NASA releases new “Earthrise” simulation video

I am reading this article NASA releases new “Earthrise” simulation video on WTVR's website. I remember when this photo appeared in the 1960s. It was awesome so she a photo of the Earth taken from space as the Earth was seen from the Moon.

Arctic waters keep warming in 2013

I am reading this article Arctic waters keep warming in 2013 on WTVR's website. What goes on here is not isolated, it has an influence in other areas as well.

NSA Hacking Tactics Revealed By Der Spiegel

I am reading this article NSA Hacking Tactics Revealed By Der Spiegel By RAPHAEL SATTER, on The Huffington Post's website. I heard about this on the morning news today.

The biggest scientific breakthroughs of 2013 From cloning to potential alien life

I am reading this article The biggest scientific breakthroughs of 2013 From cloning to potential alien life, on The Week's website. It has been in interesting year.

Alien Planet May Lurk Around Nearby Failed Stars

I am reading this article Alien Planet May Lurk Around Nearby Failed Stars SPACE.com By by Megan Gannon, News Editor, on Yahoo's website. Interesting news about a brown dwarf system WISE J104915.57-531906.

Live NASA TV Coverage

Live NASA TV Coverage of a spacewalk at ISS (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html#.Ur181fvm68A). NASA ‏@NASA 5m Updated helmet cams numbers: Kotov's is 20 & Ryazanskiy's is 18. Keep watching on NASA TV: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

Russia bets on sweeping reform to revive ailing space industry

I am reading this article Russia bets on sweeping reform to revive ailing space industry Reuters By Alissa de Carbonnel on Yahoo's website. Interesting that cosmonauts and astronauts get to and from the ISS via Russian spacecraft.

Christmas in Space: Astronauts Celebrate Holidays in Orbit

I am reading this article Christmas in Space: Astronauts Celebrate Holidays in Orbit SPACE.com By Tariq Malik on Yahoo's website. Interesting that the crew gets Dec 25 and New Year's Day off from work.

Utilities Feeling Rooftop Solar Heat Start Fighting Back

I am reading this article Utilities Feeling Rooftop Solar Heat Start Fighting Back By Mark Chediak, Christopher Martin and Ken Wells on Bloomberg's website. This article has some interesting things to say about solar power from rooftop units.

Bacteria Could Be Living Structural Sensors

I am reading this article Bacteria Could Be Living Structural Sensors on Yahoo's website. Interesting example of mechanotaxis.

Exclusive: Target hackers stole encrypted bank PINs

I am reading this article Exclusive: Target hackers stole encrypted bank PINs - source Reuters By Jim Finkle and David Henry, on Yahoo's website. More bad news . . .

Indonesia cave reveals history of ancient tsunamis

I am reading this article Indonesia cave reveals history of ancient tsunamis Associated Press By MARGIE MASON, on Yahoo's website. Interesting evidence found in a limestone cave according to this article.

Patricia Cornwell puts herself in crime-solver Kay Scarpetta

I am reading this article Patricia Cornwell puts herself in crime-solver Kay Scarpetta By Richard Ouzounian Theatre Critic, on The Star's website. I have a few novels in the series to read before I get to Dust.

Mysterious object halts construction of Seattle's $3 billion tunnel

I am reading this article Mysterious object halts construction of Seattle's $3 billion tunnel By Aaron Souppouris on The Verge's website. This drill is awesome. It makes a tunnel and leaves a full lined tunnel as it drills.

Mars Express to Fly Within 'Touching Distance' of Moon Phobos

I am reading this article Mars Express to Fly Within 'Touching Distance' of Moon Phobos By by Megan Gannon, News Editor on Yahoo's website. This is something to look forward to on Sunday.

Spacewalkers install new station cooling pump

I am reading this article Spacewalkers install new station cooling pump By Irene Klotz 2 hours ago on Yahoo's website. According to this article, two astronauts spent 7 hours working on the coolant system. And the problem is fixed.

