Featured Posts
Colony Worlds
7 Sep 2010, 21:18 UTC
(Image Credit: Bigelow Aerospace) For those of you who envisioned outposts made out of metal, plastic and off world dirt, you may soon be disappointed that NASA and ESA have a different vision for conquering the final frontier, one filled with lots of hot air. Gary Spexarth, manager of lunar surface systems design at NASA, believes that, [...] (Image Credit: Bigelow Aerospace) For those of you who envisioned outposts made out of metal, plastic and off world dirt, you may soon be disappointed that NASA and ESA have a different vision for conquering the final frontier, one filled with lots of hot air. Gary Spexarth, manager of lunar surface systems design at NASA, believes that, despite their appearance, current inflatable habitats are far better suited than metal structures to the harsh environments of space. ’You could think of these inflatable modules as a big spacesuit,’ he said. ’The fabric is extremely tough and durable, but also designed to be as lightweight as possible. Unlike rigid metallic structures that can shatter or bend if hit by a micrometeorite, flexible material is able to recover to a certain extent.’ [...] A promising candidate is US company Bigelow Aerospace, which was founded by ...
Video: Inflatable “Tents” For Off World Settlers?
7 Sep 2010, 21:18 UTC
(Image Credit: Bigelow Aerospace) For those of you who envisioned outposts made out of metal, plastic and off world dirt, you may soon be disappointed that NASA and ESA have a different vision for conquering the final frontier, one filled with lots of hot air. Gary Spexarth, manager of lunar surface systems design at NASA, believes that, [...] (Image Credit: Bigelow Aerospace) For those of you who envisioned outposts made out of metal, plastic and off world dirt, you may soon be disappointed that NASA and ESA have a different vision for conquering the final frontier, one filled with lots of hot air. Gary Spexarth, manager of lunar surface systems design at NASA, believes that, despite their appearance, current inflatable habitats are far better suited than metal structures to the harsh environments of space. ’You could think of these inflatable modules as a big spacesuit,’ he said. ’The fabric is extremely tough and durable, but also designed to be as lightweight as possible. Unlike rigid metallic structures that can shatter or bend if hit by a micrometeorite, flexible material is able to recover to a certain extent.’ [...] A promising candidate is US company Bigelow Aerospace, which was founded by ...
The Night Sky Guy
7 Sep 2010, 20:50 UTC
Two asteroids will pass within the Moon’s distance from Earth on Wednesday, Sept. 8. and should be visible with moderate-sized amateur telescopes, say scientists . But no need to fret, neither will hit Earth. But the numbers will raise eyebrows I think… RX30 is estimated to be 32 to 65 feet in size and will [...]
Look out for Incoming Asteroids!
7 Sep 2010, 20:50 UTC
Two asteroids will pass within the Moon’s distance from Earth on Wednesday, Sept. 8. and should be visible with moderate-sized amateur telescopes, say scientists . But no need to fret, neither will hit Earth. But the numbers will raise eyebrows I think… RX30 is estimated to be 32 to 65 feet in size and will [...]
Parabolic Arc
7 Sep 2010, 20:12 UTC
The Xinhua news agency outlines China’s ambitious efforts to explore the moon during this decade, which will continue with the launch of the Chang’e-2 orbiter by the end of this year. (...)Read the rest of China Plans Lunar Soil Return in 2017 (79 words) © Douglas for Parabolic Arc, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us Post tags: Chang'e-2, China, moon Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh
China Plans Lunar Soil Return in 2017
7 Sep 2010, 20:12 UTC
The Xinhua news agency outlines China’s ambitious efforts to explore the moon during this decade, which will continue with the launch of the Chang’e-2 orbiter by the end of this year. (...)Read the rest of China Plans Lunar Soil Return in 2017 (79 words) © Douglas for Parabolic Arc, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us Post tags: Chang'e-2, China, moon Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh
Universe Today
7 Sep 2010, 19:56 UTC
When I tell people I majored in astronomy, the general reaction is one of shock and awe. Although people don't realize just how much physics it is (which scares them even more when they found out), they're still impressed that anyone would choose to major in a physical science. Quite often, I'm asked the question, [...] This Hubble image reveals the gigantic Pinwheel Galaxy (M101), one of the best known examples of "grand design spirals," and its supergiant star-forming regions in unprecedented detail. Astronomers have searched galaxies like this in a hunt for the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae, but their search has turned up mostly empty-handed. Credit: NASA/ESAWhen I tell people I majored in astronomy, the general reaction is one of shock and awe. Although people don't realize just how much physics it is (which scares them even more when they found out), they're still impressed that anyone would choose to major in a physical science. Quite often, I'm asked the question, "Why did you choose that major?"Only somewhat jokingly, I reply, "Because it's pretty." For what reasons would we explore something if we did not find some sort of beauty in it? This answer also tends to steer ...
