In war for the planet of the apes, the third chapter of the critically acclaimed blockbuster franchise, caesar and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a. Humanity has discovered alien technology allowing space travel between the planets, opening up the universe for. The people of alderaan are immersed in high culture, education and ecological principles that protect the planet s natural beauty. Between planets is a science fiction novel by robert a. The diaphanoids come from mars is a 1965 italian science fiction film, produced by joseph fryd and antonio margheriti, directed by margheriti, that stars tony russel and lisa gastoni russels name is misspelled in the opening credits as tony russell. Planet bone planet tek planet fire planet ice planet rock planet reptizar planet sand planet water. Atzerris terrain consists primarily of marshes and cities where almost anything, legal or illegal, can be had for a price.
Between planets is a 1951 science fiction novel by robert a. Instead, the menace is a bright red living asteroid, described as a body lacking in density and moving at too slow a speed. As part of the warner archive collection, war of the planets was not remastered specifically for this release, but overall is good, although not as good as the wild, wild planet. War of the planets grossed a total of 123,200,000 italian lire.
At the end of each line you find more information about the music of that specific performer. Instead, holst was writing about mars, the bringer of war. This is a short clicking adventure game in which you save earth from an alien invasion. Tony russell, lisa gastoni, franco nero, charles justin, enzo fiermonte, linda sini, anthony dawson. The discovery of a new planet has given hope to the human race, but when a team of twelve daring astronauts travel to the mysterious new world to begin a colony, they receive a rude awakening in. Sets, costumes and props were reused from the first two movies, but the cast was different.
Between planets is a juvenile science fiction novel by american writer robert a. War of the planets, a tale of astronauts battling invisible enemies who leave their human victims neither alive nor dead. Some shit probably happened in italy too but who can keep up with all these crazy madeup third world countries anyway. On dvd, war between the planets is available from dark sky films on a double bill with the 1962 laughriot, creation of the humanoids. Thats something that would be incredibly interesting to see. He is evidently unbeknownsth to himself a courier of secret information vital to the out come of an impending interplanetary war.
The crew of the mk31 then investigate an unstable planet where two flying saucers. Oh, thats right, they released this one movie called war between the planets. If you prefer watching jar jar and other video game graphics pretending to be special photographic effects, then put on a plastic smile, snag a happy meal, and go buy some action figures. If it werent for the machinegunwielding monkey astride a steed in the opening scene, youd be mistaken for thinking the third film in the planet of the apes prequel franchise was a war. Planet information history a temperate free trader world that has the most minimal government necessary to stave off complete chaos. Nasas has evidence for planet x pulling solar system off balance.
War of the planets is available for free download at the internet archive. War between the planets 1966 il pianeta errante original title g 80 min scifi 29 july 1966 italy scientists try to prevent a collision between earth and a. With john richardson, yanti somer, west buchanan, charles borromel. Spoilers war for the planet of the apes has some balls. Captain alex hamilton is sent with his spaceship and crew to the space outside the solar system to find the origin of that signal. Wouldnt recommend it, really kind of a piece of shit to be honest with you actually 1. Discover more about our solar systems planets and moons, with the. Download your free the planets poster openlearn open. Posted in rfullmoviesonyoutube by u5o7 7 points and 2 comments. Aug, 2016 some shit probably happened in italy too but who can keep up with all these crazy madeup third world countries anyway.
Rent war of the planets 2003 on dvd and bluray dvd. Also it is unclear whether ecliptic longitude or declination is to be used. In 2150 this has all come to an end mankind must flee the blue planet, and do it quickly. It is important for students of this age to understand the solar. While it may not seem significant to them, it is important that they understand how the universe operates as a whole. There are seven pieces in the planets and mars, the bringer of war is the first one. The film was released theatrically in 1966 throughout europe. It makes me wonder what happened to serkiss animal farm adaption. Earth has been home to mankind for thousands of years. Written between 19141916 by british composer gustav holst, the planets. It reminds me a lot of danger 5, which is always a good thing. As entertainment, though, war between the planets not only lacks excitement, it never even comes up with the promised war.
A fun first person shooter in which you fight the opposing planet. Main idea war of the planets is a very popular first person shooter. Its one of heinleins famous juvenile novels what they call y. Dec 04, 20 an italian scifi movie not too many people know about. An italian scifi movie not too many people know about. Nasa studies exoplanets the planets beyond our solar system with. Heinlein, originally serialized in blue book magazine in 1951 as planets in combat. Overall a fun read that took me back to my childhood. I first read between planets way back when the beatles were still extant, and enjoyed listening to this version during a long drive last week.
A young man travels from an uuper class dude ranch school to join his family on venus from earth. Mercury is a small planet which orbits closer to the sun than any other. Rent war of the planets 2003 starring tim daley and sheila conway on dvd and bluray. War of the planets 1965, an italian scifi thriller directed by antonio margheriti, looks like something concocted by the b52s on one of their trips to planet claire. Watch the video for between planets from the jesus and mary chains automatic for free, and see the artwork, lyrics and similar artists. In desperation, she reaches a system where four planets named respectively. With its abundance of space age women with big hair, bizarre costumes and art direction that screams tacky cocktail lounge of the future, this imported oddity could easily. So we are not hearing a suite of tributes to, say, saturn, the planet with rings around it. The english dubbed release in america was retitled war between the planets wbp. Click on the button to go to the page where you can download the music. The horrors of the clone wars were taken to heart and the people of alderaan adopted pacifism banning all weapons from the planet s. Heinlein, originally serialized as planets in combat in blue book magazine september and october issues of 1951.
The third film in the gamma one quadrilogy was titled il pianeta errante the errant planet in its original italian. A peaceful, utopian core world that serves as the spiritual heart of the galaxy. Sep 28, 2009 if youve read a lot of robert heinlein youll like between planets. The creation of the humanoids is something else entirely, a progressive and serious scifi opus hiding behind a threadbare production and curiously stilted performances. Psychics bizarre claim of biological war between us and china. At the destruction of planet tek at the hands of the planetconsuming beast planet, princess tekla is the sole survivor. Scientists try to prevent a collision between earth. Angry and ominous, holsts first movement represents the roman god of war. For example 602 m128 means that this performer offers a mp3 file of 128kbps that takes 6 minutes and two seconds. Theyre remaking the lion king in liveaction in the next few years and considering what theyve previously put out id be shocked if it surpasses the special effects of war for the planet of the apes. Nov 07, 2011 in planetary war, the planets have to be within 1 degree of each other, but there is conflicting information about whether the one with the highest or lowest longitude wins. There are also certain things like venus always wins due to brightness, and certain references that imply the speed of the planets and. Its fun to see the differences between his juveniles and his adult books but even more fun is seeing how the concepts and characters reappear in his later works such as the moon is a harsh mistress and number of the beast.
War of the planets also released in europe as year zero. Between planets, a song by the jesus and mary chain on spotify. Before beginning the lesson, it is important to orient students about the importance of learning the layout of the universe. Planets at war is a strategic interplanetary conflict simulator in which you control one of four available races. This movie, unlike the last several star wars films, is actually interesting, entertaining, and cost a lot less to make. This bizarre curiosity is said to have been one of andy. Global conquest is a military strategy game that all combat lovers will enjoy. Global conquest on your favorite pc windows or mac for free a military strategy game at heart brought to you by gameloft, war planet online.1353 1397 1557 1144 1385 1411 1157 108 411 1269 1673 746 536 183 1319 1293 1061 516 344 1520 953 714 175 1170 1080 1222 1259 75 300 548 1423 968 1385 332 1488 87


Jupiter Distant Encounter
Ulysses's orbit brought it into the vicinity of Jupiter during 2003 and 2004. During this encounter it made a unique path that reached high Jovian latitudes. Ulysses investigators made detailed observations in order to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Details of the encounter are given below.
The table below lists a number of investigations that have been identified as valuable research topics that were carried out during the Jovian encounter. These included not only Ulysses investigators but other research groups interested in Jupiter and its environment.
|Ulysses URAP Observing Goals - Jupiter Distant Encounter|
|#||Observing Goal||Non-Ulysses Collaborators||Observing Interval(s)||Priority||Comments|
|1||Compare Ulysses- Galileo observations of Jovian emissions||Galileo radio investigation||Present - 9/2003||high||Galileo end of mission in 9/2003; Ulysses latitude variation important|
|2||Categorize Jovian emissions in latitude- longitude space||-||Present - 12/2004||high||Need at least 1 month observing per 5 deg lat. interval (jovicentric)|
|3||Measure scattering of kHz waves in IPM||-||Present -- 2/2004||medium||Using time profiles of QP bursts|
|4||Conduct joint studies of Jovian quasi- periodic (QP) bursts (J_lat 30 -- 60 deg)||CXO, HST, etc.||10/2002 - 2/2003 1/2004 -- 3/2004 (rel. long. Earth & Jupiter similar)||very high||Planning w/ H. Waite (coauthor of Chandra/QP burst Science article)|
|5||Study solar wind control of Jovian auroral emissions||Ground-based IR, HST, Int'l Jupiter Watch||10/2002 -- 2/2003 1/2004 -- 4/2004 (same as #4)||very high||In 2004, Ulysses location permits good projection of SW conditions at Jup.|
|6||Study the low freq. elliptically-polarized source (aka BHM)||-||1/2004 -- 3/2004||high||1024 bps required for polarization; need to be <1 AU from Jupiter|
|7||Conduct joint Ulysses-Cassini observations of SKR||Cassini radio investigation||7/2004 - ??||medium||Cassini arrives at Saturn 7/2004|
Ulysses Trajectory Plots
Shown below are plots of the Ulysses-Jupiter range,
the jovicentric and heliographic latitudes of Ulysses,
the relative heliolongitudes,
and the position of Ulysses in Jovian local time.
PDF version of this plot.
Below is a plot of the trajectory Ulysses will follow from 2002 to 2005. As can be seen in the plot, Ulysses reaches to about 75 deg. North Jovigraphic Latitude in late 2003 and remains there for several months. Ulysses is the first spacecraft to allow a long period of observations at these high Jovian latitudes and thus presents an opportunity to make unique new discoveries about the Jovian environment. Postscript version of this plot.
The plot below shows the orbital path of Ulysses in ecliptic coordinates during January 2003 to September 2004. Postscript version of this plot.


