New Astronomy Star: The VISTA

ScienceDecember 2009 • Views: 1,993

This really is the new golden age of astronomy. Now the three telescopic stars in this new age (Hubble, Chandra, and Spitzer) have been joined by another awesome new tool: VISTA (the Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy).

And the VISTA team is now releasing their first images, including this amazing infrared picture of the “Flame Nebula.”

This image, the first to be released publicly from VISTA, the world’s largest survey telescope, shows the spectacular star-forming region known as the Flame Nebula, or NGC 2024, in the constellation of Orion (the Hunter) and its surroundings. In views of this evocative object in visible light the core of the nebula is completely hidden behind obscuring dust, but in this VISTA view, taken in infrared light, the cluster of very young stars at the object’s heart is revealed. The wide-field VISTA view also includes the glow of the reflection nebula NGC 2023, just below centre, and the ghostly outline of the Horsehead Nebula (Barnard 33) towards the lower right. The bright bluish star towards the right is one of the three bright stars forming the Belt of Orion. The image was created from VISTA images taken through J, H and Ks filters in the near-infrared part of the spectrum. The image shows about half the area of the full VISTA field and is about 40 x 50 arcminutes in extent. The total exposure time was 14 minutes.

And don’t miss the zoomable version of the full resolution image, for a mind-bending view of this birthplace of stars.

(Hat tip: Phil Plait.)

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200 comments

Gearhead Fri, Dec 11, 2009 1:55:53pm

7 is even better, IMHO

Cato the Elder Fri, Dec 11, 2009 1:56:28pm

The heavens declare the majesty of God.

ED 209 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 1:58:16pm

re: #1 Gearhead

7 is even better, IMHO

No they don't, you do.

Sharmuta Fri, Dec 11, 2009 1:58:25pm

So beautiful.

A Man for all Seasons Fri, Dec 11, 2009 1:59:09pm

Hooray Phil!
For more info visit his web site
[Link: blogs.discovermagazine.com...]

ED 209 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 1:59:21pm

re: #2 Cato the Elder

The heavens declare the majesty of God.

oops, this was meant for Cato-

No they don't, you do.

(preview is my friend)

brookly red Fri, Dec 11, 2009 1:59:28pm

re: #1 Gearhead

7 is even better, IMHO

Microsoft has managed to forever ruin the word vista for me. Great picture though.

bosforus Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:00:22pm

Personally, I don't think Orion would stand a chance against that thing.

Gearhead Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:02:06pm

That little blob of fuzz in my dinky, 6cm Meade is THAT thing? Wow.

Glen Davidson Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:03:29pm

Spitzer's still useful, but it has run out of the helium that used to keep it cold enough for longer wavelength IR observations.

Anyway, Vista's going to be great, and will find a horde of asteroids.

Glen Davidson
[Link: tinyurl.com...]

Charles Johnson Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:03:51pm

Check out this zoomable view of the heart of the Milky Way. Click the full-screen button and prepare to be blown away by the sheer vastness of just one galaxy.

And there are trillions of similar galaxies in the known universe.

[Link: www.eso.org...]

cliffster Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:04:36pm

Wow, that's cool.

Sharmuta Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:04:54pm

The clickable version is amazing. The resolution is incredible.

Obdicut Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:05:02pm

Astonishing.

Science. It works.

Damn, that's gorgeous.

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:05:25pm

I can see Uranus!
/

Gearhead Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:05:41pm

re: #11 Charles

Check out this zoomable view of the heart of the Milky Way. Click the full-screen button and prepare to be just blown away by the sheer vastness of just one galaxy.

And there are trillions of similar galaxies in the known universe.

[Link: www.eso.org...]

more stars than all the grains of sand on all the beaches

Dark_Falcon Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:08:56pm

re: #15 sattv4u2

I can see Uranus!
/

SMACK!

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:09:34pm

I always get a pang of sadness, in addition to awe, when i can see part of the universe like this...because now i want to travel there and check it out.

Damn our lack of hyperspeed...

Basho Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:11:04pm

re: #11 Charles

Check out this zoomable view of the heart of the Milky Way. Click the full-screen button and prepare to be just blown away by the sheer vastness of just one galaxy.

And there are trillions of similar galaxies in the known universe.

[Link: www.eso.org...]

Yeah, full screen mode is absolutely necessary to get the experience of it. I just zoomed in really quick all the way and it blew me away. Incredible. Thanks!

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:11:08pm

Up until i moved to Georgia about 11 years ago, I've always lived in or near enough to big cities that the heavens majesty was always somewhat obscured. Traveling around the country back then I always envied "country folk" for their view of the sky at night
HAd the option to buy close to Atlanta or out in the country. Country won! 1st purchase we made was a high powered telescope for our new home

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:11:17pm

re: #18 Aceofwhat?

I always get a pang of sadness, in addition to awe, when i can see part of the universe like this...because now i want to travel there and check it out.

Damn our lack of hyperspeed...

Stop complaining and get to work on the practical application theoretical physics. Earthlings! (roll eyestalks)

cliffster Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:11:33pm

re: #18 Aceofwhat?

I always get a pang of sadness, in addition to awe, when i can see part of the universe like this...because now i want to travel there and check it out.

Damn our lack of hyperspeed...

It wouldn't look like that anymore once you got there.

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:11:44pm

re: #20 sattv4u2

Up until i moved to Georgia about 11 years ago, I've always lived in or near enough to big cities that the heavens majesty was always somewhat obscured. Traveling around the country back then I always envied "country folk" for their view of the sky at night
HAd the option to buy close to Atlanta or out in the country. Country won! 1st purchase we made was a high powered telescope for our new home

Yeah but the commute sucks. Trade offs.

Cannadian Club Akbar Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:12:31pm

re: #20 sattv4u2

I live in the country, although people have creeped in. I miss all the extra stars.

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:12:42pm

re: #22 cliffster

It wouldn't look like that anymore once you got there.

I know, but neither does the back of the next hill. I still want to see it.

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:13:03pm

re: #23 DaddyG

Yeah but the commute sucks. Trade offs.

Not the hours I work. I'm usually heading in towards Emory when others are heading out, and vice versa

Basho Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:13:12pm

re: #14 Obdicut

Astonishing.

Science. It works.

Damn, that's gorgeous.

Most of this science is government funded!!! You think the government doesn't have their own agenda to make us think there are that many stars?!?!?!
/

Dark_Falcon Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:13:44pm

I'll be back later. Gotta go put some ornaments on the Christmas tree.

