Stevens grad vaults to Rhodes Scholar Nov 25, 2008
According to a University of Minnesota news release, Nord spent one summer during her undergraduate career studying in Merida, Venezuela, and two summers conducting research with funding from the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, at the University of Hawaii's Institute for Astronomy and in a biophysics laboratory at UCLA.. At Minnesota, Nord has worked on software for the motor and temperature control system of the cryogenic portion of a new... (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Jules Aarons, 87, renowned space physicist and documentary photographer Nov 24, 2008
"He was an extremely warm and unpretentious person,'' said Michael Mendillo, a Boston University astronomy professor who had coffee and pastries on Friday with Dr. Aarons at his home before he died during an afternoon nap. "He knew he was an accomplished person, but he never talked about himself. . (Boston Globe)
Witnesses: Large meteor streaks across Canada sky Nov 24, 2008
Martin Beech, an associate professor of astronomy at the University of Regina, said meteorites are valuable to learning about the history of the solar system. "Picking up a meteorite is almost equivalent to doing a space exploration mission between Mars and Jupiter," he said. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
This Week's Sky at a Glance Nov 23, 2008
Here's a chance to do some astronomy outreach to friends and neighbors ... For an easy-to-use constellation guide covering the whole evening sky, use the big monthly foldout map in each issue of , the essential magazine of astronomy ... "Rational and innocent entertainment of the highest kind." John Mills, 19th century Scottish manufacturer and founder of Mills Observatory, on amateur astronomy. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Snow In The Arctic: An Ingredient In A Surprising Chemical Cocktail Nov 23, 2008
The work was funded by CNRS's National Institute of Earth Sciences and Astronomy (INSU), the Institut Polaire - Paul ;mile Victor (IPEV) and by a European Science Foundation program (EUROCORE-EuroCLIMATE). 1] Laboratoire de glaciologie et de g;ologie de l environnement (CNRS/Universit; Joseph Fourier), Laboratoire d ;tude des transferts en hydrologie et environnement (CNRS/Universit; Joseph Fourier/Institut polytechnique de Grenoble), Service d'a;ronomie (CNRS/Universit; Pierre et Marie... (Science Daily)
Looking Up: Stars are never where theyre supposed to be Nov 22, 2008
The November 2008 issue of Astronomy has a good article, The day the Sun crawled, by Stephen James O Meara. A period of unusually warm air during the autumn can mean a temperature inversion in which warm, stagnant air is suppressing a layer of cooler air. (Easton Journal, MA)
Iconic Rings And Flares Of Galaxies Created By Violent, Intergalactic Collisions Nov 22, 2008
The study's team consisted of Andrew Zentner, a professor of physics and astronomy in Pitt's School of Arts and Sciences; James Bullock, a physics and astronomy professor at the University of California at Irvine; Stelios Kazantzidis, a postdoctoral researcher at Ohio State University; Andrey Kravtsov, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of Chicago; and Leonidas Moustakas, a researcher at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. The team's... (Science Daily)
Beta Pictoris Planet Finally Imaged? Nov 22, 2008
Astronomy and Astrophysics, (in press). Adapted from materials provided by. (Science Daily)
Study Finds Online Activities Help Teens' Development Nov 22, 2008
They are using the social networks to chat and post photos and make friends, which are important to their development, but they are not tapping into other existing opportunities and "geeking out" by learning about astronomy, foreign languages, and other subjects only a few clicks away. Teens are also fine-tuning their social skills online by learning the basic social and technical skills needed to interact in today's digital world. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Rational Or Random? Professor Models How People Send E-mails Nov 21, 2008
Other authors of the paper include R. Dean Malmgren (lead author) and Daniel B. Stouffera, both graduate students, and Adilson E. Motter, assistant professor of physics and astronomy, all of Northwestern University. Adapted from materials provided by. (Science Daily)
New Study Shows Time Spent Online Important for Teen Development Nov 20, 2008
