lead the first human mission to an asteroid and then on to Mars”.

In case you haven’t quite got it yet, this is HUGE. Women have been a part of space programs across the globe since 1963, when Valentina Tereshkova was first sent up on the Vostok 6 mission, but none have gone further than low earth orbit, let alone to the moon or beyond. The inspirational and courageous women of the new NASA class will quite literally go above and beyond what any woman, or man for that matter, has done before in the history of space travel. Secretary of the Robogals organisation here at UON, Emmalee Ford, said women are still

underrepresented in STEM fields, with less than one per cent of women making up the engineering industry and only about 30 per cent for science industries. Having the latest NASA program made up of 50 per cent of women is an important step for girls and young women everywhere, and will hopefully inspire a new and even larger generation of female astronauts in the years to come.

Make no mistake, becoming an astronaut is no walk in the park; the training is rigorous, designed to push the applicants to their absolute limit and see who breaks. Flying supersonic jets, diving in pools that imitate weightlessness, and something called the ‘Vomit Comet’ (sounds fun, right?) must all be survived and mastered in order to be considered for the class.

LadIeS IN SPaceIt’s a giant leap for woman-kind with NaSas new 50% female astronaut class, writes Georgia Mueck.

"With so much conflict in the world, space exploration can be a beacon of hope. No one cares about race or religion or nationality in space travel.

We're all just part of team Human."

Photo by NASA // Unsplash.com

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Designed by Kathleen Maier

It is undoubtedly necessary to push to the limits, and past them, when training to travel to an entire new planet for the very first time. After all, as the Director of Advanced Exploration Systems at NASA, Jason Crusanm, said, “When you go to Mars, you’re going. You can’t abort.”

But it’s all worth it according to Anne McClain, who previously flew attack helicopters for 15 months in Iraq. In an interview with Glamour magazine, McClain mused on how becoming an astronaut felt like destiny. Like McClain, her female teammates also have backgrounds in, as Jessica Meri puts it, “extreme challenges”. Both Meir and Hammock Koch spent time in Antarctica, and Mann flew fighter jets with the Marine Corps in Iraq. As Meir states, these women didn’t just get into the program “by checking the usual boxes, like learning to fly and scuba dive”, they are also passionate about science and the next frontier”. However, it will not be all that easy leaving Earth behind. McClain, Hammock Koch and Mann are all married, and considering McClain and Mann both have young children, it is a huge sacrifice. However, despite these sacrifices, it is one that all four women are willing to make.

So keep an ear out for the names Mann, McClain, Meir and Hammock Koch. We’ll undoubtedly be hearing much more about them in future, because beyond what it means for equality, the 2013 astronaut class also beacons in a new era for humanity. As McClain states in the interview with Glamour, “With so much conflict in the world, space exploration can be a beacon of hope. No one cares about race or religion or nationality in space travel. We’re all just part of Team Human.”



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“Sci-fi constantly reflects on the anxieties we have about our human experience and on the darker parts of ourselves that seem to drive so much of society.”

Photo by Mink Mingle // Unsplash.com

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Science fiction is a genre that reflects exactly what makes us tick. Sci-fi constantly reflects on the anxieties we have about our human experience and on the darker parts of ourselves that seem to drive so much of society. Here, we’ve compiled a brief overview on the history of some of science fiction’s most endemic elements and what exactly they reveal about our cultural psyche.

aLIeNSWhile aliens have developed in science fiction from faceless antagonists to likeable co-protagonists, films such as Doug Liman’s 2014 Edge of Tomorrow make it clear that alien invaders are still a mainstay of popular science fiction. Early invasion narratives consisted of assaults by hostile forces that reflected society’s moral anxiety and guilt over the imperialism that was rampant in eras such as the 19th century, when works such as HG Wells’ The War of the Worlds were published. Later “invasion fiction” was very different as it instead portrayed a much more insidious infiltration such as that in Don Siegel’s 1956 Invasion of the Body Snatchers. In the 50s, fear of a communist power taking over by slowly subverting your country’s ideology, and leaving you unsure of who to trust, is surely what narratives such as these began to reflect. While we do still utilise the alien invasion trope, we have moved away from aliens as being solely antagonistic. Instead we now often use aliens as a metaphor for prejudice and bigotry as exemplified in Neill Blomkamp’s 2009 District 9.

ROBOtSThe term ‘robot’ was first coined in Karel Čapek’s play R.U.R. in 1921. Since then, robots, machines, androids or any of the numerous terms we’ve used for them have exposed the innate technophobia apparent in our culture, and reflected the specific technology that terrifies us at any given time. For example, the robots in R.U.R. mirrored the growth in industrial technology and the switch to early mechanised factory labour. The Replicants in Ridley

Scott’s 1982 Blade Runner spoke to concerns about genetic engineering. The Machines in the Wachowski’s 1999 The Matrix echoed the fear of our entire lives going digital, even before the advent of social media. Robots in science fiction often highlight our society’s perilous relationship with the technology we create. We trust technology enough to let it become intertwined with every facet of our lives, but at the same time, we also have some sense of wariness about what exactly it could do that we don’t foresee, or what other people could do with it if they are given the chance.

ZOMBIeSZombies and zombie apocalypses are probably one of the most ubiquitous trends in science fiction today. Although they have a long literary history and many different conceptions across time and location, zombies as modern popular culture, largely come from George A. Romero’s 1968 Night of the Living Dead.

While a consumerist allegory can be taken from more recent zombie fiction, perhaps the more universal explanation of our obsession with the undead is as a reflection of our fear about what the base impulses that lurk inside us could persuade us to do if we are given the right motivation. In this way, zombies highlight what happens when we lose our humanity as we become part of the senseless pack.

For early viewers of zombie fiction, it spoke to the atrocities they had seen in World War II. For us modern viewers, however, it might be more likely that our preoccupation with zombies reflects our own political climate, where the powerfully infectious ideas and words of public figures are able to sway individuals into putting aside the moral ideals that we would normally hold true, in service of our own self-interest.

WHat ScIeNce fIctION SayS aBOUt USJack Moran explores how the trends and stock elements we see in science fiction reveal what we’re most afraid of.

“Perhaps the more universal explanation of our obsession with the undead is as a reflection of our fear about what the base impulses that lurk inside us could persuade us to do if we are given

the right motivation.”


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Sci-Fi films often explore the idea of us living in space. Usually this is because our planet went through some type of apocalyptic event, or aliens invaded [please see my Mass Debate argument on why we shouldn’t want aliens to exist]. The question is, however, are these science fiction films that far off reality? To quote now Oscar winner, Leonardo DiCaprio, “Climate change is real, it is happening right now, it is the most urgent threat facing our entire species, and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating.” But are we doing enough to slow down this inevitable threat?

The evidence of global climate change that was predicted in the past, is undeniably occurring today. The year 2015 was the hottest year on Earth ever recorded. In addition, there has been the rapid melting of large ice masses, noticeable rising sea levels, and an increase in precipitation and intensity of heat waves. According to the leading government website, ‘Climate Change in Australia’, since 2001, “The number of extreme heat records in Australia has outnumbered extreme cool records by almost three to one for daytime maximum temperatures and almost five to one for night-time minimum temperatures.”

While it seems like a small number, over the last 60 years, Australia’s temperature has warmed by one degree Celsius. This has huge ramifications. If global temperatures rise by approximately two degrees Celsius, it is predicted that 25 per cent of Earth’s fauna and flora will be eradicated due to an inability to adapt fast enough. Furthermore, this increase in heat will drastically threaten industries, reduce water supply, and increase heat-related diseases and deaths.