Aesthetics of Astronomy
7 Sep 2010, 19:56 UTC
When I tell people I majored in astronomy, the general reaction is one of shock and awe. Although people don't realize just how much physics it is (which scares them even more when they found out), they're still impressed that anyone would choose to major in a physical science. Quite often, I'm asked the question, [...] This Hubble image reveals the gigantic Pinwheel Galaxy (M101), one of the best known examples of "grand design spirals," and its supergiant star-forming regions in unprecedented detail. Astronomers have searched galaxies like this in a hunt for the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae, but their search has turned up mostly empty-handed. Credit: NASA/ESAWhen I tell people I majored in astronomy, the general reaction is one of shock and awe. Although people don't realize just how much physics it is (which scares them even more when they found out), they're still impressed that anyone would choose to major in a physical science. Quite often, I'm asked the question, "Why did you choose that major?"Only somewhat jokingly, I reply, "Because it's pretty." For what reasons would we explore something if we did not find some sort of beauty in it? This answer also tends to steer ...
Astro Bob
7 Sep 2010, 19:47 UTC
I saw this photo on another online post and wanted to share it with you. It belongs in the same category as the planet Saturn when seen for the first time through a telescope – you can’t believe it’s real. … Continue reading → One of the most amazing geometrical forms in outer space, the nebula IRAS 23166+1655 is centered on a hidden star in the early stages of becoming a planetary nebula. Photo taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. Credit: NASA/ESA I saw this photo on another online post and wanted to share it with you. It belongs in the same category as the planet Saturn when seen for the first time through a telescope – you can’t believe it’s real. What you’re looking at is a spiral-shaped nebula around the star LL Pegasi in the constellation Pegasus the Winged Horse. Star you say? Where is it? The star is hidden in the center of the spiral within a dense cloud of gas and dust. We see only the cloud’s dark silhouette. Material in the spiral is moving outward at about 31,000 mph. If you combine this speed with the distance between the shells, it turns out that once ...
This can’t be real, but it is
7 Sep 2010, 19:47 UTC
I saw this photo on another online post and wanted to share it with you. It belongs in the same category as the planet Saturn when seen for the first time through a telescope – you can’t believe it’s real. … Continue reading → One of the most amazing geometrical forms in outer space, the nebula IRAS 23166+1655 is centered on a hidden star in the early stages of becoming a planetary nebula. Photo taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. Credit: NASA/ESA I saw this photo on another online post and wanted to share it with you. It belongs in the same category as the planet Saturn when seen for the first time through a telescope – you can’t believe it’s real. What you’re looking at is a spiral-shaped nebula around the star LL Pegasi in the constellation Pegasus the Winged Horse. Star you say? Where is it? The star is hidden in the center of the spiral within a dense cloud of gas and dust. We see only the cloud’s dark silhouette. Material in the spiral is moving outward at about 31,000 mph. If you combine this speed with the distance between the shells, it turns out that once ...
Starts With A Bang!
7 Sep 2010, 19:17 UTC
"I saw for the first time the earth's shape. I could easily see the shores of continents, islands, great rivers, folds of the terrain, large bodies of water. The horizon is dark blue, smoothly turning to black. . . the feelings which filled me I can express with one word--joy." -Yuri Gagarin It takes a tremendous amount of energy to do any type of heavy lifting, and the most extreme example of this is lifting something all the way up off of the Earth, out of the atmosphere, and into space! And once you're up there, at least 300 km above the Earth's surface, the sights you've got are bound to be absolutely amazing! For example, if you took the US Space Shuttle up, you'd likely dock with the International Space Station, and get to see something as breathtaking as this: But gravity is a funny thing. The same force that pulls the Moon into our planet's orbit is trying to pull your orbiting body (and whatever spacecraft it's inside) back towards Earth. But while the Moon is 384,000 km away from the center of the Earth and takes about four weeks to orbit the Earth, these man-made satellites and ...
