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Monday, 30 June 2008
Tunguska At 100
Per the BBC:At 7:17am on 30 June 1908, an immense explosion tore through the forest of central Siberia.
Some 80 million trees were flattened over an area of 2,000 square km (800 square miles) near the Tunguska River.
The blast was 1,000 times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and generated a shock wave that knocked people to the ground 60km from the epicentre.
The cause was an asteroid or comet just a few tens of metres across which detonated 5-10km above the ground, 100 years ago today.
Eyewitnesses recalled a brilliant fireball resembling a "flying star" ploughing across the cloudless June sky at an oblique angle.
Used tags: astronomy, history, space
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Another Chance To Go Update
The extra shuttle flight I blogged about recently is another step closer to reality after a Senate committee approved a bill that would mandate the mission to launch the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to the International Space Station. It's still a ways from becoming reality, but is moving in the right direction.
Used tags: astronomy, international_space_station, launch_schedule, nasa, space, space_shuttle
The Proof Is In the Poodoo
Thursday. Hatbag. Read.For those ATW readers who don't follow the weekly Hatbag link, a brief explanation -- Hatbag is a weekly webcomic Lain and I create; following two old college buddies as they adjust to sort-of grown-up life. If you read ATW, take a few extra seconds to go read Hatbag. Please? Please?
Used tags: books, comics, funny, hatbag, star_wars, writing
Saturday, 21 June 2008
Ice! Ice, Baby!
Per NASA:Scientists relishing confirmation of water ice near the surface beside NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander anticipate even bigger discoveries from the robotic mission in the weeks ahead.
"It is with great pride and a lot of joy that I announce today that we have found proof that this hard bright material is really water ice and not some other substance," said Phoenix Principal Investigator Peter Smith of the University of Arizona, Tucson, during a Friday news briefing to announce the confirmation of water ice.
"The truth we're looking for is not just looking at ice. It is in finding out the minerals, chemicals and hopefully the organic materials associated with these discoveries," said Smith.
Saving The Moment
The current issue of JPG magazine has an interesting set of instructions for transferring Polaroid images onto other surfaces, producing rather interesting results.Of course, the article notes that you'd better do this soon, since Polaroid instant film is being discontinued, so it also links to a Web site dedicated to trying to save Polaroid by encouraging the technology to be licensed out. Which would be cool.
Used tags: magazines, photography
GPS KITT
I'm positive I suggested this very thing on this blog many moons ago, and now it's finally here: KITT GPS.It's got everything from William Daniels to red LEDs on either side. I only wish he didn't call you Michael.
Still, very cool.
Now all we lack is a unit like this from Majel Barrett Roddenberry.
Used tags: computers, star_trek, television
Thursday, 19 June 2008
The Error Of Your Ways
I have nothing to say about this week's new Hatbag strip, other than the fact that if you're insane enough not to go read it right now, you'll never read it. Unless you read it later. Or something. Go check it out.For those ATW readers who don't follow the weekly Hatbag link, a brief explanation -- Hatbag is a weekly webcomic Lain and I create; following two old college buddies as they adjust to sort-of grown-up life. If you read ATW, take a few extra seconds to go read Hatbag. Please? Please?
Used tags: books, comics, funny, hatbag, writing
Editorial Note
Back in March, I promised that a major update to the blog was coming, and that blogging would probably be lighter until I could work out the software issues.That's been three months ago. So, one might wonder, what's going on with David?
Well, that's not any of your business, is it?
OK, in all seriousness, I have installed a new CMS that I think is going to work out. Unfortunately, it's going to require a clean-slate rebuilding of the blog, which might take a little while, especially since I currently have no idea what I want it to look like. But I am working on it. I'll update you when there's some progress.
And, on a personal note, I just received the page proofs of Homesteading Space, so I have to edit the book one last time before its publication, which is now "weeks away," per my editor.
Cool, huh?
Used tags: blog, books, outward_odyssey, skylab, writing
STS-125 Update
Per NASA:With space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission successfully completed, NASA is turning its attention to evaluating and repairing damage to Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A.
