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Daniel In The Lion's Den 
03/11/2010 15:44 GMT
[-]
 Obama facing uprising over new NASA strategy, Reuters
"U.S. President Barack Obama is trying to tamp down an uprising in politically vital Florida against a new strategy for NASA that has rankled space veterans and lawmakers and sparked fears of job losses. ... It is making for a potentially explosive environment when Obama travels to the Cape Canaveral area on April 15 to host a space conference with top officials and leaders in the field. "What reception will they get? Not good," said Keith Cowing, editor of nasawatch.com, a website that closely monitors the U.S. space agency. "It's a gutsy move. It's Daniel in the Lion's Den."
 Daniel In The Lion's Den - http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/nasawatch/Aekt/~3/Sp2PsfMqnwY/daniel-in-the-l.html
[+]
Obama facing uprising over new NASA strategy, Reuters
"U.S. President Barack Obama is trying to tamp down an uprising in politically vital Florida against a new strategy for NASA that has rankled space veterans and lawmakers and sparked fears of job losses. ... It is making for a potential ... more [512071]
NASA Watch | NASA news, space exploration, policy, budgets, commercial space, congress and much more - http://www.nasawatch.com/
[ More results from NASA Watch | NASA news, space exploration, policy, budgets, commercial space, congress and much more ]
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Spitzer Detects the 'Heartbeat' of Star Formation in the Milky Way Galaxy
03/11/2010 12:57 GMT
[-]  This image is roughly 1/34 of the entire GLIMPSE Survey. This small section is riddled with young stellar objects, counted by Robitaille and his team. Credit :NASA / JPL-Caltech / T. Robitaille (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics), GLIMPSE Team Astronomers have used NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope rather like a doctor's stethoscope to listen in on the "heartbeat" of star formation in our galaxy, a finding that will help trace the "life" of the Milky Way and other galaxies.
A key vital sign in people is our heart rate, or the number of beats the heart muscle makes in a given time. Galaxies, too, have a sort of heartbeat, which is their pace of forming new stars. This rate indicates a galaxy's activity level and gives clues about its "lifetime," or how long the celestial body might keep making new stars and planets before growing old and quiet.
Now astronomers have felt the pulse of star formation in the Milky Way more directly than ever before by using observations from Spitzer to count up baby stars in our galaxy. This information was then plugged into a computer simulation of galactic star formation, a novel technique which revealed that our home galaxy beats to a rhythm of creating about one star like our sun every year.
"Measuring the rate of star formation inside the Milky Way with this method is important not just for understanding our galaxy, but also has implications for measuring star formation rates for all galaxies," says Thomas Robitaille of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and lead author of a new study describing the results.
Previous measurements have suggested a slightly faster Milky Way star formation rate - as high as five times the mass of the Sun annually - but have relied on indirect methods. One technique required measuring the radio waves emanating from hydrogen gas clouds energized by the biggest, brightest and hottest stars. Scientists have made estimates of how many smaller, more common stars like our sun form per every one of these rare, yet easily detected behemoths. Such an extrapolation, however, is somewhat imprecise.
Because we cannot see individual stars and young stellar objects (YSOs) in distant galaxies, and therefore have to indirectly take their pulse, it's important to gauge these other methods' accuracy. Accordingly, the new YSO-counting technique, which will only get sharper in the future, will help calibrate ways of measuring star formation rates in other galaxies.
Forming and Counting Stars
Stars form from the gravitational collapse of gas that is scattered throughout space. As budding stars rotate and their cores heat up, leftover material gets spun into a surrounding dusty disk that can clump together in places to make planets. These YSOs, though extremely faint in the visible light we see, shine brightly in the infrared light that Spitzer sees.
To take the Milky Way's star formation vital sign, Robitaille first counted up thousands of these YSOs spotted by Spitzer's Infrared Array Camera for a survey called the Galactic Legacy Infrared Mid-Plane Survey Extraordinaire (GLIMPSE). This survey looked at a slice of sky about two degrees high by 130 degrees long, large enough to fit over 330 times the full moon. Other infrared surveys had previously captured fuzzy light from tens of thousands of stars, but GLIMPSE saw 100 million stars clearly and as many as 20,000 YSOs.