Next ISS spacewalk planned for Christmas Eve, but first a spacesuit fix

I am reading this article Next ISS spacewalk planned for Christmas Eve, but first a spacesuit fix By Deborah Netburn on The LA Times's website. I saw on the morning news that the spacewalk began the morning.

Target credit card hack: What you need to know By Gregory Wallace @gregorywallace December 22, 2013: 3:10 PM ET

I am reading this article Target credit card hack: What you need to know By Gregory Wallace on CNN's website. I do not remember shopping at Target between November 27 and December 15.

Astronauts Finish First Spacewalk to Fix Pump on ISS

I am reading this article Astronauts Finish First Spacewalk to Fix Pump on ISS on Voice of America's website. According to this article the second spacewalk is scheduled for Tuesday instead of Monday because of a spacesuit problem.

Working weekend? NASA astronauts gear up for Saturday spacewalk on ISS

I am reading this article Working weekend? NASA astronauts gear up for Saturday spacewalk on ISS on The LA Times's website. I am watching coverage of the spacewalk on NBC's Today Show. Tom Costello ‏@tomcostellonbc 19 Dec Coming up on @TODAYshow we're talking SNORKELS in SPACE as @nasa astronauts prepare for Saturday's space walk - wearing snorkels.

China Lands On The Moon: Historic Robotic Lunar Landing Includes 1st Chinese Rover

I am reading this article China Lands On The Moon: Historic Robotic Lunar Landing Includes 1st Chinese Rover By Leonard David, SPACE.com's Space Insider Columnist. This makes China the 3rd country to land on the Moon.

First alien moon possibly spotted 1,800 light years away

I am reading this article First alien moon possibly spotted 1,800 light years away BY Jon Fingas 16 on Engadget's website.

$19 million might produce the first ever image of a black hole

I am reading this article $19 million might produce the first ever image of a black hole By Rich McCormick, on The Verge's website. Sounds like an interesting project. I look forward to seeing what they come up with.

2 million Facebook, Gmail and Twitter passwords stolen in massive hack

I am reading this article 2 million Facebook, Gmail and Twitter passwords stolen in massive hack By Jose Pagliery, on CNN's website. Sounds bad.

Moon's Newest Crater Revealed in Crash-Site Photo

I am reading this article Moon's Newest Crater Revealed in Crash-Site Photo SPACE.com By Megan Gannon, News Editor, on Yahoo's website. Nice photo of impact crater.

NASA orders urgent spacewalk repairs at station

I am reading this article NASA orders urgent spacewalk repairs at station By MARCIA DUNN on Yahoo's website. I hope they get this problem fixed soon.

New virus holds your computer files ransom

I am reading this article New virus holds your computer files ransom By Davis Wahlman on KEPRTV's website.

Comet ISON likely lives on

I am reading this article Comet ISON likely lives on, on WTVR CBS 6's website.

Comet ISON makes perilous pass by the Sun Thanksgiving Day

I am reading this article Comet ISON makes perilous pass by the Sun Thanksgiving Day by Carrie Rose on WTVR CBS 6's website.

Smithsonian museum launches 3-D exhibit

I am reading this article Smithsonian museum launches 3-D exhibit on Yahoo's website. I like exhibits involving early flight like the Wright Brothers.

Science Museum Skywatch, Astronomy Day 2010 and Internet Star Ted Bethune

I am reading this article Science Museum Skywatch, Astronomy Day 2010 and Internet Star Ted Bethune at http://richastro.org/index.php/blog/science-museum-skywatch-astronomy-day-2010-and-internet-star-ted-bethune/

Ted Bethune on YouTube

I am watching a short video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4EAg72FzsY&feature=share

Lady Gaga Confirms: "I'm Going to Be the First Recording Artist to Sing in Space"

I am reading this article Lady Gaga Confirms: "I'm Going to Be the First Recording Artist to Sing in Space" on Yahoo's website. I am looking forward to Virgin Galactic commercial fights.

Incredible Technology: How to Launch Superfast Trips to Mars

I am reading this article Incredible Technology: How to Launch Superfast Trips to Mars SPACE.com By by Mike Wall, Senior Writer, on Yahoo's website. This would be welcome news for those wishing to travel to Mars.