During Discovery's May 31 liftoff, the east wall of the pad's north flame trench suffered damage, with broken sections of the wall scattered from the flame trench to the pad perimeter fence.
The pad is expected to be repaired by October, when the crew of STS-125 is targeted to launch aboard space shuttle Atlantis on a mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope.
The seven-member STS-124 crew returned to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 15 following their successful construction mission to the International Space Station.
Used tags: astronomy, hubble, international_space_station, launch_schedule, nasa, space, space_shuttle, sts_124, sts_125
Angelina Shrugged
After literally decades of being told I should read Ayn Rand, I now have; I finished The Fountainhead last night.And I couldn't even finish a first book without being told I should read Atlas Shrugged.
But, fortunately, as it turns out, I don't have to -- I came across this story this morning about the movie adaptation being made with Angelina Jolie.
LIke the author of the article, I won't claim to be an expert on Ayn Rand. But I am curious what she would have thought of the first three paragraphs of the article:
I’ll cop right up front to knowing very little about Ayn Rand, the legendary author and founder of objectivism. I’ll further admit that what I do know about her I don’t like. I don’t like her denouncements of altruism. I don’t like her outright rejection of all things socialist. I don’t like her novella “Anthem,” which I’ve read and think is ridiculous.
But like I said, what I don’t know about Ayn Rand could fill a library. So why do I care enough to plug those holes in my knowledge? Well, because one, you never want to be ignorant. But, two, because every person I talk with who has read all her works, seems to talk about her with a passion bordering on religious devotion.
And one of those people is Angelina Jolie.
Another Chance To Go
OK, so the exciting thing about the House voting to fund an extra shuttle launch to fly the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to the space station should be the scientific results that would be enabled if the mission is approved to fly the $1.5 billion instrument instead of letting it stay on the ground.But, to be honest, I'm personally excited that, if approved, it would be one more opportunity I would potentially have to try and see a shuttle launch before the program ends.
The extra billion they're recommending for Orion and Ares is kinda cool, too.
Used tags: ares, astronomy, international_space_station, nasa, politics, space, space_shuttle
Friday, 13 June 2008
STS-124 Update
Per Spaceflight Now:The Discovery astronauts tested the shuttle's re-entry systems today and packed up for landing Saturday at the Kennedy Space Center. The tests went well, but the crew reported seeing a piece of debris of some sort floating away from the shuttle a few minutes later. They also called attention to a small protrusion on the shuttle's rudder/speed brake where a bit of insulation might have been displaced. It did not appear serious, but flight controllers are discussing whether any additional observations might be required.
The astronauts have two landing opportunities Saturday, at 11:15 a.m. [EDT] and 12:50 p.m., and with good weather expected, NASA is not staffing its backup landing site at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
...
The flight control system checkout went smoothly, but around 7:35 a.m. Kelly called down and told mission control the crew had spotted an apparent piece of debris of some sort floating away from the shuttle.
"We observed an object depart aft of the starboard wing," Kelly said. "Looked like, and obviously it's hard to tell dimensions and size looking out the aft windows, but it looked like it might have been a foot to a foot and a half in width. And we've got a pretty reasonable image of it."
The crew managed to capture a few seconds of video showing a rectangular object floating away to the left of the shuttle's tail fin, flashing with reflected sunlight as it slowly tumbled.
The astronauts also called attention to a small protrusion toward the back of the shuttle's big rudder/speed brake. It was barely visible and not an obvious problem, but the crew offered to take a closer look with the shuttle's robot arm. Flight controllers said they would consider that option.
Used tags: international_space_station, nasa, space, space_shuttle, sts_124
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Instant Karma's Gonna Get You
What wonders are contained within this week's new Hatbag strip? Click the link and find out! Dun-dun-dun!For those ATW readers who don't follow the weekly Hatbag link, a brief explanation -- Hatbag is a weekly webcomic Lain and I create; following two old college buddies as they adjust to sort-of grown-up life. If you read ATW, take a few extra seconds to go read Hatbag. Please? Please?
Used tags: blog, comics, funny, hatbag
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
STS-124 Update
Per NASA:The crews of space shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station will prepare for the end of joint operations today.