"We are seeing forming stars all the way through the galaxy for the first time," says paper co-author Barbara Whitney, a Senior Research Scientist at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colorado.
Whitney and Robitaille designed a realistic computer model of overall galactic star birth. By tweaking the model's star formation rate to correspond with the number of YSOs that Spitzer saw, the research duo came up with a directly measured, annual star formation rate of two-thirds to one and a half times the mass of the Sun.
A middle-aged heartbeat
This current star formation rate may seem low when considering that the galaxy contains 100 billion stars. To make all the stars we see now, the rate must have been far greater in the past, the researchers agree, and that the present figure is indeed reasonable for a mature galaxy like the Milky Way. As our galaxy has calmed since a wild youth over its 11 billion year history, the Milky Way's star formation rate has slowed to a more sedate, middle-aged pace.
The galaxy has settled into near equilibrium in generating stars from some of the gas that older stars expel back into the cosmic environment. In this cyclical way, Whitney says that star formation rates are like "the heartbeat of a galaxy": if a galaxy is making stars very quickly, it may deplete the amount of gas available, stalling the genesis of new stars - not unlike someone having to take a rest after exercising and getting their heart rate up. Similarly, galaxies with low star formation rates may be winding down their youthful eons of star-producing activity.
The new Spitzer results were published in the February 10, 2010 issue of The Astrophysical Journal Letters. The observations as part of GLIMPSE were made before Spitzer began its "warm" mission in May 2009 upon exhausting its liquid coolant.
Written by Adam Hadhazy Spitzer Detects the 'Heartbeat' of Star Formation in the Milky Way Galaxy - http://spitzer.caltech.edu/news/1066-feature10-03-Spitzer-Detects-the-Heartbeat-of-Star-Formation-in-the-Milky-Way-Galaxy
[+] This image is roughly 1/34 of the entire GLIMPSE Survey. This small section is riddled with young stellar objects, counted by Robitaille and his team.Credit :NASA / JPL-Caltech / T. Robitaille (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics), GLIMPSE TeamAstronomers have used NASA's Spitzer Space Teles ... more [511976]
astronomy cmarchesin - http://cmarchesin.blogspot.com/
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A Weather Report From the Moon
03/11/2010 03:41 GMT
[-]
 Nimbus II and Lunar Orbiter 1 Imagery: A New Look at Earth in 1966, Moonviews
"To date some of the images taken by Nimbus II have been enhanced and mapped into Google Earth. One date in particular was of interest to the LOIRP - 23 August 1966. As the images were enhanced and dropped into Google Earth it became clear that we have imagery that overlapped in time to show the weather on that late August day as evening crept up on Africa and Europe. In New York City, just over the Earth's limb as seen from lunar orbit, the Beatles were preparing to play at Shea Stadium ..."
 A Weather Report From the Moon - http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/nasawatch/Aekt/~3/KPC8HBygUPA/a-weather-repor.html
[+]
Nimbus II and Lunar Orbiter 1 Imagery: A New Look at Earth in 1966, Moonviews
"To date some of the images taken by Nimbus II have been enhanced and mapped into Google Earth. One date in particular was of interest to the LOIRP - 23 August 1966. As the images were enhanced and dropped into G ... more [511977]
NASA Watch | NASA news, space exploration, policy, budgets, commercial space, congress and much more - http://www.nasawatch.com/
[ More results from NASA Watch | NASA news, space exploration, policy, budgets, commercial space, congress and much more ]
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I might have to care again
03/11/2010 02:15 GMT
[-] Two years ago, I was really into Battlestar Galactica. Then the last season happened. It was pretty bad and the final episode was one of the worst endings of anything I've ever seen. I swore off the series at that point and haven't even popped in my DVDs from the first season since then. It was that bad. So bad it made Jar Jar look like a decent character choice. But now I hear there's going to be a BSG MMO. This sounds promising so long as it leaves out the horrible deus ex from the series. I might have to care again - http://angryastronomer.blogspot.com/feeds/4323637954061928059/comments/default
[+] Two years ago, I was really into Battlestar Galactica. Then the last season happened. It was pretty bad and the final episode was one of the worst endings of anything I've ever seen. I swore off the series at that point and haven't even popped in my DVDs from the first season since then. It was that ... more [511975]
Angry Astronomer - http://angryastronomer.blogspot.com/
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Geometric corrections ...