What is of major concern is Australia’s per-capita carbon footprint. In 2011 we were rated as having the twelfth largest in the world, despite our small population.

To tackle this issue, the Malcolm Turnbull government has adopted the Paris Agreement established at the 2015 United Nations Framework Convention onClimate Change. This entails a review of emissionreduction targets every five years from 2020. While some have labelled it “a historic turning point”

Climate Change: ForCing Us to JUmp ship?

climate change is not just another celebrity pet cause, writes Sarah James, but a real issue that may have us living in space sooner than you think.

“We must…accept that some amount of climate change is unavoidable and adapt.”

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in achieving the goal of limiting carbon emissions, the agreement has been criticised by some scientists due to it being non-binding.

However, despite the obvious need to tackle climate change, in February 2016 it was announced that 350 positions at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) would be changed, primarily targeting the researchers working on climate monitoring and modelling. This is incredibly alarming to the research community, with the CSIRO already having lost $140 million in the 2014 Federal Budget.

Chief Executive of the CSIRO, Larry Marshall, said that this job shuffle is to shift the CSIRO’s focus to climate change adaptation. This has been argued by some scientists as neglecting the vital role monitoring and modelling plays. Through this research, an early warning regarding the current El Nino was able to be provided to industries in the agriculture sector, preventing farms from overstocking and suffering significant economic loss. The advanced forecasting provided by the CSIRO is necessary in order to

determine how to appropriately adapt our infrastructure is to cope with the climate crisis.

According to CSIRO Climate Unit group leader, Kevin Hennessy, we must “…either accept that some amount of climate change in unavoidable and adapt…resilience, or slow warming by reducing global greenhouse gas emissions”. If the CSIRO continues to be underfunded and understaffed, what hope do we have?

Perhaps we should follow Stephen Hawking’s advice: “The long-term future of the human races must be in space. It will be difficult enough to avoid disaster on planet Earth in the next hundred years, let alone the next thousand, or million. The human race shouldn’t have all its eggs in one basket, or on one planet.”

Living on Mars might not be that bad, right? At least Matt Damon will be there?

Photo by Peter Rudwell // Unsplash.com


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If The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy has taught us anything, it is that within the immense territory that is the universe, we are merely “peanuts to space”. It’s even fair to say that we are smaller than peanuts. Maybe a pine nut? The nut size ratio is used here because there is no definitive answer to the question about how big space is. To astronomers, space is infinite. An ever-expanding wonder filled with uncharted territory. But have you ever pondered, just for a moment, about these unknown regions of the galaxy and what they might hold?

Welcome to the realm of conspiracy theories. There may be numerous theories that have proven realistically inaccurate, but there are many that have undoubtedly shaped our space culture and influenced the way many of us non-scientific minded people think about our universe. Was there really a UFO that crashed at Roswell in 1947? Were moon landings a hoax? What are they actually hiding at Area 51? So many questions, so little answers. Engineer and member of the Newcastle Astronomical Society, Dr Angelo Fraietta, said that the fundamental word here is ‘believe’. “Many people believe there is intelligent life in outer space. I often joke that people look for intelligent life in space because they can’t find any on Earth!”

But with joking aside, he said, “The belief in, and the search for, extra-terrestrial life is very strong amongst astronomers… there are many highly qualified people who believe both ways.” Maybe there just isn’t a way to persuade a believer that they are wrong nor is there any reason to reject any scientific evidence that effectively kills a conspiracy. So instead, let’s look at conspiracy theories objectively. As Wall-E said, let’s view space conspiracy theories as the final FUN-tier.

How would you react if the headline on your local town newspaper read, “Air Force catches Flying Saucer…” For Roswell, New Mexico in 1947, their reaction twisted the course of sci-fi history and thus, the alien conspiracy was never forgotten again. You know the story; quiet rancher finds unusual debris and the speculation about UFO’s begins. Before they know it, an officer from the US Air Force comes to collect it. National news has a field day and the US Air Force shuts down the story by stating that the debris was nothing more than a crashed weather balloon. Boom! Government secrets are now a staple of conspiracy theories everywhere. Despite being the stimulus for a film, many books and multiple documentaries, Roswell signifies how enduring conspiracy theories can be when you cannot logically explain all of what occurred. In 1980, Major Jesse Marcel, the officer who came to collect the debris, stated the weather balloon story was fabricated by the Air Force in order to cover up the truth and that the debris was something they had never seen before. Why would an Air Force officer come out 33 years later and lie?

That’s another fundamental sector of conspiracy theories: fabrication of the truth. Many theorists believe the absence of evidence and support for their beliefs is due to governments covering all bases and implementing any means at their disposal to keep space activities classified. Then there are those who believe there is no evidence because space theories are simply not true. But within this great debate, a theorist is neither wrong nor right; non-believers are neither wrong nor right. The fundamental point is that it doesn’t matter what you think. Because everyone still discusses space conspiracy theories anyway.

Michaela Wagland explores space culture’s dependency on conspiracy theories

“conspiracy theories are inevitable...”

are yoU a sCUlly or a mUlder? - the power oF a ConspiraCy

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Ultimately, conspiracy theories are inevitable. They allow us to form an opinion based on our individual beliefs. They allow us to be constructive. There are no definitive answers, so your opinion is just as durable as the person standing next to you. If nothing else, this belief and captivation with space has created an incredible fan base for the sci-fi franchise and ultimately formed the space culture we know today. Conspiracy theories have formed an alternate way to think about space. One that is exciting, perplexing and even a tad silly at times. The movie about a bagel-loving alien named Paul ring any bells? As curious humans, we thrive on what we don’t know and the possible discovery of something extraordinary. We thoroughly enjoy our space themed media, because it gives us a chance to think about something so far outside our realm of normativity.

There are undoubtedly theories out in the world that have certainly been debunked, like the Earth not being flat or Jack and Rose not being able to fit on the door together. But there will always be room for debate.In terms of astronomy, Dr Fraietta believes you should always harbour thoughts of your own. “What many

people call ‘scientific truth’ is really just our current understanding based upon what we have currently observed. ‘Scientific fact’ has been overturned in a generation many times before… What we really have is opinions based upon limited knowledge. Don’t be afraid to switch paradigms and go against the heard.”

What we do know about our marvellous universe will forever be shadowed by what we don’t know. However, this is an extraordinary thing. We can ponder about the theories of space in our unlimited imagination. Whether you believe or you don’t. What we don’t know and what we can’t prove inspires the incredible space culture that surrounds us. Even if you aren’t a space enthusiast you have to admit, it’s pretty damn cool.

Maybe we learnt more from The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy than we first thought. After all, they do tell us “the chances of finding out what’s really going on in the universe are so remote. The only thing you can do is hang the sense of it and keep yourself occupied”.

You may not believe, but you cannot deny the power of a good conspiracy theory.

“Maybe we learnt more from The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy then first thought. After all they do tell us “the chances of finding out what’s really going on in the universe are so remote.

the only thing you can do is hang the sense of it and keep yourself occupied”



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Photography by Breanna Yates


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We get a lot of opportunities living in a big town or city. There is plenty of activities to do, events to attend, things to take for granted, but there’s something that we miss out on terribly living in the ‘big smoke’ and, that is, stargazing. This is where regional towns have us beat. Without the interference of skyscrapers, city lights and pollution, central-west New South Wales boasts some of the darkest, clearest night skies. And it’s because of this that the Central West Astronomical Society (CWAS) has created AstroFest; a festival of astronomy that encourages people of all ages and from all walks of life to bask in the wonders of the night sky.