MandyManners Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:14:00pm

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Fart Knocker Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:14:32pm

re: #11 Charles

Check out this zoomable view of the heart of the Milky Way. Click the full-screen button and prepare to be blown away by the sheer vastness of just one galaxy.

And there are trillions of similar galaxies in the known universe.

[Link: www.eso.org...]

And to think, they all sprang into being 6000 years ago!!!

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:14:34pm

re: #18 Aceofwhat?

I always get a pang of sadness, in addition to awe, when i can see part of the universe like this...because now i want to travel there and check it out.

Damn our lack of hyperspeed...

ZNot to mention there's prolly no McDonalds or WalMart there!

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:15:04pm

re: #20 sattv4u2

Up until i moved to Georgia about 11 years ago, I've always lived in or near enough to big cities that the heavens majesty was always somewhat obscured. Traveling around the country back then I always envied "country folk" for their view of the sky at night
HAd the option to buy close to Atlanta or out in the country. Country won! 1st purchase we made was a high powered telescope for our new home

I think the best view i ever had was sleeping outside when i went bouldering at Joshua tree a while ago. nothing like really dry air and zero ambient light to make the most of the heavens.

Decatur Deb Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:15:27pm

re: #30 rwdflynavy

And to think, they all sprang into being 6000 years ago!!!

//

Redshift is there to fool us!!!1!!

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:17:08pm

re: #26 sattv4u2

Not the hours I work. I'm usually heading in towards Emory when others are heading out, and vice versa

I'm in the big GRTA bus- I'll wave at you when I pass by.

Summer Seale Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:17:39pm

This is why I think that fundamentalists are deaf and blind.

We see pictures of this spanning across time and dimensions that we can't even truly fathom, and they think that science is cold, empty, and without meaning.

Idiots.

I look a that and see the majesty of so many things I can't even grasp them all, and they stare at a little book written by bronze-aged men and think it has all the answers.

They're so bloody vulgar.

Gus Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:17:52pm

The majestic wonder of space, time, matter and energy.

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:18:00pm

re: #32 Aceofwhat?

I think the best view i ever had was sleeping outside when i went bouldering at Joshua tree a while ago. nothing like really dry air and zero ambient light to make the most of the heavens.

Driving cross country once between on RTE 70 west of Salina Kansas, all we saw for MILES was corn fields on both sides of the road. Nightime came and we pulled over and looked up at a chrystal clear star filled sky. I never felt so little in my life

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:18:20pm

Thanks to global warming the holes in the dark fabric surrounding the earth are expanding. That is why the stars look bigger. /

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:18:32pm

re: #29 MandyManners

amen

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:19:14pm

re: #35 Summer

This is why I think that fundamentalists are deaf and blind.

We see pictures of this spanning across time and dimensions that we can't even truly fathom, and they think that science is cold, empty, and without meaning.

Idiots.

I look a that and see the majesty of so many things I can't even grasp them all, and they stare at a little book written by bronze-aged men and think it has all the answers.

They're so bloody vulgar.

It kind of puts limits on God in the name of God. I never understood that throught process.

cliffster Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:19:43pm

I'll bet it's 5:00 there.

*cracks open a beer

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:19:44pm

re: #34 DaddyG

I'm in the big GRTA bus- I'll wave at you when I pass by.

I'll be there at about 9:30 tomorrow morning (heading in to work) and about 10:15 tomorrow night (heading home). Have a rose in your teeth so I know it's you

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:20:46pm

re: #32 Aceofwhat?

re: #37 sattv4u2

Driving cross country once ~~between~~ on RTE 70 west of Salina Kansas, all we saw for MILES was corn fields on both sides of the road. Nightime came and we pulled over and looked up at a chrystal clear star filled sky. I never felt so little in my life

pimf ,,, damn, now next time I need the word BETWEEN in a post I'll have wasted it there !!

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:21:10pm

I had my son and daughter on my shoulders and in my arms on a campout in the High Unitas in Utah. We came to a clearing on the mountain top and saw the milky way so clearly it looked like someone had really spilled milk accross the sky. My son (4 at the time) reported back to his mother when we climbed back down to our campsite: "Mom! We just saw every star God made!"

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:21:38pm

re: #42 sattv4u2

I'll be there at about 9:30 tomorrow morning (heading in to work) and about 10:15 tomorrow night (heading home). Have a rose in your teeth so I know it's you

Red or yellow? I need to know how serious this is getting. /

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:22:21pm

re: #45 DaddyG

Red or yellow? I need to know how serious this is getting. /

And on a bus, too! because there won't be other strange people on the bus already.../

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:22:21pm

re: #45 DaddyG

Red or yellow? I need to know how serious this is getting. /

Depends. Can I get bare shoulder on the 1st date!?!?!

Obdicut Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:22:40pm

re: #20 sattv4u2

One of the best things about San Francisco as a city-- you can see the stars at night.

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:22:46pm

re: #46 Aceofwhat?

And on a bus, too! because there won't be other strange people on the bus already.../

What do you mean "other" strange people?

Gus Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:23:33pm

We embarked on our cosmic voyage with a question first framed in the childhood of our species and in each generation asked anew with undiminished wonder: What are the stars? Exploration is in our nature. We began as wanderers, and we are wanderers still. We have lingered long enough on the shores of the cosmic ocean. We are ready at last to set sail for the stars.

Carl Sagan - Cosmos (1980)

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:23:37pm

re: #47 sattv4u2

Depends. Can I get bare shoulder on the 1st date!?!?!

No I'm a Temple goin' Mormon you can only get anything below a short sleeve or beneath the knee.

cliffster Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:24:11pm

re: #44 DaddyG

I remember a similar experience when I was a kid - probably around 8. Camping with my folks, and I woke up in the middle of the night. Had to pee. Went outside to do my thing, and the milky way was splashed all across the night sky. I think it was winter so it was the Orion side of things. Absolutely breathtaking. Even to the 8-year-old boy who just got done trying to pee on the crickets jumping around.

Gearhead Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:24:12pm

re: #45 DaddyG

Red or yellow? I need to know how serious this is getting. /

Sleepless in Seattle thread ?

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:24:14pm

re: #48 Obdicut

One of the best things about San Francisco as a city-- you can see the stars at night.

...and a few other things according to Zombie's photo essays. /

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:24:33pm

re: #48 Obdicut

One of the best things about San Francisco as a city-- you can see the stars at night.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I saw stars in Boston and here in Atlanta at night, (and yes, San frans as well as San Diegos sky is beautiful also) but out in the country, it's like DAMN!!! WHere'd all THOSE come from!!