Fireball streaks across LA skies

I saw this story Fireball streaks across LA skies on CBS News this morning.

Kepler finds Earth-size planets commonplace

I am reading this article Kepler finds Earth-size planets commonplace By William Harwood / CBS News/, on Yahoo's website.

Comets, Meteor Showers and Planets, Oh My! November's Must-See Night Sky Events

I am reading this article Comets, Meteor Showers and Planets, Oh My! November's Must-See Night Sky Events SPACE.com By by Miriam Kramer, Staff Writer, on Yahoo's website. I missed the eclipse a few mornings ago. Looking forward to the comet.

British man charged with hacking U.S. military networks Reuters

I am reading this article British man charged with hacking U.S. military networks Reuters By Jonathan Stempelon on Yahoo's website. Wow, this sounds very serious.

Spring on Saturn's Moon Titan Reveals Amazing Views of Otherworldly Lakes (Photos)

I am reading this article Spring on Saturn's Moon Titan Reveals Amazing Views of Otherworldly Lakes (Photos) Space.com By by Megan Gannon, News Editor, on Yahoo's website. Nice photographs from Cassini space probe.

Chinese no longer banned from NASA astronomy meet

I am reading this article Chinese no longer banned from NASA astronomy meet on Yahoo's website. Sounds like a deplomatic issue.

Second Sea Serpent Washes up in California

I am reading this article Second Sea Serpent Washes up in California By LIZ FIELDS | Good Morning America on Yahoo's website. I hear about the first oarfish after it was brought up by a marine scientist.

Astronauts Take Underwater Moonwalk In 'Apollo 11 Under the Sea' (Photos)

I am reading this article Astronauts Take Underwater Moonwalk In 'Apollo 11 Under the Sea' (Photos)SPACE.com By By Tom Chao, SPACE.com Producer. Interesting training exercise.

Study: Good night's sleep cleans out gunk in brain

I am reading this article Study: Good night's sleep cleans out gunk in brain Associated Press By ALICIA CHANG on Yahoo's website. Interesting study I think.

'God particle' theorists receive Nobel Prize in physics

I am reading this article 'God particle' theorists receive Nobel Prize in physics By Ben Brumfield, CNN, on CNN's website.

'Black Hole Indigestion' Captured by Giant Radio Telescope

I am reading this article 'Black Hole Indigestion' Captured by Giant Radio Telescope (Photos) SPACE.com By by Miriam Kramer, Staff Writer, on Yahoo's webiste.

Biggest Star Ever Found Is Ripping Apart

I am reading this article Biggest Star Ever Found Is Ripping Apart (Photo) SPACE.com By by Miriam Kramer, Staff Writer, on Yahoo's website. W26 sounds like an interesting super giant red star.

A dangerous game of "cosmic roulette"?

I watched a reply of A dangerous game of "cosmic roulette"? from CBS 60 Minutes on CBS This Morning during their story Detecting asteroids: How telescope could help locate dangerous objects before they strike Earth. Michio Kaku gave an interesting talk on these meteors. (http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50156579n) (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57606346/detecting-asteroids-how-telescope-could-help-locate-dangerous-objects-before-they-strike-earth/)

PBS NOVA Episodes

I watched two episodes of NOVA, Inside The Megastorm and Megastorm Aftermath, over the last two weeks. The storm looked worse than I had imagined. (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/inside-the-megastorm.html) (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/megastorm-aftermath.html)

Lee Billings

I heard an interview with Lee Billings, who discussed Exoplanets, on Coast To Coast AM on 3 October 2013. I went to his website and would like to read his book, Five Billion Years of Solitude (http://leebillings.com/five-billion-years-of-solitude/)

New app being tested to spot California whales so ships can avoid them

I am reading this article New app being tested to spot California whales so ships can avoid them on Yahoo's website.

NASA spacecraft finds plastic ingredient on Saturn's moon Titan

I am reading this article NASA spacecraft finds plastic ingredient on Saturn's moon Titan on Yahoo's website.

