Current Happenings In Astronomy
The science of astronomy goes back as far as man does. 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. Let’s take a look at some of the current happenings in astronomy.
NASA dropped a bomb shell, nearly literally on Australia in late 2008 when a fourteen hundred pound tank of Ammonia was dumped off a space station. This coolant tank was thrown over board because it became too volatile to keep on board. Since most of the Earth is water, the chances were much greater the chunks would land in the ocean than on land. Australians were told that ammonia vapor could make their windows cleaner, but advised them to remove the residue with newspapers and some elbow grease. Crocodile Dundee, aka Paul Hogan, suffered no ill effects. Unfortunately, according to the Daily Mail in the UK, Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, remained deceased after this incident.
New line China, September 2008, a 3rd manned space mission launches. It will include the first space walk for Chinese astronauts. Youtube video showed the festivities before the launch took place. The flight did take place. 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. This new telescope is unique because instead of the whole telescope moving to find and follow objects in the sky, only two mirrors move. As a result this telescope doesn’t look like others. Forget the dome, this telescope is a crooked pi symbol. The Chinese have a knack for making the simple complex.
November 2008 also saw the launch of a satellite, in Kazakhstan. Satellite Astra-1M will be used for telecommunications. The launch vehicle was called Proton-M. Kazakhstan commissioned the satellite from European companies.
For computer users who enjoy astronomy, Worldwide Telescope is a must have program. It’s a Microsoft product. It’s a windows application that interfaces servers all over the world to deliver stunning images of the universe. It’s a computer observatory, basically. Don’t expect any new discoveries, because this is all pre-existing data.
That’s it for current happenings in astronomy.
Category : Uncategorized 
