Author: Robert Zimmerman
Twelve of the world’s most spectacular gorges.
Twelve of the world’s most spectacular gorges.
Twelve of the world’s most spectacular gorges.
An detailed analysis of the tumbling of the asteroid Apophis, detected by radar observations in January, suggests it will be easier to predict the asteroid’s orbit in the future.
The sky isn’t falling: A detailed analysis of the tumbling of the asteroid Apophis, detected by radar observations in January, suggests it will be easier to predict the asteroid’s orbit in the future.
The gentle but persistent nudging [of the Yarkovsky effect] arises when sunlight is absorbed by a rotating object and then reradiated as heat in some other direction. In particular, if Apophis were spinning retrograde (opposite the way Earth does), then over time its orbit would change in a way that increases the chance of impact in 2036. But now we can rest easy, because Apophis appears to be tumbling as it orbits the Sun. That’s the conclusion reached by a team of telescopic observers who monitored the asteroid’s light curve as it passed near Earth in January. Apophis is spinning around two axes at the same time, implying that any Sun-warmed surfaces are radiating heat in all directions, not just one in particular.
It is very difficult to measure the Yarkovsky effect, thus making it very difficult to precisely calculate the orbits of many near Earth asteroids. In the case of Apophis, however, it appears the astronomers have gotten a good handle on the problem.
The sky isn’t falling: A detailed analysis of the tumbling of the asteroid Apophis, detected by radar observations in January, suggests it will be easier to predict the asteroid’s orbit in the future.
The gentle but persistent nudging [of the Yarkovsky effect] arises when sunlight is absorbed by a rotating object and then reradiated as heat in some other direction. In particular, if Apophis were spinning retrograde (opposite the way Earth does), then over time its orbit would change in a way that increases the chance of impact in 2036. But now we can rest easy, because Apophis appears to be tumbling as it orbits the Sun. That’s the conclusion reached by a team of telescopic observers who monitored the asteroid’s light curve as it passed near Earth in January. Apophis is spinning around two axes at the same time, implying that any Sun-warmed surfaces are radiating heat in all directions, not just one in particular.
It is very difficult to measure the Yarkovsky effect, thus making it very difficult to precisely calculate the orbits of many near Earth asteroids. In the case of Apophis, however, it appears the astronomers have gotten a good handle on the problem.
A Russian spacewalk on ISS today.
A Russian spacewalk on ISS today.
What is especially interesting about this spacewalk is its participants, Pavel Vinogradov and Roman Romanenko. Vinogradov at 59 years old is the oldest person to do a spacewalk. It is his seventh EVA. Roman Romanenko meanwhile is following in the footsteps of his father, Yuri Romanenko, who spent three months in space in the late 1970s on Salyut 6 followed by a ten month mission on Mir in 1987. As far as I can remember, this makes Romanenko the first second-generation astronaut in history.
Update: a reader has noted that Richard Garriott was the first second generation astronaut, beating Romanenko by one year. See the comments.
A Russian spacewalk on ISS today.
What is especially interesting about this spacewalk is its participants, Pavel Vinogradov and Roman Romanenko. Vinogradov at 59 years old is the oldest person to do a spacewalk. It is his seventh EVA. Roman Romanenko meanwhile is following in the footsteps of his father, Yuri Romanenko, who spent three months in space in the late 1970s on Salyut 6 followed by a ten month mission on Mir in 1987. As far as I can remember, this makes Romanenko the first second-generation astronaut in history.
Update: a reader has noted that Richard Garriott was the first second generation astronaut, beating Romanenko by one year. See the comments.
Hubble has taken a spectacular close-up image of the Horsehead Nebula.
A horsehead of another color: Hubble has taken a spectacular close-up image of the Horsehead Nebula.
Also, if you want to find out exactly how powerful Hubble is in comparison with both ground-based and other space telescopes, check out the video provided by this press release for the new images by the Herschel Space Telescope of the Horsehead Nebula that were also released today. Herschel, which works in the far-infrared, produces good data and information that Hubble cannot, but its imagery cannot compare.