Wikipedia defines Right ascension (RA) as the angular distance of a particular point measured eastward along the celestial equator from the Sun at the March equinox to the (hour circle of the) point in question above the earth. When paired with declination, these astronomical coordinates specify the location of a point on the celestial sphere in the equatorial coordinate system.
RA has a linear relationship to the day of the year.
If we make t represent the day of the year where 1 is 1st Jan , 80 is 21st March , and 366 is 31st December we can calculate RA by the following linear equations:
From 1 to 79 (01-Jan to 20-Mar):
RA = 0.9977t + 281.8
From 80 to 365/366 (21-Mar to 31-Dec) :
RA = 0.97292t – 78.40042
But if we start the year(t = 1) in 21st Mar as the ancient Babylon calendar we will get only one equation:
RA = 0.9873 t – 3.0797
RA can be expressed in degrees or in hours. 1 hour = 15 degrees.
More accurate calculations can be done with Julian day and other orbital elements.
There a lot of algorithms to do that.
Following is the graph of Sun Right Ascension for the whole year using the algorithm:
Right Ascension Graph
Note : Morris charts script has been used to draw the graph.


This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you’re going to mess up...– Marilyn Monroe (via dirrtyfilthynasty)
Massive Solar Storm Causes Planes To Be Rerouted →
npr: You might have heard about a major solar storm that is hitting Earth right now. It’s the biggest to hit us since 2005. You’ve also probably heard a few people say, “I didn’t feel anything.” As our friends at 13.7 explained earlier today, the storms have the ability to disrupt sensitive electronics and even the power grid. Usually none of those things happen. But, today’s solar storm...


In light of the LX200 deal's possibility of not going through next weekend I am going to be looking at getting the Meade LT 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain model telescope.
Is it possible to set this up and operate it using a polar mount or does it have to run in alt-azimuth mode? I would like to use it as an astrophotography platform in polar mode and was wondering if the polar mount option is present on it.
Thanks in advance.
Meade LT - polar mount
1 reply to this topic
Posted 05 July 2012 - 02:30 PM
Steve, Meade has not made a Wedge for the LS/LT that I've seen or heard. Also, because of it's single-arm mounting, it would be very difficult to balance in wedge polar mounted configuration. Though I am quite fond of the LS 8", I now use it mainly as a second telescope for when my CGEM rig is imaging to keep myself occupied during long exposures. In my opinion, the fork mounted LX200 on a wedge (and polar aligned) will do you much better than the LS/LT for astrophotography. Obviously, it can be done. You'll be limiting yourself to 45 to 60 second exposures before star trailing occurs and you'll also need to deal with field rotation apparent in alt/az images taken over an extended period of time. (Deep Sky Stacker does fine with that).
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Saturn has 62 moons formally, the largest of which is Titan. Titan is a really interesting moon for many reasons. Most moons in the solar system don’t come anywhere near the size of our Moon, but Titan does as it has a radius 50% larger than our Moon. This allows Titan to have a substantial atmosphere, which is almost entirely made out of nitrogen (98.4%). This is the only body in the solar system found that so far has a substantial nitrogen atmosphere, other than the Earth (78% nitrogen). What’s also cool about Titan is that there are geological features similar to those on Earth such as beaches (the sand is made out of methane ice crystals!) dunes, seas, rivers and river deltas! All the liquid on the surface of Titan is believed to be liquid methane, which requires very low temperatures to be in this state. Titan is similar to Earth because although it doesn’t have Earth’s water cycle, it has an analogous methane cycle. It’s theorized that not only rain exists on Titan, but lightning as well!
Also, it can be theorized that life exists in the seas of Titan, or in subsurface reservoirs thought to be a mixture of ammonia and water. This hypothesis comes from the fact that the atmosphere of Titan is similar to what scientists think the Earth’s atmosphere was like very early on in it’s evolution. With the chemical compounds as they are now known it is possible for complex molecules to be generated! This is the most interesting thing for me since I would like to get my doctorate in astrobiology sometime in the future. The above picture is an artist’s impression of the surface.


Carl Edward Sagan was an American astronomer, astrochemist, author, and highly successful popularizer of astronomy, astrophysics and other natural sciences. He pioneered exobiology and promoted the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI).
Carl Sagan was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Russian Jewish family. His father, Sam Sagan, was a Russian immigrant garment worker; his mother, Rachel Molly Gruber, a housewife. Carl was named in honor of Rachel’s biological mother, Chaiya Clara, “the mother she never knew”, in Sagan’s words. Sagan graduated from Rahway High School in Rahway, New Jersey in 1951. He attended the University of Chicago, where he participated in the Ryerson Astronomical Society, received a B.A. with general and special honors (1954), a B.S. (1955) and a M.S. (1956) in physics, before earning a Ph.D. degree (1960) in astronomy and astrophysics.
Sagan was a scientist connected with the American space program since its inception. From the 1950s onward, he worked as an adviser to NASA. One of his many duties during his tenure at the space agency included briefing the Apollo astronauts before their flights to the Moon. Sagan contributed to many of the robotic spacecraft missions that explored the solar system during his lifetime, arranging experiments on many of the expeditions. He conceived the idea of adding an unalterable and universal message on spacecraft destined to leave the solar system that could potentially be understood by any extraterrestrial intelligence that might find it. Sagan assembled the first physical message that was sent into space: a gold-anodized plaque, attached to the space probe Pioneer 10, launched in 1972. Pioneer 11, also carrying another copy of the plaque, was launched the following year. He continued to refine his designs throughout his lifetime; the most elaborate message he helped to develop and assemble was the Voyager Golden Record that was sent out with the Voyager space probes in 1977. Sagan often challenged the decisions to fund the Space Shuttle and Space Station at the expense of further robotic missions.
He is world-famous for writing popular science books and for co-writing and presenting the award-winning 1980 television series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage, which has been seen by more than 500 million people in over 60 countries. A book to accompany the program was also published. He also wrote the novel Contact, the basis for the 1997 film of the same name. One of the last books he wrote was Pale Blue Dot. During his lifetime, Sagan published more than 600 scientific papers and popular articles and was author, co-author, or editor of more than 20 books. In his works, he frequently advocated skeptical inquiry, secular humanism, and the scientific method.
Sagan erroneously predicted in January 1991 that so much smoke from the Kuwaiti oil fires “might get so high as to disrupt agriculture in much of South Asia…” He acknowledged the error in The Demon-Haunted World: “as events transpired, it was pitch black at noon and temperatures dropped 4–6 °C over the Persian Gulf, but not much smoke reached stratospheric altitudes and Asia was spared.”
After a long and difficult fight with myelodysplasia, which included three bone marrow transplants, Sagan died of pneumonia at the age of 62 at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington on December 20, 1996. Surviving him were his wife and five children.
On November 9, 2001, on what would have been Sagan’s 67th birthday, the NASA Ames Research Center dedicated the site for the Carl Sagan Center for the Study of Life in the Cosmos. “Carl was an incredible visionary, and now his legacy can be preserved and advanced by a 21st century research and education laboratory committed to enhancing our understanding of life in the universe and furthering the cause of space exploration for all time”, said NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin. Ann Druyan was at the Center as it opened its doors on October 22, 2006.
This year, 2009, the 75th anniversary of Carl Sagan’s birth, the First “Carl Sagan Day” was celebrated on November 7.
Among the numerous awards he won during his lifetime are:
# Annual Award for Television Excellence – 1981 – Ohio State University – PBS series Cosmos
# Apollo Achievement Award – National Aeronautics and Space Administration
# NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal – National Aeronautics and Space Administration (twice)
# Emmy – Outstanding Individual Achievement – 1981 – PBS series Cosmos
# Emmy – Outstanding Informational Series – 1981 – PBS series Cosmos
# Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal – National Aeronautics and Space Administration
# Helen Caldicott Leadership Award – Women’s Action for Nuclear Disarmament
# Hugo Award – 1981 – Cosmos
# Humanist of the Year – 1981 – Awarded by the American Humanist Association
# In Praise of Reason Award – 1987 – Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal
# Isaac Asimov Award – 1994 – Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal
# John F. Kennedy Astronautics Award – American Astronautical Society
# John W. Campbell Memorial Award – 1974 – Cosmic Connection: An Extraterrestrial Perspective
# Joseph Priestley Award – “For distinguished contributions to the welfare of mankind”
# Klumpke-Roberts Award of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific – 1974
# Konstantin Tsiolkovsky Medal – Awarded by the Soviet Cosmonauts Federation
# Locus Award 1986 – Contact
# Lowell Thomas Award – Explorers Club – 75th Anniversary
# Masursky Award – American Astronomical Society
# Miller Research Fellowship – Miller Institute (1960–1962); among others


In an article appearing yesterday at Space.com, comes this:
Some unusual solar readings, including fading sunspots and weakening magnetic activity near the poles, could be indications that our sun is preparing to be less active in the coming years.
The results of three separate studies seem to show that even as the current sunspot cycle swells toward the solar maximum, the sun could be heading into a more-dormant period, with activity during the next 11-year sunspot cycle greatly reduced or even eliminated.
The results of the new studies were announced today (June 14) at the annual meeting of the solar physics division of the American Astronomical Society, which is being held this week at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.
“The solar cycle may be going into a hiatus,” Frank Hill, associate director of the National Solar Observatory’s Solar Synoptic Network, said in a news briefing today (June 14).
The studies looked at a missing jet stream in the solar interior, fading sunspots on the sun’s visible surface, and changes in the corona and near the poles.
“This is highly unusual and unexpected,” Hill said. “But the fact that three completely different views of the sun point in the same direction is a powerful indicator that the sunspot cycle may be going into hibernation.”
If the models prove accurate and the trends continue, the implications could be far-reaching.
“If we are right, this could be the last solar maximum we’ll see for a few decades,” Hill said. “That would affect everything from space exploration to Earth’s climate.”
You can read the rest here.
Sorry Al, it looks like you may need to wear long-johns at your next global-warming summit.