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:25:17pm

re: #35 Summer

This is why I think that fundamentalists are deaf and blind.

We see pictures of this spanning across time and dimensions that we can't even truly fathom, and they think that science is cold, empty, and without meaning.

Idiots.

I look a that and see the majesty of so many things I can't even grasp them all, and they stare at a little book written by bronze-aged men and think it has all the answers.

They're so bloody vulgar.

The bronze-age men, though, would have been super-impressed by VISTA.

Cannadian Club Akbar Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:25:36pm

re: #53 Gearhead

Sleepless in Seattle thread ?

When Harry met Hairier.
/

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:25:37pm

re: #52 cliffster
Little men and big boys have the ability to mix the sacred and profane in such creative ways. That's why I love working with the Boy Scouts. They go from profound to stupid and back again in nano-seconds.

MandyManners Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:26:15pm

re: #35 Summer

This is why I think that fundamentalists are deaf and blind.

We see pictures of this spanning across time and dimensions that we can't even truly fathom, and they think that science is cold, empty, and without meaning.

Idiots.

I look a that and see the majesty of so many things I can't even grasp them all, and they stare at a little book written by bronze-aged men and think it has all the answers.

They're so bloody vulgar.

I'm a fundamentalist and I see these photographs as evidence of how powerful God is, how infinite is His creation.

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:26:57pm

re: #58 DaddyG

Little men and big boys have the ability to mix the sacred and profane in such creative ways. That's why I love working with the Boy Scouts. They go from profound to stupid and back again in nano-seconds.

Hmm,,, Mormon ,,, works with scouts

A very good freind of mine here has the same bio!
But he doesn't "bus"

albusteve Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:27:19pm

re: #55 sattv4u2

Oh, don't get me wrong. I saw stars in Boston and here in Atlanta at night, (and yes, San frans as well as San Diegos sky is beautiful also) but out in the country, it's like DAMN!!! WHere'd all THOSE come from!!

in the arid west...the stars are very densely pack together right down to the horizon, where straight up actually lights up the sky a bit...pretty amazing

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:28:14pm

re: #60 sattv4u2

Hmm,,, Mormon ,,, works with scouts

A very good freind of mine here has the same bio!
But he doesn't "bus"

It's not too atypical for Mormon men to end up as a Scout leader. Especially if they have sons. Now if he's a bureaucrat with 7 kids, four cats, three dogs and a pet bluegill that would be me.

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:28:35pm

re: #61 albusteve

in the arid west...the stars are very densely pack together right down to the horizon, where straight up actually lights up the sky a bit...pretty amazing

I know. One of my favorite places was just outside of Pueblo Colorado

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:29:36pm

re: #59 MandyManners

I'm a fundamentalist and I see these photographs as evidence of how powerful God is, how infinite is His creation.

I think they were referring to the kind of fundamentalism that I would call literalist.

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:30:04pm

re: #62 DaddyG

It's not too atypical for Mormon men to end up as a Scout leader. Especially if they have sons. Now if he's a bureaucrat with 7 kids, four cats, three dogs and a pet bluegill that would be me.

Close
A dentist with 5 kids (three of them currently at BYU) but no pets. A scout AND a scout leader

Stuart Leviton Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:30:32pm

re: #6 ED 209

oops, this was meant for Cato-

No they don't, you do.

(preview is my friend)

I am sure you know Cato was quoting Psalm 19.

May the words of my mouth
and the meditations of my heart
be acceptable in Thy sight
Lord, my rock and redeemer.

Shabat Shalom and Chag Sameach everyone!

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:30:37pm

re: #54 DaddyG

...and a few other things according to Zombie's photo essays. /

Oh God, that stupid Folsom photo essay of Zombie's...I'm giggling now, because that photo essay has become the bane of my lizardly life.

San Francisco is a beautiful city! We have historic churches and synagogues! We have nice parks! We have a City Hall with gold accents on it! We have an Opera House! And a supercool science museum! And art museums! And staggering views! And the world's best restaurants!

And we also have Zombie, busily photographing our least dignified moments, and putting them on the internet. Oh dear.

///

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:30:43pm

You make me want to go camping with my kids. Of course not enough to leave my wife alone in a warm bed tonight.

MandyManners Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:31:03pm

re: #64 DaddyG

I think they were referring to the kind of fundamentalism that I would call literalist.

I also wonder if those people in particular lack imagination, if they try to limit God because they cannot see outside of their own minds.

Does that make sense?

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:31:18pm

re: #65 sattv4u2

Close
A dentist with 5 kids (three of them currently at BYU) but no pets. A scout AND a scout leader

Five KIDS!!! is he crazy! /

Bagua Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:31:32pm

Message to the Universe

MP3 Audio

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:31:45pm

re: #58 DaddyG

Little men and big boys have the ability to mix the sacred and profane in such creative ways. That's why I love working with the Boy Scouts. They go from profound to stupid and back again in nano-seconds.

Then they're better men than I. I spend most of my time in stupid, only rarely glimpsing profound before i fall back down again.

Racer X Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:31:49pm

re: #15 sattv4u2

I can see Uranus!
/

Does this telescope make my butt look big?

Summer Seale Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:31:58pm

re: #59 MandyManners

I'm a fundamentalist and I see these photographs as evidence of how powerful God is, how infinite is His creation.

What DaddyG said. =)

I mean fundamentalist literalists, really. If you support science and research, I don't put you in the same category. I disagree with you whether or not there is a God, but that's really more a personal issue that I can do without arguing all the time.

Obdicut Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:32:17pm

re: #54 DaddyG

Just don't go down to Folsom.

I love SF. I'm a straight man with no especially nutty hobbies, and San Francisco is just a wonderful place to live.

My fiancee and I may have to move for her to go to a MD/PhD program, and it'll make me very, very sad if we have to.

This city is far more libertarian than people realize, in attitude.

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:32:21pm

re: #35 Summer

This is why I think that fundamentalists are deaf and blind.

We see pictures of this spanning across time and dimensions that we can't even truly fathom, and they think that science is cold, empty, and without meaning.

Idiots.

I look a that and see the majesty of so many things I can't even grasp them all, and they stare at a little book written by bronze-aged men and think it has all the answers.

They're so bloody vulgar.

Hmm. How would you define 'fundamentalist'?