Founded in Parkes, in 2002, the CWAS aims to exchange astronomical views and knowledge, increase their skills and promote amateur astronomy to the public. Operations Scientist at the CSIRO Parkes Radio Observatory and co-founder of CWAS, John Sarkissian, said, “Small country town people often miss out on things that people in bigger towns and cities take for granted and this is just a way of bringing astronomy to the people, promoting astronomy, and aspiring young kids to do science and maths and engineering in school”.

“astrofest: a festival of astronomy that encourages people of all ages and walks of life to bask in the

wonders of the night sky.”

AstroFest is CWAS’ main fundraiser and continues to grow in leaps and bounds since its inception in 2004. “People out here are naturally curious about the night sky,” Sarkissian said, “because you step outside and see zillions of stars. People just want to know about it.” AstroFest takes place over two days and is filled to the brim with notable guest speakers. Last year Brian Schmidt, the 2011 Nobel Laureate of physics, attended. And while there are numerous activities running throughout the two days, the ‘star’ of the festival (#sorrynotsorry for the pun) are the David Malin Astrophotography Awards.

“Astronomy is a very visual subject; very visual science,” Sarkissian said, “and so what better way to interest the public and promote it than to have an astrophotography competition.”

Today, this astrophotography competition is the premiere competition of its kind in Australia. In fact, it’s used by many around the world as the model for their own exhibitions and competitions, which Sarkissian and CWAS are understandably proud of. And many of the Australians who compete go on to win competitions around the world. The only requirement is that the images are taken by Australian residents and that they have not previously been entered in the competition. Got a camera? You can enter.

“astronomy is a very visual subject, very visual science,” Sarkissian said, “and so what better way

to interest the public and promote it than to have an astrophotography competition.”

Some of the previous winning images include an incredible snapshot of a Nebular in Orion, a crescent moon hanging over the sails of the Sydney Opera House, and the wondrous spectrum of vibrant greens and purples in the Aurorae Australis. Sarkissian said the number of entries and the quality of images has increased dramatically over a few short years. “Every year it seems to get bigger and better. Last year we had a record number of 401 entries. The first one we had back in 2004, we had 32 entries”. The winning images also become a part of an exhibition at the Parkes Observatory visitor centre that also travels around the country with over 200,000 visitors getting the opportunity to see these natural phenomena’s.

“It’s the highlight of our year,” Sarkissian said.

Any Australian resident is welcome and encouraged to enter the competition. If you’re an aspiring astrophotographer, or just curious about the night sky, head to the CWAS website for more information at http://www.cwas.org.au or their Facebook page under Central West Astronomical Society, and get snapping. The sky truly is the limit.

aStROfeSt: SHOOtING fOR tHe StaRS

Bridie O’Shea uncovers an astrophotography competition where they sky truly is the limit.

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© ‘Aurora Treescape’ // James Garlick

© ‘Dust and Gas’ // Paul Haese


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WRItteN IN tHe StaRSWas the world as we know it foreseen by sci-fi writers? Georgia Mueck finds out.

It’s funny to think that the horse and cart was once the go-to mode of transport, but indeed there was a time when modern technology wasn’t even a flight of fancy. Or was there? Here’s a look at some of the science fiction novels that predicted…. the future (cue X-Files theme song).

Mars’ Two Moons and Gulliver’s TravelsThe actual name of Gulliver’s Travels is Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. In Four Parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, First a Surgeon, and then a Captain of Several Ships. What a mouthful, right? The book was published in 1726 and written by Jonathan Swift about the adventures of the eponymous hero, Lemuel Gulliver. In part three of the book, Gulliver is rescued by the floating kingdom of Laputa, which is populated by mad scientists trying to harness the power of the sun through vegetables and turn marble into soft pillows. While the scientific pursuits of the Laputians are supposed to be satirical, through them, Swift does

in fact predict the discovery of the two moons of Mars 151 years in advance. Phobos and Deimos, meaning fear and panic, weren’t discovered until 1877 by Asaph Hall. Similarly to Swift, Voltaire also speculated on the existence of the two moons in his short story, Micromegas. In honour of the two famous writers and their predictions, two craters on Deimos are named after them.

Jules Verne and Vehicular DevelopmentA contender for the title of “The Father of Science Fiction”, Jules Verne made many predictions in his famous novels that came, more or less, to fruition. In Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Verne predicted the invention of the electric submarine over a decade before it was even made possible through the arrival of electric battery technology. He also speculated in the same book on the creation of the taser nearly 100 years before it went into development. Verne predicted man landing on the moon, rockets,

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and solar-powered technology in the novel “From the Earth to the Moon” and, in his story “The Land Ironclads”, Verne includes a militaristic vehicle that strongly resembles the modern day tank. However, there was nothing preternatural about his ability to foresee modern technological developments. As Rosalind Williams, a historian of Technology at MIT said, “He predicted a lot of things that have happened, but that’s because he was reading a lot and talking to people and he knew what was going on in the world around him… It wasn’t magic. He was just paying attention to things”.

Stand on Zanzibar and all the thingsWritten in 1969 by John Brunner, a prolific sci-fi writer, Stand on Zanzibar is a little creepy. Set in the USA circa 2010, the story is driven by the various problems the world faces due to overpopulation. Many of the social trends and issues detailed by Brunner are eerily similar to what we are experiencing today, even down to the

name of the US President, which is Obomi. School shootings, terrorism, tensions in the Middle East, inflation and even the decriminalization of marijuana are just some of the predictions made by Brunner that resound heavily with the reality of our modern world. Even minor details resonate with our advancements in modern technology. For instance, global news networks transmitted via satellite, TV systems similar to TiVo or Foxtel, and even the underlying racial prejudices present in a society that is supposed to be “equal”, are all present in the prophetic Stand on Zanzibar.

If these literary works are anything to go on, the future is looking pretty bleak for the human race. Based on modern science-fiction works, it’s either going to be climate change, aliens, or zombies that finish us off. My bet’s on zombies, but either way, it looks like the ‘preppers’ may be onto something.

“It wasn’t magic. He was just paying attention to things.”

© Nikki Zalewski / Dollar Photo Club


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Space exploration has fascinated humans for years, from the first moon landing in 1969, to the first food (lettuce) grown and eaten in space in 2015. However, it has been Andy Weir’s novel ‘The Martian’ turned blockbuster hit by director Ridley Scott in 2015 that has reignited the interest of space travel for humankind.

‘The Martian’ follows astronaut Mark Watney, who is believed dead by his crew, as a fierce storm forces them to abort their mission on Mars. The only thing is, Mark isn’t dead. Yet. Left with meagre supplies and his own wit, Mark puts his engineering and botany background to the test in order to survive on the Red Planet. One wrong move and he’s a dead man.

While being surprisingly humorous and resourceful in these dire circumstances, Mark’s use of logic and science to stay alive for over four years on the desert planet has sparked a question: is this possible?

To answer this question, NASA has released information on the various obstacles that Mark faced on Mars, and whether or not these technologies are a reality for our future.

tHe HaB

Mark spends the majority of his time on Mars inside ‘The Hab’, his self-contained home in the middle of Mars. Equipped with his supplies and those that his crew left behind, The Hab is his life support. Steve Fox from NASA said, “Future astronauts who land on Mars will need such a home to avoid spending their Martian sols [Mars days] lying on the dust in a spacesuit”.

Training for this kind of scenario on Earth is conducted in a similar simulator called the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA). Inside this self-contained environment, astronauts are subjected to various trials that deep-space exploration has to offer over 14 days (which NASA are looking at increasing to 60). This is used to test subjects’ mental and physical wellbeing.