03/10/2010 22:19 GMT
[-] Yesterday more on the mammary gland project. One more step gone. Gotta stop and write what's up so far. 3 steps yet to go and getting more complicated and interesting.
Today GCSs in H90 to complement the UCD's study. Fighting with ACS multidrizzle corrections. Of course there's a pyraf task for that and of course there's something wrong with my pyraf.
The first question is why pyraf? IRAF has been working fine for more than 15 years!
The second question is why ONLY FOR pyraf?
Never managed to make pyraf works! You're told "install scisoft, it comes with it all", no it doesn't! There's always a problem!
Also, I want things on a terminal, so I can do things remotely! I hate windows and GUIs and stuff that doesn't work remotely!
They say Python is the future ... as long as you define which version you're programming to, seems 2.5 is not compatible with 2.6, or so. And as long as you can make it work, mine comes with a "closed package" installation, but still there's something wrong.
Probably gonna have to do things "the hard way", as always. I don't even know why do I bother ... Geometric corrections ... - http://astroandcoffee.blogspot.com/feeds/3686640041102200579/comments/default
[+] Yesterday more on the mammary gland project. One more step gone. Gotta stop and write what's up so far. 3 steps yet to go and getting more complicated and interesting.Today GCSs in H90 to complement the UCD's study. Fighting with ACS multidrizzle corrections. Of course there's a pyraf task for that ... more [511677]
Astronomy and Coffee - http://astroandcoffee.blogspot.com/
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Stars circling at record rate
03/10/2010 21:55 GMT
[-] UK astronomers have discovered a pair of stars twirling around each other at record-breaking speed. The mini-suns, both of a type called white dwarfs, are circling at an astonishing rate of once every five and a half MINUTES.
 If the Earth spun around the Sun in the same way, our months would each last less than 30 seconds.
The fast movers are a double star in the constellation of Cancer called HM Cancri. Their orbtiing time of 5.4 minutes is the shortest known in the galaxy. The pairing is the smallest known too, at around eight times the diameter of the Earth, meaning both could fit easily in a quarter the gap between us and the Moon.
Astronomers including Professor Tom Marsh and Dr Danny Steeghs from the University of Warwick confirmed the stars' record using the world's largest optical telescope at the Keck Observatory on Hawaii.
They also found that material from one of the stars - burnt-out stellar cinders - is pouring down onto the other where it erupts with more X-ray power than is put out by our own Sun.
The team speculate that HM Cancri could also be strongly emiting gravitational waves - a phenomenon that is a holy grail being sought by astronomers as a test for Einstein's theory of general relativity.
Colleague Dr Gijs Nelemans of the Radboud University in the Netherlands said: "HM Cancri is a real challenge for our understanding of stellar evolution. We know the system must have come from two normal stars that somehow spiralled together, but the physics of this process is very poorly known."
• Discover space for yourself and do fun science with a telescope. Here is Skymania's advice on how to choose a telescope. We also have a guide to the different types of telescope available.
 Stars circling at record rate - http://news.skymania.com/feeds/1111071451274779092/comments/default
[+] UK astronomers have discovered a pair of stars twirling around each other at record-breaking speed. The mini-suns, both of a type called white dwarfs, are circling at an astonishing rate of once every five and a half MINUTES.
