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The Book of Enoch and Early Astronomical Thought: A Prelude to Scientific Observation Goshu, Belay Sitotaw
Budapest International Research in Exact Sciences (BirEx) Journal Vol 7, No 2 (2025): Budapest International Research in Exact Sciences, April
Publisher : Budapest International Research and Critics University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/birex.v7i2.8073

Abstract

The astronomical content of 1 Enoch and its influence on ancient and early modern philosophy is examined in this study, with particular attention paid to cosmological concepts, celestial motions, and timekeeping systems. The primary objective is to analyze the Astronomical Book of 1 Enoch with other ancient cosmological texts, assess its role in shaping early Jewish and Christian timekeeping practices, and evaluate its influence on medieval and Renaissance scientific thought. A textual analysis was conducted to examine the structure and content of 1 Enoch, a comparative study was employed to compare its celestial descriptions with those of Mesopotamian and Egyptian systems, and a historical analysis traced its impact on later theological and scientific advances. The study finds that the 364-day solar calendar in 1 Enoch aligns more closely with the Mesopotamian and Egyptian traditions than with traditional Jewish lunar calendars. Additionally, 1 Enoch's cosmology influenced medieval and Renaissance thinkers, contributing to theological discussions on divine order and precision in the cosmos. The study concludes that 1 Enoch played a significant role in the progress of ancient and medieval astronomy, influencing theological debates and scientific advancements. It recommends further research into the integration of Enochian cosmology in early scientific thought and its potential role in shaping the progress of timekeeping systems.
Unraveling the Drift: Understanding the Accelerated Movement of Earth's Magnetic North Pole toward Siberia Goshu, Belay Sitotaw
Britain International of Exact Sciences (BIoEx) Journal Vol 7 No 2 (2025): Britain International of Exact Sciences Journal, May
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR) Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/bioex.v7i2.1285

Abstract

The Earth's magnetic field has been experiencing a noticeable shift in recent decades, with the magnetic North Pole gradually drifting towards Siberia. The accelerated migration of the magnetic North Pole and its implications for comprehending the dynamics of the Earth's geomagnetic environment are examined in this study. Using historical data and linear regression models, we analyze the rate and pattern of the pole's movement, focusing on its trajectory toward Siberia. The results show a steady drift of approximately 10 kilometers per year, with predictions suggesting that by 2025, the magnetic North Pole will be located at 90.29 degrees latitude and 115.84 degrees longitude. The study also examines geomagnetic reversal events, noting significant occurrences in 1850, 1900, 1950, and 2000, and forecasts another reversal in 2025. These findings shed light on the natural variability of Earth's magnetic field and emphasize the need for continued monitoring. The study highlights the importance of understanding the magnetic field's behavior for navigation systems, satellite communication, and geophysical exploration. Furthermore, it raises questions about the long-term effects of these shifts on Earth’s magnetic environment and its interactions with solar wind. This research provides valuable insights into the ongoing changes in the Earth's magnetic field and underscores the importance of monitoring geomagnetic changes for scientific, technological, and environmental purposes.
Mass-Driven Orbital Eccentricity: The Dominant Role of Planetary Mass over Size in Shaping Explanatory Orbits Goshu, Belay Sitotaw
Britain International of Exact Sciences (BIoEx) Journal Vol 7 No 2 (2025): Britain International of Exact Sciences Journal, May
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR) Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/bioex.v7i2.1286