Realistic space habitat? Tick.

faRMING POtatOeS

Mark has a problem. He has one year’s worth of food that needs to last at least four years until Ares 4 (the next manned mission to Mars) arrives. To put it in his words, “But I’m a botanist, damn it. I should be able to find a way to make this happen. If I don’t, I’ll be a really hungry botanist in about a year”. So Mark-ever-resourceful-Watney creates a self-sustaining farm inside The Hab to grow his own potatoes.

‘tHe MaRtIaN’: MytH OR ReaLIty?Bridie O’Shea investigates how realistic Andy Weir’s ‘The Martian’ really is, or if it’s just another science fiction dream.

“for all those spud lovers out there I’ve got some bad news for you. the humble lettuce is currently the most

successful crop is space.”

‘The Martian’ // Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

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However, for all those spud lovers out there, I’ve got some bad news for you. The humble lettuce is currently the most successful crop in space. In the International Space Station, astronauts have access to a fresh food production system called Veggie. “Using red, blue, and green lights, Veggie helps plants grow in pillows, small bags with a wicking surface containing media and fertilizer, to be harvested by astronauts,” wrote Fox. And whilst lettuce probably wouldn’t be most of our first choice, if we had a say in what crops to grow in space, it’s definitely a great start.

Farming in space? Half a tick. Farming like Mark Watney does? No tick.

SPaceSUIt

Despite being known as the Red Planet, Mars’ atmosphere is cold. And for any chance of survival, astronauts would require a spacesuit to work in when outside of their habitat. Mark spends a large amount of time working in his spacesuit so it needs to be sturdy, flexible and comfortable.

NASA is currently working on prototype spacesuits - The Z-2 and Prototype eXploration Suit – to sort out any problems the spacesuits might have in the new Mars environment.

“One of the challenges of walking on Mars will be dealing with dust,” Fox wrote, “The red soil on Mars could affect the astronauts, and systems inside a spacecraft, if tracked in after a spacewalk. To counter this, new spacesuit designs feature a suitport on the back, so astronauts can quickly hop in from inside a spacecraft while the suit stays outside, keeping it clean indoors.”

Mark’s spacesuit? Half a tick (still in development).

WateR

Even if everything goes according to plan (The Hab doesn’t explode), Mark’s not going to get very far without a water supply. Inside The Hab is a water reclaimer that recovers and recycles water. Mark uses this and some creativity to combust hydrogen gas, creating water (which the reclaimer then collects). This process wouldn’t necessarily work in the real world because the combustion creates a lot of heat, and everything inside The Hab would burn down long before he had enough water.

NASA has it’s own Water Recovery System (WRS) similar to that in ‘The Martian’. According to Fox, in microgravity environments liquids behave differently so the WRS uses “a centrifuge for distillation, since gases and liquids do not separate like they do on Earth”.

Water reclaimer? Tick.Combusting hydrogen to create water? Hazardous. No Tick.

tRaNSPORt

In order to travel through the rough terrains of Mars, Mark improvises an episode of ‘Pimp My Rover’ with some unusual modifications, like adding solar panels for power (unfortunately there’s no 7/11 on Mars). Solar power is a popular method for generating energy in space stations. “The solar power system aboard the space station is very reliable,” Fox wrote, “and has been providing power safely to the station since its first crew in 2000.”

NASA is working on its own Multi-Mission Space Exploration Vehicle (MMSEV), which will be versatile enough to use on asteroids, moons, and Mars. Similar to Mark’s rover, some of NASA’s MMSEV prototypes have six pivoting wheels for extra traction and control. Popped a tire? No problem. The MMSEV lifts the deflated tire off the ground and keeps rolling.

Realistic rover? Tick.

The amount of research that went into creating ‘The Martian’ is extraordinary. Andy Weir should be commended on his efforts to bring such realism to the story, but we are still some time away from seeing humans on Mars. NASA estimates that we should see astronauts journeying to Mars in the 2030s, but there are still obstacles to beat and milestones to reach. Perhaps Mr Weir might lend them a hand?


“In order to travel through the rough Mars terrain, Mark improvises an episode of ‘Pimp My Rover’ with some unusual modifications, like adding solar panels

for power (unfortunately there’s no 7/11 on Mars).”


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The Star Wars franchise has a lot to answer for. Padme dying, Leia and Luke kissing and the unimportant stuff like high-key sexism, racism and queer erasure.

38 years after the release of A New Hope, we were finally treated to the cinematic masterpiece that is The Force Awakens; a film with a little less bigotry and a little more societal pressure.

We have to thank JJ Abrams and his team for making the excruciating decision to sacrifice lens flare in favour of better-written women and people of colour. Congrats, JJ, for not being as shitty as you could have been. In the first two trilogies, Queen/Senator Padme Amidala and her feisty daughter Princess/General Leia Organa sadly bore the full weight of female

representation upon their tiny, angry shoulders. An examination conducted by the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film noted that only 22 per cent of protagonists featured in the top 100 domestic grossing films of 2015 were women. If it’s that awful now, can you imagine the kind of misogyny Leia was fighting on her own back in the ‘70s?

Luckily, all the prayers we sent into space have not gone unanswered with Episode VII giving us the hero that we deserve. A true ray of hope.

Or Rey, as it were.

The brilliance of Rey as a character, and of Padme and Leia, is that their femininity is not what they are recognised for. The importance that these three women hold is not questioned because they are women. Nor are they are ever insulted or undermined because they are women.

StaR WaRS: OUR NeW HOPethe force awakens declares war on sexism, racism and LGBt erasure

“Hollywood is a white, straight and male dominated empire through and through.”

Star Wars Illustration // Andrew White

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Padme and Leia are politically powerful, righteously angry, badasses who aren’t going to let their lives be governed by others. Rey is restless. She’s determined and clever and completely unwilling to yield to those that attempt to Force (with a capital F) their will upon her. Rey grew up with nothing on a desolate planetwhere she had to fight every day to survive. She is taken on this unbelievable adventure that has nothing to do with her and she continues to fight. In an interview Daisy Ridley, who portrays Rey, told The Daily Beast that she believes that “she (Rey) doesn’t have to be one thing to embody a woman in a film. It just so happens she’s a womanbut she transcends gender.” This is what Star Wars has been trying to say since 1977. Women should be seen as everything, because they are everything.

In the words of Carrie Fisher, we just have to keep fighting against that slave outfit.

Sadly, women are not the only oppressed group of people in film. A study lead by researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) looked at LGBT representation in 700 films released between 2007 and 2014. Within those 700 films, only 0.4% of leading characters were not straight. Furthermore, in the top 100 films of 2014, there were only 19 characters portrayed as LGBT.

When The Force Awakens was released, there was an outpour of support for the relationship between ex-Stormtrooper Finn and charming Resistance Pilot Poe Dameron to be something more than platonic. This reaction could be chalked up to the insane chemistry between John Boyega (Finn) and Oscar Isaac (Poe), but should it? What kind of responsibility does Disney and the Star Wars franchise have to their LGBT, and larger, audience? Since Star Wars is an unparalleled cultural phenomenon, I would say quite a bit. The main trio of TFA appeared on Ellen Degeneres’ talk show in late 2015 and Oscar Isaac admitted to playing “subtle romance” while gesturing to Boyega.

