Apollo 8 Mission

According to NASA's website:
Apollo 8 launched on 21 December 1968.
The orbit around the Moon occurred on 24 December 1968.
The crew returned to Earth on 27 December 1968.

Frank Borman was Commander for the mission.

Majel Roddenberry, Widow of 'Trek' Creator, Dies

I am reading this article,Majel Roddenberry, Widow of 'Trek' Creator, Dies
By Robert Jablon, on Space.com

Sci-Fi's No. 1 Fanboy, Forrest J Ackerman, Dies at 92

I am reading this article, Sci-Fi's No. 1 Fanboy, Forrest J Ackerman, Dies at 92 By Richard Corliss, on Time Magazine's website.
I heard about his passing on NPR a few weeks ago.

From Broadband To Bands Jamming Abroad

I heard this article, From Broadband To Bands Jamming Abroad, on NPR.
I am reading this article on NPR's website along with some other articles on music and technology.

Helium Ion Microscope

There is a new type on microscope that is an alternative to the electron microscope. It is the helium ion microscope (HeIM). Helium ions have shorter wavelengths than electrons and that means better image resolution, up to four times better. The helium-derived images also have higher surface contrast and better depth of field. HeIMs can also create images with Rutherford backscattered ions -- in this case high-energy helium ions -- which give information about the chemical composition of the sample.
The semiconductor and nanomanufacturing industries are interested in the HeIM because it can give clear images of the edge of a microchip or the grooves in a CD, while a Scanning Electron Microscope gives images where edges appear fuzzy. Also, the ability of the the HeIM to determine the chemical composition of defects in a semiconductor chip could help improve production processes.

Richmond Parade on 6 Dec 2008

I am reading about this parade at the parade's website.
NASA Astronaut Leland D. Melvin, is the Grand Marshal of the 25th annual Ukrop's-Supervalu Richmond Parade.
The parade is scheduled for Saturday at 1000 EDT, according to the parade website.

National Academy of Sciences sets up program for Hollwood

The National Academy of Sciences has established the Science & Entertainment Exchange program to connect entertainment industry professionals with top scientists and engineers in order to help the creators of television shows, films, video games, and other productions incorporate science into their work. The goal is to involve the public in the latest advances in science, medicine, and technology.

Endeavour Crew Prepares for Landing

I am reading this article, Endeavour Crew Prepares for Landing, on NASA's website.
After four space walks to fix things aboard the ISS, the crew is on their way home.

Nighthawk monthly meeting

The Nighthawk will have its monthly meeting at the Books-A-Million bookstore in Colonial Heights this Sunday around 2:00 PM. All are welcome!

Home Improvement Crew Arrives at Space Station

I am reading this article, Home Improvement Crew Arrives at Space Station
By Tariq Malik, on Space.com.
The crew on NASA's shuttle Endeavour, got to the International Space Station on Sunday evening.

Larry Toups

I heard an interview with, Larry Toups on Coast To Coast AM With George Noory a few nights ago.

I am reading this article, NASA Readies Hardware for Test of Astronaut Escape System, on NASA's website.
This Constellation Program sounds interesting.

Major Breakthrough: First Photos of Planets Around Other Stars

I am reading this article, Major Breakthrough: First Photos of Planets Around Other Stars By Jeanna Bryner, on Space.com.
I heard about it on Coast To Coast AM with George Noory.
According to this article, astronomers may have taken the first direct images of planets outside of our solar system.

Reauthorization of NASA for 2009

President George W. Bush signed a bill on October 15 to reauthorize NASA for 2009. The bipartisan bill provides $20.9 billion for NASA programs for fiscal 2009. Included in the bill are $1 billion to accelerate development of human crew vehicles to replace the space shuttle and an 11% increase for science programs. The bill affirms the President's goals of returning American astronauts to the moon and exploration of Mars. It includes language prohibiting NASA from taking any steps until April 30, 2009 that would preclude space shuttle missions after 2010 -- the year the shuttle is set to retire.

Mission Endeavour: Space Station's Foundation for Larger Crews

I am reading this article, Mission Endeavour: Space Station's Foundation for Larger Crews, on Space.com
According to this article, the next launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour is scheduled for 14 November 2008.

Michael Crichton

Michael Crichton died Tuesday.

New Chemistry Centers from NSF

The Chemistry Division of the National Science Foundation has announced support for three new multi-institutional research centers through the Centers for Chemical Innovation program. One of the new centers will be the Center for Chemistry of the Universe at the University of Virginia.

Moon, Regulus, and Saturn

I heard this story Moon, Regulus, and Saturn on NPR this morning.
According to this story, the Cassini orbiter needs about three hours time when it encounters a problem as it orbits Saturn.
It sends a message to Earth and then shuts down until a return message from Earth tells it what to do.

LHC-Cern 2008 Scream Awards

The Large Hadron Collider is suppose to be out of action until next spring.


Last night the 2008 Scream Awards show was broadcast. The Dark Knight did very well. The best Sci-fi movie went to Iron Man. The Comic-Con Icon Award went to George Lucas -- the first time for someone not in comics. He gave a special thank you to Star Trek for the beginning of fans getting together to share their enthusiasm for Sci-fi and related entertainment.