The magic of the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena on Earth. The spectacle occurs when solar particles collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, creating ribbons of light that dance across the night sky.
Tromsø, located above the Arctic Circle in Norway, is a prime viewing spot due to its position beneath the Northern Lights oval.
Where to see the Northern Lights: Tromsø, a prime location
Tromsø’s geographical location makes it one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights. It is situated directly under the Northern Lights oval, a continuous ring of auroral activity centered over the Earth’s geomagnetic North Pole.
This optimal location means that the Northern Lights are often visible in Tromsø, even when auroral activity is low.
Best time to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø
We get these questions a lot:
- What are the best month to see the northern lights?
- Is it better in January or February?
- Where can I see the northern lights in Tromsø?
- What are the best places in Tromsø to see the northern lights?
The prime period to view the Northern Lights in Tromsø is from mid-September to April. During these months, the sky is sufficiently dark to allow for optimal viewing of this natural light show.
The Polar Night, which lasts from mid-November to mid-January, offers particularly remarkable viewing opportunities, with the Northern Lights often visible even during the daytime.
Enhancing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights
While Tromsø’s location offers a high probability of Northern Lights sightings, several factors further influence your chances:
Auroral activity is directly related to solar activity. The Northern Lights are particularly vibrant during periods of high solar activity, known as solar maximums, which occur roughly every 11 years.
However, Tromsø’s position beneath the Northern Lights oval means that there is still a strong chance of sightings even during periods of low solar activity.
Between 2022 and 2024-25 the chances to see amazing and strong Northern Lights will be higher due to the Solar Maximum, which is expected to peak in 2024/2025. Read more about the Solar Maximum and its impact on the northern light display in Tromsø for the upcoming years here.
Clear, cloudless skies provide the best conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. Tromsø’s relatively stable weather increases your chances of finding clear skies. However, weather in the Arctic can be unpredictable, and patience may be required as you wait for the ideal conditions.
The Northern Lights are best viewed away from artificial light. Therefore, consider venturing outside of Tromsø’s city center to areas with minimal light pollution.
Maximizing your Northern Lights experience
To make the most of your Northern Lights quest in Tromsø, consider the following tips:
Stay for several nights
The longer your stay in Tromsø, the better your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights. A stay of between four and seven nights is recommended to maximize your viewing opportunities.
Join a Northern Lights guided tour
Joining a guided tour can greatly enhance your Northern Lights experience. Guides are experts in Arctic conditions and have in-depth knowledge of the best viewing locations. They also monitor weather conditions and auroral activity, further increasing your chances of a successful sighting. Check all Best Arctic northern light tours here.
What if you don’t see the northern lights on the first try?
Unfortunately, it can happen that the weather won’t allow you to see the northern lights display. Either because the weather changed and it started snowing or raining, or it got cloudy, or just because the northern light activity decreased at that moment. We can’t control any of these factors, but we will always try our best to find the best places with the higher chances.
If you choose one of our Aurora Safari Camp or Aurora Safari Minibus tours and are unlucky and don’t see the northern lights, we offer you a 25% discount card that you can use on one of these two tours again.
Best Arctic Tours in Tromsø
One of the premier tour operators in Tromsø is Best Arctic. We offer a variety of tours designed to provide you with the ultimate Northern Lights experience. More information about our northern light tours can be found here.
Experiencing the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. By choosing Tromsø as your destination, planning your trip between September and April, and joining a guided tour with Best Arctic, you’re significantly enhancing your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.
Remember, patience is key, and the reward is an unforgettable spectacle that will remain etched in your memory forever.


Tonto National Monument is an International Dark Sky Park. You can see by attending the ‘Celestial Celebration’ on Jan. 25th. It’s from 6 pm to 10 pm. You will be able to “Visit with astronomers, learn about nocturnal wildlife, hike to the Lower Cliff Dwelling by flashlight, and earn your Night Explorer Junior Ranger patch.” There’s even an Astronomy Scavenger Hunt where you can win a prize! Tonto National Monument is located at 26260 N. AZ Hwy 188 in Roosevelt. There is no fee for this event.


For those of you who LOVE science and star gazing (LIKE ME! even though I’m terrible at finding constellations in the sky… ask the boyfriend. He actually had to show me where the little/big dippers were. Yup. I blame my eyesight. Never mind the fact that I wear contacts…but that’s besides the point) you knew that there was a Perseid Meteor shower last night!!!! I tried to stay awake to catch it past midnight but it was kind of cloudy here and didn’t get to see much. It was very disappointing because we watched one last time and saw a few falling meteors. It was pretty amazing. My digital camera has apparently decided to not do the one thing it’s designed to do (take clear pictures) so I didn’t bother to take any. Thank you, little evolved touch screen cybershot that sabotages my pictures.
I did, however, find a few things on “twitcaps” where people sent in pictures of the shower last night (amongst other weird things.. ignore the random images, I don’t know how to filter them out. They must be tagged for the meteor shower) as well as a twittersearch for #meteorwatch. I stalked flickr too and managed to wrangle up some images there as well. You can see/read the events as they were unfolding, both with pictures and word. So for those of you early risers, you can appreciate the brilliance of the night sky without seeking out a time machine to transport you back to last night. Enjoy!
Perseid Meteor Shower Twitcaps


The week before the eclipse life felt tense, unsettled, frustrating. Curiously, the eclipse seemed to clear the air! So why not use it as a reset?
Because, more than anything, the eclipse experience reminded me to have faith.
What is faith?
Faith is a decision to believe in something you cannot verify.
For me, it is an act of letting go of fear, of control, of a desired outcome, and relaxing into a space of grace, of knowing that all is well, that I am safe and life is good.
I’d heard about the eclipse for months but had blown it off until a few weeks ago when my husband was eager to go. Since we waited so long to make plans, the closest motel we could find was 3 hours from the path of totality in Oregon.


My new favorite show is “through the wormhole with morgan freeman” on the Science Channel. Every episode teaches me something new about the latest scientific thought on different aspects of our existence, while also confusing me just enough to keep me intrigued! My absolute favorite episode thus far was called “was there a time before time?” because . . . well, check this out . . .
According to the physicists who subscribe to the Big Bang Theory, our expanding universe was created by a enormous explosion that emanated from an infinitely dense and infinitely small point of light that contained all the energy that would ever exist in our universe. That infinitely dense point of light is called “Singularity,” and it “popped into existence” from “Nothing.” Before Singularity popped into existence and exploded, there was no “where,” there was no “time,” and there was no“thing.”
According to Rabbi Isaac Luria, creation began when the Infinite G-d, Ein Sof (“Without End”), attempted to pour the light of divine wisdom into a space created by G-d’s retraction. Thus, a dot of light appeared in a void of Nothingness. But the light, which contained the infinite power of G-d, was too strong and “shattered” the space. Before the shattering, there was no “thing,” no “space,” and no “time.” Rather, everything that ever would be was superimposed on one “thought.”
As if it isn’t enough that those two “stories” are astonishing similar, consider the fact that Luria lived in the 1500’s, while the Big Bang Theory was proposed and gained support in the 1900’s, after a series of pictures from the Hubble telescope in the late 1920’s demonstrated the universe is expanding and after two scientists working for Bell Labs in the 1960’s measured the “background noise” of the universe, which is believed to be the remnants of the Big Bang explosion. So, Luria’s explanation arrived WAY ahead of the scientific knowledge.
After Hubble’s pictures and theory were published, Albert Einstein created his General Theory of Relativity to explain the expansion of the universe over time. But if, instead of using Relativity to understand what is currently happening to the universe or what will happen in the future, one uses Relativity to extrapolate backward in time, the logical conclusion of Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity is . . . the universe began as an infinitely small and infinitely dense point of light . . . Singularity.
Einstein is quoted in numerous places as asserting he was an agnostic, because he had rejected the idea of a “puppet-master G-d,” but he nevertheless looked at the universe with awe, and he stated that his version of G-d was in “the mystery.” And, although I’m sure a rationalist like Einstein had little patience for what he and the other rationalists in the Haskalah (group of Jewish rationalists/intellectuals that were a precursor to Reform Judaism) saw as the “irrationality” of the Hasidim, I wonder if Einstein knew that he and the Hasidim had a shared understanding of the nature of G-d and that his theory meshed with the Kabbalistic version of creation . . . .
Finally, the hypothesis that became known as the “Big Bang Theory” was first stated scientifically by Georges Lemaitre, an astronomer, professor of physics, and . . . Catholic priest!! Lemaitre predicted the universe was expanding before Hubble’s pictures provided the proof. Lemaitre called his creation theory “hypothesis of the primeval atom.” “Primeval atom” was Lemaitre’s word for Singularity, the infinitely small, undivided point of light that began all time and space.
But . . . get this . . . you know what Kabbalists call the thing that shattered, the light from G-d in which all time and space was superimposed into one??
Primordial Adam …
Primeval Atom … Primordial Adam …
Somehow, my friends, despite all the time and space through which our finite world may have “travelled,” if we stop long enough to look (like Moses at the burning bush), even science and religion come together, bringing us back to Singularity, One, the Infinite Nothingness, Ein Sof . . .
Shabbat shalom, jen


Craters on planets
Cocoa Powder/ powder different than flour
a bin or tray
small rocks or marbles
In the tray pour some flour about 2-3 inches deep.
sprinkles coca powder, or any other color powder on top
Lastly, drop your rocks and marbles in from different heights, speeds and angles and look at the fun craters!
science behind craters
The reason that craters form on planets in similar to the experiment done above. Asteroids and meteors strike the surface of the planets, and displace the soil and create a depression on the surface of the planet. Craters formed when asteroids or meteors hit another surface are called impact craters. In the experiment above, the rocks/marbles represent the asteroids, and the cocoa powder represents the top layer of soil that is displaced by the impact. And the flour represents the land in which a depression in created. Craters can also be created by volcanoes and explosions.