Despite how vague Isaac’s gesture is, it is wildly naïve to completely nix the idea of having queer characters within the Star Wars universe. In fact, JJ Abrams told The Daily Beast that the best part about Star Wars is the “glory of possibility”. He suggested that it is “insanely

narrow-minded and counterintuitive” to assume that there would never be a homosexual character within the world. Boyega and Isaac may only potentially represent some facet of the LGBT community, but they actually represent other minority groups that are often erased on the big screen. Another study undertaken by USC looked at the representation of different races and ethnicities within the same 700 films between 2007 and 2014 and presented disappointing, but not surprising, results. In 2014 alone, almost three quartersof all speaking characters were white. The other statistics are depressingly low; only 12.5 per cent of characters were Black, 5.3 per cent were Asian, 4.9 per cent were Hispanic and 4.2 per cent were other.

The fact that Boyega, a Nigerian Brit, and Guatemalan born Isaac, make up two thirds of our new trio in TFA isn’t even the best part. The best part is that these two men are given roles that don’t rely upon stereotypes. Finn is brave, kind and incredibly strong, in every sense of the word. Black men are often typecast as thugs or fulfil the trope of Black Best Friend – not this time! Poe Dameron is the best pilot in the galaxy and his determination to fulfil his duties as a leader and as a soldier completely flip any stereotypes surrounding Latino people on their heads. Poe may be beautiful, but he’s not going to be your Latin Lover this time!

Nick Getley, co-founder of Sticky Trigger Entertainment, reflected upon the casting choices in TFA and diversity in film. “The world we know is diverse,” he said, “and I feel that Star Wars would feel more authentic if it represented humans more accurately.” Before TFA, the franchise said it was completely normal to have green creatures wearing robes with mind-control powers, but it was too far fetched to have people of colour in leading roles.

Hollywood is a white, straight and male dominated Empire through and through. And sadly, it is not that easy to make empires fall – but we must try. Let us hope that Star Wars continues to go where no one has gone before.


“Before tfa, the franchise said it was completely normal to have green creatures wearing robes with

mind control powers, but it was too far fetched to have people of colour in leading roles.”


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From the moment he walked on stage in the most outlandish outfit man had ever seen, the world had set eyes on their rock and roll hero. However, Ziggy Stardust was just one of the many honorable personas that David Bowie had created in his lifetime, changing his appearance as often as he would genre. Now, looking back, we are only left with these memories and the permanent imprint that he has left on the music industry.

In 1947, a small hospital buried in the depths of Brixton in South London delivered a child that would soon become one of the most influential musicians in history. From such a young age, an exposure to rock music and beat literature inevitably decided a young Bowie’s future, inspiring him to experiment with new sounds, personas and appearances. Although he was best known for constant changeability, Bowie revolutionised the industry. Being both a chameleon and a mad scientist, he was one of the first to mash together rock and roll with psychedelic trance.

Influenced by his childhood, Bowie soon moved on to pursue a music career of his own. However after an unsuccessful album, he disappeared out of the public eye for a period of three years. These few years allowed him to search for certain sounds, experiment with instruments and create characters for on stage performance. Bowie stated that he was unsure whether he was writing the characters in his music, or whether they were writing him. He later discovered that he was the characters in his music the entire time.

As hard as it may be to comprehend David Bowie being unsuccessful in his earlier years, he has left a legacy that includes 26 albums and multiple on screen cameos in the film industry. During his time in the limelight, Bowie collaborated with artists including Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Iggy Pop and possibly most famously, Queen. His distinctively unique voice was an attractive addition to many already established artists.

For Bowie fans alike, there is a noticeable connection between songs and albums that he created over his musical career. His obsession with the unknown was exaggerated, incorporating a distinguished interest in space, extra terrestrial life and beyond. Although in an interview in 2002, he mentioned that he had “absolutely no interest or ambition to go into space whatsoever” due to his severe claustrophobia, it never stopped him from expressing his passion for the outer limits.

Since Ziggy Stardust hit the stage as an extra terrestrial messenger, Bowie released space centric songs including Starman, Space Oddity and Life on Mars. As just a few of his most famously acclaimed songs, they challenge the traditional music, and literally take us to another place, as music should.

Despite being almost atheist, Bowie believed in something superior, almost as if he knew something that the rest of us didn’t. As his final years rolled around, Bowie began to come to terms with his illness, but still managed to keep it unpublicised. The public thought they had seen the last of Bowie’s surreal talent after a heart attack in 2003, however a decade later he shocked the world once again with the release of The Next Day. Three years later, he released what is now considered to be his parting gift to the world. Blackstar, an eerie yet conclusive album where Bowie sings about finally being in heaven, and achieving as much as he possibly could. David Bowie died on January 10th, 2016, leaving us a legacy that will never die.


StaRdUSt MeMORIeS: a tRIBUte tO davId BOWIechris daniel explores the life and legacy of one of history’s greatest musicians.

“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring”

-David Bowie

“there’s a Starman waiting in the sky, he’d like to come and meet us, but he thinks he’d blow our minds”


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Do you ever just want to get your geek on real hard, but can’t decide what to watch? Since Netflix came to our shores, we have certainly been spoiled for choice with well over a thousand titles to choose from and more being added on a regular basis. Well, now you can rest easy, take a break from watching Firefly on repeat, and check out this little list of Netflix sci-fi films that you possibly haven’t seen. SERENITY - sci-fi and steampunk make sweet, tender love for our viewing pleasureScore: 100/5 Look, I’m including this film just in case there is one poor soul out there who has not seen it. Ah, Serenity, what can I say? Based off the best TV show ever made? Check. Steampunk science-fiction? Check. Snide, sassy, and roguishly handsome leading man? Yeah, pretty much. It’s about a raggedy band of misfits, hurt-ling through the cold and terrifying vacuum of space in a ship held together by duct tape and one-liners; what more do you want?! Nice and shiny, Captain.

UPSIDE DOWN - for those who love scientific improbabilities and, well, loveScore: C+ Here’s one for romantics out there. Upside Down is adorable, innovative, and visually breathtaking all at the same time. It is a pretty obvious spin on the age-old Romeo and Juliet narrative, but with the added twist: the film’s lovers are separated by an impossible planetary alignment. If you lean more towards the science side of things rather than the fiction side, this film may have you pulling your hair out; it’s completely illogical, irrational, and bordering on gimmicky.However, if you can suspend disbelief for just a moment, you may find that you enjoy yourself.

DREDD - exactly what you want in a dystopic, sci-fi, action filmScore: 7.5Based on the 2000 AD comic strip Judge Dredd, the 2012 film, starring Star Trek’s Carl Urban and Game of Thrones Lena Headey, is a blood-splattered homage to goretacular 1980s action flicks like Robocop and Predator. Unrelated to the 1995 Stallone film, Judge Dredd, which was panned by critics, Dredd is much more faithful to the original comics about a dystopian future where crime and punishment compete in violence. Urban plays the eponymous hero, a stoney and laconic Judge whose sole purpose is to play judge, jury, and executioner for anyone who dares to break the law. Headey features as the baddie, Ma-Ma, and, as usual, she absolutely kills it. Would recommend to anyone who loves excessive violence, excellent CGI, and deadpan humour.

DARK SKIES - sci-fi thriller that could have been a heart-warming coming-of-age movieScore: ¯\_( )_/¯Extraterrestrials travel light years across space to prank suburban American family and tattoo their kids. Sounds legit, right? Look, this film is basically the plot of every Paranormal Activity movie, with aliens instead of demons, and sans the hand-held camera/video-surveillance thing that got really old, really quick. It doesn’t paint the best picture, I know, but it had saving graces that made it worthy of the list. One, the performances of the two kids weren’t terrible! Yay! Two, everyone looks mildly sweaty most of the time, which is something all Australians can relate to. And three, J.K. Simmons getting oh so serious. JOHN DIES AT THE END - possibly the best film ever Score: ???? I think this film is genius. Mad, but genius. I don’t know what it is, it just gets to me. It’s like Supernatural’s stoner, younger brother that just got back from a weekend long rave, still tripping major balls and trying to explain how it’s discovered the secrets of the universe, but it keeps getting distracted by hilarious dog videos on YouTube. Yeah, that’s about it…

aRtS // Georgia Mueck reviews a few lesser known titles in your local Netflix Sci-Fi section

ScI-fI aNd cHILL?