Sanctuary

I watched this episode, Folding Man, of Sanctuary.
I saw another episode of Sanctuary, Fata Morgana, a few weeks ago.
I like Amanda Tapping's new television series.

India Launches Moon Mission in Asian Space Race

I am reading this article, India Launches Moon Mission in Asian Space Race
By Gavin Rabinowitz and Seth Borenstein, on Space.com.

Meet Virginia's Outstanding Scientists and Industrialist for 2008

I am reading this article, Meet Virginia's Outstanding Scientists and Industrialist for 2008, on the Science Museum of Virginia's website.
According to this article, Virginia's Outstanding Scientists for 2008 are:
Dr. Sarah Spiegel and Dr. James M. Russell III.
Dr. Jack Musick won the Virginia's Lifetime Achievement award.

According to this article:
Dr. Sarah Spiegel is a professor and chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and co-leader of the Massey Cancer Center's Cancer Cell Biology Program.

Dr. James M. Russell III is a Hampton University atmospheric and planetary sciences professor and Center for Atmospheric Sciences co-director.

Dr. Jack Musick is Marshall Acuff Professor of Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary

Thinking outside the square finds light in oven

I am reading this article, Thinking outside the square finds light in oven by Deborah Smith (Science Editor August 20, 2008), on-line in The Sydney Morning Herald.

According to this article, Ms. Nicole Kuepper won two Australian Museum Eureka Prizes for her scientific research.
She developed a cheap method of producing solar cells called the iJET cell concept.
She is a lecturer in the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of New South Wales and a PhD Candidate UNSW.

I found one of her papers, PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGIES FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, at this website: http://www.pv.unsw.edu.au/documents/PV_Technology_for_Dev_Countries_Sep07.pdf

Former Astronaut's Son Blasts Off Toward Space Station

I am reading this article, Former Astronaut's Son Blasts Off Toward Space Station
By Tariq Malik, on Space.com.
I heard about this on Sunday, the launch was from Kazakhstan at 0301 EDT aboard a Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft.
Richard Garriott, Michael Fincke and Yury Lonchakov were abound and on their way to the IST.

FTL Team

Welcome to the Nighthawk Sci Fi Club blog.
Please feel free to post comments to our posts, if you like.

Spacecraft Zooms by Mercury for Second Time

I am reading this article, Spacecraft Zooms by Mercury for Second Time
By Jeremy Hsu, on Space.com.

SR-71 Forum

I enjoyed our annual outing to the Virginia Aviation Museum for the SR-71 (Blackbird) Forum. The weather was nice, and it turned out to be a very pleasant day. The Air Force intelligence officer, maintenance specialist, and former SR-71 rear seat pilot that were there last year were back this year. The Air Force intelligence officer brought a magazine with an article about a possible replacement for the SR-71 that is being developed -- an unmanned aircraft with a possible Mach 6 speed called the Blackswift. I always learn something interesting at this forum.

Nighthawk Anniversary

The Nighthawk celebrated its anniversary last Sunday. We met at Books-A-Million for our regular monthly meeting and then adjourned to Point of Rocks Park for a walk on the river trail. The trail has changed over the years -- the original marsh portion of the river trail has been closed and a different walkway through the marsh. with floating sections, has been put in place. It is still a very enjoyable walk. After resting at one of the pavilions for a few minutes, we went to IHOP for supper. A very nice time!

Chinese Astronauts Prepare For Landing

I read this article, Chinese Astronauts Prepare For Landing
By Clara Moskowitz, on Space.com.
China launched a manned mission into orbit last week.
There was the first space walk by Chinese astronauts done.
The crew returned to Earth safely.
And China has a probe orbiting the Moon with is searching for a place for a manned mission to land on the Moon.

Sea Launch Deploys New Galaxy for North America

I am reading this article, Sea Launch Deploys New Galaxy for North America
By Justin Ray, on Space.com.
According to this, the Galaxy 19 communications satellite was launched yesterday.

Damage to LHC

Experts have gone into the 17-mile circular tunnel housing the Large Hadron Collider under the Swiss-French border to examine the damage that halted operations about 36 hours after its September 10 startup. A CERN spokesman said that the problem seems to be a faulty electrical connection between two magnets that stopped superconducting and led to a mechanical failure and let helium out.

The Large Hadron Collider is the largest physics experiment in the history of mankind.

Writer Explains Particle Acceleration — In A Rap

I am reading this article, Writer Explains Particle Acceleration — In A Rap, on NPR's website.
According to this, the LHC will be down for the next few months because of damage to its cooling system.

U.S. Physicists Recall Brush With Supercollider Fame

I am reading this article, U.S. Physicists Recall Brush With Supercollider Fame
by Nell Greenfieldboyce, on NPR's website.
The Large Hadron Collider near Geneva, Switzerland, is up and performing test runs from what I hear on NPR.

Voyager I

In 1977, Voyager I was launched.
Voyager II was launched two weeks later.