Abstract

The diversity of exoplanetary orbits, particularly their eccentricity, challenges traditional models of planetary dynamics, with planetary mass and size as potential drivers. This study investigates the dominant role of mass oversize in shaping orbital eccentricity, aiming to refine theoretical frameworks for exoplanetary systems. Observational data from 500 simulated exoplanets were analyzed to identify correlations between mass, size, and eccentricity with the Pearson correlation and statistical tests. Numerical simulations with REBOUND modeled mass-driven gravitational interactions, comparing eccentricity evolution across varying masses and radii. The model was fitted to propose a refined framework. Mass showed a weak positive correlation with eccentricity (r=0.15, p=0.002), while size had a negligible impact (r=0.08). Terrestrial planets exhibited higher mean eccentricity (0.299) than gas giants (0.234), suggesting external influences. Simulations confirmed mass-driven eccentricity growth (e.g., 0.004 at 10.0 M⊕), with size effects absent. The refined model, e ≈ 0.360⋅(M/M⊕)0.00001⋅(aratio)0.00001⋅(t/105), indicates a limited mass influence modulated by the system architecture. Mass primarily drives eccentricity, though system-specific factors amplify terrestrial eccentricities, impacting habitability. Future studies should use actual data, extend simulations, and include tidal effects to refine models, aiding habitability assessments in missions like TESS. This research advances our understanding of exoplanetary dynamics, emphasizing mass as a key determinant.
Examining the Influence of Large-Scale Hydroelectric Projects on Earth's Rotation, Polarity Shifts, and Magnetic Reversals Goshu, Belay Sitotaw; Alemu, Yonas Tadesse
Budapest International Research in Exact Sciences (BirEx) Journal Vol 7, No 2 (2025): Budapest International Research in Exact Sciences, April
Publisher : Budapest International Research and Critics University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/birex.v7i2.8086

Abstract

The construction of large-scale hydropower projects, such as the Three Gorges Dam, has raised concerns regarding their potential impact on Earth’s rotational dynamics, specifically the axial tilt (obliquity) and its implications for global climate systems. As mass redistribution from these projects could theoretically affect the Earth’s rotation, this study aimed to investigate whether the changes in mass distribution due to the Three Gorges Dam have any measurable effect on the Earth’s axial tilt. This study aimed to evaluate the possible relationship between large-scale hydrological projects and changes in the Earth's rotational characteristics, focusing on obliquity. This was accomplished by combining historical climate records, mathematical models, and satellite-based observational data. Axial tilt measurements from NASA's Earth Orientation Parameters dataset were used to predict and analyze the changes in the moment of inertia caused by the dam's water impoundment. Simulations showed that the Earth's rotational dynamics would only be slightly affected, well below the threshold needed to produce any discernible climatic changes. The study concludes that large-scale hydropower projects, including the Three Gorges Dam, do not have a significant impact on Earth’s axial tilt or long-term climate systems. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of how human-induced changes in mass distribution influence Earth’s rotational dynamics and underscore the resilience of the planet’s natural systems to such interventions.
Hydroclimate Vulnerability and Water Security of Croplands in a Semi-Arid City: A Case Study of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia Goshu, Belay Sitotaw; Muhammad Ridwan
Britain International of Exact Sciences (BIoEx) Journal Vol 8 No 1 (2026): Britain International of Exact Sciences Journal, January
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR) Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/bioex.v8i1.1404

Abstract

In the semi-arid Dire Dawa City Administration, Ethiopia, escalating hydroclimatic stressors threaten agricultural sustainability amid rapid urbanization and climate variability. This study integrates multi-source data, climate records, satellite imagery, farmer surveys (n=450)—via a sequential flowchart (Figures 1, 3, 5) to assess drought vulnerability through hydroclimate exposure, water origins, sustainability metrics, crop sensitivities, and adaptive capacities. Over 1990–2025, annual temperatures rose 0.247°C/year (Mann-Kendall p<0.001), amplifying evapotranspiration and monsoon compression, while rainfall (595.2 mm/year, CV 10.3%) yielded seven drought years (20.6% via SPI-12) and 88 floods (+0.136/year trend, p<0.001; Figure 2). The vulnerability indices averaged 0.62, peaking at 0.75 during 2015 whiplash events (Table 1). Water origins revealed near-parity green (50.6%) and blue (49.4%) contributions, with Dechatu River (33.5%) and groundwater (15.0%) deficits at 33% under baseline, projected -5% by +2°C warming. Crop footprints (0.8–1.2 m³/kg) and renewabilities (0.65–0.75) highlighted sorghum's HIGH sustainability (71.4% green, 1.6 kg/m³ productivity), contrasting MEDIUM for blue-dependent chat (70.7%, 0.55 index) and vegetables (65.2%; Table 2; Figure 4). Sensitivity profiling showed HIGH indices for chat (rain 1.20, temp -0.90, tol. 0.20), onion, and tomato, versus LOW for sorghum (0.50, tol. 0.80), explaining 40% yield variance (r=0.65–0.85; Figure 6). Adaptive capacities stratified by scale: HIGH (0.761) for commercial (76% irrigation), LOW (0.334) for smallholders (25% financial access; Table 3). Vulnerability hotspots (28% farmlands) paired high-sensitivity/low-capacity chat/tomato in 15 kebeles, with +2°C eroding resiliencies 10–35%. Under SSP2-4.5, 25% vulnerability upticks loom, yet green buffers and sorghum anchors enable diversification. Targeted interventions, drip retrofits, tolerant varietals, could halve hotspots, fostering equitable resilience in 70% rainfed systems.
Embedding SDGs in Ethiopian Higher Education: Overcoming Challenges, Seizing Opportunities, and Forging Inclusive Pathways for Digital-Era Transformative Learning Goshu, Belay Sitotaw; Woldeamanueal, Melaku Masresha
Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal Vol 1, No 1 (2013): Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education, Februa
Publisher : BIRCU