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:32:27pm

re: #62 DaddyG

It's not too atypical for Mormon men to end up as a Scout leader. Especially if they have sons. Now if he's a bureaucrat with 7 kids, four cats, three dogs and a pet bluegill that would be me.

Marvin?

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:32:53pm

re: #76 Aceofwhat?

Oops, nevermind Summer - just saw your post above.

Summer Seale Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:32:57pm

re: #76 Aceofwhat?

Hmm. How would you define 'fundamentalist'?

Anyone who doesn't think exactly the way I do on every single subject.

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:33:22pm

re: #67 SanFranciscoZionist
San Fran is a lovely place. I got to go there a few times with my Dad on business. I love the wharf and riding cable cars down to Ghirardelli square to binge on chocolate. I learned to eat with chopsticks in China town. Taught by an old oriental man who looked like he had walked out of an old movie set. Good times.

Cannadian Club Akbar Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:33:36pm

re: #76 Aceofwhat?

Hmm. How would you define 'fundamentalist'?

You're going to hell for asking that question. (how's that?)
//

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:33:44pm

re: #69 MandyManners

I also wonder if those people in particular lack imagination, if they try to limit God because they cannot see outside of their own minds.

Does that make sense?

If they realize that God has created more than they can understand, they might also realize that God is more than they can know. That upsets some people.

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:33:48pm

re: #70 DaddyG

Five KIDS!!! is he crazy! /

Yup. Fourth in line is one of my sons best freinds. He's one of the group I call the LOCUSTS that generally end up sleeping at out house Fraidays and/ or Saturday nights. My dogs hide their treats when the LOCUSTS are about!

Obdicut Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:33:53pm

re: #69 MandyManners

Mandy, this isn't the beauty of cosmic creation, but it's cute as hell.

Apologies if you've already seen it.

Youtube Video

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:35:18pm

re: #74 Summer

What DaddyG said. =)

I mean fundamentalist literalists, really. If you support science and research, I don't put you in the same category. I disagree with you whether or not there is a God, but that's really more a personal issue that I can do without arguing all the time.

This is semantics, mind you, so a very light discussion...but why can a fundamentalist literalist not support science and research? I wonder if you actually mean creationist/anti-evolutionist?

MandyManners Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:35:30pm

How many directions can it whizz?

Youtube Video

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:35:31pm

re: #69 MandyManners

I also wonder if those people in particular lack imagination, if they try to limit God because they cannot see outside of their own minds.

Does that make sense?

Absolutely. I have found religous people to be as intolerent of each others faith as any atheist. Ironic but that has been my experience. I see similarities in all people who limit their understanding of creation to what they can understand. In this way science and religion are stunted by people's hubris and unwilingness to believe that there can be anything beyond that which they can comprehend.

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:35:44pm

re: #81 Cannadian Club Akbar

genius. updinged. lmao.

cliffster Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:36:06pm

re: #35 Summer

This is why I think that fundamentalists are deaf and blind.

We see pictures of this spanning across time and dimensions that we can't even truly fathom, and they think that science is cold, empty, and without meaning.

Idiots.

I look a that and see the majesty of so many things I can't even grasp them all, and they stare at a little book written by bronze-aged men and think it has all the answers.

They're so bloody vulgar.

Wow, tell me more about how much better you are then them.

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:36:06pm

re: #79 Summer

Anyone who doesn't think exactly the way I do on every single subject.

=P

True Dat! True Dat!

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:36:33pm

re: #79 Summer

Anyone who doesn't think exactly the way I do on every single subject.

=P

carry on, then!

Cannadian Club Akbar Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:36:35pm

re: #88 Aceofwhat?

genius. updinged. lmao.

I gotta run but need to ask. Where are you in FLA?

Racer X Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:36:40pm

re: #11 Charles

Check out this zoomable view of the heart of the Milky Way. Click the full-screen button and prepare to be blown away by the sheer vastness of just one galaxy.

And there are trillions of similar galaxies in the known universe.

[Link: www.eso.org...]

Holy crap, that is bitchin!

MandyManners Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:36:46pm

re: #82 SanFranciscoZionist

If they realize that God has created more than they can understand, they might also realize that God is more than they can know. That upsets some people.

That's very small-minded of them. But, small-minded people come in all stripes.

Summer Seale Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:37:07pm

re: #89 cliffster

Wow, tell me more about how much better you are then them.

I don't have to. It's self-evident. =)

You just don't have enough faith in me. Here...let me beat it into you.

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:37:37pm

re: #74 Summer

What DaddyG said. =)

Happy to know my internet mind reading skills are still working! ;-)

Decatur Deb Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:37:38pm

re: #71 Bagua

Message to the Universe

This message is on Viking.

Youtube Video

MandyManners Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:37:39pm

re: #84 Obdicut

Mandy, this isn't the beauty of cosmic creation, but it's cute as hell.

Apologies if you've already seen it.

Ah, but it is. That kid lives within the cosmos.

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:38:00pm

re: #79 Summer

Anyone who doesn't think exactly the way I do on every single subject.

=P

Anyone less religious than I is a Godless secularist, and anyone more religious than I is a raving fanatic.

100

Gus Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:38:27pm

re: #56 SanFranciscoZionist

The bronze-age men, though, would have been super-impressed by VISTA.

It's interesting when you think of the 1000s of people that came before us who endeavored in science, math and technology which brought us to the point where we can peer billions of years into space. From the bronze age Nebra sky disc to VISTA.

101

Cannadian Club Akbar Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:39:09pm

re: #99 SanFranciscoZionist

Anyone less religious than I is a Godless secularist, and anyone more religious than I is a raving fanatic.

//

Anyone who drives slower than me is a moron. Anyone who drives faster than me is an idiot.
George Carlin

102

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:39:19pm

re: #92 Cannadian Club Akbar

jacksonville. it has less of a retirement home vibe than the rest of FL. i like it, except for the part where i don't get to ski/snowboard much.

where's iceweasel to take offense when we need him//

103

MandyManners Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:39:20pm

re: #87 DaddyG

Absolutely. I have found religous people to be as intolerent of each others faith as any atheist. Ironic but that has been my experience. I see similarities in all people who limit their understanding of creation to what they can understand. In this way science and religion are stunted by people's hubris and unwilingness to believe that there can be anything beyond that which they can comprehend.

Yeah. That's it.

104

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:39:22pm

HOLD THE WEDDIN!!!

I just took another full frame look at the hidden fires of the Flame Nebula photo.
I can clearly see the face of Ron Paul in it!
IT'S A MIRACLE !!!