Russian Cargo Ship Leaves Space Station

I am reading this article, Russian Cargo Ship Leaves Space Station
By Tariq Malik, on Space.com.
According to this article, the current International Space Station crew members are Russia's Commander Sergei Volkov, Russia's Flight Engineer Oleg Kononenko and NASA's Flight Engineer Greg Chamitoff.
The automated space tug Progress 29 undocked from the station after delivering a payload to the space station from its launch site at Central Asian spaceport of Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
The European Space Agency's first Automated Transfer Vehile, Cargo Ship Jules Verne, is scheduled to undock from the space station on Friday.

Spica and the Moon

I saw the cresent Moon last night about 2000.
I did not see Spica.

Moon and Spica

I heard this story, Moon and Spica, on NPR this morning during StarDate's program.

Space Shuttle Atlantis Beats Weather for Move

I am reading this articel, Space Shuttle Atlantis Beats Weather for Move
By Todd Halvorson, on Space,com

Russian Rocket: All Fueled Up, But No Place to Fly

I am reading this article, Russian Rocket: All Fueled Up, But No Place to Fly
By Jim Oberg, on Space.com

Suborbital Rocket Carrying NASA Experiments Crashes off Wallops Island

I am reading this article, Suborbital Rocket Carrying NASA Experiments Crashes off Wallops Island By Brian Berger, on Space.com

Spitzer Space Telescope

I heard this story, Spitzer Space Telescope, on NPR this morning during the StareDate broadcast.
The infrared telescope has its fifth anniversary in space today.

First Star

In a computer experiment, Japanese and U. S. cosmologists have for the first time reliably replicated the recipe for the first star, according to an article in Friday's Wall Street Journal. They were eight years perfecting the experiment.

Saturn's moon Titan

NASA's Cassini spacecraft has detected liquid ethane in a lake near the south pole of Saturn's giant moon Titan. This is the first time that the chemical composition of one of its liquid lakes has been determined. The ethane is likely mixed with methane, other small hydrocarbons, and nitrogen.

Tropical Storm Delays Space Shuttle's Move

I am reading this article, Tropical Storm Delays Space Shuttle's Move
By Tariq Malik, on Space.com.

Nighthawk Monthly Meeting

There is a meeting scheduled for this Sunday, 24 August 2008, at 1400.
Meeting is free and open to the public.
Civil discussions of science fact and science fiction are welcome.

Crew Visits Goddard One Last Time Before Hubble Mission

I am reading this story Crew Visits Goddard One Last Time Before Hubble Mission
by Mike Weiss, HST on NASA's website.
According to this story, there is a mission scheduled for this October to do repair work on the Hubble Space Telescope.

V: East Coast Crisis

I started reading this book V: East Coast Crisis by Howard Weinstein and A.C. Crispin.
I missed A.C. Crispin at Shore leave 30.
However I plan to read her novels based on the V miniseries and television show.

Moon and Jupiter

I heard this story, Moon and Jupiter, on NPR this morning.
According to this, there is a mission scheduled for three years for now, to send a spacecraft called Juno to study Jupiter.

Meteor Shower Tonight

I heard on NPR this morning's Stardate story that there is a meteor shower tonight.
I am reading this story, Perseid Meteors, on Stardate's website.

I Want To Believe -- new X-file movie

Mike and I went to see the new X-files movie for the second time last night. It is very good. I would describe it as subtle. It was my kind of "X-files" story. It was really nice to see Mulder and Scully back together. Sadly, it may be for the last time, since the movie is not doing very well commercially.

Explaining Dark Energy

I am reading this story, Explaining Dark Energy, on StarDate Online's website.
I heard the first part on NPR yesterday.

Water Ice on Mars

According to an article in the Progress Index, scientists have confirmed the discovery of water ice on Mars.

CHPL

When the Nighthawk was the Tri-Cities/Southside Virginia chapter of STARFLEET: The International Star Trek Fan Association, we held meetings in the meeting room of the Colonial Heights Public Library, for many years.
Now the Nighthawk is an independent sci-fi club and meets at another location on fourth Sundays.
Four members of the old Nighthawk club met for years for monthly meetings and socials.
Jim, Theydon and Al are three of the four members that kept the Nighthawk going.
Thank you gentlemen for your support.
And the CHPL gave the club permission to have a display of science fact and science fiction items in their lobby display case.
Thank you, CHPL staff, for your continued assistance to our club.

Nothingness of Space Could Illuminate the Theory of Everything

I am looking at this article, Nothingness of Space Could Illuminate the Theory of Everything Could the vacuum contain dark energy, gravity particles, and frictionless gears? by Tim Folger published online July 18, 2008, on Discover magazine's website.

Jim and I talked about two articles in the August issue of Discovery 2008 on Sunday.
I had read them last week.
And it seems he read them as well.

Roving Mars IMAX Film & HST Exhibit

I went to the Science Museum Monday.
I went through the new "Hubble Space Telescope : New Views of the Universe" exhibit.
I saw the new IMAX film Roving Mars.

The exhibit has some interesting images of images from the HST.
The film showing some interesting problems that were solved to get the two Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, to the surface of Mars in one piece.
For example, the rovers got heavier as they were being built and tested at the jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Research and development went in to get a parachute to use on a rover falling at MACH 2 and inflatable air bags to land on the surface.
Also the two sites were the rovers landed were discussed.
One site showed signs of water on Mars above ground form a long time ago.