A horsehead of another color: Hubble has taken a spectacular close-up image of the Horsehead Nebula.
Also, if you want to find out exactly how powerful Hubble is in comparison with both ground-based and other space telescopes, check out the video provided by this press release for the new images by the Herschel Space Telescope of the Horsehead Nebula that were also released today. Herschel, which works in the far-infrared, produces good data and information that Hubble cannot, but its imagery cannot compare.
The next Antares launch attempt has now been scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 5 pm (Eastern).
The next Antares launch attempt has now been scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 5 pm (Eastern).
The next Antares launch attempt has now been scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 5 pm (Eastern).
Using Kepler astronomers have found a solar system with five terrestrial-type planets, with two in the habitable zone.
Eden? Using Kepler astronomers have found a solar system with five terrestrial-type planets, with two in the habitable zone.
Using observations gathered by NASA’s Kepler Mission, the team, led by William Borucki of the NASA Ames Research Center, found five planets orbiting a Sun-like star called Kepler-62. Four of these planets are so-called super-Earths, larger than our own planet, but smaller than even the smallest ice giant planet in our Solar System. These new super-Earths have radii of 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, and 1.9 times that of Earth. In addition, one of the five was a roughly Mars-sized planet, half the size of Earth. …
The two super-Earths with radii of 1.4 and 1.6 Earth radii orbit their star at distances where they receive about 41% and 120%, respectively, of the warmth from their star that the Earth receives from the Sun. The planets are thus in the star’s habitable zone; they have the right temperatures to maintain liquid water on their surfaces and are theoretically hospitable to life.
Theoretical modeling of the super-Earth planets, Kepler-62e and Kepler-62f, suggests that both could be solid, either rocky–or rocky with frozen water.
This is big news. Additional info can be found here and here.
Eden? Using Kepler astronomers have found a solar system with five terrestrial-type planets, with two in the habitable zone.
Using observations gathered by NASA’s Kepler Mission, the team, led by William Borucki of the NASA Ames Research Center, found five planets orbiting a Sun-like star called Kepler-62. Four of these planets are so-called super-Earths, larger than our own planet, but smaller than even the smallest ice giant planet in our Solar System. These new super-Earths have radii of 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, and 1.9 times that of Earth. In addition, one of the five was a roughly Mars-sized planet, half the size of Earth. …
The two super-Earths with radii of 1.4 and 1.6 Earth radii orbit their star at distances where they receive about 41% and 120%, respectively, of the warmth from their star that the Earth receives from the Sun. The planets are thus in the star’s habitable zone; they have the right temperatures to maintain liquid water on their surfaces and are theoretically hospitable to life.
Theoretical modeling of the super-Earth planets, Kepler-62e and Kepler-62f, suggests that both could be solid, either rocky–or rocky with frozen water.
This is big news. Additional info can be found here and here.
“I’m not trying to get birth control out of Rite Aid or Walmart, but don’t tell me I gotta pay for it.”
What happens when you wring out a washcloth in zero gravity?
The Antares launch was scrubbed at T-12 minutes because one of the the umbilical lines separated prematurely.
The Antares launch was scrubbed at T-12 minutes because one of the umbilical lines to the rocket separated prematurely.
Update: in a press release Orbital Sciences now says they’ve set the tentative new launch date as no earlier than April 19.
The Antares launch was scrubbed at T-12 minutes because one of the umbilical lines to the rocket separated prematurely.
Update: in a press release Orbital Sciences now says they’ve set the tentative new launch date as no earlier than April 19.
A breathtaking X-ray view of the supernova remnant from 1006 A.D.
A breathtaking X-ray view of the supernova remnant from 1006 A.D.
A breathtaking X-ray view of the supernova remnant from 1006 A.D.
Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said Wednesday he fears a “train wreck” as the Obama administration implements Obamacare
Idiot: Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said Wednesday he fears a “train wreck” as the Obama administration implements Obamacare.
Baucus was one of the key architects of Obamacare and voted for it, along with every other Democrat in Congress. That he is only now discovering what a bad law it is is just further proof that he should fired.
The real question is whether the voters will fire him. After the last election I have my doubts.
Idiot: Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said Wednesday he fears a “train wreck” as the Obama administration implements Obamacare.
Baucus was one of the key architects of Obamacare and voted for it, along with every other Democrat in Congress. That he is only now discovering what a bad law it is is just further proof that he should fired.
The real question is whether the voters will fire him. After the last election I have my doubts.
The countdown has begun for the first Antares launch. Go here for regular updates.
The countdown has begun for the first Antares launch. Go here for regular updates.
Right now the weather looks to be the biggest question mark, with a 50% chance it will cause the launch to be scrubbed.
The countdown has begun for the first Antares launch. Go here for regular updates.
Right now the weather looks to be the biggest question mark, with a 50% chance it will cause the launch to be scrubbed.
The American Communist Party has sued the Democratic Party for stealing their platform.
Heh. The American Communist Party has sued the Democratic Party for stealing their platform.
“They stole our entire platform, rebranded it ‘progressive’, and claimed it as their own,” declared a CPUSA spokesperson at a press conference in San Francisco. “And we communists say, not so fast! Not in this country anyway, where we still have property rights and the rule of law, thank God! Actually, let me rephrase that…”
Heh. The American Communist Party has sued the Democratic Party for stealing their platform.
“They stole our entire platform, rebranded it ‘progressive’, and claimed it as their own,” declared a CPUSA spokesperson at a press conference in San Francisco. “And we communists say, not so fast! Not in this country anyway, where we still have property rights and the rule of law, thank God! Actually, let me rephrase that…”
The Antares rocket has been cleared for its first test launch tomorrow at 5 pm (Eastern).
The Antares rocket has been cleared for its first test launch tomorrow at 5 pm (Eastern).
The Antares rocket has been cleared for its first test launch tomorrow at 5 pm (Eastern).
A union is calling for the repeal of Obamacare.
The house of cards begins to fall: A union is calling for the repeal of Obamacare.
Our Union and its members have supported President Obama and his Administration for both of his terms in office.
But regrettably, our concerns over certain provisions in the ACA have not been addressed, or in some instances, totally ignored. In the rush to achieve its passage, many of the Act’s provisions were not fully conceived, resulting in unintended consequences that are inconsistent with the promise that those who were satisfied with their employer sponsored coverage could keep it.
These provisions jeopardize our multi-employer health plans, have the potential to cause a loss of work for our members, create an unfair bidding advantage for those contractors who do not provide health coverage to their workers, and in the worst case, may cause our members and their families to lose the benefits they currently enjoy as participants in multi-employer health plans.
But don’t worry, come the next election this same union will continue to support the same Democratic politicians that gave us Obamacare, because party partisanship is far more important than common sense and rational leadership.
The house of cards begins to fall: A union is calling for the repeal of Obamacare.
Our Union and its members have supported President Obama and his Administration for both of his terms in office.
But regrettably, our concerns over certain provisions in the ACA have not been addressed, or in some instances, totally ignored. In the rush to achieve its passage, many of the Act’s provisions were not fully conceived, resulting in unintended consequences that are inconsistent with the promise that those who were satisfied with their employer sponsored coverage could keep it.
These provisions jeopardize our multi-employer health plans, have the potential to cause a loss of work for our members, create an unfair bidding advantage for those contractors who do not provide health coverage to their workers, and in the worst case, may cause our members and their families to lose the benefits they currently enjoy as participants in multi-employer health plans.
But don’t worry, come the next election this same union will continue to support the same Democratic politicians that gave us Obamacare, because party partisanship is far more important than common sense and rational leadership.
The climate models used to predict global warming all fail to predict droughts correctly.