105

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:39:56pm

re: #83 sattv4u2

Yup. Fourth in line is one of my sons best freinds. He's one of the group I call the LOCUSTS that generally end up sleeping at out house Fraidays and/ or Saturday nights. My dogs hide their treats when the LOCUSTS are about!

Ha! We have neighbors who think we have 15 kids because of the number of hangers on we get with our seven. I'd rather have them eating my cookie dough and lounging on my couch than out somewhere else doing who knows what.

106

Obdicut Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:40:08pm

re: #99 SanFranciscoZionist

I'm such a fundamentalist atheist I consider Dawkins a bit soft.

107

Cannadian Club Akbar Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:40:43pm

re: #102 Aceofwhat?

IW is a girl. I am on the other side of the state, below the Skyway. Gotta run. Nite Honcos!!!

108

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:40:49pm

re: #102 Aceofwhat?

jacksonville. it has less of a retirement home vibe than the rest of FL. i like it, except for the part where i don't get to ski/snowboard much.

where's iceweasel to take offense when we need him//

HER

109

MandyManners Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:41:08pm

re: #104 sattv4u2

HOLD THE WEDDIN!!!

I just took another full frame look at the hidden fires of the Flame Nebula photo.
I can clearly see the face of Ron Paul in it!
IT'S A MIRACLE !!!

Egads. He's everywhere.

Is Rand in there anywhere?

110

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:41:39pm

re: #106 Obdicut

I'm such a fundamentalist atheist I consider Dawkins a bit soft.

/

More of a Charles Barkley fan then? /

111

lostlakehiker Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:41:45pm

The planets orbiting that star on the right are warming. Explain that. !

/skeptic

Who wants pictures of some flaming nebula?

/homophobe

Seriously, that is seriously a neat telescope. Putting it in a desert where the water vapor IR absorption is minimized is I guess the next best thing to putting it in space.

112

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:42:09pm

re: #105 DaddyG

Ha! We have neighbors who think we have 15 kids because of the number of hangers on we get with our seven. I'd rather have them eating my cookie dough and lounging on my couch than out somewhere else doing who knows what.

BINGO!

(((although, for it being just me, my wife and one 15 year old son, my weekly grocery bill is WHACKED

113

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:42:29pm

re: #108 sattv4u2

HER

crap. now i'm really going to catch it. the f-bombs are so belligerent sometimes...i just thought...i didn't know...

114

Jack Burton Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:43:01pm

re: #104 sattv4u2

HOLD THE WEDDIN!!!

I just took another full frame look at the hidden fires of the Flame Nebula photo.
I can clearly see the face of Ron Paul in it!
IT'S A MIRACLE !!!

Are you sure that's not just his Ronulan Bird of Prey and the cloaking device is off?

115

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:43:16pm

re: #113 Aceofwhat?

crap. now i'm really going to catch it. the f-bombs are so belligerent sometimes...i just thought...i didn't know...

Been there
Done that
Got cussed out for it
Join the clubbED!

116

darthstar Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:43:23pm

re: #20 sattv4u2

Up until i moved to Georgia about 11 years ago, I've always lived in or near enough to big cities that the heavens majesty was always somewhat obscured. Traveling around the country back then I always envied "country folk" for their view of the sky at night
HAd the option to buy close to Atlanta or out in the country. Country won! 1st purchase we made was a high powered telescope for our new home

I live in the coastal mountains between Santa Cruz and San Francsico...the night sky is one of the things I love the most, and one of the reasons I don't mind walking outside butt-nekkid in the middle of the night with the dog when he wants to take a pee...though it is a little cool this time of year.

The sky, however, is fantastic. Today, however, is more of a Misty Mountain Hop kind of day with the fog and the rain...

Banjo on the deck

117

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:43:27pm

re: #112 sattv4u2

BINGO!

(((although, for it being just me, my wife and one 15 year old son, my weekly grocery bill is WHACKED

That's what you get for having Mormon friends. Next time be more selective. (And the Catholics aren't your best alternative either). //

It's been fun and not so productive today... gotta catch that bus! Later Lizards.

118

Gus Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:44:07pm

re: #116 darthstar

I live in the coastal mountains between Santa Cruz and San Francsico...the night sky is one of the things I love the most, and one of the reasons I don't mind walking outside butt-nekkid in the middle of the night with the dog when he wants to take a pee...though it is a little cool this time of year.

The sky, however, is fantastic. Today, however, is more of a Misty Mountain Hop kind of day with the fog and the rain...

Banjo on the deck

That's odd, he doesn't look like a stringed instrument.

119

Cannadian Club Akbar Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:44:13pm

re: #113 Aceofwhat?

crap. now i'm really going to catch it. the f-bombs are so belligerent sometimes...i just thought...i didn't know...

If you think Ice Weasel drops F bombs, wait 'til Mandy gets in a bad mood!! Bye again. Really this time!

120

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:44:35pm

re: #114 ArchangelMichael

Are you sure that's not just his Ronulan Bird of Prey and the cloaking device is off?

Positive. I can clearly see an AUDIT THE FED T-Shirt on him

121

darthstar Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:45:02pm

re: #118 Gus 802

That's odd, he doesn't look like a stringed instrument.

/

He's actually named after Banjo Patterson, the Aussie poet (he being an Australian Cattle Dog and all).

122

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:45:09pm

re: #116 darthstar

I live in the coastal mountains between Santa Cruz and San Francsico...the night sky is one of the things I love the most, and one of the reasons I don't mind walking outside butt-nekkid in the middle of the night with the dog when he wants to take a pee...though it is a little cool this time of year.

The sky, however, is fantastic. Today, however, is more of a Misty Mountain Hop kind of day with the fog and the rain...

Banjo on the deck

THis is the kind of banjo we like in North Georgia!

123

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:45:11pm

re: #113 Aceofwhat?

crap. now i'm really going to catch it. the f-bombs are so belligerent sometimes...i just thought...i didn't know...

Jimmah is the boy one of them. They are nesting together now. They met on LGF--it's awful romantic.

124

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:45:13pm

re: #117 DaddyG

That's what you get for having Mormon friends. Next time be more selective. (And the Catholics aren't your best alternative either). //

It's been fun and not so productive today... gotta catch that bus! Later Lizards.

Uh-hummm,,, !!

MOI!

125

lostlakehiker Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:45:27pm

re: #100 Gus 802

It's interesting when you think of the 1000s of people that came before us who endeavored in science, math and technology which brought us to the point where we can peer billions of years into space. From the bronze age Nebra sky disc to VISTA.

