New Horizons passes the orbit of Uranus on its way to Pluto
New Horizons has passed the orbit of Uranus on its way to Pluto.
Category: Points of Information
Very brief descriptions, with appropriate links, of current or recent news items.
The first death in space
The first death in space.
Two stars caught fusing into one
Two stars fusing into one.
Mine Fire Threatens Physics Laboratory
A fire in a Minnesota mine is threatening an underground physics laboratory.
European Space Missions to Go It Alone After NASA Yanks Support
The mess from the NASA space war spreads: Three European space science missions are now on their own after the U.S. the space agency pulls funding.
20 Days of Left-Wing Thuggery in Wisconsin: When Will Obama, Democrats, and MSM Call for Civility?
The situation at the Fukushima nuclear power plant continues to stabilize
Here’s some good news: The situation at the Fukushima nuclear power plant continues to stabilize.
The article has a lot to say about the panicky overreaction of much of the press and political class over this incident. For example:
In summary it appears more and more that health consequences from reactor damage will be extremely minimal even for workers at the site. It will now be a surprise if anyone who has not been inside the plant gates this week is affected by the situation at at all – apart from all the people worldwide who have been taking iodide pills or eating salt unnecessarily. There may also be measurable psychological health effects from the global media-driven hysteria surrounding the situation, of course.
Man Paid $15K After Police Challenged Gun In Park
A man has won $15K in a lawsuit after police seized his gun illegally in a Denver park.
Judge blocks Wisconsin union law
A judge has blocked Wisconsin union law.
Isn’t it interesting how often laws that the left dislikes get thrown out by unelected judges?
A profile of the man who threatened the Altmans
A look at the “progressive” who threatened the Altmans for doing such a thorough job of covering the events in Wisconsin. Key quote:
Apart from his nasty rant, if Shankman, a self-defined “radical progressive” reminded me of anyone, it was Peggy Joseph, who, after hearing Obama speak in October of 2008 said, “I won’t have to work, I’ll put gas in my car. I won’t have to worry about paying my mortgage.”
Japan raises nuclear alert level
This ain’t good: Japan has raised the nuclear alert level at its stricken nuclear power plants.
Then again, it appears that the dangers remain limited to a relatively small area, within 20 kilometers of the power plant.
The recall vote in Miami
The background behind last week’s recall vote in Miami. Key quote:
”County voters have demonstrated by their ballots that they are tired of unaccountable officials, of being ignored and of being overtaxed in this very difficult recessionary time.”
The shame of ignoring Death Threats to Wisconsin Politicians
Real civility from the left: “Burying the death threat story is a clear example of intellectual dishonesty and journalistic bias.” Read the whole thing.
Treasures of the Soviet Union’s space industry
Treasures from the Soviet Union’s space history.
Funding for new unmanned planetary missions under threat
Now for some squealing from planetary scientists: Funding for new unmanned planetary missions under threat.
Note that I agree with Squyres: money spent for planetary research is worth it. However, considering the state of the federal budget, we all have to recognize that nothing is sacrosanct, until that budget gets under control.
Iran claims it has build a flying saucer
You can’t make this stuff up! Iran is claiming it has built a working flying saucer.
Wisconsin Republican Lawmaker cancels meetings due to vandalism, death threats
The new civility: A Wisconsin Republican lawmaker has canceled public meetings due to vandalism and death threats.
Messenger has successfully entered orbit around Mercury
After an almost seven year journey, Messenger has successfully entered orbit around Mercury. More here.
EPA vote postponed in Senate as Reid struggles to get Democrat votes
This is a good sign: The Senate vote on restricting the power of the EPA has been postponed by Harry Reid as he struggles to get Democrat votes.
The spring rains (of methane) have arrived on Titan
The spring rains (of methane) have arrived on Titan.