“It’s about a raggedy band of misfits, hurtling through the cold and terrifying vacuum of space in a ship

held together by duct tape and one-liners; what more do you want?!”

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WHat ScI-fI fILMS tO LOOk OUt fOR tHIS yeaRThomas Birch gives you the lowdown on major upcoming sci-fi films to hit cinemas in 2016 .

With a vast amount of sci-fi films being released, 2016 is shaping up to be a great year for movie buffs. Not to mention our obsession with the universe will surely continue to grow as numerous space-related films crash land into the cinema. Here’s a roundup of what sci-fi films to look out forthis year:

Independence Day: ResurgenceFirst on our list, and arguably the most anticipated space-related film of the year, is Independence Day: Resurgence. It’s been 20 years since those not-so-friendly aliens ripped their way into our world and attacked earth in the 1996 blockbuster, Independence Day; breaking box office records for the biggest opening of all time. Now they are back with a vengeance. Did you really believe they would stay away? Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth have worked together to create a defence program to protect the planet, but will it be enough to fight against the inevitable invasion?

We had 20 years to prepare. So did they.

Starring Liam Hemsworth, Joey King, Maika Monroe, Jeff Goldblum, Vivica A. Fox and Bill Pullman, you’d be

out of this world to miss it. (Will Smith is not returning).Independence Day: Resurgence hits cinemas in June.

Fun fact: Television reporter Karl Stefanovic makes an appearance in the film as a “dodgy TV host”.

Star Trek: BeyondThe third film in the rebooted Star Trek series, Star Trek: Beyond, is the 13th film in the Star Trek franchise. Not much is known about the plot at this current time however the first official trailer sees the Enterprise starship on the verge of being destroyed while going through an asteroid field. Suspenseful enough? Judging by the trailer, it also appears that Kirk and crew have got themselves stranded on a planet whose inhabitants aren’t exactly the most welcoming bunch.

“It’s been 20 years since those not-so-friendly aliens ripped their way into our world and attacked earth in the 1996 blockbuster, “Independence Day”; breaking box office records for the biggest opening of all time.”

‘Independence Day: Resurgence’ // Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Turn over to Continue >>


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Directed by Justin Lin (Fast & Furious), Star Trek: Beyond is the first film in the rebooted series not directed by J.J. Abrams.Starring Idris Elba, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, and Zachary Quinto, Star Trek: Beyond will grace cinemas in July.

GhostbustersWho you gonna call? 32 years after the original, Ghostbusters is getting a makeover. This time round, the film will feature all female leads. The fact that it’s directed by Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) and has a cast that includes Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth, you know there are going to be some hilarious moments.

The new Ghostbusters will be available to take your call in cinemas, July.

Underworld: The Next GenerationThe fifth film in the Underworld franchise, Underworld: The Next Generation, sees the war between the vampires and lycans continue. Kate Beckinsale is set to reprise her role as Selene with Theo James also returning as David. Other cast members include Tobias

Menzies (Outlander, Game of Thrones), Bradley James (iZombie, Merlin) and Charles Dance (The Imitation Game, Game of Thrones).

You can bite your teeth into this movie in October.

Rogue One: A Star Wars StoryDirected by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the first of Disney’s spinoffs of the Star Wars franchise. The events of the film take place before A New Hope and will follow rebels who steal the Empire’s Death Star plans (the plans that R2-D2 delivers to Obi-Wan Kenobi, courtesy of Princess Leia).

Starring Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything) and Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal), the latest Star Wars adventure begins in December.

Other sci-fi movies to look out for are Captain America: Civil War (April), Assassin’s Creed (December), and Replicas (2016, TBA).

‘Star Trek: Beyond’ // Paramount Pictures ‘Underworld: The Next Generation’ // Lakeshore Entertainment & Screen Gems

‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ // Disney‘Ghostbusters’ // Sony Pictures Entertainment

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How did you become interested in astronomy?

This is a question I posed to Mati Morel, an astronomer with over 54 years of experience, and the answer was not what I expected.

“In December 1961, by chance. Once ‘hooked’, I was driven by the sense of excitement which comes from discovery.”

Engineer and astronomer, Dr Angelo Fraietta, pondered the same question. “An amateur astronomer was showing a group of youths the planet Saturn through a small telescope. I remembered seeing the planet like a diamond in a jeweller’s store, you know, where the jewel is displayed against a plain black backdrop to enhance its beauty and brilliance?

“I told my wife and children about the experience and when they saw a telescope for sale, they immediately bought it for me,” Dr Fraietta said.

Having the ability to observe the sky through the naked eye is an extraordinary thing. Most of us may not be astronomers, but we have unlimited access to gaze upon the stars, the moon and what we think is Mars but probably isn’t. How many of us as children would gaze for hours attempting to find Neverland?

What we see through our eyes is merely just skimming the surface for professional astronomers. They have access to incredibly sophisticated technology which can sometimes render the term ‘discovery’ “a little less meaningful”, Morel said.

“Discoveries are still being made, but usually by high automated systems. For example, years ago the discovery of a new supernova may have been an unusual event; nowadays very faint and distant supernovae are picked up by the hundreds every year.”

Nonetheless, without the dedication and expertise astronomers possess, we wouldn’t know how insignificant earth is within the cosmos. As such, Morel and Dr Fraietta have provided a little taste of what it is like to be a professional astronomer and it is extremely fascinating.

Morel and Dr Fraietta are members of the Newcastle Astronomical Society, which was established in 1993 with the primary aims of enhancing astronomical education and socializing with like-minded people. As Dr Angelo Fraietta puts it, “as a member I can both contribute to, and take advantage of, the diverse ranges of expertise of other members of the club”. The expertise of Mati Morel, for instance. He is no longer an observer but if you want to discuss “computer-slash-internet based searches for useful data for visual display on GUIDE9”, he is your man. For those who don’t know, GUIDE9 is planetarium software. You’ll have to become a member to find out what that is.

In terms of individual observing, Dr Angelo Fraietta observes the sky every night, allowing him to “take note of what stars are up and what position they are at… along with the positions of any planets relative to the stars”. He also mentions “looking at the rings of Saturn through a telescope is absolutely brilliant”.

Undoubtedly, astronomy is a truly intriguing career, which Morel says is impossible to generalize as professionals primarily dedicate themselves to a specific field of interest. He also explains for those wanting a professional career in astronomy, it is wise to begin at the very start.

“Take a keen interest in the sky above our head, with only modest equipment, such as a pair of binoculars or small telescope. Just enjoy learning about the night sky. The math and physics will come later, if you are that way inclined.” If what lies in the fascinating territory above our heads intrigues you like nothing else, get some binoculars or a telescope and begin observing.

Newcastle Astronomical Society has a website and Facebook page. They hold meetings on the first Friday of every month.


a day IN tHe LIfe // aStRONOMeR aNd eNGINeeRcan you imagine being able to gaze at the stars and actually know what’s out there? for astronomers, that dream is a reality, writes Michaela Wagland.

“take a keen interest in the sky above our head, with only modest equipment. Just enjoy learning about the

night sky. the math and physics will come later, if you are that way inclined.”


