Recently there has been media attention surrounding private companies expressing an interest in space "exploration". Later this month, the company SpaceX hopes to dock their spacecraft with the International Space Station (ISS).
Article: http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21428643.000-silicon-valley-reaches-for-the-sky.html
Also, SpaceX Taxi!
Article: http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2012/05/peek-inside-a-next-generation.html
Making a poster for an upcoming conference this summer?
Here are some hints I got from a recent workshop:
-Less is more [don't write an essay]
-Colour is a must [black & white is boring]
-Creativity [throw in a cool picture or quote]
-Font size [don't need a magnifying glass]
-Images/plots should be the focus
-Delineate sections with titles or borders [organization/structure]
-Would you stop to read it if you were at a conference?
Feel free to add your suggestions/comments!
Why is an astronaut like a football player?
They both want touchdowns!
Q. What's the most popular snack on Mars?
A. Marshmallows.
How do you know that Saturn is married more than once? Because he has lots of rings.
How does Jupiter hold up his trousers? With an asteroid belt.
The Heineken Uncertainty Principle says "You can never be sure how many beers you had last night."
April is another great month for looking up at the sky. While last month Venus and Jupiter were the cause for all the excitement, it's Saturn that has our attention in April. Saturn will be at opposition (directly opposite the Sun) this month, meaning extra bright and extra long viewing times at night. The peak opportunity to view will be on April 15. The info can all be found here
Have you ever wondered what age you would be if you happened to have been born on another planet? You can easily find out by heading to this webpage and entering your birth date. Check it out its pretty interesting.
What do the Russians, fertilizer, and supernovae have in common?
They are all part of numerous 'blasts' that occurred for which there is no concrete explanation.
See also the interesting BANG involving pigs!
Even though its past, I found this video pretty funny.
Did anyone do/see something in their classes around April Fools?
Feel free to share your pranks!
A bartender asked Rene Descartes if he would like another beer. He responded "I think not"
Q: What did one quantum physicist say when he wanted to fight another quantum physicist?
A: Let me atom.
What was the name of the first satellite to orbit the Earth? The moon.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
Whether the chicken crossed the road or the road crossed the chicken depends on your frame of reference.
Q: Why did the chicken cross the Mobius strip?
A: To get to the same side.
Remember the 'Powers of Ten' from wayyy back? Well this is updated and interactive with eerie music.
Scroll bar goes from Planck Length to Universe Scale-along with captions.
It seems yesterday night and tonight are fairly special as far as astronomy goes. The two brightest planets Jupiter and Venus will be incredibly close together, and will be easily visible during the night, providing those clouds manage to stay out of our way. Check out the article for some more information.