The uncertainty of science: The climate models used to predict global warming all fail to predict droughts correctly.
This result is only further proof that the claims that global warming is going to cause more extreme weather are pure fiction. None of the computer models that presently exist can predict extreme weather that accurately.
The uncertainty of science: The climate models used to predict global warming all fail to predict droughts correctly.
This result is only further proof that the claims that global warming is going to cause more extreme weather are pure fiction. None of the computer models that presently exist can predict extreme weather that accurately.
Because its FAA test flight permit will expire on May 23, SpaceShipTwo’s first powered flight has to occur by then and be supersonic.
The competition heats up: Because its FAA test flight permit will expire on May 23, SpaceShipTwo’s first powered flight has to occur by then and be supersonic.
What is unclear to me is how the expiration of this permit could affect future flights. Does Virgin Galactic have to get a new permit to continue test flights? What about the tourist flights that are supposed to follow?
The competition heats up: Because its FAA test flight permit will expire on May 23, SpaceShipTwo’s first powered flight has to occur by then and be supersonic.
What is unclear to me is how the expiration of this permit could affect future flights. Does Virgin Galactic have to get a new permit to continue test flights? What about the tourist flights that are supposed to follow?
The last 800 years of ice cores from Antarctica shows that the icecap has apparently been increasing over the last century.
The uncertainty of science: Ice core data from the last 800 years from Antarctica suggest that the icecap has been growing over the last century.
The changes also appear to correlate with solar fluctuations, though there are so many uncertainties here that no single explanation can yet be accepted as the answer.
The uncertainty of science: Ice core data from the last 800 years from Antarctica suggest that the icecap has been growing over the last century.
The changes also appear to correlate with solar fluctuations, though there are so many uncertainties here that no single explanation can yet be accepted as the answer.
Russia’s Proton rocket successfully launched a Canadian communications satellite today.
The competition heats up: Russia’s Proton rocket successfully launched a Canadian communications satellite today.
This is the second successful Proton launch in a row, suggesting that the technical problems of the Briz-M upper stage have been overcome.
The competition heats up: Russia’s Proton rocket successfully launched a Canadian communications satellite today.
This is the second successful Proton launch in a row, suggesting that the technical problems of the Briz-M upper stage have been overcome.
Data proving the existence of the Higgs boson appears to raise questions with some physicists about the most popular Big Bang theory of cosmology.
The uncertainty of science: Data proving the existence of the Higgs boson appears to raise questions with some physicists about the most popular Big Bang theory of cosmology.
The uncertainty of science: Data proving the existence of the Higgs boson appears to raise questions with some physicists about the most popular Big Bang theory of cosmology.
The nation’s largest movie chain is turning its employees into part-time workers to avoid the cost of Obamacare.
Finding out what’s in it: The nation’s largest movie chain is turning its employees into part-time workers to avoid the cost of Obamacare.
Finding out what’s in it: The nation’s largest movie chain is turning its employees into part-time workers to avoid the cost of Obamacare.
Eleven incredible places.
A decorated war veteran on a Boy Scout hike with his 15-year-old son was arrested by police in Texas because he was “rudely displaying” a firearm.
Does this make you feel safer? A decorated war veteran on a Boy Scout hike with his 15-year-old son was arrested by police in Texas because he was “rudely displaying” a firearm.
Army Master Sgt. C.J. Grisham told Fox News he was illegally disarmed by members of the Temple Police Dept. – even though he held the proper permits to carry his weapons. Grisham and his son were on a 10-mile hike in a rural area populated by wild boars and cougars. He was carrying an AR-15 rifle and a .45 caliber pistol. He was charged with resisting arrest – even though video his son filmed of the incident clearly showed that Grisham did not resist arrest. Police later reduced the charges to interfering with a peace officer while performing a duty – a class B misdemeanor.
Update: several commenters have pointed out facts about Grisham, including this very detailed report from Michael Yon, that raise serious questions about the reliability of this story. Worth reading.