-- "Geeked-out" learning opportunities are abundant - subjects like astronomy, creative writing, and foreign languages. "This study creates a baseline for our understanding of how young people are participating with digital media and what that means for their learning," said Connie Yowell, Ph. (MarketWatch)
Fireball Streaks Across Valley Sky Nov 20, 2008
David Kenyon, an astronomy professor at Sierra College, said the fireball seen from Rocklin to Modesto was a relatively common occurrence. "Actually, these large events probably occur a few times a week," said Kenyon, who captured the fireball on video from his home in Rocklin. (KCRA 3, CA)
Deputy says frat incident 'hazing' Nov 20, 2008
Two of the members, who met the deputy at the site off Frontage Road in Northern Oconee County, said they were doing an experiment for an astronomy class, according to the deputy's report. After noticing the tub, water jugs and some wet clothing, the deputy also found out that three other men had fled the area on foot as he arrived, so he returned to his patrol car and coaxed them out of the woods using the car's loudspeaker, the sheriff's office said. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Astronomers Detect Matter Torn Apart By Black Hole Nov 19, 2008
APEX is a collaboration between the Max-Planck-Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR), the Onsala Space Observatory (OSO) and ESO. The telescope is based on a prototype antenna constructed for the ALMA project ... Astronomy and Astrophysics, (in press). (Science Daily)
Comet Particles Provide Glimpse Of Solar System's Birth Spasms Nov 19, 2008
19, 2008) Scientists are tracking the violent convulsions in the giant cloud of gas and dust that gave birth to the solar system 4. 5 billion years ago via a few tiny particles from comet Wild 2. (Science Daily)
Black Holes At Galaxy Centers Have Key Rhythm Nov 19, 2008
The gas was expected to cool down and form a lot of stars said Mateusz Ruszkowski, an assistant professor in the University of Michigan Department of Astronomy. Now, we see clear and direct evidence that the heating mechanism of black holes is persistent, producing enough heat to significantly suppress star formation. (Science Daily)
Planet Orbits Dangerously Close To Giant Star Nov 19, 2008
The team includes Alexander Wolszczan, the discoverer of the first planets ever found outside our solar system, who is an Evan Pugh Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics and the director of the Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds at Penn State; and Andrzej Niedzielski, who leads his collaborators in Poland. The team suspects that a second planet may be orbiting HD 102272, as well. (Science Daily)
Troop One Scouts off to a strong start Nov 19, 2008
Scouts also receive instruction in topics of their choice, such as Indian Lore, Astronomy, Cooking, Small Boat Sailing, First Aid, Life Saving, Soil and Water Conservation, Wilderness Survival, various arts and crafts, and many others. Successful completion of each course earns a Scout a merit badge. (Littleton Independent, MA)
How to Become an Amateur Astronomer... Nov 17, 2008
How to Become an Amateur Astronomer Hobbyist: Enjoy an Astronomy Hobby with Binoculars or Telescopes & Dark Skies ... Enjoy an Astronomy Hobby with Binoculars or Telescopes & Dark Skies ... Many people interested in astronomy pursue it as a hobby. (Suite101.com)
First pictures taken of extrasolar planets Nov 15, 2008
More than 300 so-called extrasolar planets have been found circling distant stars, making their discovery the hottest and fastest growing field in astronomy. But the observations have been made mostly indirectly, by dips in starlight as planets cross in front of their home star or by wobbles they induce going by it. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Valley tries to cash in on popularity of pomegranates Nov 15, 2008
Garrett, 67, who teaches astronomy at Fresno City College, would often invite his students to the annual pomegranate party. His students would often ask what a pomegranate was. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Planetary 'first family' discovered by astronomers using Gemini and Keck Observatories Nov 15, 2008
NSF acts as the executive agency for the partnership, and the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Inc.--a consortium of 33 U.S. universities and institutions and seven international affiliates--manages the Gemini Observatory. The Astronomy Division also provides the U.S. share of funding for the operation of the observatory. (EurekAlert!)
