NASA takes a bazillion photos of launches, and this is the result of digitally enhancing that data to see things usually not visible in the heat, light, and blast of a lift-off. Full details at NASA.gov.
Shuttle Geek: Enhanced Photo of Launch Shows Fine Detail
June 3, 2011
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Fun with MSPaint
June 1, 2011
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Can you spot the differences?
Sometimes you just have to play with the humans
May 30, 2011
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Lunar Geek: Is the Moon Too Wet?
May 27, 2011
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Photo art: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Science marches on. New studies of lunar material might call into question the collision theory of lunar formation. If a Mars sized object struck the Earth early in it’s history, then today’s Moon might be too wet.
It’s odd to think of the Moon as too wet, or indeed, to think of it as wet at all. Recent discoveries have indicated there is a lot of water there. Some very recent work has indicated, however, that the Moon may be too wet!
Mars Geek: Spirit Gives Up The Ghost
May 25, 2011
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Spirit has died. One of two NASA rovers on Mars, no contact has been made with the plucky little machine since March 2010. NASA had been hoping that with the return of summer to the region, the amazing little machine would come back to life. Sadly, it appears that will not happen.
Transmissions to the Martian surface from Earth, and from orbiting relay stations have failed to elicit a response. Age and the terribly cold Martian winter have finally silenced the science lab on wheels.
The next generation rover, Curiosity, is nearing it’s launch date, and NASA must reconfigure Earth bound transmission arrays, as well as the satellites orbiting Mars, to support the new mission. Spirit will stand silent sentinel near Gusev crater now, slowly collecting a layer of Mars dust, waiting for the day when humans arrive to reclaim the sturdy little machine designed to operate for 90 days. Landing January 5, 2004, Spirit studied Mars for 6 years. Perhaps, someday, we’ll collect up Spirit, and return it home. An honored spot at the Smithsonian would be appropriate, I think. It’s certainly earned that distinction.
It’s twin, Opportunity, still roves on the other side of the planet, sending science back to eager researchers on Earth.
Monday Geek on Tuesday
May 24, 2011
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I spent yesterday, Monday, in the middle of nowhere, ‘helping’ Ted set up wireless internet infrastructure for a client of his company. Microwave links from from civilization (Fresno), to the boonies, down to a home so remote the driveway is several miles long! Geekiness all day long!
Ted on the ladder, installing solar powered microwave equipment
A few more shots, after the jump. More
Another night at work
May 18, 2011
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Endeavour Ready For Launch
May 16, 2011
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Space Shuttle Endeavour sits on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, an hour before it’s scheduled 25th and final flight. One more flight remains in the Shuttle Program.
JimmieJoe / KC6YRU 
Shuttle Geek: The Last Rollout
May 31, 2011
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Photo: NASA
The last rollout. Space Shuttle Atlantis heads for the launch pad. This will be the last launch of the program. After this, if an American astronaut needs to get into space, he’ll have to hitch a ride with the Russians. The USA will not have a manned launch vehicle for many years into the future. Not the best planning, for a people that went from modified ICBMs to men on the Moon in ten years.
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