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INTERPLANETARY INTERNET:
Move over TCP/IP. NASA has developed a new
communications protocol called Disruption-Tolerant Networking or
DTN that allows Internet-style networking of remote spacecraft.
DTN works during solar storms and eclipses, and it can handle extreme
transmission delays typical of outer space communication. Using
DTN, NASA has just tested a 10-node Interplanetary Internet: full
story.
SILHOUETTES:
On Nov. 15th in the skies above China, a winged shadow flitted across
the Moon. It couldn't have been a bird, however, because it was
flying 17,000 mph:
"The International Space Station (ISS) transited the Moon
at 3:38 China Standard Time," says Xin
Li of the Beijing Planetarium. "We photographed the event
using a Meade 8" LX200
and a ToUCam video camera." The flyby occurred not long after
the space shuttle docked with the ISS, so there are actually two
spacecraft in the picture. Can you find
Endeavour?
Two nights later, Nov. 17th, the ISS and Endeavour passed in front
of the Moon again, this time over Cracow, Poland: photo.
Lunar transits are not rare, but they can be challenging to observe
because the space station crosses the 0.5o face of the
Moon in a split second. Usually the human behind the camera sees
nothing until a later search through video frames reveals the fleeting
silhouette.
There is an easier way. Look for the "anti-silhouette."
In other words, watch the glowing body of the space station cross
the great expanse of the night sky. The ISS outshines Jupiter and
often Venus; you can't miss it! All you need are flyby
times.
more images: from
Mark Staples of Waldo, Florida; from
Pieter Ibelings of Atlanta, Georgia; from
David Tremblay of Alto, New Mexico;
CONVERGING PLANETS:
"The anticipation builds as Venus and
Jupiter approach each other for their spectacular conjunction with
the Moon on December 1st," says astronomy professor Jimmy
Westlake of Colorado Mountain College. "In the meantime,
the view of the sky's two brightest planets set against the star
clouds of the Milky Way isn't half bad, either!"
He took the picture last night from the dark countryside near Stagecoach,
Colorado. "Dusk's fading light, wispy clouds, and aircraft
headed for parts unknown combined to make a dramatic night scene,"
he says.
Not everyone has skies so dark and starry. Fortunately, you don't
need dark skies
to witness the ongoing convergence of Jupiter and Venus. The two
bright planets beam through clouds, twilight and even urban light
pollution. Step outside at sunset and take a look.Sky maps:
Nov.19, 20,
21, 22,
23, 24,
25, 26,
27, 28,
29, 30,
Dec 1.
more images: from
Doug Zubenel at Kill Creek Park near De Soto, Kansas; from
Tyler Burg of Omaha, Nebraska; from
Bill Davis of Albuquerque, New Mexico; from
Katy Giorgio of Boston, Massachusetts; from
Val Germann of Columbia, Missouri;
Nov.
2008 Aurora Gallery
[Previous Novembers: 2007,
2006, 2004,
2003, 2001,
2000]
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