Mapping extrasolar planets
The mapping of the atmospheres and surfaces of some extrasolar planets, even at distances of many light years, is now possible.
Category: Points of Information
Very brief descriptions, with appropriate links, of current or recent news items.
China’s next lunar probe
Set to launch before year’s end, construction of China’s next lunar probe, Chang’e 2, appears to be on schedule, at least according to Chinese news sources.
Mike Griffin speaks out again
The space war continues. Mike Griffin gave a speech today where he once again attacked the Obama administration’s proposals for NASA.
Pakistan floods ease Atlantic hurricanes?
The magnetic field flips
Back to the drawing board! Though the theories say it can’t happen that fast, scientists have found evidence that 16 million years ago the Earth’s magnetic field flipped polarity in less than five years. Even more depressing for the theorists is that this is the second such fast flip researchers have discovered.
Campus administrator shuts down conservative group
Freedom of speech alert: Despite having gotten permission to be there, campus officials ejected students and members of the Young American’s for Freedom from the Palm Beach State College campus during club rush, apparantly because the officials disagreed with the students’ literature. Key quote:
On the day of club rush, officials approached the group and after seeing information about the organization and its ideals criticizing Barack Obama’s economic policy, Ms. Ford-Morris was visibly disturbed by the material presented, published by the Heritage Foundation, criticizing President Obama’s administration. College officials then called the campus police to assure the group left campus. Ms. Ford-Morris denied having ever talked to Ms. Beattie about giving permission to the organization to be a part of PBSC club rush.
Update: The name for Young American’s for Freedom has been corrected. Thank you, readers!
Deep Impact gets its first look at next comet target
Deep Impact gets its first look at its next target, Comet Hartley 2. The closest approach is set for November 4.
Senate to hold hearings on gun regulation
We’re here to help you: The Senate Judiciary Committee, by order of its chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), will hold hearings on September 14 to review the regulation of firearms in commerce.
Scientists develop tractor beam
Scientists develop first tractor beam, although it can only move tiny objects less than two yards. Worse, “because this technique needs heated gas to push the particles around, it can’t work in the vacuum of outer space like the tractor beams in Star Trek.”
Shuttle launchpad to close
Launchpad 39B, where 53 shuttle launches took place, is about to be torn down.
Water main break at KSC
Preparations for the next shuttle flight are on hold due to a water main break.
Hair dryer scrubs Danish launch
The reason the Danish privately funded suborbital rocket did not launch on Sunday was because the power had accidently been cut off to an ordinary hair dryer, purchased at a Danish supermarket and installed in the rocket to keep the valve from freezing.