Join us in upcoming STEM activities, team-building exercises and in-person networking events to learn more about space and meet the community that is building the New Way to Space. Curiosity drives our daily work and we want to share it with you too.
IntoSpace is a live chat that fosters curiosity and challenges people to participate in the new and growing space economy. We discuss the importance of space in society and we share stories of professionals who are disrupting the space sector daily.
Plan, build and launch water rockets like an aerospace engineer. With our rocket stem kit you can actually do “Rocket Science”. These Water Rockets can go up to 100 meters, using only water and air. The Launchpad developed by Spaceway allows users to perform a number of activities for all ages and groups. Get in contact with us today to become a rocket scientist with our kits.
Kitsat is an educational satellite concept based on the CubeSat format. It provides a platform for realistic satellite operation simulations and is a full package for sci-tech teaching. Kitsat can be used as an introduction to space technology, with uses ranging from high school STEAM curriculum to professional entry-level training. Start your own space program with Kitsat!
We produce personalized STEM comic books for organizations or special events. We work together with you, art studios and science communicators to define the storyline, characters, and knowledge to be shared. Deliver a practical and fun learning experience by getting your comic book now.


About this object
This shot was taken when Mars was very close to Earth. You can see the polar ice cap, the white spot near the top.
Optics: Meade LX90 8" SCT @ f/10
Camera: Nikon CoolPix 4500 with 18mm eyepiece
Date: August 23, 2003
Location: Challenger 7 Park, Webster, Texas
Exposure Details: 1/30 seconds
Processing: Photoshop CS


- Science Week
- Home-school groups
- Holiday Programs
- Science Clubs
- Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)
- Weekly Classes (See the Schedule)
- Holiday Workshops (Half day, Full Day, Multiday)
- From small to large groups (5 to 100+)
- Full-term courses
- Flexible schedules to suit any group
- Courses for various age groups (4-17)
- On Now
Term 2: Astronomy - Space Science
- Build a solar system the size of a field to help us understand how huge space is!
- Create our own solar and lunar eclipses
- Build a Sun Dial
- Try to discover if the universe is growing
- Learn how gravity actually bends the fabric of space-time
- Measure how high you could jump on other planets
- Smash "meteorites" into the “moon”
- Learn about atmospheres by experimenting with Dry Ice & Fire!
Lots of learning - lots of experimenting!
lab and theory.
Ages 6-15 - Jr and Sr Classes Available
Registration opens soon!
Little Discoverers & Inventors (Ages 5-8)
Science and Technology classes just for little ones! (STEM)
Fun, quick, and easy projects perfect for the little scientist and/or inventor in your family.
Eggs in Space: Water Rockets (Ages 4-15)
Ready to be a Rocket Scienctist?
Can you design a water rocket to launch an egg and have it land back on earth safely?
Science of Fire (Ages 8-16)
Bang, Boom, and Burn as you learn!
Amazing Fire Experiments:
- Dragon Fire
- Rainbow Fire
- Match Rockets
- Dancing Fire
- Fire Fighter
- Explosive Water
- Barking Bottle
- Balloon Boom


Are you prepared to see the once-in-a-lifetime celestial show? 🌼 Although an eclipse is an amazing sight, you must take precautions to keep your eyes safe. That’s where DIY eclipse glasses come into play!eclipse glasses
Eclipse Glasses 👓: It’s Not as Hard as You Might Think! You can make your own eclipse glasses with a few basic supplies like cardboard, some imagination, and a set of eclipse lenses. With these personalized shades, you can watch the solar eclipse with flair and safety. Enter the field of astronomy and get ready for the next celestial display! 🌞🌚
A Taste of Mexico:
A Taste of Mexico: Pulparindo offers a flavor that will make you dance with joy, regardless of your preference for mango, watermelon, or tamarind. In every bite, savor the spirit of Mexican street food.
Discover the Sweetness of the Tropics: Sugar Apple
The Sugar Apple will tantalize your taste senses with a tropical pleasure! 🍏 This fruit, often referred to as a “cherimoya” or “custard apple,” is a flavorful and visually stunning hidden gem. Its flesh, which has a hint of tang, is sweet, creamy, and very tropical.
Exotic and Exquisite: The distinct flavor of ripe sugar apples will take you to the sun-kissed shores of the tropics, whether you’re enjoying them on their own or incorporating them into a smoothie or dessert.
Life is an ever-evolving exploration of experiences, from making your eclipse glasses for celestial expeditions to relishing the cultural joy of Pulparindo sweets and the tropical taste of sugar apples. Accept these distinctive components and allow them to add vibrant touches to your lifestyle! 🌌🍭🌴 #LifestyleExploration #TasteTheWorld #AstronomyAdventures


Terrestrial Poles and Equator:
The terrestrial poles are the two points in which the earth’s axis of rotation meets the earth’s sphere.
The terrestrial equator is the great circle of the earth, the plane of which is at right angles to the axis of rotation. The two poles are equidistant from it.
The Celestial Sphere:
The Zenith and Nadir:
Great circle is a section of a sphere when the cutting plane passes through the centre of the sphere.
Celestial Poles and Equator:
If the earth’s axis of rotation is produced indefinitely, it will meet the celestial sphere in two points called the north and south celestial poles (P and P’). The celestial equator is the great circle of the celestial sphere in which it is intersected by the plane of terrestrial equator.
|Fig. CELESTIAL,SENSIBLE & VISIBLE HORIZON
The Celestial Horizon:
The Celestial Horizon is also called True or Rational horizon or geocentric horizon.
It is the great circle traced upon the celestial sphere by that plane which is perpendicular to the Zenith-Nadir line, and which passes through the centre of the earth.
The Sensible Horizon:
It is a circle in which a plane passing through the point of observation and tangential to the earth’s surface (or perpendicular to the Zenith-Nadir line) intersects with celestial sphere. The line of sight of an accurately levelled telescope lies in this plane.
The Visible Horizon:
It is the circle of contact, with the earth, of the cone of visual rays passing through the point of observation. The circle of contact is a small circle of the earth and its radius depends on the altitude of the point of observation.
A vertical circle of the celestial sphere is great circle passing through the Zenith and Nadir. They all cut the celestial horizon at right angles.
The Observer’s Meridian:
The meridian of any particular point is that circle which passes through the Zenith and Nadir of the point as well as through the poles. It is thus a vertical circle.
The Prime Vertical:
It is that particular vertical circle which is at right angles to the meridian, and which, therefore passes through the east and west points of the horizon.
The Latitude (θ):
It is the angular distance of any place on the earth’s surface north or south of the equator, and is measured on the meridian of the place. It is marked + or- (or N or S) according as the place is north or south of the equator. The latitude may also be defined as the angle between the zenith and the celestial equator.
|Fig. LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE
The Co-latitude (c):
The Longitude (Φ):
The longitude of a place is the angle between a fixed reference meridian called the prime or first meridian and the meridian of the place. The prime meridian universally adopted is that of Greenwich. The longitude of any place varies between 0° to 180°, and is reckoned as 6° east or west of Greenwich.
|Fig. AZIMUTH & ALTITUDE
The Altitude (α):
The altitude of celestial or heavenly body (i.e., the sun or a star) its angular distance above the horizon, measured on the vertical circle passing through the body.
The Co-altitude or Zenith Distance (z):
It is the angular distance of heavenly body from the zenith. It is the complement of the altitude, i.e., z = (90° – α).
The Azimuth (A):
The azimuth of a heavenly body is the angle between the observer’s meridian and the vertical circle passing through the body.
The Declination (δ):
The declination of a celestial body is angular distance from the plane of the equator, measured along the star’s meridian generally called the declination circle, (i.e., great circle passing through the heavenly body and the celestial pole). Declination varies from 0° to 90°, and is marked + or – according as the body is north or south of the equator.
Co-declination or Polar Distance (p):
It is the angular distance of the heavenly body from the nearer pole. It is the complement of the declination, i.e., p = 90° – δ.
Hour circles are great circles passing through the north and south celestial poles. The declination circle of a heavenly body is thus its hour circle.
|Fig. HOUR ANGLE
The Hour Angle:
The hour angle of a heavenly body is the angle between the observer’s meridian and the declination circle passing through the body. The hour angle is always measured westwards.
|Fig. RIGHT ASCENSION
The Right Ascension (R.A.):
It is the equatorial angular distance measured eastward from the First Point of Aries to the hour circle through the heavenly body.
Elliptic is the great circle of the heavens which the sun appears to describe on the celestial sphere with the earth as a centre in the course of a year. The plane of the elliptic is inclined to the plane of the equator at an angle (called the obliquity) of about 23° 27′, but is subjected to a diminution of about 5″ in a century.
Solstices are the points at which the north and south declination of the sun is a maximum. The point C at which the north declination of the sun is maximum is called the summer solstice, while the point C’ at which south declination of the sun is maximum is known as the winter solstice. The case is just the reverse in the southern hemisphere.