Can We Run The World Off The Sun?

I am reading this story, Can We Run The World Off The Sun?, on NPR's website.

Mars Lander Team Applies for Mission Extension

I am reading this article, Mars Lander Team Applies for Mission Extension
By Andrea Thompson, on Space.com.
I would like to see this mission go on longer if possible.
I hear that weather is a factor.
But the equipment might survive.

Shore Leave 30

I had a great time at Shore Leave 30.
It was my first time at this convention.
The science panels that I attended on Friday and Saturday were: Yoji Kondo's "Finding Exoplanets with Kepler", Lucy Albert's "Enjoying the Summer Night Sky", Ray Villard's "News from the Hubble Space Telescope", and the last half of Kirk Borne "The New U-Science: Putting "You" in the Science".
I missed Inge Heyer's panels because I was doing something elase at those times. However I did get to met her.
I got in some stargazing Friday and Saturday nights as well.
I saw my first Iridium flare, M13 and Jupiter with two bands of color and four of its Moons.
I met some members of the Westminster Astronomical Society Saturday night while stargazing.
I saw David Hawlett, George Takei, Malcolm McDowell, Jewel Staite, W. Morgan
Sheppard and Mark Sheppard.
I met some authors who write sci fi.

Nighthawk Sci Fi Club Meeting

There is a monthly Nighthawk Sci Fi Club meeting scheduled for Sunday 27 July 2008 at 1400 EDT.
Meetings are free and open to the public.
Civil discussions of science fact and science fiction topics are appreciated.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress -- Robert Heinlein

I'm just finishing Robert Heinlein's book The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. I hardily recommend it. It is hard to believe this book is 42 years old. Robert Heinlein won the Hugo award 4 times -- a record that still stands -- he won his fourth Hugo for The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.

Shore Leave 30

I am reading the schedule for science programming at Shore Leave last year on their website, http://www.shore-leave.com/home/science.htm.

Looked really interesting to me for information on astronomy.

Hopes For Climate Solutions Dim At G-8 Summit

I am reading this article, Hopes For Climate Solutions Dim At G-8 Summit
by Richard Harris, on NPR's website.

What's Next for Francis Collins, Genome Decoder?

I am reading this article, What's Next for Francis Collins, Genome Decoder? by Ari Shapiro, on NPR's website.
According to this article he is leaving his job on 1 August 2008

See Saturn, Mars, Regulus in late June 2008

I am reading this article, See Saturn, Mars, Regulus in late June 2008, on Earth & Sky's website.
It is Program #5598 of the Earth & Sky Radio Series with hosts Deborah Byrd, Joel Block, Lindsay Patterson and Jorge Salazar.

I tried stargazing last night but it was too cloudy.
I may have sighted Mars.

Gates Retires from Daily Role at Microsoft

I am reading this article, Gates Retires from Daily Role at Microsoft
by Wendy Kaufman, on NPR's website.

Gates was one of a few computer people that changed the way we work and play.

NASA Lander Touches Ice on Mars

I am reading this article, NASA Lander Touches Ice on Mars by David Kestenbaum, on NPR's website.
According to this article NASA's Phoenix lander is setting on a large area of ice and is the first mission to Mars that came in contact with frozen water.

For The Love of Hubble

I am reading this article, The Love of Hubble By Neil deGrasse Tyson, in the 22 June 2008 issue of Parade.
According to this article, there is a Space Shuttle mission scheduled for repairs at the HST later this year.
You can go to Parade's website, http://www.parade.com/index.jsp, and look at photos from the HST.

NASA's Newest Space Telescope Blasts Off

I am reading this article, NASA's Newest Space Telescope Blasts Off, on http://science.nasa.gov/.
According to this article, NASA launched its Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope on board a Delta II rocket on 11 June 2008.

Nighthawk Sci Fi Club Monthly Meeting

There is a monthly Nighthawk Sci Fi Club meeting scheduled for Sunday 22 June 2008 at 1400 EDT.
Meetings are free and open to the public.
Civil discussions of science fact and science fiction topics are appreciated.

Pluto-bound Probe Crosses Saturn's Orbit

I am reading this article, Pluto-bound Probe Crosses Saturn's Orbit
By SPACE.com Staff, on Space.com.

Mars Soil Sample Finally Delivered to Phoenix Instrument

I am reading this article, Mars Soil Sample Finally Delivered to Phoenix Instrument
By Andrea Thompson, on Space.com.
We should get some results from this soil test soon.

Space Shuttle Astronauts Take Time Off

I am reading this article, Space Shuttle Astronauts Take Time Off
By Tariq Malik, on Space.com.
According to this, the space shuttle is coming back to Earth and is due to land tomorrow at 11:15 EDT at the Kennedy Space Center.

William Shatner on Coast To Coast AM With George Noory

I see that William Shatner is scheduled to be interviewed on Coast To Coast AM With George Noory tonight, on Coast To Coast AM's website, http://www.coasttocoastam.com/.
I have some of Shatner's books, including TekWar.