The astronauts will transfer spacewalk equipment and at least one spacesuit back to Discovery. They will enjoy some off-duty time and also will check out the tools and equipment needed for undocking activities.
At 3:57 p.m. EDT, the two crews will bid farewell to one another and close the hatches between Discovery and the station.
Discovery is scheduled to undock from the station at 7:42 a.m. Wednesday and begin its journey back to Kennedy Space Center, Fla., landing Saturday at 11:15 a.m.
Used tags: international_space_station, nasa, space, space_shuttle, sts_124
Lee Belew, RIP
I'm posting this, in part, because no one else will. Even in The Huntsville Times, Lee Belew's death merited not even a short actual story, but only a lengthy obit. In fact, I would have missed had the curator of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center not told me yesterday.Belew served NASA in several roles, including manager of engine programs, overseeing, among other things, the Saturn V's incredible F1 engines. But his capacity that was of particular interest to me was as the Skylab program manager at Marshall Space Flight Center. Belew is the second person we interviewed for the book to have died without seeing its publication, along with flight director Phil Shaffer. We also lost Marshall director Rocco Petrone, whom we didn't interview but was the subject of much discussion.
I'd be lying if I said Belew was a huge help in working on the book, but the interview with him definitely brought home the importance of the project. Belew was a very nice guy, and did all he could for us. But, while you could tell that there had once been an incredible wealth of information there, that storehouse had been diminished by the effects of age. It made me sick leaving the interview that someone had not undertaken this project years ago. From a selfish standpoint, it's incredible that I got to work on it. From a historic standpoint, it's tragic.
As I said, Belew's passing will earn little note. Which is unfortunate. He is a forgotten hero of forgotten history. And, though, for most of you, this may be the only time you hear his name, I'm glad that it will at least be heard this once.
Used tags: books, history, huntsville, marshall_space_flight_center, nasa, outward_odyssey, skylab, space
Monday, 9 June 2008
STS-124 Update
Per NASA:With the third and final spacewalk completed Sunday, the Expedition 17 and STS-124 crews are heading into the home stretch of their joint mission.
The crew members will maneuver the newly activated robotic arm on the Kibo laboratory to its stowed position today. They also will perform a checkout of the arm’s brakes.
The crews also will work in the Quest airlock of the International Space Station to replace battery charger modules. The modules charge the batteries that provide power to U.S. spacesuits during spacewalks. Flight managers elected to replace the modules, which have shown slightly increased toxicity levels due to their age.
The shuttle and station crews are scheduled to take a break from their activities at 5:02 p.m. EDT for the traditional joint crew news conference.
Used tags: international_space_station, nasa, space, space_shuttle, sts_124
The Day
Stevenote!WWDC. Today. Noon CDT.
Liveblogged on all the regular venues.
I bet there's some sort of iPhone-related announcement.
Used tags: apple, iphone, macintosh, rumors, steve_jobs
Thursday, 5 June 2008
STS-124 Update
Per NASA:Mission Specialists Mike Fossum and Ron Garan began the second STS-124 spacewalk at 11:04 a.m. EDT.
The spacewalkers will install two cameras on the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Kibo laboratory and prepare the laboratory for the attachment of the smaller section of the module. The Japanese Experiment Logistics Module - Pressurized Section was delivered during STS-123.
In addition, Garan and Fossum will prepare for a nitrogen tank assembly swap that they will make on the mission’s third spacewalk.
For the final tasks of today’s spacewalk, Garan will join Fossum on the left truss to remove an external television camera that has a failing power supply. They will bring the camera inside with them, where the power supply will be replaced, and then reinstall it during the third spacewalk.
Used tags: international_space_station, nasa, space, space_shuttle, sts_124
Countdown ... To Predictability!
After this week's new Hatbag strip, nothing will ever be the same again!!!! They won't be that much different, but, if nothing else, this week's Hatbag strip will exist, so that's a bit different. Go check it out.For those ATW readers who don't follow the weekly Hatbag link, a brief explanation -- Hatbag is a weekly webcomic Lain and I create; following two old college buddies as they adjust to sort-of grown-up life. If you read ATW, take a few extra seconds to go read Hatbag. Please? Please?
