Friday, July 8, 2011
Atlantis - An End of An Era
As the space shuttle Atlantis had a flawless blastoff from Cape Canaveral this morning at 8:26 am EDT, it is the end of an era for America and NASA. With no new program, either with NASA or the private sector, what will come next for the United States and our space program?
Many accomplishments have been attributed to our efforts to explore beyond the reaches of Earth. Many things we take for granted today are as a direct results of the race to space and our desire to see what is "out there". Space technology has impacted all our lives, in the food we eat, how we communicate, are entertained and the materials we use; just to name a few benefits. Even how we view the universe today is different than 50 years ago, as knowledge from the space program is even challenging some of the laws of physics, as we understand more about the cosmos.
The shuttle was a workhorse to space, which, after 30 years, had become expensive and outdated. A new launch system is needed which is more efficient and cost effective. That could well come from private contractors, free enterprise and a "for profit" concept. Encouraging ideas as it well could be the next industry that takes America's Economy beyond.
What is next? A good question, but I'm sure one that will be answered soon. In the meantime, "Godspeed Atlantis"!
Many accomplishments have been attributed to our efforts to explore beyond the reaches of Earth. Many things we take for granted today are as a direct results of the race to space and our desire to see what is "out there". Space technology has impacted all our lives, in the food we eat, how we communicate, are entertained and the materials we use; just to name a few benefits. Even how we view the universe today is different than 50 years ago, as knowledge from the space program is even challenging some of the laws of physics, as we understand more about the cosmos.
The shuttle was a workhorse to space, which, after 30 years, had become expensive and outdated. A new launch system is needed which is more efficient and cost effective. That could well come from private contractors, free enterprise and a "for profit" concept. Encouraging ideas as it well could be the next industry that takes America's Economy beyond.
What is next? A good question, but I'm sure one that will be answered soon. In the meantime, "Godspeed Atlantis"!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
We're just dust in the wind!
More Phoenix storms forecast after huge evening dust storm
by Brittany Smith, Connor Radnovich and Matt Haldane -Jul. 6, 2011 10:16 AM
The Arizona Republic-12 News Breaking News Team
More storms are forecast for Wednesday evening, following a massive dust storm that swept across the Phoenix area Tuesday night, leaving a path of dust, debris and damage in nearly every part of the Valley.
Wednesday evening’s forecast includes a 20 percent chance for thunderstorms in the Valley and between a 20 percent and 25 percent chance for dust storms beginning between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
(Westboundkid) Wow...now look at these photos of the storm! The Valley is a dust bowl today. Should I wash my car, or ignore it? Looks like it might make sense to wait a day or so and see what else turns up.
From the northwest, looking southeast, at downtown Phoenix last night during the Haboob (dust storm) which was 70 miles wide and over 5,000 feet tall of wind & dust.
In the west valley, a long shot of the size of last night's Haboob
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