When We Left Earth

I am reading an article about When We Left Earth, on Discovery Channel's website http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/nasa/programs/programs.html.
I have seen the trailer for the movie and it looks great in HD.

The Andromeda Strain Cast Offers Killer Sneak Peek

I am reading this story, The Andromeda Strain Cast Offers Killer Sneak Peek, on TV Guide's website and this story, The Bug That Wouldn't Die! By Jonanthan Small on the 26 May 2008 issue of TV Guide.
I saw the original movie based on Michael Crichton's book, The Andromeda Stain and read the book.
I enjoyed the movie and the book.
I did not see this remake on television but I plan to get a copy of the DVD.

The Passionate Curiosity of Leland Melvin

I am reading this article, The Passionate Curiosity of Leland Melvin by Cesca Janece Waterfield, on Urban Views Weekly's website http://urbanviewsweekly.com/.
According to this article, he got his degree in Chemistry from U of R and became a fiber optics researcher at NASA.
He became an Astronaut and flew in Space Shuttle Atlantis last February.
Melvin earned a degree in Chemistry from University of Richmond in 1986
I am also looking at some of Leland Melvin photos on his website http://www.lelandmelvin.com/.

Fiction, fantasy, and fandom on Broad Street Words

I am reading an article on RavenCon 2008, Fiction, fantasy, and fandom on Broad Street Words by Christopher Howard, on Urge's website http://www.urgeonline.com/.
I enjoy RavenCon every year.
I went for one day in 2006, and attended a few panel discussions.
I went for two days in 2007, and attended more panel discussions.
This year, I went for two days, and attended two panel discussions.
I spent a lot of time in the Con Suit, meeting and chatting with people.
I spent a lot of time in the Games Room, watching BattleTech, Dungeons and Dragons, and Zombie games in progress.
I was getting familiar with the Dungeons and Dragons Core Rules version 3.5 to use with the Black Company Campaign Setting, before this convention.
The first time I played D&D I used the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons Players Handbook.*
And I have not played in years.
So I was not ready to get into the D&D game using 4.0 rules.
I spent some time in the Dealers Room looking at art and books.
The guest writer this year, Celia S. Friedman, was very interesting.
I enjoyed the comedy of Luna-C.
The costume Masquerade, had a few people in it, however their costumes were good if not great.
There was a couple(who were elves), a southern belle, a Runner from the movie Logan's Run, a faire or two, and a young Jedi Knight.
I saw Jim between panel discussions.
I saw Al, Nick and Andrew between turns at the BattleTech game.

*In memory of Gary Gygax

NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander

I am reading this story, Clumpy Martian Soil Refuses to Budge
By Andrea Thompson, on Space.com.
According to this story, Martian soil is working to well with the NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander as it tries to get a sample through a screen into an oven for a test to detect life forms.

ISS

I am reading this story, Space Station Ready to Flex Japanese Robotic Arm
By Tariq Malik, on Space.com
According to this on Monday, astronauts aboard the International Space Station successfully unfolded the robotic arm to its 10-meter length and put it away for future tests.
The Shuttle and its 7-member crew are due to return to Earth Saturday.

ISS

I am reading this story, Spacewalkers Complete Work Outside Station, on NASA's website.
According to this story on Sunday, Ron Garan and Mike Fossum did a spacewalk.
Several activities involving space station assembly and maintenance were performed.

Nova -- The Ghost Particle

I recently watched the Nova program about neutrino research again. The conclusion that the neutrino does not travel at the speed of light seems very important, particularly since it indicates a flaw in the Standard Model.

Stephen Wolfram's A New Kind of Science

I have been reading Stephen Wolfram's book A New Kind of Science. I recommend it to anyone interesting in computers, math, or science. An idea from it that I find intriguing is the use of simple computer programs in place of traditional math equations to model various aspects of nature.

ISS

I am reading the latest news about the International Space Station on NASA's website.
According to this entry, Crews Continue Work on Kibo, they plan to move the logistics module to a fixed position on top of the experiment module today.
They also plan to activate the Japanese robotic arm.

ISS

I am reading the latest news on the International Space Station on NASA's website.
According to this entry, the shuttle crew arrived at the ISS.
Yesterday they did a space walk to install the Kibo module.
This evening they plan to open the Kibo module.

STS-124

I am reading about STS-124 mission on NASA's website.
According to this article, the Space Shuttle Discovery is set to launch on 31 May 2008 at 5:02 PM EDT.
Cmdr. Mark Kelly is in command of the shuttle mission to the International Space Station.
The Kibo Pressurized Module and the robotic arm of the Japanese Experiment Module will be aboard the shuttle as well.

ISS

I heard on NPR that the International Space Station needs some plumbing repaired.
According to the news a shuttle is scheduled to dock there next week.

NOVA scienceNow

I am reading my copy of SPOTLIGHT from WCVE.
According to this article, Science News Magazine Back For The Summer, Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson will continue to host the show NOVA scienceNOW.
The third season of the show will air on Wednesday nights.

Neil DeGrasse Tyson on Today Show

I saw Neil DeGrasse Tyson on the Today Show this morning talking about the Phenix Module landing on Mars.

