On the subject asteroids and other near eath objects, Slashdot has the best coverage on 2004 MN4. JPL has a nice fact sheet replete with animations. 2004 MN4 has a 1/63 chance of hitting the earth, with the damage depending on the asteroid’s composition. Let’s focus on the real threats. The worst case is “if …
Asteroids and Arms Control
by | 2004-12-25 | No Comments
Final NEAR Shoemaker Descent Images of Eros from February 2001 at 1,150 meters. Nothing says holiday cheer like the reminder that total planetary annihilation is a statistical fact of existence in our universe. Astronomers spotted an near earth object after it passed about 36,000 km by the earth. The asteroid—2004 YD5—was about 5 meters wide …
Virtual Visit from the USAF Office of Special Investigations
by | 2004-12-24 | No Comments
Someone from Air Force Office of Special Investigations googled “counterspace AND SAP”—as in “Special Access Program”—and then clicked on my post about the Microsatellite Payload Experiment. (Bet you didn’t know I logged all visitors like that, eh?) 10:29 on December 24. Merry Christmas from Big Brother. Wonder what’s goin’ on here … Is somebody angry …
Hu Jintao visits Zhu Guangya
by | 2004-12-24 | No Comments
Keep no-fist use. Now, how ‘bout those dumplings? Zhu Guangya, one of the fathers of China’s nuclear weapons programs, received a visit from Chinese President Hu Jintao to solicit “opinions and suggestions … on the country’s development of science and technology” according to the Xinhua news agency. This could just be a courtesy call—Hu also …
