Astronomy is a science that goes back thousands of years. 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. Astronomy is something too many people ignore, but those who keep their eyes on current happenings in astronomy find a wealth of interesting information.
In early November of 2008 NASA nearly bombed Australia with a 1400LB Ammonia tank jettisoned from the International Space Station. This coolant tank was thrown over board because it became too volatile to keep on board. It broke up on reentry to chunks no larger than 15 pounds, and it was expected that most of those chunks would land in water. Australians were told that ammonia vapor could make their windows cleaner, but advised them to remove the residue with newspapers and some elbow grease. Paul Hogan, the famous actor who played Crocodile Dundee, was unharmed. 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. Unfortunately for China it was revealed that ?live video? of the successful launch and flight into orbit had actually been released before the craft left the ground. The flight did take place. It was just a case of overzealous PR people.
Also from China, a huge telescope has been commissioned for construction near Beijing, site of the 2008 summer Olympics. This new telescope is unique because instead of the whole telescope moving to find and follow objects in the sky, only two mirrors move. This gives the telescope a unique look. It’s not a dome but rather something like a an uneven arch or pi symbol. Leave it to the Chinese to come up with something out of the ordinary.
In Kazakhstan of all places a new satellite was launched in early November of 2008. Satellite Astra-1M will be used for telecommunications. It was launched on a carrier called Proton-M. The satellite was designed and built in Europe.
For computer users who enjoy astronomy, Worldwide Telescope is a must have program. It was designed by Microsoft. It’s a windows application that interfaces servers all over the world to deliver stunning images of the universe. It’s like an observatory on a desktop. The only downfall is that no new discoveries can be made, because it’s all pre-compiled astrological data and images.
Now you know some of the current happenings in astronomy.
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