And then there's this eclipse calculator.

Professor Michael Edmunds of Cardiff University who led the most recent study of the mechanism said: "This device is just extraordinary, the only thing of its kind. The design is beautiful, the astronomy is exactly right. The way the mechanics are designed just makes your jaw drop.

126

reine.de.tout Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:45:57pm

re: #105 DaddyG

Ha! We have neighbors who think we have 15 kids because of the number of hangers on we get with our seven. I'd rather have them eating my cookie dough and lounging on my couch than out somewhere else doing who knows what.

LOL!
That happened one year to us on a family vacation - one of the nieces made friends with a couple of girls in the same condo complex, and they came over to our condo - my niece's dad had no clue we had extra kids that evening!

127

Gearhead Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:46:15pm

re: #116 darthstar

I live in the coastal mountains between Santa Cruz and San Francsico...the night sky is one of the things I love the most, and one of the reasons I don't mind walking outside butt-nekkid in the middle of the night with the dog when he wants to take a pee...though it is a little cool this time of year.

The sky, however, is fantastic. Today, however, is more of a Misty Mountain Hop kind of day with the fog and the rain...

Banjo on the deck

He has that "Dude, please put some pants on" expression ;-)

128

Summer Seale Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:46:28pm

re: #119 Cannadian Club Akbar

If you think Ice Weasel drops F bombs, wait 'til Mandy gets in a bad mood!! Bye again. Really this time!

I don't see anything wrong with the usage of the word "Fuck" if used appropriately. =)

No other word conveys such a range of different emotive values or be used in the widest variety of ways as it does. =)

129

darthstar Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:46:31pm

re: #122 DaddyG

THis is the kind of banjo we like in North Georgia!

Do you know what the difference is between a banjo and a vacuum cleaner?

You can pull the dirtbag off a vacuum.
(mandolin players' joke)

130

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:46:44pm

re: #116 darthstar

it's always time for a misty mountain hop

Youtube Video

131

albusteve Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:46:52pm

re: #123 SanFranciscoZionist

Jimmah is the boy one of them. They are nesting together now. They met on LGF--it's awful romantic.

my heart soars at the mere thought

132

DaddyG Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:47:09pm

Ha! this is too fun. I really need to catch that last bus out of town! Bye all!

133

cliffster Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:47:59pm

re: #132 DaddyG

Ha! this is too fun. I really need to catch that last bus out of town! Bye all!

Well, Go Daddy!

134

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:48:08pm

re: #126 reine.de.tout

LOL!
That happened one year to us on a family vacation - one of the nieces made friends with a couple of girls in the same condo complex, and they came over to our condo - my niece's dad had no clue we had extra kids that evening!

"that" evening!?!?!

Here, its a weekly occurance. Sometimes it's friday night sleepover, sometimes it Saturday. Most weeks it's BOTH
As I stated upthread, we call them the LOCUSTS. My 15 year old son and anywhere from 2-4 of hs freinds

135

Gus Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:48:28pm

re: #122 DaddyG

THis is the kind of banjo we like in North Georgia!

Steve Martin, Bela Fleck, Tony Trischka Banjo HDTV The Crow

Youtube Video

Three banjos! Love it.

136

Four More Tears Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:48:46pm

re: #11 Charles

If I may quote David Bowman.

"My God... it's full of stars..."

137

MandyManners Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:48:54pm

re: #130 Aceofwhat?

it's always time for a misty mountain hop

I think I'm in love with you.

138

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:49:30pm

re: #123 SanFranciscoZionist

Jimmah is the boy one of them. They are nesting together now. They met on LGF--it's awful romantic.

I've been lobbying for a ruling that becuase they are now nesting together, they only get one DINGer between them!!

oh ,,, wait ,,, that sounded dirty!

139

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:50:07pm

re: #128 Summer

I don't see anything wrong with the usage of the word "Fuck" if used appropriately. =)

No other word conveys such a range of different emotive values or be used in the widest variety of ways as it does. =)

What i like about your post is the smilies and cursing, living in harmony together. Fantastic.

WRT iceweasel, i just have it in my head, because of the people i've known, a pattern recognition thing that sort of assigns masculine or feminine styles to the f-bomb. clearly my pattern recognition is fucked.

140

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:50:43pm

re: #137 MandyManners

I think I'm in love with you.

Finally!

141

Decatur Deb Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:51:07pm

re: #125 lostlakehiker

That device does not seem to belong in its time. Neither does this structure by Alexander Graham Bell.

Image: Bellplatform2.jpg

142

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:51:14pm

re: #140 Aceofwhat?

Finally!

Wait till you hear the conditions,, AND the pre-nup!

143

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:51:37pm

re: #138 sattv4u2

I've been lobbying for a ruling that becuase they are now nesting together, they only get one DINGer between them!!

oh ,,, wait ,,, that sounded dirty!

//

...but true, so it would appear//

144

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:51:51pm

re: #139 Aceofwhat?

What i like about your post is the smilies and cursing, living in harmony together. Fantastic.

WRT iceweasel, i just have it in my head, because of the people i've known, a pattern recognition thing that sort of assigns masculine or feminine styles to the f-bomb. clearly my pattern recognition is fucked.

It's really all right. Unless you have a distinctly gendered username, it's easy for people you meet on line to be confused.

Even if you have a distinctly gendered username, for that matter.

145

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:52:08pm

re: #142 sattv4u2

Wait till you hear the conditions,, AND the pre-nup!

You mean i get 80 mill if she cheats? I'm on board with that...

146

MandyManners Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:52:48pm

re: #134 sattv4u2

"that" evening!?!?!

Here, its a weekly occurance. Sometimes it's friday night sleepover, sometimes it Saturday. Most weeks it's BOTH
As I stated upthread, we call them the LOCUSTS. My 15 year old son and anywhere from 2-4 of hs freinds

Last night at dinner, The Kid ate four beef tacos with all the fixings, two servings of re-fried beans with extra cheese, a basket of tortilla chips and two servings of guacamole. For desert, he had two slices of cheese cake drizzled with semi-sweet chocolate. Also, he finished off my chimichanga.

147

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:53:53pm

Ruh Roh ,,,
Me thinks I just jinxed myself
Front door bell ,,, YUP,, the locusts have arrived

(my sons 1st question,,, what can we have for dinner!)

148

MandyManners Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:53:58pm

re: #128 Summer

I don't see anything wrong with the usage of the word "Fuck" if used appropriately. =)

No other word conveys such a range of different emotive values or be used in the widest variety of ways as it does. =)

It's a very versatile word.

