Visual similarities, micro and astronomical

Like many astronomy instructors this past autumn, I have been forced to teach my classes online. That means re-creating PowerPoint presentations, inasmuch as communicating visually on a small screen is different from doing so large one. In the process came see an old acquaintance in new way. Tycho’s supernova (left) imaged by Chandra X-Ray Observatory. (Courtesy of NASA/CXC/RIKEN & GSFC/T. Sato et al.) SARS-CoV-2 virus (right) 3D computer simulation. Fusion Medical Animation.) PPT|High-resolutionThe remnant supernova, SN 1572, appears left image, taken On right model, derived electron microscopy SARS-CoV-2. NASA puts at 45 light-years diameter; 0.1 µm across, according National Institutes Health. So objects differ size factor 4 × 1024.Yet two share aspects common. Both are young with respect Milky Way, and both evoke dread those nearby.© 2021 American Institute Physics.