Was The Apollo Moon Landing Fake?
(And why haven't we been back to the moon in 42 years?)
Shock ! Stanley Kubrick Filmed Fake Moon Footage !! - Proof !
Thursday, July 13, 2006: The original high-quality video tapes of Apollo 11, which were apparently sent by NASA to the National Archives and then were returned to the Goddard Space Flight Center, have gone missing (see the pdf by John M. Sarkissian).
The quality of the video broadcast to the world on television was of much, much lower quality than the video originally received – or manufactured! - by NASA. Obviously, if you were going to fake the moon landing, you might have a motive to ‘lose’ the high-quality tapes, where artifacts of faking could be seen. This was by far the biggest moment in the American space program. You’d think they would care about hanging on to the evidence.
See Missing Tape Info: http://www.apfn.org/pdf/Search_for_SSTV_Tapes.pdf
- The cost of the entire Apollo program: USD $25.4 billion -1969 Dollars ($135-billion in 2005 Dollars). See NASA Budget. (Includes Mercury, Gemini, Ranger, Surveyor, Lunar Orbitar, Apollo programs.) Apollo spacecraft and Saturn rocket cost alone, was about $ 83-billion 2005 Dollars (Apollo spacecraft cost $ 28-billion (CS/M $ 17-billion; LM $ 11-billion), Saturn I, IB, V costs about $ 46-billion 2005 dollars). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Apollo
MotivesSeveral motives have been suggested for the U.S. government to fake the moon landings - some of the recurrent elements are:
- Distraction - The U.S. government benefited from a popular distraction to take attention away from the Vietnam war. Lunar activities did abruptly stop, with planned missions cancelled, around the same time that the US ceased its involvement in the Vietnam War.
- Cold War Prestige - The U.S. government considered it vital that the U.S. win the space race with the USSR. Going to the Moon, if it was possible, would have been risky and expensive. It would have been much easier to fake the landing, thereby ensuring success.
- Money - NASA raised approximately 30 billion dollars pretending to go to the moon. This could have been used to pay off a large number of people, providing significant motivation for complicity. In variations of this theory, the space industry is characterized as a political economy, much like the military industrial complex, creating fertile ground for its own survival.
- Risk - The available technology at the time was such that there was a good chance that the landing might fail if genuinely attempted.
The Soviets, with their own competing moon program and an intense economic and political and military rivalry with the USA, could be expected to have cried foul if the USA tried to fake a Moon landing. Theorist Ralph Rene responds that shortly after the alleged Moon landings, the USA silently started shipping hundreds of thousands of tons of grain as humanitarian aid to the allegedly starving USSR. He views this as evidence of a cover-up, the grain being the price of silence. (The Soviet Union in fact had its own Moon program).
Proponents of the Apollo hoax suggest that the Soviet Union, and latterly Russia, and the United States were allied in the exploration of space, during the Cold war and after.
The United States and the former Soviet Union today routinely engage in cooperative space ventures, as do many other nations that are popularly believed to be enemies.
However, this suggestion is challenged by the impression of intense international competition that was under way during the Cold War and is not supported by the accounts of participants on either side of the Iron Curtain. Many argue that the fact that the Soviet Union and other Communist bloc countries, eager to discredit the United States, have not produced any contrary evidence to be the single most significant argument against such a hoax. Soviet involvement might also implausibly multiply the scale of the conspiracy, to include hundreds of thousands of conspirators of uncertain loyalty.http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Apollo_moon_landing_hoax_accusations
Deaths of key people involved with the Apollo program
In a television program about the hoax theory, Fox Entertainment Group listed the deaths of 10 astronauts and of two civilians related to the manned spaceflight program as having possibly been killings as part of a coverup.
- Ted Freeman (T-38 crash, 1964)
- Elliott See and Charlie Bassett (T-38 accident, 1966)
- Virgil "Gus" Grissom (supposedly an outspoken critic of the Space Program) (Apollo 1 fire, January 1967)
- Ed White (Apollo 1 fire, January 1967)
- Roger Chaffee (Apollo 1 fire, January 1967)
- Ed Givens (car accident, 1967)
- C. C. Williams (T-38 accident, October 1967)
- X-15 pilot Mike Adams (the only X-15 pilot killed in November 1967 during the X-15 flight test program - not a NASA astronaut, but had flown X-15 above 50 miles).
- Robert Lawrence, scheduled to be an Air Force Manned Orbiting Laboratory pilot who died in a jet crash in December 1967, shortly after reporting for duty to that (later cancelled) program.
- NASA worker Thomas Baron Train crash, 1967 shortly after making accusations before Congress about the cause of the Apollo 1 fire, after which he was fired. Ruled as suicide.
- Paul Jacobs, a private investigator from San Francisco, interviewed the head of the US Department of Geology in Washington about the 'moon rocks'. Did you examine the Moon rocks, did they really come from the Moon? Jacobs asked - the geologist did not respond, only laughed. Paul Jacobs and his wife died from cancer within 90 days.
- Lee Gelvani claims to have almost convinced James Irwin, an Apollo 15 astronaut whom Gelvani referred to as an "informant", to confess about a cover-up having occurred. Irwin was supposedly going to contact Kaysing about it; however he died of a heart attack in 1991, before any such telephone call occurred.
Spacecraft testing and flying high performance jet aircraft can be dangerous, and all but one of the astronaut deaths (Irwin's) were directly related to their rather hazardous job. Two of the astronauts, Mike Adams and Robert Lawrence, had no connection with the civilian manned space program. Astronaut James Irwin had suffered several heart attacks in the years prior to his death. There is no independent confirmation of Gelvani's claim that Irwin was about to come forward. Moreover, if there was a coverup (that the Apollo 11 and subsequent landings were faked), the coverup would logically have occurred in 1969 and subsequent years - yet all of the deaths listed above occurred in 1967 or earlier.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_moon_landing_conspiracy_theory#Deaths_of_key_people_involved_with_the_Apollo_program


USST places well at University Rover Challenge
The University of Saskatchewan Space Design Team (USST) placed seventh among 31 teams at the 2014 University Rover Challenge (URC) in Utah. This was the team members' first time competing at the URC, where they and their rover were tested through five different challenges.
"Our goal going into the competition was to be able to participate in every task, and complete every task," said USST president Justin Gerein. "Of course we wanted to place as high as we possibly could. However, we expected that we would realistically be ending up in the middle of the competitors. So when the team found out that we had placed seventh, everyone was ecstatic!"
The student group, composed of members from the College of Engineering, Edwards School of Business and the Computer Science and Biology departments, is dedicated to developing new space technology by working on projects and participating in competitions related to the space industry. It is supported in its efforts by donors and sponsors that include PotashCorp, the University of Saskatchewan Office of the President, the Association of Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) and the College of Engineering.
The team plans to compete in the challenge again next year.
"After talking to some of the judges, for our first year in the competition the team did very well," Gerein added, "and brought a very nice looking rover compared to others teams in their first years (both this year and previous years). We will be taking the mistakes, the malfunctions and our experiences from this year's competition, and directly applying it to next year. Coming back from the trip we have a list over four pages long already with changes and ideas for next year. A large portion of the design, in particular the mechanical design was made on speculation of the environment there and what the terrain would actually be like. Now we are able to completely reevaluate the design with a new perspective."
The URC is an international robotics competition hosted by the Mars Society at the Mars Research Station outside of Hanksville, Utah. Teams from around the world participated in the 2014 competition.


By Baek Byung-yeul
Korea is in the process of terminating a satellite launch contract with Russia as the scheduled launch of its two satellites has become almost impossible due to international sanctions against Russia following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, the science ministry said Monday.
“The Korea Multipurpose Satellite 6 and the next-generation mid-size satellite Compact Advanced Satellite 500-2, both developed by Korea, were initially scheduled to be launched into space using Russian launch vehicles, but due to the war between Russia and Ukraine and the subsequent international sanctions against Russia, there were uncontrollable circumstances that prevented the use of Russian launch vehicles,” the Ministry of Science and ICT said in a statement.
“Since then, Korea has been negotiating with Russia on the terms of termination of the satellite launch contract and it is currently being finalized.”
The ministry said it has completed negotiations regarding the termination of the contract for the Korea Multipurpose Satellite 6, dubbed the Arirang 6, and is in the final stages of terminating the launch contract for the Compact Advanced Satellite 500-2.
“It is difficult to disclose details of the contracts, but the ministry can say that the negotiations have been conducted in consideration of national interests under the given conditions,” the science ministry said.
Originally scheduled for launch in the second half of 2022, the two satellites will be launched on alternative rockets.
The Arirang 6 will be launched by European aerospace company Arianespace’s Vega-C rocket as early as December 2024. For the Compact Advanced Satellite 500-2, the ministry said it has a preferred bidder for an alternative launch vehicle.
“Due to the unavailability of Russian launch vehicles, the international satellite launch service market is forecast to be reorganized in favor of satellite launch service demanders,” the ministry said, adding that it will accelerate the advance of the country’s Nuri launch vehicle and the development of next-generation launch vehicles.


