Browsing all posts in July, 2008.

Astronomy Education in the Era of Web 2.0

Currently, I’m at SSU learning how teachers teach astronomy and physics concepts related to the types of high energy astrophysics that will be studied in by the recently launch GLAST telescope. I flew out so that I could teach these master teachers about teaching astronomy new media, but I have to admit that I’m picking [...]

Silly Experiment

A few weeks ago in the middle of a meeting, Chris Lintott piped up, “One more line and you’ll have a haiku.” So, I responded “This isn’t that line,” which managed to have the required 5 syllables.
For reasons that can only be explained with the much hated phrases “Just because..”, “I don’t know…” and “I [...]

Carnival of Space

It Flies, it Sings, its the Flying Singer hosting this week’s Carnival of Space over on Music of the Spheres.
Check it out.

Unifying Concepts and Language

Astronomy is filled with ideas that share too many different names. For instance, an Quasar is also a QSO is also an Active Galactic Nuclei. In our solar system, where we once had a bunch of specific objects, we now have terrestrial planets, gaseous planets, asteroids, and icy bodies (and 1 star too). As science [...]

Summer Days Drift toward Syllabus Time

Last Friday I looked at my calendar and had the terrifying realization that I had 3 days of freedom before I started a long series of trips that would culminate in the first day of classes.
Then I realized it was July 18, not July 25, and that I actually had 1 week and 3 days.
Let [...]

Carnival of Space

I love the name of this blog: The Angry Astronomer!
And his angry self is hosting this week’s carnival of space.
Check it out.

The Grant Application Pwnd Me

If you noticed I’ve been strangely silent for the past couple weeks, it’s because I’ve been writing in other windows. Earlier today, I had the rather frightening realization that between writing a grant, writing documentation, and some personal writing projects, I’d (with a lot of help from colleagues) produced 150 pages of worth of potential [...]

Carnival of Space

This week’s carnival of space is over on the Discovery Blogs, where several folks I know (including my collaborator Chris Lintott) contribute. Check out the carnival of space, and while you’re there, take a look around.

Galaxy Evolution and the Language of Violence

One thing that has always fascinated me is how readily humans (myself certainly included) anthropomorphize everything around us. Even in the precise language of science, the tendency to use emotionally loaded words persists as we discuss the stress or strain on everything from physical structures (calculating the point of failure of building supports), and [...]

Carnival of Space

A bit late this time. I was distracted by the real world show last night
But don’t worry, the Carnival is still running over on the Bat Page. Enjoy!