Used tags: comics, funny, hatbag
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
STS-124 Update
Per NASA:Mission specialists Mike Fossum and Ron Garan are scheduled to kick off STS-124’s first spacewalk at 11:32 p.m. EDT. During the 6-½ hour excursion, the pair will retrieve a shuttle inspection tool, service and inspect components of a solar alpha rotary joint and prepare the largest component of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Kibo laboratory for installation on the International Space Station.
The spacewalkers’ first task is to transfer the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) from the station’s truss to space shuttle Discovery. The OBSS, which attaches to the shuttle’s robotic arm for detailed inspection of the shuttle’s heat shield, was left at the station for STS-124 during the previous shuttle mission to provide room for the giant Kibo module in Discovery’s payload bay.
Next, the spacewalkers will prepare Kibo’s Japanese Pressurized Module (JPM) for installation. After inspecting the common berthing mechanism on the Harmony Node’s left side and opening a window cover, Fossum and Garan will work together in the shuttle’s cargo bay to remove contamination covers from the JPM’s docking surfaces. Fossum will also disconnect heater cables and remove locking bolts from the shutters of the JPM’s forward window.
For their final tasks, Garan and Fossum will move to the station’s starboard solar alpha rotary joint, which began experiencing increased vibration and power usage in the fall of 2007. Garan will install a replacement of one of the joint’s 12 trundle bearing assemblies. Meanwhile, Fossum will inspect a potentially damaged area on the joint and try out several techniques for cleaning debris from the surface of the joint’s race ring.
Used tags: international_space_station, nasa, space, space_shuttle, sts_124
Monday, 2 June 2008
Apple Store Opening
I've finally gotten around to posting pictures from the opening of the Bridge Street Apple store here in Huntsville Saturday.
Used tags: apple, apple_store, huntsville, photography
STS-124 Update
Per NASA:Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to dock with the International Space Station at 1:54 p.m. EDT.
About an hour before docking, STS-124 Commander Mark Kelly and Pilot Kenneth Ham will guide the shuttle through a Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver, or back-flip, giving the Expedition 17 crew the opportunity to take pictures of the orbiter’s protective heat-resistant tiles. These photos will be sent to engineers on Earth for analysis.
Used tags: international_space_station, nasa, space, space_shuttle, sts_124
Monday, 30 June 2008
Tunguska At 100
Today marks anniversary of event. (Read Entry)Thursday, 26 June 2008
Another Chance To Go Update
Senate also approves AMS flight. (Read Entry)
The Proof Is In the Poodoo
The week's Hatbag strip is now online. (Read Entry)Saturday, 21 June 2008
Ice! Ice, Baby!
Phoenix confirms presence of ice on Mars. (Read Entry)
Saving The Moment
Web Site wants to save Polaroid technology. (Read Entry)
GPS KITT
Make your car a little more Knight Rider. (Read Entry)Thursday, 19 June 2008
The Error Of Your Ways
The week's Hatbag strip is now online. (Read Entry)
Editorial Note
Another blog update. (Read Entry)
STS-125 Update
Pad repairs needed before launch. (Read Entry)
Angelina Shrugged
Actress is excited about movie adaptation. (Read Entry)
Another Chance To Go
Another shuttle mission may be added to manifest. (Read Entry)Friday, 13 June 2008
STS-124 Update
Inspection raises concerns. (Read Entry)Thursday, 12 June 2008
Instant Karma's Gonna Get You
The week's Hatbag strip is now online. (Read Entry)Tuesday, 10 June 2008
STS-124 Update
Discovery crew spending last day on ISS. (Read Entry)
Lee Belew, RIP
Skylab program manager dies. (Read Entry)Monday, 9 June 2008
STS-124 Update
Third spacewalk was completed yesterday. (Read Entry)
The Day
Stevenote! (Read Entry)Thursday, 5 June 2008
STS-124 Update
Second EVA is today. (Read Entry)
Countdown ... To Predictability!
The week's Hatbag strip is now online. (Read Entry)Tuesday, 3 June 2008
STS-124 Update
First EVA is today. (Read Entry)Monday, 2 June 2008
Apple Store Opening
My pictures (Read Entry)