SpaceX Launches Next-Generation Private Falcon 9 Rocket on Big Test Flight

I am reading this article SpaceX Launches Next-Generation Private Falcon 9 Rocket on Big Test Flight on Yahoo's website.

Consensus report concludes it “is extremely likely” that people are the driving cause of recent global warming

I am reading this article Consensus report concludes it “is extremely likely” that people are the driving cause of recent global warming on WTVR's website.

NASA: Chasing Comet ISON

I am reading this article NASA: Chasing Comet ISON on WTVR's website.

Tech glitch delays space station berthing to Saturday

I am reading this article Tech glitch delays space station berthing to Saturday on Yahoo's website.

European Space Agency Wants to Send a Snake Robot to Mars

I am reading European Space Agency Wants to Send a Snake Robot to Mars By JON M. CHANG on Yahoo's website.

Go-time for rocket launch from Virginia to the International Space Station

I am reading this article Go-time for rocket launch from Virginia to the International Space Station on WTVR's website.

Nita Farahany on Cognitive Liberty

I am watching an interview with Ms. Nita Farahany on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUbVKwr6-XU&feature=youtu.be

Cloud Seeding Not to Blame for Colorado Flooding

I am reading this article Cloud Seeding Not to Blame for Colorado Flooding By By Laura Poppick, Staff Writer | LiveScience.com

Mars Rising

I am watching Mars Rising program series on Science Channel.

Long-Delayed Space Weather Satellite On Track for 2015 Launch

I am reading this article Long-Delayed Space Weather Satellite On Track for 2015 Launch By Megan Gannon, News Editor, on Space.com

NASA's Voyager first spacecraft to exit solar system

I am reading this article NASA's Voyager first spacecraft to exit solar system on Yahoo's website. I remember when this spacecraft was launched and now it has left the solar system.

Orbital Sciences Targeting September Launch To Station

I am reading this article Orbital Sciences Targeting September Launch To Station on NASA's website. I was able to see the rocket of the NASA's Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE)a few nights ago during the night launch.

Virgin Galactic's Record-Breaking SpaceShipTwo Test Flight Sets Stage for Passenger Trips By 2014

I am reading this article Virgin Galactic's Record-Breaking SpaceShipTwo Test Flight Sets Stage for Passenger Trips By 2014 on Yahoo's website.

Carnival to cut pollution from cruise ships

I am reading this article Carnival to cut pollution from cruise ships on Yahoo's website.

NASA's LADEE Mission | NASA

I am reading this page on NASA's website. NASA's LADEE Mission | NASA

Public viewing sites for NASA LADEE Moon Mission from Wallops

I am reading this article Public viewing sites for NASA LADEE Moon Mission from Wallops on WTVR's website. http://wtvr.com/2013/08/29/public-viewing-sites-for-nasa-ladee-moon-mission-from-wallops/

New NASA spacecraft to investigate moon mystery

I am reading this article New NASA spacecraft to investigate moon mystery on Yahoo's website. I hope to see this launch later tonight.

Marine Forensics FAQ

I am reading this article Marine Forensics FAQ on NOAA's website.

Marine Forensics | Science and Technology | Ocean Today

I watched a video on Marine Forensics at NOAA's website. Marine Forensics | Science and Technology | Ocean Today

RIP Jim

http://www.jtmorriss.com/obituaries/James-Jones103/#!/

30 Years Ago: First African-American Launches into Space

I am reading this article 30 Years Ago: First African-American Launches into Space on Yahoo's website.

Moon Water Discovery Hints at Mystery Source Deep Underground

I am reading this article Moon Water Discovery Hints at Mystery Source Deep Underground on Yahoo's website.

DC-X Rocket Remembered: 'Sputnik of Commercial Space' Joins Space Hall of Fame

I am reading this article DC-X Rocket Remembered: 'Sputnik of Commercial Space' Joins Space Hall of Fame on Yahoo's website.

