Science

35 Years Ago, We Got Our First Look At An Alien World

Thirty five years ago yesterday, we could only imagine the view from the surface of another world. But Russia’s Venera 9 probe changed all that, beaming back the first ever photo of another planet – 40 million kilometres away.


September 20, 2010
Science

NASA Talks Tough On Its Future, Again

NASA, huh? Since the halcyon days of Kennedy and the shuttle program it’s sputtered slightly, thanks in no small part to unnecessary wars, poor economics and other earthly foibles. Also: explaining its purpose, especially as it relates to the layperson.


August 9, 2010

Specialised Drill Robot To Unlock The Final Secrets Of The Great Pyramid Of Giza

Like a massive stone puzzle, the Great Pyramid has refused to give up all of its secrets. One of the last are two shafts out of the “Queen’s Chamber”. Purpose? Unknown, even to this day. Robots to the rescue.


April 30, 2010
Cameras

Next Mars Rover To Include 3D Camera Thanks To James Cameron

Avatar put me to sleep, but I admire James Cameron’s thirst for new film technologies. Now I admire him even more after he convinced NASA Administrator Charles Bolden to put back the 3D camera in Curiosity, the next Mars rover.


October 14, 2009
Cars

Dream Job: Scientists Search For Arctic Asteroids On Hovercraft

Ever since hovercraft popularity peaked in early 90s R/C toys, I’d mentally buried the sheer awesomeness of the technology. Luckily, Wired reminded me with a piece depicting researchers searching for asteroids in the Arctic while floating on air and rubber.