Orbiting Earth 101: What You'd See / What You'd Do
7 Sep 2010, 19:17 UTC
"I saw for the first time the earth's shape. I could easily see the shores of continents, islands, great rivers, folds of the terrain, large bodies of water. The horizon is dark blue, smoothly turning to black. . . the feelings which filled me I can express with one word--joy." -Yuri Gagarin It takes a tremendous amount of energy to do any type of heavy lifting, and the most extreme example of this is lifting something all the way up off of the Earth, out of the atmosphere, and into space! And once you're up there, at least 300 km above the Earth's surface, the sights you've got are bound to be absolutely amazing! For example, if you took the US Space Shuttle up, you'd likely dock with the International Space Station, and get to see something as breathtaking as this: But gravity is a funny thing. The same force that pulls the Moon into our planet's orbit is trying to pull your orbiting body (and whatever spacecraft it's inside) back towards Earth. But while the Moon is 384,000 km away from the center of the Earth and takes about four weeks to orbit the Earth, these man-made satellites and ...
Music of the Spheres
7 Sep 2010, 17:47 UTC
The JPL Solar System Ambassador program is for volunteers (non-NASA employees) who wish to be involved in educational and community outreach related to space exploration. Provided materials (mostly web-based) and telephone briefings tend to be mostly related to JPL programs, but ambassadors are free to define their own presentation subjects and styles. I've been in this program since 2007, and I have really enjoyed doing presentations at schools, libraries, museums, and scouting events. I personally tend to use a lot of simulation software (especially Orbiter and Stellarium) in my presentations, which is purely my choice based on my interests and skills. Other ambassadors may focus more on PowerPoint, video, hands-on activities, and sky observations. If you live in the United States and are interested in becoming a JPL Solar System Ambassador, September is the only time you can apply, so act now! You certainly don't have to be an engineer, scientist, or teacher, though many ambassadors do have such backgrounds (many are also amateur astronomers). The main thing is that you have an active interest in space exploration and that you enjoy sharing your interests with other people, often but not always children.
JPL Solar System Ambassadors: Sign-up Time
7 Sep 2010, 17:47 UTC
The JPL Solar System Ambassador program is for volunteers (non-NASA employees) who wish to be involved in educational and community outreach related to space exploration. Provided materials (mostly web-based) and telephone briefings tend to be mostly related to JPL programs, but ambassadors are free to define their own presentation subjects and styles. I've been in this program since 2007, and I have really enjoyed doing presentations at schools, libraries, museums, and scouting events. I personally tend to use a lot of simulation software (especially Orbiter and Stellarium) in my presentations, which is purely my choice based on my interests and skills. Other ambassadors may focus more on PowerPoint, video, hands-on activities, and sky observations. If you live in the United States and are interested in becoming a JPL Solar System Ambassador, September is the only time you can apply, so act now! You certainly don't have to be an engineer, scientist, or teacher, though many ambassadors do have such backgrounds (many are also amateur astronomers). The main thing is that you have an active interest in space exploration and that you enjoy sharing your interests with other people, often but not always children.
Astronomy.com Blog
7 Sep 2010, 15:30 UTC
A map of light pollution in the United States. A new U.S. Border Patrol facility could hinder the precious remaining dark skies in the Southwest. International Dark-Sky Association, Inc. imageRecently, I received the following e-mail from Steve Cullen, president of LightBuckets online astronomy service: Hi, Michael,I wanted to give you a heads-up on a possible light pollution threat to southwestern New Mexico. The U.S. Border Patrol is in the process of building a new facility in Lordsburg. From the specifications we have seen, it is slated to keep at least a 24-acre area lit up all the time. The station will be about 40 miles from the LightBuckets facility in Rodeo, about 30 miles from Gene Turner’s Rancho Hidalgo Astronomy and Equestrian Village, and about 20 miles from Turner’s new development at Granite Gap. We are not sure what the lighting fixtures will be. We know from other such facilities that the Border Patrol has not paid much attention to containing light. At this point, we’re still gathering facts. I just thought that given the Astronomy Magazine Observatory at Rancho Hidalgo and your interest in fighting light pollution, you would want to be aware of this.Cheers,Steve Thanks, Steve. Astronomy magazine ...