2 Russians turn cable guys in record spacewalk

I am reading this article 2 Russians turn cable guys in record spacewalk on Yahoo's website.

Voyager 1 Spacecraft Left Solar System Last Year, Study Suggests

I am reading this article Voyager 1 Spacecraft Left Solar System Last Year, Study Suggests on Yahoo's website.

Can the International Space Station Really Last Beyond 2020?

I am reading this article Can the International Space Station Really Last Beyond 2020? on Yahoo's website.

NASA Picks Rocket to Launch Asteroid Sample-Return Mission

I am reading this article NASA Picks Rocket to Launch Asteroid Sample-Return Mission on Yahoo's website.

Sun's magnetic field "is about to flip", warns NASA

I am reading this article Sun's magnetic field "is about to flip", warns NASA on Yahoo's website.

Regular Monthly Meeting

  We have our regular monthly meeting at Books-A-Million in Colonial Heights this coming Sunday.

  Everyone with an interest in science and/or science fiction is welcome to join us.

Entangled photons enhance fluorescence imaging

  Two-photon excitation microscopy is used to image living tissue.  The fluorescence technique uses infrared light and allows deeper penetration of tissue than traditional fluorescence imaging.  But the two-photon process is inefficient for organic materials.  One solution is to increase the intensity of light directed at a sample, but this may damage the sample.  Another solution is to use entangled photons, reports a group led by T. G. Goodson of the University of Michigan.  They report that the technique could enhance two-photon imaging by 10 orders of magnitude.

NASA to Attempt Fix for Planet-Hunting Kepler Spacecraft This Month

I am reading this article NASA to Attempt Fix for Planet-Hunting Kepler Spacecraft This Month by Mike Wall, SPACE.com Senior Writer. According to this article, Kepler Spacecraft has detected over 3,000 alien planets since march 2009.

Big Meteor Explosion on Moon Shows Lunar Exploration Risks

I am reading this article Big Meteor Explosion on Moon Shows Lunar Exploration Risks By Mike Wall | SPACE.com on Yahoo's website.

Iron Man—Extreme Firmware Update 3.0

I am reading this article Iron Man—Extreme Firmware Update 3.0 By E. Paul Zehr, on Scientific American's website.

Planet-Hunting Kepler Spacecraft Suffers Major Failure, NASA Says

I am reading this article Planet-Hunting Kepler Spacecraft Suffers Major Failure, NASA Says by Mike Wall, on SPACE.com

Hubble Finds Debris Around Stars

  The Hubble Space Telescope has found planet building debris around two white dwarfs: http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2013/may/HQ_13-133-Hubble_Hyades_Dwarf.html

VIDEO: Gigantic hurricane spotted on Saturn

I am reading this article VIDEO: Gigantic hurricane spotted on Saturn Posted on: 5:54 am, April 30, 2013, by Carrie Rose on WTVR's website.

Orbital Sciences Wins $50 Million NASA Contract

I am reading this article Orbital Sciences Wins $50 Million NASA Contract By Rich Smith, on the Motley Fool's website. I like the idea of the Ionospheric Connection Explorer. I need to read up on the LEOStar-2 spacecraft.

Mars Rover Opportunity Slips Into Standby Mode, NASA Says

I am reading this article Mars Rover Opportunity Slips Into Standby Mode, NASA Says By Mike Wall | SPACE.com on Yahoo's website.

Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array -- ALMA

  ALMA is a new radio telescope in the Chilean Andes that will focus on the millimeter and submillimeter wavelength range, which means it will be an excellent vehicle for studing the chemistry underlying the universe.  How the first molecules formed in space after the Big Bang and how chemistry drives the birth and death of stars, planets, and the entire solar system are some of the questions that astronomers and chemists hope ALMA will help answer.  No device has allowed these phenomena to be studied in such detail before.

  ALMA will have 66 antennas working together as a single telescope.  It will be up to 10 miles across.

Regular Monthly Meeting

  Our regular monthly meeting will be Sunday at Books-A-Million in Colonial Heights.  We should all be there sometime between 2:30 and 3:00 PM.