New 'Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince' Trailer Shows Lighter Moments Amid Dark Foreshadowing Nov 15, 2008
But the fight has only just begun as glimpsed by the repeated scenes of the school's Astronomy Tower, over which is floating the Dark Mark. While Dumbledore and Harry were away, the Death Eaters came to play. (VHI.com -- Music News)
In a First, Astronomers Report Viewing Planets of Other Suns Nov 14, 2008
But recent advances in astronomy suggest that planets are common. The real estate in space is imponderably vast. (Washington Post -- Technology)
Out of this World Pictures: First Direct Photos of Exoplanets Nov 14, 2008
In an astronomy first, researchers image exoplanets orbiting two stars ... Two groups of researchers searching for planets orbiting stars other than our own sun laid claim today to an astronomy milestone: photographing extrasolar planets directly, rather than through effects on their parent stars ... Kalas and two of his co-authors, astronomy professor James Graham of U.C. Berkeley and astrophysicist Mark Clampin of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. (Scientific American)
First Direct Images Of A Planetary Family Around A Normal Star Nov 14, 2008
According to Benjamin Zuckerman (a UCLA professor of physics and astronomy in the Physics & Astronomy Dept. and a co-author on the paper) who has been studying dust disks orbiting nearby stars for decades, HR 8799's dust disk stands out as one of the most massive in orbit around any star within 300 light years of Earth. HR 8799 observations are part of a survey of 80 such young, dusty, and massive stars located in the solar neighborhood. (Science Daily)
Plants Can Accumulate Nanoparticles In Tissues Nov 14, 2008
Yan Jin, professor of soil physics in the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and John Xiao, professor of physics and astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences, led the study, working with colleagues Jung-youn Lee and Harsh Bais at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, a premier research center at the University of Delaware. The results were published in a cover article in the Journal of Environmental Monitoring and also were highlighted in Chemical Biology,... (Science Daily)
Hubble picture out of this ... solar system Nov 14, 2008
"It will be hard to argue that a Jupiter-mass object orbiting an a star like Fomalhaut is anything other than a planet," said coauthor James Graham, professor of astronomy at UC Berkeley ... "Every planet has a chaotic zone, which is basically a swathe of space that encloses the planet's orbit and from which the planet ejects all particles," said Eugene Chiang, a UC Berkeley associate professor of astronomy and of earth and planetary science, and first author of the ApJ paper. (The Age, Australia -- World)
Extrasolar planets Nov 14, 2008
Reports of distant planets, now on film - International Herald Tribune. A dust ring, seen in red, surrounds the star Fomalhaut, which is located at the center of the image, but is not visible. (International Herald Tribune)
Astronomers capture first ever images of another solar system Nov 14, 2008
Ben Zuckerman, a UCLA professor of physics and astronomy and a co-author of the paper, has been studying dust disks orbiting nearby stars for decades ... Christian Marois NRC Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, Victoria, BC Bruce Macintosh Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA Travis Barman Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, AZ, USA Benjamin Zuckerman Astronomy Department, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA Jennifer Patience School of Physics, University of... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
First photos of planets outside solar system Nov 14, 2008
Ben Zuckerman, a University of California Los Angeles professor of physics and astronomy and a co-author of the paper, has been studying dust disks orbiting nearby stars for decades. A similar dust disk exists in our solar system, produced by dust from the comets of the Kuiper Belt located just beyond the orbit of Neptune. (Globe and Mail)
Intense meteor shower could illuminate Bay Area skies early Jan. 4 Nov 14, 2008
The Quadrantids are named after a constellation called Quadrans Murales that disappeared from the astronomy charts in 1922 when the International Astronomical Union adopted an official list of 88 "recognized" constellations and relegated the stars of the Quadrantids to obscure members of the northern sky constellation Bootes, the Herder. The shower of meteors appears to come from its point of origin, known as the radiant, in the constellation Bootes. (Yahoo News -- Meteors and Asteroids)
First images captured of alien solar system Nov 14, 2008
Fomalhaut has been a candidate for planet hunting ever since an excess of dust was discovered around the star in the early 1980s by NASA's Infrared Astronomy Satellite, IRAS.. In 2004, Hubble produced the first-ever resolved visible-light image of the region around Fomalhaut. (Xinhuanet, China)
UCSC Named Top-Ranking University Nov 13, 2008
Astronomy, Astrophysics Research Earned UCSC Top Honors ... -- A new study on universities with graduate degrees in astronomy, named UC Santa Cruz the top-ranking university in the country based on the quality of its astronomy and astrophysics research ... Kinney said she wants the study to help prospective graduate students evaluate departments that offer graduate degrees in astronomy. (KSBW 8, CA)
Miniaturizing Memory: Taking Data Storage To The Molecular Level Nov 13, 2008
Colleagues from the Schools of Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy, Pharmacy and the Nottingham Nanotechnology and Nanoscience Centre will examine the methods and materials required to develop this new technology, as well as exploring other potential applications for the telescoping properties of carbon nanotubes. These include drug delivery to individual cells and nanothermometers which could differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells. (Science Daily)
Telescope Views Glowing Stellar Nurseries Nov 12, 2008
11, 2008) Illustrating the power of submillimetre-wavelength astronomy, an APEX telescope image reveals how an expanding bubble of ionised gas about ten light-years across is causing the surrounding material to collapse into dense clumps that are the birthplaces of new stars ... APEX is a collaboration between the Max-Planck-Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR), the Onsala Space Observatory (OSO) and ESO. The telescope is based on a prototype antenna constructed for the ALMA project. (Science Daily)
New Laser Technique Seals And Heals Wounds Nov 12, 2008
Katzir, who currently holds the Carol and Mel Taub Chair in Applied Medical Physics in the School of Physics and Astronomy at Tel Aviv University. Adapted from materials provided by. (Science Daily)
Space Program and Science Fiction Nov 11, 2008
The creator of Tarzan was not a scientist, but he read popular science magazines and was inspired by discoveries in astronomy to write two series of novels set on Mars and Venus respectively. Both Mars (called Barsoom by its inhabitants) and Venus were the settings of wild fantasy adventure common to his books. (Suite101.com)
175 Years Ago, Night Turned into Day During the Great Leonid Meteor Shower Nov 11, 2008
Yale astronomy professor Denison Olmsted wrote his impression of this phenomenon in the New Haven Daily Journal and asked others to submit their impressions. Soon, he found himself the collector of interpretations and information surrounding the Leonid meteor shower of 1833. (Chronicle Newspapers, VA)
Forced evolution: Can we mutate viruses to death? Nov 11, 2008
" Deem, Rice's John W. Cox Professor in Biochemical and Genetic Engineering and professor of physics and astronomy, said the new model helps to better describe the evolutionary processes that occur in the real world, and it could be useful for doctors, drug designers and others who study how diseases evolve and how our immune systems react to that evolution. One idea that was proposed about five years ago is "lethal mutagenesis. " In a nutshell, the idea is to design drugs that speed up the... (EurekAlert!)