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The lineup

After the first artists were released earlier this year, the first thing everyone asked was “Where is Shannon Noll?” The man himself caused enough debate, but with three lineup announcements still to come, hopes remain high. So far, Australian artists dominate the |lineup with only a few international appearances. Triple J Hottest 100 winners The Rubens are set to take charge as the headliners, as well as a wide variety of artists who will be dispersed over three stages. This includes Sydney based DJ Alison Wonderland, Hip- Hop prodigies Illy and Drapht (individual sets), and rock favorites Boy and Bear. This year the festival also introduces Alex Dyson (Triple J Breakfast) and Danny Clayton (Channel V host) as the stage presenters.

predicTions

After seeing so many Australian acts emerge as countdown favorites in the Hottest 100 on Australia Day, with a total of 55 tracks belonging to our home soil, the lineup will remain purely Australian. At the beginning of the year, clever minds took to social media, trying to predict the lineup, prior to the first announcement. Amongst the predicted artists were Golden Features, Vallis Alps, Boy and Bear, Boo Seeka and The Rubens, all of which have been revealed on the bill. The prediction list goes on, but naturally not all of the artists have been announced. The bands that missed out so far include Birds of Tokyo, Gang of Youths, Passion Pit and The Jungle Giants.

GROOvIN’ tHe MOOGroovin’ the Moo is set to take charge with a lineup out of this world. chris daniel explores the expectations and predictions of this year’s festival...

After its first major announcement, Groovin’ the Moo is taking charge with a lineup that is out of this world. Eleven years ago, Groovin’ was brought to life in regional areas across Australia, and since then, has seen an eclectic mix of artists from all stretches of the globe come together for the annual festival. With only part of the lineup released so far, and a few more announcements to come, it is expected that 2016 will be one of the biggest years yet for Groovin’ the Moo.

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WhaT To expecT

CollaborationsThroughout the years, crowds have been surprised by artist collaborations, hopefully something that we will get to see this year too. In 2015, Charli XCX pleased her fans by introducing Tkay Maidza to the stage. That same year, Sticky Fingers introduced One Day to perform their own track ‘Gold Snafu’; the result was Hip Hop and rock intertwined into a moving one-off performance. So what can we expect from this year’s artists? Maybe an Illy and Drapht collaboration, or even something a little more complex after the next lineup release.

Explosive international actsGroovin’ the Moo presents a hefty lineup of acts from the USA. The lineup includes Danny Brown, MS MR, MUTEMATH, ODESZA, Ratatat, Twenty One Pilots and Vic Mensa, and it’s the first year with such an overwhelming listing of foreign artists.

Local actsAlthough the polls have not yet been released, each region will have an emerging act that will open the festival. Supported by Triple J, the final nominees are chosen carefully from their ‘Unearthed’ website.

Groovin’ the Moo will kick start in Maitland on April 23, eventually making its way to Bunbury. Tickets alongside the full lineup are available online.

Photo by Anthony Delanoix // Unsplash.com


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Newcastle and the Central Coast have a strong connection as the art scene is constantly expanding and producing something new. David Cunningham, the mind and soul of recently formed band Space Carbonara describes it as an alternate approach to modern society.

At the time of the interview with David, the band had just been announced as one of the final bands playing at Central Coast festival ‘Mountain Sounds’, alongside the likes of Alpine, Art vs. Science, Violent Soho and a lineup of both local and national artists. In the weeks prior to this announcement, the list of bands within the vote included a range of Newcastle and Central Coast artists, in the end decided by popularity. “I never expected to win, but thought I would enter the band anyway. Now it’s the final day and we have won the entire competition,” he said with a slight look of relief.

The band itself formed in early 2015, as a result of escaping acoustic music and instead taking a completely different approach, entering the psychedelic landscape. The influences of Mac De Marco, Tame Impala and Cream are just a few to assimilate and form the unique sound that is Space Carbonara.

Over the past year the band has been seen commonly playing local gigs throughout Sydney and Newcastle. Venues such as the Record Crate in Sydney’s inner city and the Small Ballroom in Newcastle are accustomed to the bands peculiar blare. With the exception of Kincumber Indoor Sports Centre, which is basically a warehouse filled with AstroTurf, the Coast lacks venues for local bands, neglecting a medium for promotion.

In terms of sound, the Space Carbonara boys tend to switch between genres, incorporating a range of different artist influences into their own music. “There’s a bit of everything. We have a bit of Hip Hop and Jazz at random points, but our music definitely can’t be segregated into one genre”.

As the art scene is continuously attracting a larger crowd, it provides not only musicians but also artists of all kinds a platform to promote their ideas and works. Before the interview started, I was led into the studio of the band by front man David. After seeing the artworks hanging from each corner of the room, it became obvious that those within the art scene feed off each other, rather than the public domain. “The music and art coming out of the area is really alternate, and I guess for fresh eyes it may be confronting at first. This allows us to band together for support I guess,” David said.

For Space Carbonara, it has been a long and arduous journey to get to the point where they are now. Over the course of past year, the band has constantly seen a lineup of different members. “Pretty much everyone from the Coast has played in the band” David mentioned jokingly.

With airtime from both Coast FM and Triple J, their popularity is only ready to increase in the upcoming months. After their appearance at Mountain Sounds in late February, Space Carbonara will be hitting the road to promote their new album set for release in early April. The tour will include such bands as The Moving Stills and Dying Adolescence amongst the lineup and will be travelling between Newcastle and Wollongong in late April.

MIc dROP //chris daniel chats to emerging band ‘Space carbonara’ about their upcoming album, tour and life in general.

SPace caRBONaRa

“Often I would be walking to school, listening to a bit of tame [Impala] thinking to myself that I

would never have a band. One day I just thought screw it, and here we are now”

“there is a huge band scene on the coast, but you either have to travel or the one off place you may be able to book becomes available. So in reality

there really aren’t too many places, leaving us only house parties to play”.

Band Photo // Emma Parker

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MaSS deBate //

If you don’t think aliens exist, you should probably try camping in the country and lay under the stars on a really clear night. I’m sure you’ll be convinced that there is something else out there. If you don’t, well, you didn’t bring enough beer on your trip.

I consider myself a fairly rational person, and yet I have believed in aliens for as long as I can remember. My mother would leave the occasional Nexus magazine for me to read. I was an impressionable young thing and two types of ‘evidence’ still convince me that aliens exist.

Crop circles. These amazing patterns, expanding up to 500 metres are cut into the grass with such precision, all in a matter of minutes. I mean, there’s just no way humans could do that, right? Not even Christo and Jeanne-Claude on a huge John Deere. What also wouldn’t happen, if the crop circles were man-made, is a change in the electromagnetic measurements that are up to 10 times stronger in a freshly-made circle, apparently making aircraft navigation devices go crazy when they fly overhead.

A less substantial argument is the tales of people being abducted (but I will admit to being overly trusting at times.) It seems odd that ‘right thinking’ people suddenly go missing, turn up at a bus stop, butt-naked, and somehow their experiences and accounts of what they saw are all very similar. Women have also been found to have undergone procedures where their eggs have been harvested. That sort of stuff doesn’t happen on an acid-fuelled bender.

If you need any more convincing, take some from astronaut Gordon Cooper who spoke in the 1950s about seeing UFOs while flying. He tried to chase them, but they were too fast (so obvs. not a rogue weather balloon). Similarly, another astronaut Brian O’Leary must be in on it. At the International Forum on New Science in Colorado, O’Leary said, “For nearly 50 years, the secrecy apparatus within the United States Government has kept from the public UFO and alien contact information.”