Youtube Video

149

MrSilverDragon Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:54:39pm

Every day we get a little closer to understanding the universe we live in... and even if I never fully understand what's out there, at least I can catch a glimpse of how fantastic and beautiful the universe really is.

To sum up my philosophy, "I don't know, but I want to."

150

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:54:53pm

re: #146 MandyManners

Last night at dinner, The Kid ate four beef tacos with all the fixings, two servings of re-fried beans with extra cheese, a basket of tortilla chips and two servings of guacamole. For desert, he had two slices of cheese cake drizzled with semi-sweet chocolate. Also, he finished off my chimichanga.

Send him over. He can be a Junior Locust

(iirc,, he's a bit younger than my son))

151

Four More Tears Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:55:55pm

OT: Asked How He Knows The Earth Is Cooling, Michael Steele Says ‘I Don’t!’

Money quote for me: "All I know is every morning I come on, I turn on channel 13 and I’ll see what the weather man tells me okay?"

152

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:56:08pm

re: #147 sattv4u2

Ruh Roh ,,,
Me thinks I just jinxed myself
Front door bell ,,, YUP,, the locusts have arrived

(my sons 1st question,,, what can we have for dinner!)

fortunately, at that age, we boys are sort of like the DeLorean, episode 2. toss in some banana peel, old milk, and recycled newspapers and we're off trying to break ourselves again.

153

MrSilverDragon Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:58:31pm

Time to head out into the wilds! Y'all have a wonderful weekend, and I hope to catch y'all next week!

154

MandyManners Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:59:04pm

re: #150 sattv4u2

Send him over. He can be a Junior Locust

(iirc,, he's a bit younger than my son))

Yeah, he's nine. Since August, he's gone up two sizes in shoes. Buy stock in Bass, Nike and Kenneth Cole now.

155

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 2:59:46pm

re: #146 MandyManners

Last night at dinner, The Kid ate four beef tacos with all the fixings, two servings of re-fried beans with extra cheese, a basket of tortilla chips and two servings of guacamole. For desert, he had two slices of cheese cake drizzled with semi-sweet chocolate. Also, he finished off my chimichanga.

Wait till he's my sons age and wants that for BREAKFAST!

156

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:00:59pm

re: #154 MandyManners

Yeah, he's nine. Since August, he's gone up two sizes in shoes. Buy stock in Bass, Nike and Kenneth Cole now.

Send him over. He can have my sons hand-me-downs and the LOCUSTS will train him and keep him in line!

157

MandyManners Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:01:43pm

Speaking of food, my chicken is done roasting.

158

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:02:23pm

re: #151 JasonA

OT: Asked How He Knows The Earth Is Cooling, Michael Steele Says ‘I Don’t!’

Money quote for me: "All I know is every morning I come on, I turn on channel 13 and I’ll see what the weather man tells me okay?"

Well. It is an approach.

159

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:03:19pm

re: #157 MandyManners

Speaking of food, my chicken is done roasting.

I've got a duck thats pretty steamed!

And a dog thats absolutely PISSED!

160

darthstar Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:04:38pm

re: #157 MandyManners

Speaking of food, my chicken is done roasting.

Ooh...thanks for reminding me...I need to roast a pumpkin for pumpkin soup.

161

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:04:41pm

Speaking of animals
A) I have to go put out the deer corn
B) the LOCUSTS need sustenance

BBL

162

The Sanity Inspector Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:05:06pm

re: #14 Obdicut

Astonishing.

Science. It works.

Damn, that's gorgeous.

Cue Music From The Hearts Of Space.

163

Aceofwhat? Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:05:27pm

airport run, family arriving. bbl all.

164

sattv4u2 Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:05:47pm

re: #160 darthstar

Ooh...thanks for reminding me...I need to roast a pumpkin for pumpkin soup.

willingly!!!?!?!

(j/k,,, it'd really pretty good)

165

Bob Dillon Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:08:26pm

re: #32 Aceofwhat?

I think the best view i ever had was sleeping outside when i went bouldering at Joshua tree a while ago. nothing like really dry air and zero ambient light to make the most of the heavens.

The best I ever experienced was in the Flores Sea in Indonesia back in the 70s. An isle I was on was ~1500 miles in any direction from any significant population center with electricity. Zero light pollution.
Meteorites were visible every 5-10 seconds leaving red trails against the backdrop of the Milky Way cutting across horizon to horizon. Moonless nights were extra awesome.

166

The Sanity Inspector Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:09:06pm

re: #11 Charles

Check out this zoomable view of the heart of the Milky Way. Click the full-screen button and prepare to be blown away by the sheer vastness of just one galaxy.

And there are trillions of similar galaxies in the known universe.

[Link: www.eso.org...]

More galaxies in the universe than there are dollars in our national debt?

...swoon...PLOP!

167

Political Atheist Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:09:12pm

re: #14 Obdicut
re: #3 ED 209

Now there is science that reaffirms my personal faith in the existence of God.

168

darthstar Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:10:13pm

re: #164 sattv4u2

Rainy day food...braised a five pound pot-roast the other day, so we're having pumpkin soup and making shredded beef tacos as a side...

169

The Sanity Inspector Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:10:18pm

re: #165 Bobibutu

The best I ever experienced was in the Flores Sea in Indonesia back in the 70s. An isle I was on was ~1500 miles in any direction from any significant population center with electricity. Zero light pollution.
Meteorites were visible every 5-10 seconds leaving red trails against the backdrop of the Milky Way cutting across horizon to horizon. Moonless nights were extra awesome.

The last time I saw the Milky Way was when I was in elementary school, at my grandparents' farm. Here in Atlanta, ffftt!!

170

The Sanity Inspector Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:14:21pm

re: #56 SanFranciscoZionist

The bronze-age men, though, would have been super-impressed by VISTA.

And indeed, it's partly due to our heritage from said bronze-agers, that prompted us to go exploring the universe in the first place.

He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."

171

Bob Dillon Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:16:25pm

re: #169 The Sanity Inspector

The last time I saw the Milky Way was when I was in elementary school, at my grandparents' farm. Here in Atlanta, ffftt!!

We be trying in CA to reduce light pollution.

I remember when the folks at Palomar started complaining and San Diego actually started replacing public lighting to help.

[Link: www.astro.caltech.edu...]

172

bosforus Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:18:16pm

re: #170 The Sanity Inspector

I'm guessing a person from the bronze age would also be extremely curious as to how we had such a dependable food supply that allowed us to spend our time looking into space.