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.33258/birle.v1i1.8162

Abstract

This study explores the integration of sustainability and global citizenship in Ethiopian higher education institutions (HEIs) through human-centered strategies and actionable recommendations. Across 12 institutions, including Hawasa and Jigjiga, six strategies, such as "Integrate SDG Modules" and "Adopt Green Campus Policies," yielded a mean priority score of 7.98 (SD = 0.87) and a feasibility score of 7.15 (SD = 0.94), reflecting enthusiastic yet constrained potential. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA (p = 0.018) and regression (R² = 0.46), highlights policymakers’ leadership in green policies (8.8, 8.2) and institutions’ success with sustainability clubs (8.5, 7.9), while digital tools lag (7.0, 6.0) due to infrastructure gaps. The findings reveal a resilient spirit, with strong correlations (e.g., r = 0.82) suggesting synergy in community-driven efforts, yet cultural and rural barriers persist. Conclusions emphasize tailored support to empower educators, students, and communities, fostering a sustainable, globally aware future.
Predicting the Borana Lunar-Stellar Calendar: An Astronomical Feature Engineering and Machine Learning Approach Goshu, Belay Sitotaw
Britain International of Exact Sciences (BIoEx) Journal Vol 8 No 2 (2026): Britain International of Exact Sciences Journal, May
Publisher : Britain International for Academic Research (BIAR) Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar

Abstract

The Borana calendar of southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya is a unique lunar stellar system where months are defined by new moon conjunctions with specific anchor stars (Triangulum, Pleiades, Aldebaran, Bellatrix, Orion Saiph, Sirius). Unlike arithmetic calendars, it relies on empirical observation by Borana ayyantu (calendar keepers), making prediction challenging. This study aimed to formalize the Borana calendar's astronomical logic using machine learning, predicting new moon conjunction dates, month names (1–12 or intercalary), and day name indices (0–26) from celestial features. Synthetic astronomical data were generated based on synodic month variations, stellar longitudes, and intercalation rules. Features included Moon longitude, angular distance to anchor stars, and cumulative month counts. An LSTM network predicted conjunction dates, while Random Forest classifiers predicted month and day names. Performance was evaluated against baseline arithmetic models. The LSTM achieved Mean Absolute Error of 0.230 days for conjunction dates, improving 7.3% over the mean synodic month baseline. Month classification accuracy reached 94.1%, and day classification 87.5%. Feature importance confirmed angular distance to anchor stars as the strongest predictor. Borana New Year (2027–2070) was predicted between August 18 and October 22. Machine learning successfully captures the Borana calendar's empirical logic, though accurate long term forecasting requires high precision ephemerides and field validation. The framework provides a reproducible methodology for formalizing indigenous timekeeping systems. Future work should integrate JPL ephemerides, ethnographic field data, and open source software tools to support Borana calendar preservation and prediction.