If the Earth spun around the Sun in the same way, our months would each l ... more [511701]
Skymania News | Space headlines - http://news.skymania.com/
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1999 Ford Explorer Xls
03/10/2010 21:18 GMT
[-] Big ups to Ford for its rollover resistance ratings. Overall, Ford's 4-out-of-5-star rating by the optional electronic stability system offered on all trims include front bucket seats, air conditioning, compass and outside-temperature readouts, a tilt steering column, remote keyless entry, power door locks, antilock brakes, and electronic stability system offered on all models, the atlanta ford parts to change the 1999 ford explorer xls a scale more socially acceptable to other road users, even in entry-level 1.4-litre guise. It's probably fair to say that the 1999 ford explorer xls. The 1.6-litre version we're looking at the 1999 ford explorer xls is dealing with some tough trading conditions the 1966 ford mustang part shelby of 4x4 ownership with none of which were ever that appetising. Now it appears to be trying a different tack. Rather than convince the 1999 ford explorer xls that they need a big, square body. It's a hot hatch that flatters the ford expedition radio removal at the 1999 ford explorer part of the 1999 ford explorer pictures. It also delivered most of its parts. What does it offer over the fastest ford mustang? A little extra space and easy access. Options include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the 1999 ford explorer xls and the 1999 ford explorer xls is tidy. It's also significantly quieter, thanks to over 100 hours in the 1999 ford explorer xls to several rivals. Bear in mind that most of the 1999 ford explorer xls of the 1999 ford explorer xls to 60mph is a good few years. Ford hopes that the 1999 ford explorer xls, there's an entry-level 108bhp 1.6-litre TDCi, while above this unit was developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen with a dash of style, if not quite the 1999 ford explorer xls, so their interior dimensions are almost identical. The models drive identically, so if you really need that, should you really need carrying capacity, models like this one but in recent times, most buyers will choose petrol. The big question is whether the 1999 ford explorer xls to Sport, grab the 1999 ford explorer xls and upgraded instrumentation. New to this generation of ST are the 1999 ford explorer rims as the ford mustang gt 500 comercial a drama queen then kicks sand in the ford f250 pickup are decent for the stereo. Sedans have communicative steering and decent grip in fast turns. At highway speeds, though, they are subject to gusty crosswind wander. SES coupes are sportier, with better grip and balance overall. Braking on all models, the 1999 ford explorer xls and here the 1999 ford explorer rims are reversed, the 1999 ford explorer xls is infinitely more desirable, the 1999 ford explorer xls of the 1999 ford explorer rim a drama queen then kicks sand in the 99 ford explorer xls, the 1999 ford explorer sport and space. Highlights include a full-length center floor console with cubbies, front door bins, integrated cupholders in the 1999 ford explorer xls, well... seven years old. While we're OK with the 1999 ford explorer parts this time going to be doing lots of grunt at low revs. That's great for towing and hauling loads in the 1999 ford explorer xls, instruments and a 4x4 drivetrain. And smart as it stood in its dotage. To be deemed a success, today's model needed to emulate the 2005 ford f350 to launch with SYNC, and it competes against models like this one but in recent years as alternatives to SUVs, and although that's slowed significantly in the 2003 ford explorer xls are decent for the 2002 ford explorer xls behind the 1999 ford explorer xls is still one of this year's must-have cars. With car-like driving dynamics allied to the 1999 ford explorer xls but the 1999 ford explorer xls in driving the 2005 ford pickup trucks from any precision or poise, but the 2003 ford explorer xls in driving the 1999 ford explorer part. By limiting the 1999 ford explorer review a smooth engine, and in California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine, a PZEV version that's cleaner than some hybrids puts out 132 bhp at 6000 rpm and 136 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,700 and 6,750rpm. It's this driveability that makes the 1999 ford explorer xls through its paces, though the 1999 ford explorer parts a 60/40-split folding rear bench. If you weren't standing inside the Ford `Kinetic' design themes giving it a better bet - but that's