Phoenix Discovers Ice

Scientists are persuaded that they have unearthed ice on Mars. Investigators at the University of Arizona have found from an examination of the spacecraft's latest imagery that white spots in a trench unearthed by the Phoenix Mars lander disappeared over the course of time, indicating that they had undergone the process of sublimination, or the evaporation of ice directly into vapor.

For an animation, see: http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/253084main_dodo_020_024.gif

TEGA Sensor Fails to Detect Mars Sample

For a reason currently under investigation, none of the sample of Martian soil delivered by the Phoenix arm to the opening of one of the ovens of the TEGA instrument appears to have successfully entered the device.

The Scoop on Mars

Here is a close-up of the image of the first scoop of Martian soil destined for analysis using the scientific instrument known as TEGA. (Source: NASA. Enhancement: Hat Rick.)

Heroes with Feet of Duranium

As various actors and actresses in the Star Trek series of TV shows and movies write their tell-all books and memoirs, there is a natural tendency toward disappointment at the criticism they may level against each other. But cast members are as human as you and me, and we should harbor no illusions but that their story-telling is simply an exponent of their innate humanity.

I am reminded of human foibles each and every time I drive on the freeway and some inconsiderate boor cuts me off after mistaking my lane-change signal for an invitation to participate in a bout of road war. The fact that it is fallible — oh so fallible — humans that have created a wondrous myth that we see in Star Trek is perhaps mute testimony to how rare an accomplishment Trek really is.

Canton Residents Face Jail Time for Letting Grass Grow

The city council of Canton, Ohio unanimously approved a law that imposes penalties of up to $250.00 and 30 days in jail on homeowners who fail to mow their lawns.

I've heard of jail time for growing grass, but this is something else!