Phoenix Sends Color Photos of Mars to NASA

I heard that Phoenix Module landed on Mars Sunday evening on NPR.

I am reading these articles, NASA's Phoenix to Look for Ice on Mars
by Joe Palca and Phoenix Sends Color Photos of Mars to NASA, on NPR's website.

Nighthawk Sci Fi Club Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Nighthawk Sci Fi Club is scheduled for Sunday,
25 May 2008 at 2 PM Eastern Time.
Meetings are free and open to the public.
Civil discussions of science fact and science fiction are welcome.

Active Galaxies

I heard this StarDate(http://stardate.org/) story, Active Galaxies, on NPR two mornings ago.
I heard the term blazars for the first time that I recall.

Astronomy Day at the Science Museum of Virginia

I enjoyed several activities during the Astronomy Day event, for example:

I attended part of one lecture on "The Saturn System Through the Eyes of Cassini" given by Dr. Anne Verbiscer of the Cassini Imaging Central Laboratory for Operations,
Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colorado.
I saw a photo of Enceladus.
I liked the photo of Saturn shot from behind Saturn with back lighting from the Sun and Earth showing through the G Ring.

I attended a lecture on "The Search for Other Earths" given by Dr. Mike Strutskie, Department of Astronomy, University of Virginia.
He said some interesting things about planets on the science side and an interesting thing on the science fiction side.
He made the point that no extrasolar planets have been seen, the data suggests that some stars have extrasolar planets orbiting them.
He talked about a new way of using shade to view planets around other stars.
He talked about science fiction, for thirty years, showing life on other planets yet, we only had the idea of other planets in the universe after 1997.
I met Dr. Mark Adams, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Charlottesville.
I missed his lecture "Exploring the Invisible Universe With Radio Astronomy", but he told me some things about radio astronomy after his lecture.

National Astronomy Day

After the Out of the Blue Radio Review radio show, I heard Virginia Skylines on NPR.
The topic was Astronomy Day and the presenter was Leslie Bochenski.
It is a good day for professional astronomers and amateur astronomers to enjoy the day with astronomical activities.
National Astronomy Day is 10 May 2008.

Blade Runner The Final Cut

I heard an interview with director Ridley Scott on Fresh Air with Terry Gross.
He talked about redoing the movie Blade Runner.
You can read more about this story, 'Blade Runner' Director Ridley Scott, on NPR.
I started watching The Final Cut this morning.
After listening to this interview, I found Decker's comments to Tyrell about Rachael very interesting.
He asked Tyrell about how Rachael did not know that she is a android.
This is more than just a question about science.
This goes deeper into questions of existence.
I think therefore I am . . .
But what if I am a android?
does Rachael actually think thoughts like this as Tyrell says he suspects.
Or is Rachael as illusion of a human female portrayed by hardware and software?
Ridley Scott had some interesting things to say about Philip K. Dick, the writer of the story, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, that the movie is based on.

Ravencon

Mike, Al, Nick, Andrew, and I attended Ravencon this past weekend. The writer guest of honor was C. S. Friedman, and the artist guest of honor was Stephen Hickman. I thought Stephen Hickman was particularly interesting -- he has won a Hugo award and done illustrations for works by Robert Heinlein and J. R.R. Tolkien. His presentation was well prepared and informative.
I enjoyed several of the panel discussions, particularly the ones on digital art and The Lord of the Rings. There were several others I would liked to have sat in on, but time did not permit. I feel that the panel discussions are the biggest attraction for me at Ravencon, because there is no other place in the area where one can hear discussions on these types of subjects.

Earth Day

Earth Day started in 1962 according to this article, How the First Earth Day Came About by Senator Gaylord Nelson, on this website http://earthday.envirolink.org/.

Happy Earth Day!

The Color of Plants on Other Worlds

The April issue of Scientific American magazine has a very interesting article, "The Color of Plants on Other Worlds," that discusses photosynthesis with regard to predicting what we should look for in the search for life on extrasolar planets. (This is a very exciting area that has developed a great deal in recent years.) What is really intriguing about the research presented in the article is its interdisciplinary nature: biometeorology, stellar astronomy, astronomy, physics, microbiology, biology, biochemistry, planetary science, etc. are used.

National Dark Sky Week

This is National Dark Sky Week in the USA.
For more information you can go to this website: http://www.ndsw.org/.

Tracy Torme

I heard an interview with Tracy Torme on Coast To Coast With George Noory.
Among other things he discussed working with Gene Roddenberry on Star Trek: The Next Generation.
He also worked on the television show Sliders.

C.S. Friedman

I see that this author, C.S. Friedman, is scheduled to be at Raven Con 2008 in Richmond, according to Raven Con's website http://www.ravencon.com/.
I went to her website, http://www.csfriedman.com/, and to Amazon.com to get some information on her books.
It seems that she writes science fiction and fantasy books.

Years ago, when I was at Imagine Con in Virginia Beach, I saw some people doing LARP.
They were doing Vampire: The Masquerade.
It was interesting and like looking at a play that I did not know anything about.
Perhaps I need to read her sourcebook on this role playing game.