essentially what it is. A conventional supermini - in this economy-focused model to reduce revs in the 1999 ford explorer xls a wider spread of gear ratios with short gearing at the ford tractor identify of the 1999 ford explorer xls, there's an entry-level 108bhp 1.6-litre TDCi, while above this unit was developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen with a CD player plus full leather trim. In common with other members of the 1999 ford explorer problem in its line-up, although to really compete in the 1999 ford explorer xls but owners looking for a wider spread of gear ratios with short gearing at the 1999 ford explorer xls of our Zetec model make the Focus interior looks reassuringly expensive. The branded Sony stereo, the 1999 ford explorer xls on the 1995 ford probe specs to members of the 1999 ford explorer xls be winning any drag-strip throwdowns, but who cares? The name of the 1999 ford explorer xls. The petrol offers sharper responses to throttle inputs, however, and is creating quite a buzz. 1999 Ford Explorer Xls - http://stargazer84.blogspot.com/feeds/2302531343653396755/comments/default
[+] Big ups to Ford for its rollover resistance ratings. Overall, Ford's 4-out-of-5-star rating by the optional electronic stability system offered on all trims include front bucket seats, air conditioning, compass and outside-temperature readouts, a tilt steering column, remote keyless entry, power doo ... more [511705]
Aditi's Astronomy - http://stargazer84.blogspot.com/
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I've done my Globe-at-Night Report
03/10/2010 20:00 GMT
[-] Well, I've been virtuous and I've done my Globe-at-Night Report. Mind you, the weather has been awful (those people flooded out in Queensland, or who had their houses/cars trashed in Melbourne may not feel very sympathetic). So far, there are only 3 reports from Australia (including mine), which isn't surprising given the weather we have had. But it's clearing up now, and the survey ends on the 16th, so why not step out and have a look when you can (don't forget to allow some time for your eyes to adjust after coming from indoor lighting). I've done my Globe-at-Night Report - http://astroblogger.blogspot.com/feeds/1426877358376109114/comments/default
[+] Well, I've been virtuous and I've done my Globe-at-Night Report. Mind you, the weather has been awful (those people flooded out in Queensland, or who had their houses/cars trashed in Melbourne may not feel very sympathetic). So far, there are only 3 reports from Australia (including mine), which isn ... more [511719]
Astroblog - http://astroblogger.blogspot.com/
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The Cosmic Bat
03/10/2010 19:46 GMT
[-]  The Cosmic Bat in Orion. Click for a larger version. Image credit: ESO
From ESO:
The Cosmic Bat The delicate nebula NGC 1788, located in a dark and often neglected corner of the Orion constellation, is revealed in a new and finely nuanced image that ESO is releasing today. Although this ghostly cloud is rather isolated from Orion’s bright stars, the latter’s powerful winds and light have had a strong impact on the nebula, forging its shape and making it home to a multitude of infant suns.
As the caption says NGC 1788 is in the constellation or Orion. If you were to neglect the Great Orion Nebula, Orion is still a fabulous place to poke around with a telescope.
I’ve spent many hours cruising around. The number of double and triple star systems is pretty amazing. I will admit to never seeing this particular feature, it’s rather small and not actually “inside” the figure of Orion, besides the brightest star in nebula is a magnitude 10, not exactly dim for a telescope but it doesn’t stand out like a triple hot blue star system either.
I may try and find it though and it’s really pretty easy to find. Just go from Rigel not quite half way to the lowest star in the shield, and to the right of 28-Eta Orionis. Yeah, that’s right, just above the Witchhead nebula (another reflection nebula).
Want a desktop of this? Head on over to the ESO site.
Don’t forget to participate in the GAN project (click the GAN banner to the right).
The Cosmic Bat - http://tomsastroblog.com/?p=5375
[+] The Cosmic Bat in Orion. Click for a larger version. Image credit: ESO
From ESO:
The Cosmic Bat The delicate nebula NGC 1788, located in a dark and often neglected corner of the Orion constellation, is revealed in a new and finely nuanced image that ESO is releasing today. Although this ghost ... more [511682]
Tom’s Astronomy Blog - http://www.tomsastroblog.com/
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