Monthly Archives: May 2011

The Dark Planets

Posted on 19 May 2011 by Joseph Shoer

An article appeared today on NASA.gov about the detection of “free-floating planets.” These planets may have formed around a central star, like the planets in our Solar System did, but due to some gravitational interaction during their star system’s formation … Continue reading →

Posted in Concepts, Geology, Science, Science Fiction | Leave a comment

The Drive

Posted on 16 May 2011 by Joseph Shoer

Imagine, if you will, that a US government agency invented the automobile. And for forty-five years, nobody else but the National Automobile Sales Agency produces any cars in this country. Not because of any particular regulation, you see – but … Continue reading →

Posted in NASA, Politics, Skepticism, Space | Leave a comment

Wishes

Posted on 13 May 2011 by Joseph Shoer

A friend who – allegedly – hates puns inadvertently reminded me that I let Star Wars day go by uncelebrated on May the 4th (be with you). Fortunately, last week I also got into a discussion with some of my … Continue reading →

Posted in Science Fiction | 1 Comment

Yes; by three units

Posted on 10 May 2011 by Joseph Shoer

The Bad Astronomer has been experiencing some angst over unit systems. Almost anyone in a technical profession can provide all sorts of complaints about systems of measurement. (I once put a notice on a lab whiteboard that read, “English units … Continue reading →

Posted in Science | 2 Comments