Keep our skies secure, too
7 Sep 2010, 15:30 UTC
A map of light pollution in the United States. A new U.S. Border Patrol facility could hinder the precious remaining dark skies in the Southwest. International Dark-Sky Association, Inc. imageRecently, I received the following e-mail from Steve Cullen, president of LightBuckets online astronomy service: Hi, Michael,I wanted to give you a heads-up on a possible light pollution threat to southwestern New Mexico. The U.S. Border Patrol is in the process of building a new facility in Lordsburg. From the specifications we have seen, it is slated to keep at least a 24-acre area lit up all the time. The station will be about 40 miles from the LightBuckets facility in Rodeo, about 30 miles from Gene Turner’s Rancho Hidalgo Astronomy and Equestrian Village, and about 20 miles from Turner’s new development at Granite Gap. We are not sure what the lighting fixtures will be. We know from other such facilities that the Border Patrol has not paid much attention to containing light. At this point, we’re still gathering facts. I just thought that given the Astronomy Magazine Observatory at Rancho Hidalgo and your interest in fighting light pollution, you would want to be aware of this.Cheers,Steve Thanks, Steve. Astronomy magazine ...
Universe Today
7 Sep 2010, 15:02 UTC
For years, astronomers have seen evidence that – at least in our own local neighborhood — spiral galaxies are consuming smaller dwarf galaxies. As they are digested, these dwarf galaxies are severely distorted, forming structures like strange, looping tendrils and stellar streams that surround the cannibalistic spirals. But now, for the first time, a new [...] Stellar streams around the galaxy M 63. Credit: D. Martínez-Delgado (MPIA)For years, astronomers have seen evidence that – at least in our own local neighborhood — spiral galaxies are consuming smaller dwarf galaxies. As they are digested, these dwarf galaxies are severely distorted, forming structures like strange, looping tendrils and stellar streams that surround the cannibalistic spirals. But now, for the first time, a new survey has detected such tell-tale structures in galaxies more distant than our immediate galactic neighborhood, providing evidence that this galactic cannibalism might take place on a universal scale. Remarkably, these cutting-edge results were obtained with small, amateur-sized telescopes.(...)Read the rest of Spiral Galaxies Could Eat Dwarfs All Across the Universe (577 words)© nancy for Universe Today, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us Post tags: galaxies, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy Feed enhanced by Better Feed ...
Spiral Galaxies Could Eat Dwarfs All Across the Universe
7 Sep 2010, 15:02 UTC
For years, astronomers have seen evidence that – at least in our own local neighborhood — spiral galaxies are consuming smaller dwarf galaxies. As they are digested, these dwarf galaxies are severely distorted, forming structures like strange, looping tendrils and stellar streams that surround the cannibalistic spirals. But now, for the first time, a new [...] Stellar streams around the galaxy M 63. Credit: D. Martínez-Delgado (MPIA)For years, astronomers have seen evidence that – at least in our own local neighborhood — spiral galaxies are consuming smaller dwarf galaxies. As they are digested, these dwarf galaxies are severely distorted, forming structures like strange, looping tendrils and stellar streams that surround the cannibalistic spirals. But now, for the first time, a new survey has detected such tell-tale structures in galaxies more distant than our immediate galactic neighborhood, providing evidence that this galactic cannibalism might take place on a universal scale. Remarkably, these cutting-edge results were obtained with small, amateur-sized telescopes.(...)Read the rest of Spiral Galaxies Could Eat Dwarfs All Across the Universe (577 words)© nancy for Universe Today, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us Post tags: galaxies, Max Planck Institute for Astronomy Feed enhanced by Better Feed ...
Chandra X-ray Observatory Blog
7 Sep 2010, 15:01 UTC
Nancy Adams-Wolk is an instrument operations scientist at the Chandra X-ray Center. Her job, among others, is to ensure that one of the telescope’s main instruments – the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) -- is healthy and performing up to its full capacity. I have always been interested in science. As a child, I found experimenting with the world far more exciting than just playing with toys. During my summers, my grandfather and I would watch for satellites and try to identify as many constellations as possible. He would be the person who would save the sections of the newspaper that included astronomy and we would get up to watch meteor showers. I think the largest influence was the Buffalo Museum of Science in upstate New York. As a Girl Scout, I did a service project working with the observatory there. I met the director, Ernst Both, and after a short time, we quickly learned how much we enjoyed astronomy. I started volunteering at the solar observatory at the museum. I really enjoyed talking with visitors about our closest star and that was my first real foray into astronomy. I learned everything I could about solar astronomy and strongly considered ...
