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Columbia University physics professor Brian Greene says if given the chance to build a universe, he would find it hard to resist. A very interesting interview I heard on NPR. Read or listen to the story.

 

 

 

I am experiencing a lot I thought would never happen “in my lifetime�, like the religious war or global warming, but I was always reassured that at least things outside of our control would remain a constant and that we (humans) can mend our ways and everything will be alright. Not quite so.

Today scientists in Czech Republic declared that Pluto, the tiny one, is no longer a Planet! As an hobbyist astronomer, I have spent many nights peeking through my cheap telescope in hopes of catching a glimpse of worlds beyond Earth, I have, I must say, seen all but two (Uranus and Pluto), but with this recent change, …

On close examination of white splotches on the Shuttles right wing edge, NASA engineers concluded with much delight that the spots were nothing more than bird droppings!

According to Shuttle lead flight director Tony Ceccacci:
These bird droppings withstood regular Florida thunderstorms, a mighty Fourth of July launch during which 300,000 gallons of water is sprayed at the shuttle’s main engines, and a burst upward through Earth’s atmosphere. During that launch Discovery went from zero to 17,500 mph in just under 9 minutes.
p(O)ops.

To view this news from a more reliable source, visit Yahoo! News

NASA found a crack in an foam around the external fuel tank early today, yet they have scheduled launching the Shuttle tomorrow.
Here is NASA’s official explaination:
During a routine inspection overnight after the draining of the external fuel tank, a crack was discovered in the foam near a bracket that holds the liquid oxygen feedline in place. This piece of foam has been estimated to be 0.0057 pounds. It is believed that the rain experienced during yesterday’s launch attempt caused water to run down the feedline and form ice near the top of the strut next to the feedline bracket. As the tank warmed and expanded, the ice that formed most likely pinched the foam on the top of the strut, causing a crack and eventual loss of the small piece of foam.

At a Mission Management Team meeting this morning, a decision was made to continue analyzing available data before making a final decision regarding tomorrow’s launch attempt. The question is whether there needs to be a hands-on inspection of the area around the foam crack before launch.

The Mission Management Team will meet again at 6:30 p.m. EDT to hear the results of the analysis and make a decision on whether we will attempt to launch tomorrow or Wednesday. Currently, there is a 60 percent of favorable launch weather for tomorrow and a 40 percent chance of favorable weather for Wednesday.
I am not particularly looking forward for the 4th of July fireworks, especially anything NASA has put together. Isn’t it time they fixed the foam thing? How difficult can that be, it’s no rocket science, or is it?

Follow the updates directly from NASA.

I picked up Astronomy when I was 12 and has been my longest lasting passion; unfortunately since I moved to America I have to drive out to the country even to get a glimpse of the night sky.

Tonight and tomorrow however are significant nights for beginners, amateurs and professionals alike. Planet Mars and Saturn are at its closest distance from Earth and are lining up in our line of sight to create a conjunction (Saturn behind Mars of course). Although the conjunction happens once every 2 years or so, the proximity to Earth makes this a once in 25 years deal.

If you are not familiar with the sky, simply go out right after the sun sets, look to the west and you will see two reddish stars close to each other. If you have a pair of binoculars handy, you will see the brighter of the two object is golden yellow (Saturn- although farther away) and the other red (Mars). Contrary to general perception, planets all the way up to Neptune can be viewed without any optical aid (telescope or binos). You just need to have an eye for it!!

If you would like to learn more about this relatively cost-free hobby and expand your horizon (no pun intended), visit sites like Sky and Telescope and Astronomy.com.