Just another StMarysRCHigh.co.uk Weblog…
Comet McNaught, as seen from Swifts Creek, Victoria, Australia. This non-periodic comet, the brightest in over 40 years, was discovered on August 7, 2006 by British-Australian astronomer Robert H. McNaught. It was first visible in the northern hemisphere, reaching perihelion on January 12, 2007 at a distance of 0.17 AU.
Baby Stars Hatching in Orion’s Head
A new image from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope shows infant stars “hatching” in the head of Orion, the famous hunter constellation visible from northern hemispheres during winter nights. Astronomers suspect that shockwaves from a 3-million-year-old explosion of a massive star may have initiated this newfound birth.
The region featured in the Spitzer image is called Barnard 30. It is located approximately 1,300 light-years away and sits on the right side of Orion’s head, just north of the massive star Lambda Orionis.
For the full article and hi-res image, click here
An arching fountain of p?hoehoe lava, approximately 10 m (33 ft) high, issuing from a spatter cone of Pu‘u Kahaualea, Hawaii. P?hoehoe is basaltic lava that has a smooth, billowy, undulating, or ropy surface. These surface features are due to the movement of very fluid lava under a congealing surface crust. P?hoehoe lavas typically have a temperature of 1100°C–1200°C.
None of that boring Vesuvius dust!
Suggestions, so far, have included owl pellets, synthetic kiwi fruits and hairy pebbles! If you think you know what is featured in the JPEG above, be sure to leave a comment. I am looking for the correct scientific name and a brief description, but I am welcoming guesses from all readers!
A Chemistry slant here. Who can tell me the name of the molecule in the picture above? I am also looking for a brief description of what it has been used for in the past.
Answers on an Easter egg to Mr Park.
On the 7th of March 2007, at breaktime in the science department, there was a bomb scare.
The Science Department received a strange package with no indication of what it was.
Mr. Matthews bravely volunteered to open the parcel, with no regard for his own safety. He carefully unwrapped the different layers, until it was down to a small piece of bubble wrap. Here he exclaimed that it was ticking. Summoning up the last of his courage he unwrapped the last of the bubble wrap, to reveal…a small china dog.
So to scare Mr. Matthews, all you need is some bubble wrap and parcel tape.
Teachers and students from all around the world, ages 8-18, are collaborating together to join in the research of Dr Shane Kanatous and his ice team in Antartica and the Canadian biophysicist, Dr Thomas Hawke in Toronto, Canada as they study the biology of seals. Have a look at their work.
Have a look yourself