Tuning In To The Virtues Of Virtual Labs Nov 9, 2008
17, 2003) The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council has announced 16 million to create a massive computing Grid, equivalent to the worlds second largest supercomputer after Japan's Earth. (Sep. (Science Daily)
> read more Nov 8, 2008
For an easy-to-use constellation guide covering the whole evening sky, use the big monthly foldout map in each issue of , the essential magazine of astronomy. Or download our free booklet (which only has bimonthly maps). (SkyAndTelescope.com)
LETTERS: NCT, Nov. 7, 2008 Nov 8, 2008
Does he suggest the same standard in astronomy as in biochemistry. Does he believe that "alternative views" such as astrology or a geocentric universe should be taught alongside modern astronomy ... By the way, you didn't answer my question as to whether you believe the "alternative views" of astrology and a geocentric universe should be taught in astronomy classes. (North County Times)
Just Scratching The Surface: New Technique Maps Nanomaterials As They Grow Nov 8, 2008
Since we discovered this technique, we have been trying to get the word out to the nanoscience and nanotechnology research community, said professor and head of physics, applied physics, and astronomy Gwo-Ching Wang, who helped discover the technique ... Wang was joined in her research by Toh-Ming Lu, professor of physics, applied physics, and astronomy, and postdoctoral research associate Fu Tang. (Science Daily)
Tant: Obama's victory a 'shock and awe' moment Nov 8, 2008
His work also has appeared in The New York Times, The Progressive, Astronomy magazine and other periodicals. Visit his Web site at. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Hubble Announces A Major Extrasolar Planet Discovery Nov 8, 2008
-- Paul Kalas, assistant adjunct professor, Physics and Astronomy Department, University of California at Berkeley. -- Mark Clampin, James Webb Space Telescope Observatory project scientist, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. (NASA Watch)
A bridge of peace: Hillsdale songwriter brings African music to Hudson Nov 8, 2008
The group supports Heartbeat, a church-based program that trains community women to supervise households headed by children where both parents have died from AIDS. Farrell is no slouch himself: He has released six albums of children's music, and he also published the children's astronomy book, Stargazer's Alphabet: The Night Sky from A-Z (Boyd's Mills Press, 2008, $16. 95). (Hillsdale Independent, NY)
Michael Crichton, 66; wrote 'Jurassic Park', created 'ER' Nov 6, 2008
"No lunch with Michael lasted less than three hours and no subject was too prosaic or obscure to attract his interest. Sexual politics, medical and scientific ethics, anthropology, archaeology, economics, astronomy, astrology, quantum physics, and molecular biology were all regular topics of conversation.". By then, the prolific writer who closely guarded his private life had become a dominant figure in popular culture. (Boston Globe)
New guidebook offers trip ideas for astronomy buffs Nov 6, 2008
If so, Guidebook for the Scientific Traveler: Visiting Astronomy and Space Exploration Sites Across America by Duane S. Nickell (Rutgers University Press, $21. 95) can help you plan your next trips. (USA Today -- Travel)
Author Crichton dies of cancer Nov 6, 2008
Sexual politics, medical and scientific ethics, anthropology, archaeology, economics, astronomy, astrology, quantum physics, and molecular biology were all regular topics of conversation. " Neal Baer, a physician who became an executive producer on "ER," was a fourth-year medical student at Harvard University when Wells, a longtime friend, sent him Crichton's script. "I said, `Wow, this is like my life. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Famed author Michael Crichton dies at 66 Nov 6, 2008
Sexual politics, medical and scientific ethics, anthropology, archaeology, economics, astronomy, astrology, quantum physics, and molecular biology were all regular topics of conversation. In recent years, he was the rare novelist granted a White House meeting with President Bush, perhaps because of his skepticism about global warming, which Crichton addressed in the 2004 novel, State of Fear. (KHOU.com, TX)
Your views: Letters to the editor Nov 4, 2008
Eventually, science found explanations for these observations in the fields of meteorology, astronomy, geology and cosmology. New discoveries are made every day in evolutionary science, but one can easily believe in God without resorting to intelligent design to explain the unknown. (Florida Today)
