A statistical study says big quakes don’t trigger others far away
A new statistical study has concluded that big quakes don’t trigger others large quakes far away.
Tag: science
Human-caused climate change – then and now
The question of human-caused climate change – unclear now and unclear 8,000 years ago.
Stardust to end its mission after twelve years
Stardust has ended its mission after twelve years and two comet flybys.
Ground controllers will command the spacecraft to fire up its four rocket thrusters one last time at 7 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT) today to use up its remaining fuel. Engineers plan to watch closely while the probe’s propellant tank ran dry to help future missions gauge their fuel reserves more precisely.
X-ray stripes in the expanding remnant of a supernova explosion
X-ray stripes in the expanding remnant of a supernova explosion.
Kepler out of commission for six days
Kepler, out of commission for six days, is back in operation.
Messenger confirmed in orbit
Three days of data has confirmed that Messenger is in orbit around Mercury and is doing well.
On March 29, 2011, the Mercury Dual Imaging System will be powered on and will take its first images. The year-long science observation campaign will begin on April 4, 2011.
Texas Cites EPA Error in Testing of Wells
The war between Texas and the EPA continues: Texas is accusing the EPA of doing bad research about gas drilling.
Chavez says capitalism may have ended life on Mars
You can’t make this stuff up: The socialist leader of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, said today that he thinks capitalism is to blame for the lack of life on Mars.
Mining and jobs versus radio astronomy
Mining and jobs versus radio astronomy.
Power has been restored at all six Fukushima reactors
Power has been restored at all six Fukushima reactors in Japan.
Overall, the situation appears completely under control, so much so that in a rational world it probably would be possible to put several of these reactors back in operation. The Reuters story above, however, is amusing to read in one sense, as it struggles mightily to make things sound worse than they are.
Dawn Opens its Eyes, Checks its Instruments
All systems go! Dawn did a camera and instrument checkout last week, in preparation for its summertime arrival at the asteroid Vesta.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Messenger has successfully entered orbit around Mercury
After an almost seven year journey, Messenger has successfully entered orbit around Mercury. More here.
The spring rains (of methane) have arrived on Titan
The spring rains (of methane) have arrived on Titan.