Cadent Houses are the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th. Planets placed in Cadent Houses are considered afflicted and weak, and their ability to realize their potential is markedly reduced.
Planet positions: 7299 BC to 12299 AD
Asteroids and Chiron: 1487 AD to 2102 AD
4th Sign of the Zodiac.
Key Word: I FEEL.
Sun travels through it: 21 June to 20 July
Mode (Quality): Cardinal (Mobile)
Planetary ruler: Moon
Exalted ruler: Jupiter
Part of the body: Stomach and breasts.
The symbol for Cancer is the crab. Words descriptive of Cancer are: emotional, sensitive, caring, contemplative, family oriented, domesticity, moody, hyper-sensitive, withdrawn, clingy.
10th Sign of the Zodiac.
Key Word: I USE
Sun travels through it: 22 December to 21 January
Mode (Quality): Cardinal (Mobile)
Planetary ruler: Saturn
Exalted ruler: Mars
Part of the body: Knees, hams and shins.
The symbol for Capricorn is the seagoat. Words descriptive of Capricorn are: industrious, serious, realistic, goal conscious, hard working, tenacious, materialistic, controlling, insensitive, ruthless.
A planet within 17 minutes of the Sun, by conjunction, is said to be cazimi, and at the "heart of the Sun". This greatly strengthens the planet. It can be likened to a man who has been raised up to sit beside the king.
The earth's equator projected on to the Celestial Sphere.
Celestial Latitude is one of the measurements used to describe a planet's position in the sky using the Ecliptic Co-ordinate System. The ecliptic system is linked to the Earth's orbit around the Sun, which forms a great circle called the ecliptic. This circle is divided into 360 degrees of longitude (30° per sign). Celestial Longitude is measured East from the Vernal Point.
The sky as it appears to an observer.
Ceres was the first of the asteroids to be discovered. Ceres is associated with our ability to grow grain, harvest it, grind it into flour and make bread.
The Cardinal/Fixed/Mutable Sort is a method of sequencing a list of midpoints or halfsums and individual planets in their zodiacal order by triplicity. The CFM Sort can be used for dynamic work and synastry. In dynamic work you simply plot the degree and minute of a transit, direction or progression against its closest degree in the triplicity column it belongs in. Eg, a transit of Jupiter at 14° of Aries would be placed at 14° of the Cardinal column. It would then show which planets and midpoints it is contacting by 45° aspect. The same principle applies to synastry. Place a planet of 'Partner A' on 'Partner B's' CFM Sort to find out the midpoint relationship between each.
The order of the visible planets from the slowest to the fastest: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon. This series is found in a variety of medieval techniques, including Firdaria and Decan sequence.
An asteroid, planetoid or comet (opinion is divided on its astronomical status), Chiron was discovered in 1977 on November 1, by Charles Kowal, between the orbit of Saturn and Uranus. Popular with psychological astrologers, Chiron is considered to represent: the wounded healer, priest, shaman, one who serves humanity. Chiron also alerts us to our blind spots - those characteristics of our personality that are obvious to everyone but ourselves.
A planet is said to be Combust when it falls between 17 minutes and 8.5 degrees by conjunction from the Sun and is in the same sign as the Sun. Combustion debilitates the planet. The exception to this rule is Mars, as it is similar in nature to the Sun, being both hot and dry like the Sun.
A major planetary aspect formed between two planets occupying the same degree of celestial longitude, within an orb of 8° (opinions vary on the number of degrees which constitute the orb). The conjunction aspect represents the union of planetary energies.
Conjunction is also a term used to describe the Prenatal New Moon in a birth chart and is used in medieval astrological techniques.
This means two planets having opposite declinations.
Moon 2 degrees north.
Venus 2 degrees south.
An orb of 1 degree is commonly used. In interpretation, the contra-parallel is treated like an opposition aspect.
Converse means backwards. Converse progressions and directions are calculated in the reverse order of the signs. Example: 10 days prior to birth represents 10 years of life in the case of a progressed or directed chart
A system of astrology developed by the 20th century German astrologer, Reinhold Ebertin, based on the use of midpoints, dynamic aspects, graphic ephemerides and dials. The word "Cosmobiology" was coined by the physician, Feerhow, to describe the effects of cosmic influences on biological organisms.
A combination 90° dial and 360° wheel developed by Reinhold Ebertin of the Cosmobiology school of astrology for plotting planetary positions by radix, solar arc and transit. Used in conjunction with a specially designed work board.
This is a term used to describe a planet reaching its highest elevation (on the Midheaven) above the horizon due to the rotation of the earth.
Cupido is one of the eight hypothetical planets (also called the Transneptunian planets or TNPs) of the Hamburg School. Cupido stands for small groups like the family and the community. It also relates to art matters.
Tropical Year (equinox to equinox) 365.24219878 days
Anomalistic Year (perigee to perigee) 365.25964134 days
Eclipse Year (Moon's Node to Moon's Node) 346.620031 days
Tropical Month (equinox to equinox) 27.321582 days
Synodic Month (new moon to new moon) 29.530589 days
Anomalistic Month (perigee to perigee) 27.554551 days
Draconic Month (Node to Node) 27.21222 days
Sidereal Year (fixed star to fixed star) 365.25636042 days
Sidereal Month (fixed star to fixed star) 27.321661 days
Sidereal day = 0.99726966 of a Tropical day


BBT-Materials Processing Ltd. is a small private technological company dedicated to development and production of high performance mid-IR and TIR polarization birefringent optics (up to 17 microns) and Acousto-Optical components for a wide range of applications.
The company is a worldwide leader in crystal growth and processing of high purity Calomel (mercurous chloride) crystals applied in mid-IR optics. The unique properties of this optical material make it a great candidate for manufacturing of different types of components such as polarizers, depolarizers, savart plates, AO cells, birefringent components for interferometry and FTIR spectroscopy, custom substrates, and others applied from VIS to mid-IR spectral region.
Besides IR optics, BBT is also active in the field of Acousto-Optical devices and hyperspectral imaging systems. Thanks to Calomel’s exceptionally high figure of merit M2, the material is suitable for manufacturing of AO units, targeting particularly the MWIR and LWIR region, where no other competitive material is available.
Mercurous chloride monocrystals seems to be also a very promising material for THz optics (retardation plates, polarizers, etc.) as the material is also transparent in THz spectral region.
As a long-term (since 1969) participant in several different R&D space activities, BBT represents a skilled and experienced partner in the field of primary and applied research in space and microgravity conditions using the unique optical material of Calomel.
TITUS space facility with German astronauts Hans-Dieter Schlegel and Reinhold Ewald
CSK-1C furnace with astronauts Pedro Duque (Spain) and Ulf Merbold (Germany)
CSK-1C space furnace – German astronaut Klaus-Pieter Flade (Project MIR’92, Photo DLR, Germany)
- 2020: Investigation of components for birefringent interferometry and FTIR spectroscopy
- 2019: Commercial versions of Glan-Foucault and Wollaston polarizers for mid-IR
- 2016: Research project dedicated to study of calomel based AOTF (ESA)
- 2014: First large Calomel crystal grown (35mm diameter)
- 2014: First Calomel infrared polarizer tested (MIR and LWIR region)
- 2012: Calomel qualified for use in space environment (ESA)
- 2008: Beginning of continuous cooperation with ESA in the field of infrared optics and acousto-optics
- 2008: New crystal growth and processing facility installed / Entry of new shareholder (Fastlite-FR)
- 2001-2005: Advanced TITUS – multi-purpose platform – developed for ISS.
- 2001: Termination of MIR (CSK furnace 17 years and TITUS crystallizer 6 years non-stop on board MIR)
- 1995-2001: Material space experiments on board MIR using TITUS crystallizer
- 1995: BBT-Materials Processing Ltd. company was established
- 1992-1995: Material space experiments on board MIR using CSK-1C furnace
- 1991: “Čestmír Barta, BBT – Materials Processing, Crystal Science and Technology institute” established by Čestmír Barta jr.
- 1976-1988: Material space experiments on board Salyut 6 – Sojuz and MIR (within Inst. of Physics, CAS)
- 1969 – Discovery of Calomel as an optical material by Čestmír Barta sen.
Founder and CEO of the BBT – Materials Processing. Project leader of number of scientific and technological projects in the field of crystal growth, material sciences in space and development of high-tech space related facilities (for ESA, DLR MUSC, CNES, Energija – for MIR and ISS).
Project manager – IR optics
Senior research fellow and experienced material engineer. Several years of experience in the R&D projects, IR optics production and materials processing technologies. Responsible for marketing and business development activities.


iOptron SmartStar-E-R80 80mm 5 Achromatic Refractor Telescope
IOP1001: Features: -SmartStar R80 Computerized Telescope.-Equipped with the award winning Cube telescope mount.-Quick setup and easy-to-learn.-Features an intuitive hand-held computer controller.-Perfect for astronomy novices and experienced users alike.-Largest LCD screen on the market with 4 lines of content.-2 eyepieces (K10 and K25) allow for flexibility in viewing either a wider field or a single focused object.-1.25'' 45 Diagonal.-Patented Alt-Azimuth ''Cube'' telescope mount allows the user to point the telescope anywhere above the horizon, without any ''dead spots''.-4 star rating by Sky and Telescope Magazine.-Aluminum tripod with adjustable height control.-Lens Type: Refractor.-Magnification: 40.-Instruction Manual: Yes.-Instruction Languages: English.-Assembled in Country of Origin: China. Color/Finish: -Color: Astro Blue. Assembly Instructions: -80 mm refractor optical tube assembly with 400 mm focal length. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 14'' H x 7'' W x 30'' D.


If you are interested in a local contact, e.g. if you have specific questions, want to know more about the local activities, please contact the persons indicated in the partners section.
If you have general questions on the project, please contact the project coordinator:
prof. Olivia Levrini
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Viale Berti Pichat 6/2
Phone: +39 0512095086
For technical questions concerning, for example, an event, the website, the registration to download the teaching materials, please write to:


On April 8, 2024, join Pioneer Works and the Green-Wood Cemetery to slow down, look up, and celebrate our solar system at a rare astronomical event, a solar eclipse – the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044. New York City will experience 90 percent totality and, weather permitting, we’ll get to observe this cosmic occurrence together.
Participants will gather on the grounds of Brooklyn’s historic Green-Wood Cemetery for a unique afternoon of eclipse viewing. Viewers will gather in Green-Wood’s Meadow and at the Historic Chapel, where you can enjoy the celestial spectacle through special-edition glasses and telescopes equipped with solar filters. Enhancing the experience, amateur astronomers will be on hand to operate telescopes and answer questions relating to the eclipse. The celebration will include a diverse array of activities: self-guided explorations and artist-led activations, including an intimate soil soundscape installation, a community mural with the Red Hook Art Project, a listening session pop-up with Sacred Bones Records, and a gong sound bath by Samer Ghadry alongside NASA’s livestream of the eclipse from the path of totality.
Food and soft drinks available for purchase. Vendors include Julian Cavin and La Newyorkina. Drinks bar by Green-Wood (cash and credit card accepted). Enjoy vendor offerings or bring your own snacks. Note: This is an alcohol-free event for a family-friendly atmosphere.
The Cemetery is the ideal setting for eclipse watchers. It is the final resting place of some noteworthy astronomy enthusiasts: writer and astronomer Richard Anthony Proctor – one of the great popularizers of astronomy of the Victorian era who produced one of the first maps of Mars; inventor, author, scientist and philosopher Dr. John William Draper – the first to produce a successful daguerreotype of the moon; and his son, physician and amateur astronomer Henry Draper – the first to photograph a spectrum of a star and of a nebula.
Special-edition eclipse viewing glasses will be available for free on a first come basis. You are welcome to bring a blanket or something comfortable to sit on. This event is free with RSVP. There is no on-site parking.
Note: Please use caution when viewing the solar eclipse. Do not look directly at the sun (not even during an eclipse), unless you are wearing the proper eye protection for viewing.
This program is supported by the Simons Foundation and its ‘In the Path of Totality’ initiative.


