Mind Visualization

Astronomy has been with the human race as long as we can remember. In the beginning it was very connected to astrology, but as time went by astronomy became more and more scientific, relying on observation, measurement and the scientific theory to develop a knowledge of the universe outside our own planet and solar system. The current happenings in astronomy can be more entertaining than any Hollywood film.

In early November of 2008 NASA nearly bombed Australia with a 1400LB Ammonia tank jettisoned from the International Space Station. Because it was too volatile to be carried on a re-entry craft, it was simply thrown into orbit. By good luck most of the pieces, no larger than fifteen pounds, were expected to fall harmlessly into the ocean. Although possible Ammonia residue would likely wash a lot of windows, this isn’t recommended as a mass cleaning method. Luckily none of the pieces struck Paul Hogan, famous as the Crocodile Hunter. Unfortunately, according to the Daily Mail in the UK, Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, remained deceased after this incident.

In September of 2008 China sent up its third successful manned space mission that included the first space walk by Chinese astronauts in history. Youtube video showed the festivities before the launch took place. It wasn’t a hoax. The video had been produced for maximum PR effect.

Still in China, a gigantic telescope is being erected near the site of the 2008 Olympic games. Revolutionary is the way this telescope tracks the sky – with two moving mirrors. The resulting look is something of a curiosity. It’s not a dome but rather something like a an uneven arch or pi symbol. That’s the Chinese, making art from science.

A new satellite launched, from Kazakhstan, in November 2008. It’s a communications satellite called Astra-1M. Proton-M launched it into space. Kazakhstan commissioned the satellite from European companies.

Astronomy hobbyists will love Worldwide Telescope. It’s a Microsoft product. It works in windows to call images from all over the world, delivered to the user. It’s like an observatory on a desktop. It may even be possible to make new discoveries when millions of eyes pour over representations taken from old data.

So there are some of the current happenings in astronomy.

Related posts:

1. Astronomy Magazine
2. Pisces Constellation Astronomy
3. Recent Astronomy Articles