  Everyone with an interest in science fiction, fantasy, and/or science is welcome.

Virginia takes the stage in commercial space flight

I am reading this article Virginia takes the stage in commercial space flight. Posted on 11:08 am, April 11, 2013, by Carrie Rose, here: http://wtvr.com/2013/04/11/virginia-takes-the-stage-in-commercial-space-flight/

US Won't Lead New Manned Moon Landings, NASA Chief Says

I am reading this article US Won't Lead New Manned Moon Landings, NASA Chief Says By Miriam Kramer | SPACE.com posted here: http://news.yahoo.com/us-wont-lead-manned-moon-landings-nasa-chief-191835839.html

Ingredient for Life Common on Jupiter's Icy Moon Europa

I am reading this article Ingredient for Life Common on Jupiter's Icy Moon Europa By Tariq Malik | SPACE.com posted here: http://news.yahoo.com/ingredient-life-common-jupiters-icy-moon-europa-125216996.html

NASA Unveiling 1st Results from Antimatter-Hunting Experiment Wednesday

I am reading this article NASA Unveiling 1st Results from Antimatter-Hunting Experiment Wednesday By Miriam Kramer | SPACE.com posted at http://news.yahoo.com/nasa-unveiling-1st-results-antimatter-hunting-experiment-wednesday-013023258.html

Planck Obeserver

  The Planck Observer satelite has refined our view of the universe: http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2013/mar/HQ_13-079_Planck_Mission.html

Regular Monthly Meeting

  Sunday we have our regular monthly meeting at Books-A-Million in Colonial Heights sometime around 2:30 PM.

  Everyone interested in science fiction, fantasy, or science is welcome to attend.

Researchers: We may have found a fabled sunstone

I am reading this article Researchers: We may have found a fabled sunstone By RAPHAEL SATTER | Associated Press. I am not familiar with Icelandic calcite.

Italian Astronaut Takes Tiramisù To Space Station

I am reading this article Italian Astronaut Takes Tiramisù To Space Station on http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy/tiramisu/italian-astronaut-takes-tiramis-space-station. According to this article Luca Parmitano travels to the ISS in May with some Italian dishes.

Black Hole's Mystery 'Wave' Surprises Scientists

I am reading this article Black Hole's Mystery 'Wave' Surprises Scientists By Nola Taylor Redd on Space.com. This article focuses on the black hole contained in an X-ray binary system called Swift J1357.2 which is located in the Virgo constellation.

Meteorite in Russia

An unexpected meteorite struck in Russia on February 15 at 10:23 AM local time. Between 1,000 to 1,200 people were injured, no one seriously.

Regular Monthly Meeting

  Our regular monthly meeting of the Nighthawk is this coming Sunday.  We will be at Books-A-Million in Colonial Heights sometime around 2:30 PM.  We're planning to go over to Deb's after meeting at Books-A-Million to watch an episode or so of the HBO series Game of Thrones and then getting a bite to eat.


  Everyone with an interest in science fiction, fantasy, and/or science is welcome to join us.

NASA: Asteroid will safely skim by Earth February 15

I am watching a video and reading an article NASA: Asteroid will safely skim by Earth February 15 on WTVR's website posted here: http://wtvr.com/2013/02/05/nasa-asteroid-will-skim-by-earth-february-15/

NASA: Comet may be visible to the naked-eye in March

I am watching a video and reading this article NASA: Comet may be visible to the naked-eye in March on WTVR's website posted here: http://wtvr.com/2013/02/07/nasa-comet-may-be-visible-to-the-naked-eye-in-march/

Don Yeomans

I am reading an article on Don Yeomans at NASA's website. He is a planetary scientist.

Asteroid 2012 DA14 to sweep close on February 15, 2013

I am reading this article Asteroid 2012 DA14 to sweep close on February 15, 2013 at Earthsky's website. According to the article an asteroid is scheduled to pass very close to Earth February.

New Exoplanets Candidates

On January 7, 2013 NASA's Kepler Mission announced 461 new exoplanets candidates.