Articles by Roald Hoffmann

Two articles by Nobel Laureate Dr. Roald Hoffmann, who Mike and I heard speak at the University of Richmond on February 8, can be found in recent issues of American Scientist magazine. The article "Legally Sweet" appeared in the July-August issue -- Dr. Hoffmann discusses court cases involving artificial sweeteners Splenda and Nutrasweet. The March-April issue has a article by Dr. Hoffmann entitled "For a Few Atoms More." This articles discusses drug testing, natural and "designer" steroids, and sports. The articles are available on the American Scientist website: www.americanscientist.org.

Nighthawk Sci Fi Club Meeting

Our monthly meeting will be at RavenCon 2008.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I find it interesting when someone, whose carrier path is not a science or science fiction carrier path, can influence people whose career path is a science or science fiction career path.
I believe that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did that.

The first time I met a member of the original crew of Star Trek the Original Series, was at a convention in Richmond, Virginia. It was about the time the fifth Star Trek movie came out.
Nichelle Nichols was the guest star of the convention. She told us about reading for a part on a new television series, Star Trek. She got the part of Lt. Uhura.
She said that after awhile she considered leaving the series. Dr. King, Jr. talked with her and convinced her to stay. She said he told her how significant her portrayal of black people was.
She stayed with Star Trek The Original Series, the Star Trek animated series, and the first six Star Trek movies.
According to an article about Nichelle Nichols on www.startrek.com:
She flew aboard the C-141 Astronomy Observatory on a mission. She was at the JPL on 17 July 1976 to see the Viking probe's Mars landing. She attended the christening of the first space shuttle, Enterprise, at Cape Canaveral. And She spends much time recruiting minorities for NASA.
She wrote Beyond Uhura: Star Trek and Other Memories, Nichelle Nichols A Collection of Poetry and Prose, Saturn's Child (by Nichelle Nichols and Margaret Wander Bonanno), and Saturna's Quest.

Today in Richmond Leland Melvin, the Virginia-born space shuttle astronaut, is scheduled to speak at The Virginia Historical Society.
His topic is Linking To The Past: Documenting The African American Experience in Virginia.

Grace Lee Whitney

Happy Birthday!

Grace Lee Whitney is perhaps best known for her role as Janice Rand in Star Trek The Originial series.
She also wrote a book, The Longest Trek.

Florida's 'Space Coast' Looks Beyond the Shuttle

I am reading this article, Florida's 'Space Coast' Looks Beyond the Shuttle by by Greg Allen, on NPR's website.
According to this article, there are only 11 more shuttle missions to go.

Space Shuttle

I was watching the Today Show this morning and saw a reply of the successful landing of the Space Shuttle form last night.

William Shatner

Happy Birthday!

He is an actor, writer and singer.
He is perhaps best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk.

William Shatner wrote Collision Course Star Trek: Academy (with Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens), Up Till Now: The Autobiography (with David Fisher), Star Trek: Captain's Glory (with Garfield and Judith Reeves-Stevens), Get a Life!, Spectre (with Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens), The Return (with Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens), Odyssey (with Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens), Star Trek Memories, Dark Victory (with Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens), Captain's Peril, Captain's Blood (with Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens), Delta Search: Quest for Tomorrow, Tek War, Man O'War, The Law of War, Tek Lab, I'm Working on That: A Trek From Science Fiction to Science Fact (with Chip Walter), Tek Money, In Alien Hands, Shatner. Where No Man. The Authorized Biography Of William Shatner (with Sondra Marshak and Myrna Culbreath), and Captain's Log: William Shatner's Personal Account of the Making of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (with Lisabeth Shatner)

Arthur C. Clarke

Tuesday evening while listening to the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, I heard that Arthur C. Clarke had passed.
Later that evening while listening to NPR I heard some more about him and heard the audio part on a video he did for Youtube.
I am reading this article, '2001' author Arthur C. Clarke to be buried Saturday, on USA Today's website.

Nighthawk Sci Fi Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Nighthawk Sci Fi Club is scheduled for Sunday,
23 March 2008 at 2 PM EDT.
Meetings are free and open to the public.
Civil discussions of science fact and science fiction are welcome.

Stargate: Ark of Truth

The direct to DVD movie that completes the Ori storyline of Stargate: SG-1 was released March 11, 2008. The review of it on Roddenberry.com makes it sound like a decent presentation.

RAS Meeting

I attended this month's Richmond Astronomical Society meeting last Monday evening.
I heard an interesting talk, The History of the Solar System through Rocks, also.
I saw some interesting meteorites.
I even talked with an old friend and Nighthawk member.

Cassini to Capture Clues from Saturn's Icy Moon

I am reading this article, Cassini to Capture Clues from Saturn's Icy Moon by David Kestenbaum, on NPR's website.

The STS-123 Space Shuttle Endeavour

According to NASA's Space Shuttle website, the Space Shuttle Endeavour launched 11 March 2008 at 0228 EDT and docked with the International Space Station.
Endeavour was carrying the Kibo Logistics Module and Dextre Robotics System.
I heard an interview with Mike Moses on NPR a few mornings ago.
He said the launch and docking were perfect, flawless. . .

