Monday, December 22, 2008

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

Thursday, December 18, 2008

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.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

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.

Friday, December 5, 2008

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.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

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.