Astronomers hunt for Earth-bound killer rocks Nov 4, 2008
More about menacing asteroids and East Bay astronomy. NASA's Near Earth Object Program. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Martin Pomerantz, astrophysicist, dies Nov 2, 2008
In 2004, Mr. Pomerantz wrote "Astronomy on Ice - Observing the Universe from the South Pole.". He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in May 2007. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Future of physics 'under threat' Nov 1, 2008
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is the main agency that channels taxpayers' money into physics and astronomy research in the UK.. Last year, it was forced to reassess its priorities when it found its government settlement over the next three years was 80m short of what it needed to meet planned commitments. (BBC News -- UK)
6th Canadian Space Exploration Workshop Oct 31, 2008
SpaceRef - Space News as it Happens. Friday, October 31, 2008. (NASA Watch)
The Great Cosmic Challenge Oct 30, 2008
We realised that solving our image processing problem doesn t require knowledge of astronomy, so we re reaching out to attract novel approaches from other disciplines, says Dr Sarah Bridle, UCL Physics and Astronomy, who is leading the challenge alongside Professor John Shawe-Taylor, Director of the UCL Centre for Computational Statistics and Machine Learning. Twenty per cent of our universe seems to be made of dark matter, an unknown substance that is fundamentally different to the material... (Science Daily)
Light Pollution in the Spotlight Oct 29, 2008
It seems most amateur astronomers are not really concerned with light pollution--judging by the fact that very few Scribers belong to the IDA. Almost none of my fellow astronomy club members are involved with light pollution issues or belong to the IDA. As former Sor Rick Feinberg lamented in an editorial last year, you would think we amateurs would be leading the charge about this pernicious issue. Every time I set up my scope during our club's monthly sidewalk astronomy sessions, I hand out... (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Best bets: Finally, 30 Rock returns Oct 27, 2008
Rolling Stone magazine describes these indie Irish rockers by writing, Snow Patrol are all about big: echoing soundscapes; gargantuan guitar crescendos emotions that can be described only in terms of mythology and astronomy. (On sale Oct. 28). (MSNBC -- Politics)
Mauna Kea gets first snow Oct 27, 2008
It houses 12 of the world's leading observatories for optical, infrared, and submillimeter astronomy. This document was originally published online on Monday, October 27, 2008. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
This Week's Sky at a Glance Oct 26, 2008
The two may look close together, but in astronomy looks deceive ... If the sky is clear, why not set up your telescope in the driveway to share some astronomy with visiting trick-or-treaters ... For an easy-to-use constellation guide covering the whole evening sky, use the big monthly foldout map in each issue of , the essential magazine of astronomy. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Cameras Capture Meteor 'Fireball' In Sky Oct 25, 2008
The Physics and Astronomy Department at Western has a network of all-sky cameras in southern Ontario that scan the sky monitoring for meteors. On Wednesday, October 15 at 5:28 a.m., all seven cameras of Western's Southern Ontario Meteor Network recorded a bright, slow fireball in the predawn sky. (Science Daily)
THE PROS: Two sides of one leaf; hashing out the pros and cons of Ballot Question 2 Oct 25, 2008
Like earth-centered astronomy, the common sense of opponents is divorced from reality. Scientific studies confirm our experience. (Winchester Star, MA, MA)
Once-hidden Galaxy Clusters Found Oct 24, 2008
The research that included scientists from Italy's Institute of Radioastronomy, the University of Bologna, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and the Naval Research Laboratory appeared in the Oct. 16 issue of the journal Nature. A service of YellowBrix, Inc.. (SkyAndTelescope.com)
Plummeting toward Earth, meteors spark Alaska light show Oct 22, 2008
If the skies are cloudy, or the moon is too near, or the peaks of the Chugach block your view, then the heavenly show might occur out of view, says UAA astronomy professor Travis Rector. If so, try again on Wednesday. (Anchorage Daily News)