I’m not sure what these aliens want or why the government wants to hide them so desperately from us. I like to think that Earth was just some little planet

NASA has stated that the Hubble telescope is able to view 13.2 billion light years away. In this distance, 5500 galaxies have been discovered. But you know what NASA didn’t see in its 20 years of using the Hubble Space Station? Aliens. Surely if they were floating about in their UFOs, one might have photobombed the Hubble telescope’s findings?

As part of her presidential campaign, Hilary Clinton vowed to get to the bottom of Area 51 and UFOs. Considering Hilary’s credibility – that basically confirms that aliens don’t actually exist. But also, her husband was President of the United States for eight years! If not even the President can be made aware of the presence of extra-terrestrial life, then who does get to know?

And on that note of government cover-ups, WikiLeaks was responsible for making public 1.2 million classified documents. Julian Assange hinted about having documents that proved UFOs and aliens did exist, yet he never delivered anything concrete. Let’s face it, if the documents existed, Assange would have been all over that.

But what about all these eye-witness accounts of abductions and probing, you say? Well, to that I say, people come out of wisdom teeth surgery thinking they’re Kylie Jenner. Everybody is out for his or her 15 minutes of fame – alien abductees are as reliable as Hilary Clinton (yes, went there again).

Lastly, if aliens do exist, are we sure we want them making contact? None of these probing episodes sound pleasant. In how many films are aliens actually friendly? They seem way more taken with destroying our inferior, cat-video-obsessed planet. So really, we should all be sceptics, and praying that aliens are as mythical as unicorns.

they found, possibly before humans existed. Chances are they found us quite amusing, until their computers tapped into YouTube, saw the way we act, and decided not to waste any more time attempting to learn from or breed with us.

aRe We aLONe IN tHe UNIveRSe?

fOR

aGaINSt

PHOeBe PROWSe

SaRaH JaMeS


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Watt SPace // WHat SPace?there is a new and improved Watt Space in town and Sarah Webb wants you to see it to believe it.

This year sees the return of the Watt Space art gallery, but not as you know it. What was once situated in a charming, ‘garage-like’ studio at Newcastle City Precinct has now been moved to the Northumberland House on the corner of King and Auckland Street in the heart of Newcastle CBD.

The new venue features five indoor spaces and two outdoor spaces that house state of the art facilities to complement the showcasing of contemporary art in an even more professional manner, intertwined with the traditional aspects of Watt Space that will ensure a ‘revolutionised’ gallery.

Student representatives for Watt Space, Amy Hamilton and Johanna Lynch, believe this new location will invite more students to take more ownership of their creative works. “Our main objective is to activate the space with more student involvement, especially from first years,” Johanna said.

“We want to de-mystify Watt Space and bridge the relationship between students and the new artworks in the gallery.”

Johanna, who manages the fundraising for Watt Space, said the new gallery appears more inviting and is more of a professional space now for students to exhibit their work. “Our old space was interesting, quirky and had its charms, and people liked it. However, our new space has got a real sense of professionalism.”

President of the Watt Space student representative team, Amy, said the new improvements to the space, such as a professional lighting, heating and sound system adds to the overall aesthetic of Northumberland House. “We’re hoping to gain more student engagement to make Watt Space even more successful,” Amy said.

And it seems the new location and all of the added improvements are paying off. With high attendance ratings, successful exhibition openings, and positive student engagement, Amy said that they’re hoping

to get even more students and community members involved with Watt Space. “We just felt the need for an upgrade to draw the public in because, now, it is much more open at the Northumberland House,” Amy said.And anyone can volunteer or exhibit their work at the new space, not just Fine Art students at the University of Newcastle. “We want to emphasise this,” Johanna said. “Volunteering or showcasing your work is for anyone and everyone. We’re really keen for cross-collaboration between faculties.”

So whether you’re a Fine Arts student, Communication student, a Science or Engineering student, it’s important to know that the space is open for everybody to enjoy.

It’s an important step in any artists’ career to exhibit their work. Therefore it is also important to know that Watt Space caters to the rewarding experience that is allowing students to know what it is like to have their work presented in a professional gallery.

Johanna said that the Watt Space committee are trying to push the new gallery to a really high standard because of this, while keeping in mind that it can be intimidating to showcase one’s own creative masterpieces. “We try to make it comfortable for students to practice their work,” Amy said. “They [students] are really there to learn about the process for when they leave university.”

Having one’s work showcased in a professional, not-for-profit gallery, where artists can submit one or more of their works to the exhibitions each month, is a wonderful way to get a feel for what awaits you beyond university. It’s also a great way to network with other creative minds in the industry.

To volunteer or exhibit your work, contact the Watt Space student representative team via Facebook or email. Don’t forget to press ‘Like’ to stay updated on all the amazing social events, exhibition dates and other things happening at the new gallery.


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External building photography by Murray McKean

“We want to de-mystify Watt Space and bridge the relationship between students and the new artworks in the gallery.”


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WHat’S ON // aPRIL

MON tUeS Wed tHURS fRI Sat SUN

1. Newcastle Writers Festival


NewRun - Newcastle’s Festival of Running


NewRun - Newcastle’s Festival of Running

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Hillsong Student Association Club - Amazing Race

9. 10.

11. Monday Movies by Moonlight Wayne’s World (PG)Derkene Courtyard

12.University of Newcastle Chess ClubThe Chess Lounge - Tuesdays from 11am

13. Toga Party Bar on the Hill 7pm

14. 15.Free BBQCentral Coast Campus12.30pm

16. UON Social Rugby Club - College Day

UON Snow Sports Club - Annual Wine Tour to Pokolbin

17.

18. Green WeekFree BBQCentral Coast Campus12.30pm

19. Green Week

20. Green Week

DJ Comp (Heat 1) Bar on the Hill

21. Green Week

Amnesty InternationalRefugee Forum Science Theatre 6pm

22. Green Week

Goonion Goondependance Day

23. UoN Exchange student Network day trip to the Australian Reptile Park

24.

25. 26.Free BBQCentral Coast Campus12.30pm

27. DJ Comp (Heat 2) Bar on the Hill

Marvel v DC Debate Central Coast Campus 12pm

28. 29. 30. UON Social Rugby Club - Ladies Day

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WHat’S ON // May

MON tUeS Wed tHURS fRI Sat SUN

30. 31. 1.

2. Monday Movies by MoonlightInside Out (PG)Derkene Courtyard

3. 4. DJ Comp (Heat 3) Bar on the Hill

Free BBQCentral Coast Campus12.30pm

5. 6.UoN Exchange student Network Weekend trip to the Blue Mountains

7. 8.

9. 10. 11. Morning Rave Two

DJ Comp (Heat 4) Bar on the Hill

12.Free BBQCentral Coast Campus12.30pm

13. 14. Cat Empire Bar on the Hill

15.

16. 17. 18. DJ Comp (Semi Final) Bar on the Hill

19. Future Is Now Gig ft Lurch & Chief Bar on the Hill

20.Free BBQCentral Coast Campus12.30pm

21. 22. Sustainable Living Expo Newcastle 10:00am

Superhero Stride Nobbys Beach Reserve 9:30am

23. Stress Less WeekFree BBQCentral Coast Campus12.30pm

24.Stress Less Week

Blood BankCentral Coast Campus11am - 4pm

25. Stress Less Week


Port to Port MTB Race Newcastle


Port to Port MTB Race Newcastle

DJ Comp Final Bar on the Hill

28.Port to Port MTB Race Newcastle

29.Port to Port MTB Race Newcastle


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Photography by Alex Parkes

yak magazine - april issue

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