Exoplanets continue to inspire October 27, 2009
Posted by sarah in: new astronomy, science . 1 comment so far
At a conference last week, a team of astronomers announced the discovery of 32 new exoplanets. This confirms what many already suspected: they’re everywhere! The disoveries were made by European astronomers based around Prof. Michel Mayor’s group at the Observatory of Geneva, who continue to increase their exoplanet tally since they spotted the first one around a regular star, back in 1995. Their secret? A small telescope with a damn fine instrument, that they themselves built specifically for the job.
Magazine FAIL! October 23, 2009
Posted by sarah in: pics, random, women . 3comments
Rubens couldn't get designers to send him size 12 samples either
What is it about women’s magazines these days that makes me want to set fire to something? Or, you know, write a great big angry blog post. They used to be a welcome diversion after a hard day at work but these days, the few times that I still read them, usually on long flights, they just irritate me.
Fireball over Netherlands October 18, 2009
Posted by sarah in: astronomy, pics . Add a commentIt’s been all quiet on the blogging front while I’ve been burying myself in work and .Astronomy preparations over in the US. But check out this amazing picture of the giant fireball that was seen over the Netherlands and Germany last Tuesday! There were sonic booms and the meteor visible broke up into pieces as it streaked through the atmopshere. I haven’t heard anything yet about any reains being recovered – that would be very cool.
The White House Hearts Astronomy October 9, 2009
Posted by sarah in: astronomy, politics . Add a commentThis week the White House was the venue for the most high-profile Star Party of the year. To celebrate the International Year of Astronomy, the President played host to over a hundred school kids and amateur astronomers. He gave a lovely opening address about the importance of science in society, his desire to reinvigorate maths and science education in the US, and he encourages the youngsters present to let their sense fo wonder and passion drive them in their pursuit for discovery. The man can speak.
Nobel honours technology pioneers October 8, 2009
Posted by sarah in: astronomy . 3commentsYesterday the 2009 Nobel Prize for Physics was awarded to three scientists who pioneered some of the key technologies that have helped revolutionise both our lives and the way we do science in the last few decades. One of the laureates, Charles Kao, was honoured for his work on optical fibres, that has helped transform the telecommunications infrastructure we use every day. The others, William Boyle and George Smith, invented the charge coupled device (CCD) – the silicon imaging devices that lie at the core of the digital photography revolution. Congratulations to all three of them!
