Archive of Writings
Additional articles can be found on EVSN.tv.
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...
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!
Name a Star (not), Name a Theory (maybe), Name an Asteroid (certainly)
The names of things in astronomy are quite random in origin and often quite awful for no good reason. Now, there are exceptions, but... In general. Wow. Are the astronomers who get to name things using up all their creativity in their analysis? For some reason the...
The Science of Galaxy Zoo
Monday night Chris Lintott, another researcher and journalist and an all around cool guy, is going to be giving a talk here at SIUE (please come if you are local - more details and links to maps here). For those of you not in a position to drive to Southern Illinois,...
Cleaning up the Light: Astroimaging and sodium lights
Yesterday I spent the day at the MidAmerican Regional Astrophysics Conference. This year this roaming astronomy meeting was held just outside St Louis at St Charles Community College. I have to say I was really impressed with the quality of the presentations and the...
Yes, there is water on Mars (Didn’t we know that?)
In case you haven't heard, NASA has come out and stated that the Phoenix Lander has <gasp of wonder> found ice on Mars. The little lander dug a cute little trench with its shovel and uncovered some white stuff that over the course of several days disappeared in...
Meet Me & Chris Lintott in Edwardsville! (near St. Louis)
Summer "vacation" is turning into a busy series of talks and conferences. Luckily, I'm not the only one doing all the talking. On Monday June 30, Chris Lintott, the man behind Galaxy Zoo's ongoing goodness, will be visiting me here in Edwardsville so we can work on...
Multi-periodic Variables, or Playing Sudoku with Stars
As a researcher, I have to admit that I have been a bit unfocused, or perhaps dually focused is a better way to put it. My first research gig was doing a Quasar survey at 17 using a 6-meter optical telescope. My next job had me working in radio on T Tauri variable...
The Space Shuttle: A Science Enabler (and random)
Earlier this morning the space Shuttle Discovery landed down in Florida. This particular mission carried the JAXA's Japanese Experiment Module ("Kibo" which means hope), to the International Space Station. This new addition to the ISS brings with it new...