Dinosaur Extinction Asteroid Theory Essay
An asteroid called Chicxulub hit the earth creating a 150 mile wide crater near the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. had caused this apparent extinction, which seemed to occur so suddenly in the fossil record, and was it re-lated to the simultaneous extinction of dinosaurs on land? One idea is that volcanoes in what is now India experienced massive eruptions just before the end of the Cretaceous..According to the Alvarez theory, the extinction of the dinosaurs was extrinsic-- it came from outside of the Earth -- and catastrophic. Many theories have been suggested for the extinction of the dinosaurs. A Princeton geologist has endured decades of ridicule for arguing that the fifth extinction was caused not by an asteroid but by a series of colossal volcanic eruptions There are two groups of extinction theories: catastrophic extinction and gradual extinction. The latest research supports the theory that the Chicxulub asteroid was deadly enough on its own to account for the mass extinction event that killed the dinosaurs Several studies have suggested a volcano eruption played a greater role in the extinction of the dinosaurs than the asteroid that crashed into modern-day Mexico. Essays Related to Dinosaurs. Another popular theory was the ice age. The asteroid impact theory is the explanation most scientists accept for the mass extinction of the dinosaurs. We will probably never know exactly what happened, which means that scientists will continue to disagree and come up with different dinosaur extinction theories. He then proceeds to point out that the theory of the dinosaurs overdosing on. Many species, including dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and large marine reptiles, disappeared virtually overnight. In 1980, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Luis Walter Alvarez and his geologist son Walter published a theory that a historic layer of iridium-rich clay was caused by a large asteroid colliding with Earth The extinction of the dinosaurs started in the cretaceous period, around 65 million years ago, and caused the loss of up to 70% of all life on earth. The research, published in Science, notes that there were no geological or temperature records to support the idea that the gases released from. The new evidence comes from. This new development disproves the original theory which blamed the asteroid for their extinction. The date this asteroid hit the earth was sometime about 65.7 million years ago, just about the time the dinosaurs died (Psihoyos 255) Several studies have suggested a volcano eruption played a greater role dinosaur extinction asteroid theory essay in the extinction of the dinosaurs than the asteroid that crashed into modern-day Mexico. Read | Dinosaur-killing Asteroid Started Wildfires, Triggered Tsunamis: Study. A single asteroid impact near the Yucatan remains the best explanation for the massive Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction. The most popular theory of the Catastrophists is the asteroid theory. In 1980, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Luis Walter Alvarez and his geologist son Walter published a theory that a historic layer of iridium-rich clay was caused by a large asteroid colliding with Earth While the theory that dinosaur extinction was caused by an asteroid impact 66 million years ago remains prevalent, there is mounting evidence in support of the volcanism theory.
Occasional Essays Zadie Smith
The Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction event, or the K-T event, is the name given to the die-off of the dinosaurs that took place some 65.5 million years ago. 42 Probably only the cause of the Pleistocene ice age has generated as many bewildering theories Dinosaur Extinction Theories - How Did Dinosaurs Die ? As against these fairly low natural rates, during the last three decades alone some 95 species of birds and 37 of mammals have become extinct. Mei 21, 2020 / No Comments. For many years, paleontologists believed. We will probably never know exactly what happened, which means that scientists will continue to disagree and come up with different dinosaur extinction theories. The date this asteroid hit the earth was sometime. Fig. They found that rocks laid down precisely at the K-T boundary contain extraordinary amounts of the metal iridium (Figure 18.1).. These theories were the asteroid theory, the volcanic theory, and the marine regression theory. Chicxulub Crater and Dinosaur Extinction. Some researchers think massive volcanic eruptions caused the death of the dinosaurs. Dinosaurs Extinction Essay. Read this Science Essay and over 89,000 other research documents. Today the only living descendents of the dinosaurs are the birds. The way in which the dinosaurs died is a much argued topic which can be explained by a lot of theories one of which is the Asteroid theory - The prominent theory is that dinosaurs died in a fiery death due to an asteroid crash on Earth, but is that really what caused their mass extinction. Introduction. The extinction of the Tyrannosaurus Rex was obviously due to the same reason The most widely accepted cause for the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs, at the end of the Cretaceous period, is the asteroid impact. $\endgroup$ – Michael Walsby May 24 '19 at 10:33. Customer support all-time availability: Our customer support representatives are available 24/7 for your help, be it night or day.. Extinction by Asteroid? Essays Extinction Of Dinosaurs Asteroid Theory. The research, published in Science, notes that there were no geological or temperature records to support the idea that the gases released from. 3 The Nastiest Feud in Science. The theory suggests that the impact of a giant asteroid, over 65 million years ago, wiped out the land roaming dinosaurs that inhabited the Earth for the entirety of the Mesozoic period (Alvarez and Asaro, 1990) Prof Paul Barrett, a dinosaur researcher at the Museum, explains what is thought to have happened the day the dinosaurs died The day the sky fell. A Theory Set in Stone: An Asteroid Killed the Dinosaurs, After All. Evidence to support this theory includes the discovery of a buried impact crater (thought to be the result of a large comet striking the earth) that is 200 km (124 mi.) in diameter in. The dinosaur extinction asteroid theory essay disappearance of dinosaurs from the face of the Earth 65 million years ago has puzzled scientists for centuries. All I am saying is that there is evidence to suggest that that catastrophists have exaggerated its effect in order to validate their claim that it was the sole cause. Another popular theory was the ice age. The marine regression theory does not exclude the existence of an asteroid. This theory is believed because of the huge amounts of iridium found in the Yucatan Peninsula were from within the asteroid, and when it crashed into the Earth Dinosaur - Dinosaur - The asteroid theory: The discovery of an abnormally high concentration of the rare metal iridium at, or very close to, the K–T boundary provides what has been recognized as one of those rare instantaneous geologic time markers that seem to be worldwide. We know for sure most dinosaurs died out around 65 million years ago. Scientists have observed that the asteroid struck the Earth about 65 million years ago The latest research supports the theory that the Chicxulub asteroid was deadly enough on its own to account for the mass extinction event that killed the dinosaurs $\begingroup$ I have never denied that the asteroid impact played a part in dinosaur extinction. There have been many different theories of how the dinosaurs went extinct. An asteroid called Chicxulub hit the earth creating a 150 mile wide crater near the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Catastrophic extinction would have been caused by a sudden, external event, such as the collision of the earth with an asteroid, or the eruption of a series of gigantic volcanoes.Gradual extinction would have been the result of changes in the earth's land mass and climate shifts A meteorite big enough to be called a small asteroid hit Earth precisely at the time of the K-T extinction. The majority of scientists agree on a number of theories as to what brought the end of the dinosaurs.


The only event of its kind to bring the Space Applications sector together under one roof to network and connect across the community. Now in its third year, Space to Connect is a day long event which will give you the opportunity to meet new companies, organisations, and individuals who are innovating at the forefront of the Space Applications sector, as well as others new to this journey.
- Tue, 14 January 2020 / 09:30 – 19:30 GMT
It will provide you the chance to explore the future opportunities coming up in Space Applications, meet potential new collaborators, and perhaps find a new business partner or consortium member. There will also be thematic sessions from wider industry with presentations and information updates throughout the day, including best practice sessions to help you turn your Space Application ideas into reality.


DescriptionNWA 8159 Martian Meteorite
Martian (augite basalt)
NWA 8159 is effectively a new Martian Meteorite that was found in Morocco in 2013. There was only 149.39 grams in terms of total mass of this recovered material, so even very small examples are significant and valuable. While this extremely tiny sample only weighs 0.64 grams, it is, nonetheless, highly aesthetic, and reveals a core of reddish-orange consistent with its origin from the Red Planet. Believed to be at least 2.3 billion years old, this meteorite is unlike all other Martian varieties and is an Olivine-bearing Augite-rich basalt. This offering consists of a representation of the very rare and uncommon Martian.
Overall Measurements: 0.45 x 0.39 x 0.16 inches (1.14 x 1.00 x 0.41 cm), weighs .64 grams
Estimate: $7,000 - $10,000.
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Have you always been fascinated by space adventures? Then you can’t miss the exhibition NASA – A Human Adventure, for the first time in Italy until March 4th. It will bring you right inside the unique emotions of interstellar travels.
One thing is to have heard about it on TV or from your parents, who often remember the days of the great humanity interstellar milestones. Another thing is seeing everything with your own eyes.
The exhibition NASA: A Human Adventure offers the extraordinary opportunity to experience the story of space conquest through original and replica artefacts from USA and USSR shipments.
Not only you can walk through the accessibility ramp of Cape Canaveral, the last passage channel to enter the Space Shuttle and admire the spaceships; but you can also get to know the story of the great men who have boarded them.


Take a deep breath and feel the energy of the universe filling you up. Feel the movement of the earth, air, stars, and light flowing into you. Remember that you are a part of the great mystery and beauty of the universe. Let this “Prism” design inspire you to get caught in the moment and excitement of everything and just be.
Be inspired by the “Prism” at Night and all the possibilities that are around you. When Night has finally fallen and you’re surrounded by moonlight and stars, close your eyes, feel it, and let it all flow through you.


A message Carl recorded in his home shortly before his death.
I’m Carl Sagan, and this is a place where I often work in Ithaca, New York, near Cornell University. Maybe you can hear, in the background, a 200ft waterfall, right nearby, which is probably–or, I guess–a rarity on Mars, even in times of high technology.
Science and science fiction have done a kind of dance over the last century, particularly with respect to Mars. The scientists make a finding, it inspires science fiction writers to write about it, and a host of young people read the science fiction, and are excited and inspired to become scientists, to find out more about Mars, which they do, which then feeds again into another generation of science fiction and science. That sequence has played a major role in our present ability to get to Mars. It certainly was an important factor in the life of Robert Goddard, the American rocketry pioneer who I think, more than anyone else, paved the way for our actual ability to go to Mars, and it certainly played a role in my scientific development.
I don’t know why you’re on Mars. Maybe you’re there because we’ve recognized we have to carefully move small asteroids around to avert the possibility of one impacting the Earth with catastrophic consequences, and while we’re up in near-Earth space it’s only a hop, skip and a jump to Mars. Or maybe we’re on Mars because we recognize that, if there are human communities on many worlds, the chances of us being rendered extinct by some catastrophe on one world is much less. Or maybe we’re on Mars because of the magnificent science that could be done there–the gates of the wonder world are opening in our time. Or maybe we’re on Mars because we have to be; because there is a deep nomadic impulse built into us by the evolutionary process. We come after all from hunter-gatherers, and for 99.9% of our tenure on Earth we’ve been wanderers, and the next place to wander to is Mars.
But, whatever the reason you’re on Mars is, I’m glad you’re there, and I wish I was with you.
— Carl Sagan (1934–1996)
Astronomer, astrophysicist, cosmologist, author, and popularizer of science