Does this make you feel safer? A decorated war veteran on a Boy Scout hike with his 15-year-old son was arrested by police in Texas because he was “rudely displaying” a firearm.
Army Master Sgt. C.J. Grisham told Fox News he was illegally disarmed by members of the Temple Police Dept. – even though he held the proper permits to carry his weapons. Grisham and his son were on a 10-mile hike in a rural area populated by wild boars and cougars. He was carrying an AR-15 rifle and a .45 caliber pistol. He was charged with resisting arrest – even though video his son filmed of the incident clearly showed that Grisham did not resist arrest. Police later reduced the charges to interfering with a peace officer while performing a duty – a class B misdemeanor.
Update: several commenters have pointed out facts about Grisham, including this very detailed report from Michael Yon, that raise serious questions about the reliability of this story. Worth reading.
Russia under Vladimir Putin has announced a big financial boost from its government to its semi-private space industry.
Putting its money where its mouth is: Russia under Vladimir Putin has announced a big financial boost from its government to its semi-private space industry.
Putting its money where its mouth is: Russia under Vladimir Putin has announced a big financial boost from its government to its semi-private space industry.
Dennis Tito’s project already has hundreds of volunteers.
Want to go to Mars? You better get in line. Dennis Tito’s project already has hundreds of volunteers.
I still have doubts whether this non-private company can pull this off by 2018, but only by 2018. Given a bit more time and research, the obstacles for sending two humans on a fly-by of Mars can easily be overcome.
Want to go to Mars? You better get in line. Dennis Tito’s project already has hundreds of volunteers.
I still have doubts whether this non-private company can pull this off by 2018, but only by 2018. Given a bit more time and research, the obstacles for sending two humans on a fly-by of Mars can easily be overcome.
Alan Boyle has some more information on SpaceShipTwo’s most recent test flight, and the rumors concerning the ship’s first powered flight.
Alan Boyle has some more information on SpaceShipTwo’s most recent test flight, and the rumors concerning the ship’s first powered flight.
Alan Boyle has some more information on SpaceShipTwo’s most recent test flight, and the rumors concerning the ship’s first powered flight.
A countdown dress rehearsal of the Antares rocket on Saturday was halted when a problem with a valve was discovered.
A countdown dress rehearsal of the Antares rocket on Saturday was halted when a problem with a valve was discovered.
Engineers think they can replace the valve and still launch on Wednesday as scheduled.
A countdown dress rehearsal of the Antares rocket on Saturday was halted when a problem with a valve was discovered.
Engineers think they can replace the valve and still launch on Wednesday as scheduled.
A private company tells the IAU to bug off!
A private company tells the IAU to bug off about who has the power to name things in space!
Uwingu affirms the IAU’s right to create naming systems for astronomers But we know that the IAU has no purview—informal or official—to control popular naming of bodies in the sky or features on them, just as geographers have no purview to control people’s naming of features along hiking trails. People clearly enjoy connecting to the sky and having an input to common-use naming. We will continue to stand up for the public’s rights in this regard, and look forward to raising more grant funds for space researchers and educators this way.
The company also pointed out that even astronomers name things without the IAU’s approval.
A private company tells the IAU to bug off about who has the power to name things in space!
Uwingu affirms the IAU’s right to create naming systems for astronomers But we know that the IAU has no purview—informal or official—to control popular naming of bodies in the sky or features on them, just as geographers have no purview to control people’s naming of features along hiking trails. People clearly enjoy connecting to the sky and having an input to common-use naming. We will continue to stand up for the public’s rights in this regard, and look forward to raising more grant funds for space researchers and educators this way.
The company also pointed out that even astronomers name things without the IAU’s approval.
New calculations have significantly reduced the chance that a comet will smash into Mars in 2014.
New calculations have significantly reduced the chance that a comet will smash into Mars in 2014.
New calculations have significantly reduced the chance that a comet will smash into Mars in 2014.