Hair Samples Used to Trace Movement

I heard this story, Hair Samples Used to Trace Movement, on NPR.
According to this story, the water you drink can reveal were you have been.
Forensic science is amazing.

Open-Source Crowd Shoots for the Moon

I am reading this story, Open-Source Crowd Shoots for the Moon, on NPR's website.
It is about the Google Lunar X prize of $20 million for the first team to get a rover, that transmits data, to the Moon.

Space Shuttle

According to the NASA Space Shuttle website, the Space Shuttle Atlantis landed savely at Kennedy Space Center in Flordia this morning.

Total lunar eclipse during night of February 20

I heard this story, Total lunar eclipse during night of February 20, on NPR this morning.
You can read this story, Program #5467 of the Earth & Sky Radio Series, on Earth and Sky's website.

Nighthawk Sci Fi Club Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Nighthawk Sci Fi Club is scheduled for Sunday,
24 February 2008 at 2 PM EST.
Meetings are free and open to the public.
Civil discussions of science fact and science fiction are welcome.

Book Takes Wide-Angle View of a Changing Planet

I hear this story, Book Takes Wide-Angle View of a Changing Planet, on NPR.
It is about a new book, Our Changing Planet: The View from Space.

Space Shuttle

The crew of the Space Shuttle installed the European Space Agency's lab at the International Space Station.
The Space Shuttle crew are due to land early this coming week.

Nobel prize Winner

Jim and I enjoyed a lecture by Roald Hoffmann on Mme Lavoisier at U of R.
I was very honored to meet Mr. Hoffmann and look forwaord to attending another of his lectures sometime.

Noble Prize Winner Lecture

Last night Mike and I went to the University of Richmond and heard a lecture by Roald Hoffmann. Dr. Hoffmann was co-winner of the Nobel Prize in chemistry for 1981.

STS 122

The Space Shuttle is on the way to the International Space Station with the module from the European Space Agency abourd.

NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-122

Launch time is scheduled for 7 February 2008 at 2:45 p.m. EST and Navy Cmdr. Stephen N. Frick will command the mission according to NASA's Space Shutlle website.

The Changeling and The Enemy Within

I saw two episodes, The Changeling and The Enemy Within, of Stat Trek TOS last weekend on my local ABC affiliate.

Explorer 1, America's Answer to Sputnik

I heard this story, Explorer 1, America's Answer to Sputnik by Richard Harris, on NPR.

Space Shuttle Columbia

Yesterday marks the 5th anniversary of the loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia....

Firefly

I watched the first two episodes, Serenity and The Train Job, of Firefly.
Interesting series . . .
I like Jose Whedon's television series.

Matter of Life and Death and Black Sun

I watched these episodes of Space: 1999, Matter of Life and Death and Black Sun.

Bruse Willis in the movie Armageddon

I watched this Bruce Willis movie, Armageddon.
I enjoyed it.

Space: 1999

I am watching the "Breakaway" episode, which was written by George Bellak, of Space: 1999.
The science behind the events you see in this series my be a bit suspect.
However Gerry and Sylvia Anderson did great work on this television series.
I watched every episode I could when it first aired on television.
Several books based on the series were written by authors like: E. C. Tubb, William Latham, Johnny Byrne, John Kenneth Muir, Brian Ball, John Rankine, Antony Hopkins, Prentis Hancock, Michael Butterworth, and Gerry Anderson

Nighthawk Sci Fi Club Meeting

The monthly meeting of the Nighthawk Sci Fi Club is scheduled for Sunday, 27 January 2008 at 2 PM EST.
Meetings are free and open to the public.

Ice Origin of Life ... 20 Things About Sci-fi

The February 2008 issue of Discover magazine has two very interesting articles: The first is about the theory that life may have begun in ice, not in warm conditions. This theory has been greeted with skepticism -- chemical reactions slow down as temperature drops. But strange things can happen when chemicals freeze in ice -- some reactions slow down and others speed up. A process called eutectic freezing causes pockets of increased chemical concentrations that increase the rate of some reactions. Definitely an article worth reading!
The second article is titled "20 Things You Didn't Know About Science Fiction." Number 19 is: after Philip K. Dick's death, fans built and android likeness of him that mimics his mannerisms and quotes his writing. Need I say more...?

International Space Station IMAX film

I watched an IMAX film on the International Space Station.
Interesting film.

Star Trek The Motion Picture

I read the book, Star Trek The Motion Picture, and saw the movie.
The book by Gene Roddenberry was good.
It was great to see the original case in action again and on the big screen for the first time, years ago.

Terminator The Sarah Conner Chronicles

I saw the first half of the new television series, Terminator The Sarah Conner Chronicles, based on the Terminator movies on my local FOX affiliate last evening.
It was interesting.

Space Shuttle STS-122

I heard on NPR this morning that a replacement feed-through connector is being installed to the external tank.
NASA's Space Shuttle website says that the shuttle is still on the launch pad and may launch after Jan. 24.

Carbon Offsets: Government Warns of Fraud Risk

I am reading this article, Carbon Offsets: Government Warns of Fraud Risk by Christopher Joyce, on NPR's website.