This example combines the techniques from the following two posts:
This example uses two settings, LastLoadTime and LastUrl, to determine whether it is a new day and whether the image URL has changed.
Normally I try keep examples simple enough that you don’t need a flow chart to understand how they work, but in this example the following flow chart will probably help.
When the program starts, it compares the LastLoadTime setting to the current day to see if it is a new day. If it is not a new day, then the program waits until the following day (ten minutes after midnight) before it tries to download a new Astronomy Picture of the Day.
If it is a new day, the program downloads the Astronomy Picture of the Day web page as in the example Download the Astronomy Picture of the Day in C#. It gets the URL for the day’s image and compares it to the LastUrl setting.
If the new image URL is the same as the last one we displayed, then the Astronomy Picture of the Day page hasn’t been updated for the new day.
I don’t know what time the new image is posted or even the Astronomy Picture of the Day server’s time zone. In fact, I don’t want to know. If the program knew that, then it would depend on those values so it would need to be updated if the Astronomy Picture of the Day site changed.
Rather than trying to figure out when the new picture will be available, the program just waits ten minutes and tries again.
Eventually the program finds a new image URL so it displays the new picture on the desktop as in the example Set the Windows desktop picture in C#. It updates the LastLoadTime and LastUrl settings and then waits until the next day to start over.
In theory you should be able to leave this program running and it will update the desktop background to show the new Astronomy Picture of the Day every day. (Although I haven’t had it running long enough to know how it will behave over a long period off time.)
The program uses a Timer named tmrDownload to wait until the next day or to wait for ten minutes.
Download the example program to see the code and additional details.
A quick note on timers and putting your computer to sleep. Suppose the Timer tmrDownload is waiting for 12:10 AM tomorrow and you put your system to sleep. Now suppose you wake the system up at 8:00 AM the next day. When the system wakes, the Timer reanimates and notices the current time. The Timer realizes that its time is up, so it fires its Tick event. More precisely the event fires when the system wakes up and not when you log in.
In this example the event doesn’t fire at the time when the program expected, but in this example at least that doesn’t matter. The program realizes that it’s a new day and tries to load the new Astronomy Picture of the Day as desired.


Friday, November 13, 2009
Celebrating Water on the Moon with Google and Dad
I join NASA and Google in celebrating the discovery of water on the moon — technically, the discovery of water molecules on the Moon's surface — but water nonetheless.
My dad is one of the reasons NASA could make this discovery. He spent a huge part of his life — and mine — sending machinery and people to the moon. He also was instrumental in getting them home (see Apollo 13: my dad was one of their "go-to" geeks in times of trouble). He also worked on the space shuttle. As an electrical and mechanical engineer, he was the thruster guy.
I took my dad to the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. when he visited me ages ago. We stood in front of the lunar module as he explained how he designed the reverse thrusters to provide — well, if I was a rocket scientist, I could explain it. He could, and people started shuffling closer to us to listen and watch as dad gestured, described and pointed. A woman asked him a few questions about the module, and he answered them. When we walked away, the small crowd dissipated.
"You know," he said, "I was at Cape Canaveral with my brother Bob and was telling him about [insert mechanical terminology regarding the spacecraft here]. A young woman with a small child stood there and listened. When I finished, she turned to her child and said, 'Son, you don't have to believe everything you hear.'" He chuckled at the memory.
Dad possessed a great sense of humor and was smarter than should be allowed — and was very humble despite it all.
Thanks, Google, for the fun artwork I posted above. And thanks, Dad, for helping make the discovery possible.


Here is wonderful devotion by Madeleine L’Engle that I am sharing as part of my Advent Vespers Meditation this week. I paired it with Psalm 8 because this is the psalm that came to mind as I read her beautiful words.
“A Sky Full of Children” by Madeleine L’Engle
I walk out onto the deck of my cottage, looking up at the great river of the Milky Way flowing across the sky. A sliver of a moon hangs in the southwest, with the evening star gently in the curve.
Evening. Evening of this day. Evening of my own life.
I look at the stars and wonder. How old is the universe? All kinds of estimates have been made and, as far as we can tell, not one is accurate. All we know is that once upon a time or, rather, once before time, Christ called everything into being in a great breath of creativity — waters, land, green growing things, birds and beasts, and finally human creatures — the beginning, the genesis, not in ordinary Earth days; the Bible makes it quite clear that God’s time is different from our time. A thousand years for us is no more than the blink of an eye to God. But in God’s good time the universe came into being, opening up from a tiny flower of nothingness to great clouds of hydrogen gas to swirling galaxies. In God’s good time came solar systems and planets and ultimately this planet on which I stand on this autumn evening as the Earth makes its graceful dance around the sun. It takes one Earth day, one Earth night, to make a full turn, part of the intricate pattern of the universe. And God called it good, very good.
A sky full of God’s children! Each galaxy, each star, each living creature, every particle and subatomic particle of creation, we are all children of the Maker. From a subatomic particle with a life span of a few seconds, to a galaxy with a life span of billions of years, to us human creatures somewhere in the middle in size and age, we are made in God’s image, male and female, and we are, as Christ promised us, God’s children by adoption and grace.
Children of God, made in God’s image. How? Genesis gives no explanations, but we do know instinctively that it is not a physical image. God’s explanation is to send Jesus, the incarnate One, God enfleshed. Don’t try to explain the Incarnation to me! It is further from being explainable than the furthest star in the furthest galaxy. It is love, God’s limitless love enfleshing that love into the form of a human being, Jesus, the Christ, fully human and fully divine.
Was there a moment, known only to God, when all the stars held their breath, when the galaxies paused in their dance for a fraction of a second, and the Word, who had called it all into being, went with all his love into the womb of a young girl, and the universe started to breathe again, and the ancient harmonies resumed their song, and the angels clapped their hands for joy?
Power. Greater power than we can imagine, abandoned, as the Word knew the powerlessness of the unborn child, still unformed, taking up almost no space in the great ocean of amniotic fluid, unseeing, unhearing, unknowing, Slowly growing, as any human embryo grows, arms and legs and a head, eyes, mouth, nose, slowly swimming into life until the ocean in the womb is no longer large enough, and it is time for birth.
Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity, Christ, the Maker of the universe or perhaps many universes, willingly and lovingly leaving all that power and coming to this poor, sin-filled planet to live with us for a few years to show us what we ought to be and could be. Christ came to us as Jesus of Nazareth, wholly human and wholly divine, to show us what it means to be made in God’s image.
Jesus, as Paul reminds us, was the firstborn of many brethren.
I stand on the deck of my cottage, looking at the sky full of God’s children, and know that I am one of them.
O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God,[b] and crowned them with glory and honor. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
The devotion by Madeleine L’Engle is part of a collection of readings for Advent and Christmas published by The Plough Publishing House and can be purchased here: Watch for the Light.


July 4th aside, the month of July marks some significant milestones for the United States.
From a technology standpoint, one of the most significant events occurred on July 20, 1969, the day Apollo 11 landed on the moon. Neil Armstrong’s famous words, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”, had a significant impact then and in many unexpected ways are still positively impacting our lives today.
The amount of technology that went into getting a man to the moon is mind boggling. And over the decades since the lunar landing, much of that technology has been re-purposed in a number of commercial ways, to the benefit of us all.
Here are just a few examples of how:
- The material developed for moon boots "revolutionized athletic footwear". The material improves shock absorption and provides superior stability and motion control.
- Back in the day, Reliant Stadium in Houston was the first stadium with a retractable built with “spacesuit” material. The material is stronger than steel, but weighs less than 5 ounces per square foot. And its translucency allows the stadium to have natural grass.
- Using a water circulation system to cool astronauts during launch, NASA’s cool suit technology is now being used by hazardous materials workers, firefighters and NASCAR drivers to name a few.
- On the more mundane side, technology developed by Black & Decker for a portable, self-contained drill for extracting core samples from the moon’s surface, led to the creation of the Dustbuster.
It has been 47 years since we put the first man on the moon. Where do you think technology will go in the next 47 years?
Source: NASA Facts - To read more about how technology developed by NASA is being used today . . .NASA Facts


Wonder what’s been up with former WFTV and WKMG anchor Marla Weech?
Weech, who lost her job at Local 6 in the station’s first wave of layoffs in July 2008, was spotted back in the anchor chair on Tuesday — this time providing coverage of a satellite launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Yes, you read that correctly: Kazakhstan. Even though the launch was halfway around the world, Weech wasn’t.
She and launch expert Russ Prytula helmed coverage for International Launch Services from studios in Cape Canaveral. Tuesday’s launch, the 53rd of the Proton rocket, was for AsiaSat. Weech also anchored an earlier Proton launch that had a Sirius-FM satellite on board. The company’s next launch is set for mid-September.


a simple test about potential uniatrity violations in the black hole firewall paradox
- Jacquet P.
We propose a simple test designed to detect non unitary effects in the black hole evaporation. Since the effects are expected to be tiny, the test relies on information theory in order to discriminate between the non unitary hypothesis and the unitary hypothesis. We show that the modification of the (final) mass of an isolated black hole would imply a modification in the non-unitary effects within its evaporation. Thus the effect should affect any quantum measure standing on the causal past of any mass absorption event. However shooting a mass toward a black hole in our galaxy would not lead to a detectable non unitary effect since most of the matter in the galaxy would eventually end in the central black hole. Therefore the test is based on expelling flows of particles outward the galaxy. Before any mass expulsion, one creates a binary codeword from a sequence of spin measurements, and performs a protocol of mass expulsion based on the codeword. Given a fixed quantity of mass to be expelled, the protocol would maximize the likelihood of the discrimination between unitary and non unitary effect via the Kullback-Leibler divergence. In term of information theory, this is equivalent to consider the extraction of one bit of information from a received codeword, the bit corresponds to the a posteriori application of a protocol with mass expulsion versus the alternative protocol without mass expulsion. Assuming accumulation in non unitary effects, this channel has a larger capacity than classic symmetric channels.