Rectangle
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows a strange sight in the constellation of Monoceros, the Red Rectangle Nebula. The text provides some possible explanations for the shape and color. Let's just hope it isn't some cosmic bulletin board warming up for blipvverts.
The Lensman's Children
Chubby, brunette Eunice Kinnison sat in a rocker, reading the Sunday papers and listening to the radio. Her husband Ralph lay sprawled upon the davenport, smoking a cigarette and reading the current issue of EXTRAORDINARY STORIES against an unheard background of music. Mentally, he was far from Tellus, flitting in his super-dreadnaught through parsec after parsec of vacuous space. E.E. "Doc" Smith, Triplanetary, Chapter 5: "1941"
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
Under the Blue Glare
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day a view of our yellow star in a different light. By looking at the light emitted by ionized calcium, we can get a better view of the current activity on the Sun, including some large regions of sunspots.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day a view of our yellow star in a different light. By looking at the light emitted by ionized calcium, we can get a better view of the current activity on the Sun, including some large regions of sunspots.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Too Busy To Read
Some thoughts on being "too busy to read" from one of the great philosophers of our current age.
And because we can never get enough: best quotes!
Some thoughts on being "too busy to read" from one of the great philosophers of our current age.
And because we can never get enough: best quotes!
Labels:
History,
Reading,
War and Military
Gene Wolfe
Gene Wolfe was awarded the status as Grand Master in the field of SF/F last night at the Nebula Awards. And here I am, remembering his first appearances in anthologies such as Orbit!
Here's a recent article on the Tor Dot Com site about Gene in honor of his birthday. It links to a most excellent piece by Neil Gaiman on How To Read Gene Wolfe.
Gene Wolfe was awarded the status as Grand Master in the field of SF/F last night at the Nebula Awards. And here I am, remembering his first appearances in anthologies such as Orbit!
Here's a recent article on the Tor Dot Com site about Gene in honor of his birthday. It links to a most excellent piece by Neil Gaiman on How To Read Gene Wolfe.
Labels:
Fantasy,
Horror,
Reading,
Science Fiction,
Writing
Circular Motion
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day takes us to our own planet. What caused this strange feature on the surface of our world?
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day takes us to our own planet. What caused this strange feature on the surface of our world?
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Anti-tail of the Comet
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows the "anti-tail" (dust trailing along the comet's path, as opposed to the tail which is now preceding the comet as material is pushed ahead due to light pressure from the Sun) of Comet PanSTARRS, heading to the edges of our Solar System.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows the "anti-tail" (dust trailing along the comet's path, as opposed to the tail which is now preceding the comet as material is pushed ahead due to light pressure from the Sun) of Comet PanSTARRS, heading to the edges of our Solar System.
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Bland Sky
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows the night sky over Iceland. Dull, dull, dull.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows the night sky over Iceland. Dull, dull, dull.
Moon Go Boom
Scientists have been monitoring impacts on the Moon and were recently rewarded with the brightest hit yet. Next up, targeting the area so that the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter can look for a fresh crater.
Scientists have been monitoring impacts on the Moon and were recently rewarded with the brightest hit yet. Next up, targeting the area so that the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter can look for a fresh crater.
Labels:
Astronomy
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Flareup
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day takes a look at recent events on Our Quiet Sun. Not so quiet of late!
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day takes a look at recent events on Our Quiet Sun. Not so quiet of late!
Labels:
APOD,
Astronomy,
Space and Rocketry
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Echoes of 1604
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is an image that combines data from both a visible light picture and a shot taken in the x-ray range. The skies of 1604 brightened with the light of a "new star" (nova). Now we can look at that region and see the complex patterns of the results of that explosion.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is an image that combines data from both a visible light picture and a shot taken in the x-ray range. The skies of 1604 brightened with the light of a "new star" (nova). Now we can look at that region and see the complex patterns of the results of that explosion.
Labels:
APOD,
Astronomy,
Space and Rocketry
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Expedition 35
Expedition 35 to the International Space Station lands safely back on Earth. Take a look at this video from Commander Hadfield (at left, from our viewpoint).
Expedition 35 to the International Space Station lands safely back on Earth. Take a look at this video from Commander Hadfield (at left, from our viewpoint).
Labels:
Space and Rocketry
When Galaxies Collide
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is a short video showing what happens when galaxies "collide" (interact) and matching the model with several shots of actual galaxies. Danger! We're going to collide with the Andromeda Galaxy! Eventually.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is a short video showing what happens when galaxies "collide" (interact) and matching the model with several shots of actual galaxies. Danger! We're going to collide with the Andromeda Galaxy! Eventually.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Horned Sun
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows the recent partial eclipse (with airplane), peaking through the clouds.
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day shows the recent partial eclipse (with airplane), peaking through the clouds.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Could Be Special Effects
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is not a shot that uses special effects or composites/stacking or any other tricks. Just a lucky shot at the right time!
Today's Astronomy Picture of the Day is not a shot that uses special effects or composites/stacking or any other tricks. Just a lucky shot at the right time!
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