Astronomer Tony Darnell does a nice job in this YouTube video, a la Carl Sagan, of illustrating the overwhelming size of the universe and providing context for the amazing Deep Field images from the Hubble Space Telescope.
HYPERinflation
Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe
At least our current economic crisis does not include hyperinflation. Here’s a visual look at hyperinflation in Zimbabwe.
Posted in web link
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NASA’s New Rocket in Trouble?
The Ares Rocket
Ares was violence personified – the god of bloodlust in contrast to the more strategic thinking of Athena. And NASA’s new Ares I rocket, the agency’s first new rocket system in 35 years, may be living up to its name. This article reports on problems with the program, which is intended to replace the Space Shuttle with the Ares I rocket launching humans into orbit and the separate Ares V rocket launching cargo.
My students are startled to learn that the Space Shuttles are slated for retirement in 2010, leaving the US entirely dependent on Russia’s Soyuz rockets for access to orbit for at least four years. Developing a new system of rockets was bound to be difficult and it is not surprising to find it plagued with design problems, cost overruns, and delays.
The public has lost much of its past interest in spaceflight. We lack the national will to return to the moon or send humans to Mars unless we get into another Space Race, this time with China. There isn’t much point in sending humans beyond orbit when robotic probes can gather so much data for us remotely, except for the emotional impact of witnessing humans visiting other planets.
Posted in physics, technology
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Physics Art
Art by Caleb Charland
Caleb Charland is an artist whose photographic works make interesting use of physics, from magnetic fields to the parabolic trajectory of a projectile.
Posted in art, photos, web link
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Clean-Shaven
My young adulthood was afflicted by a rapidly balding pate and now middle age brought the inevitable graying beard. I hate those new stiff white hairs. So, thirteen years after I grew my beard and despite my lack of affection for my jowls, I decided to try going clean-shaven. This will get a lot of reactions at work on Monday! I look younger but fatter and the slight beard tan is somewhat amusing.
Clean-shaven after 13 years
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Meador Manor 