173

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:19:14pm

re: #172 bosforus

I'm guessing a person from the bronze age would also be extremely curious as to how we had such a dependable food supply that allowed us to spend our time looking into space.

Depends who they were. A number of ancient cultures went to a lot of trouble to build observatories and the like. Babylonia, the Maya...

174

Charles Johnson Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:19:40pm

I'm mixing it up with Oliver Willis on Twitter. He's calling me a racist and bigot and trying to smear me to an LA Times writer.

175

A Man for all Seasons Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:20:44pm

re: #174 Charles

I'm mixing it up with Oliver Willis on Twitter. He's calling me a racist and bigot and trying to smear me to an LA Times writer.

Do you have a twitter page Charles?

176

Political Atheist Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:21:05pm

re: #174 Charles

Racist? How the F can he claim that one?! Has he seen your blog?

177

Charles Johnson Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:21:14pm

re: #175 HoosierHoops

Do you have a twitter page Charles?

[Link: twitter.com...]

178

bosforus Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:22:58pm

re: #173 SanFranciscoZionist

Depends who they were. A number of ancient cultures went to a lot of trouble to build observatories and the like. Babylonia, the Maya...

Psssh, like building observatories on top of mountains is hard. Were they bronze age? I don't even know. And I've been there.

179

Decatur Deb Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:23:23pm

re: #165 Bobibutu

The best I ever experienced was in the Flores Sea in Indonesia back in the 70s. An isle I was on was ~1500 miles in any direction from any significant population center with electricity. Zero light pollution.
Meteorites were visible every 5-10 seconds leaving red trails against the backdrop of the Milky Way cutting across horizon to horizon. Moonless nights were extra awesome.

My best skies were on night firing ranges at Knox (before the tracers killed night vision), the bottom of the Ramon Crater in the desert, and crossing Kwajalein lagoon in a converted landing craft.

180

Bob Dillon Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:25:06pm

re: #179 Decatur Deb

My best skies were on night firing ranges at Knox (before the tracers killed night vision), the bottom of the Ramon Crater in the desert, and crossing Kwajalein lagoon in a converted landing craft.

Now we're talkin' ;-)

181

Jeff In Ohio Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:25:41pm

Fantasmigorical. The stars and the forever reaching hands of humankind always remind me of my favorite poem of all, which of course I'll now share with you:

A Noiseless Patient Spider
by Walt Whitman

A noiseless, patient spider,
I mark’d, where, on a little promontory, it stood, isolated;
Mark’d how, to explore the vacant, vast surrounding,
It launch’d forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself;
Ever unreeling them—ever tirelessly speeding them.

And you, O my Soul, where you stand,
Surrounded, surrounded, in measureless oceans of space,
Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing,—seeking the spheres, to connect them;
Till the bridge you will need, be form’d—till the ductile anchor hold;
Till the gossamer thread you fling, catch somewhere, O my Soul.

182

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:26:04pm

re: #178 bosforus

Psssh, like building observatories on top of mountains is hard. Were they bronze age? I don't even know. And I've been there.

The Inca had bronze, and I think they did not develop iron technology. Very determined folks, those Incas.

The last descendents of their ruling family, BTW, are Spanish.

183

darthstar Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:27:05pm

All this talk of stars calls for a good drums/space jam...from 12/28/1990 Great New Year's run at the Coliseum...New Year's Eve at midnight they dropped bungee jumpers dressed as New Year's babies in diapers from the ceiling at the stroke of midnight...it was freakin' awesome. Best four-show run ever...I was exhausted at the end.

Part 1 - drums

Youtube Video

Part 2 - space There were some business men in front of me tripping and not handling the Space jam very well at all (it can be weird to the uninitiated)...I leaned forward and said, "Relax...just grab one of the instruments and follow it...I recommend focusing on Jerry"

Youtube Video

184

bosforus Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:28:27pm

re: #182 SanFranciscoZionist

Fun fact about Machu Picchu, as the bus switchbacks down the mountain local kids run down and stop and wave. They get down faster than the bus then ask for tips/money.

185

Decatur Deb Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:28:32pm

re: #180 Bobibutu

The great entertainment at Kwaj was sitting with a drink, watching the MIRVs splash in. Never saw it, I was just visiting.

186

Gus Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:34:21pm

re: #174 Charles

I'm mixing it up with Oliver Willis on Twitter. He's calling me a racist and bigot and trying to smear me to an LA Times writer.

I remember that name. Yeah, other "words of wisdom" from Mr. Willis:

Iran Not Near Nukes

187

Political Atheist Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:36:36pm

re: #32 Aceofwhat?
re: #180 Bobibutu
re: #185 Decatur Deb

Watching MIRVS? Wild. What does that look like anyway?
Best skies? About 1976 I was flying with my stepdad in the family Cherokee light plane. he was practicing for his instrument rating. Anyway we had a night flight and came up through a thick cloud deck, broke out on top. Above the clouds was utterly clear air and a full moon. That illuminated the clouds in the bluish light, and left the stars clearly visible. I had the best view, my stepdad had all the work.

188

Bob Dillon Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:38:28pm

re: #185 Decatur Deb

The great entertainment at Kwaj was sitting with a drink, watching the MIRVs splash in. Never saw it, I was just visiting.

Ahh technology ... the isles I visited were all uninhabited. We had to hump everything in ... and out.

189

Decatur Deb Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:43:38pm

re: #187 Rightwingconspirator

The permanent residents said it was like being at ground zero in a little meteor shower. I think they cooled and stopped glowing before they hit. Not something you would want to see from your own back yard.

190

Bob Dillon Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:43:55pm

re: #187 Rightwingconspirator

"Watching MIRVS? Wild. What does that look like anyway? "

[Link: amazing-facts-information.blogspot.com...]

Never have seen 'em live. Would have loved to.

191

Stuart Leviton Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:45:48pm

re: #174 Charles

I'm mixing it up with Oliver Willis on Twitter. He's calling me a racist and bigot and trying to smear me to an LA Times writer.

I am sorry to hear about the problem.
You are fortunate, Charles, to have great skills in communicating to people.
I am sure you can turn this around.
Perhaps, not today. Perhaps it might take longer.
But you can do it.

I hope you get to the point where you can tell Oliver

Consider yourself our mate
We don't want to have no fuss
For after some consideration we can state
Consider yourself
One of us...

192

Stuart Leviton Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:49:25pm

re: #183 darthstarMan oh man, all that talk about life in the hills between San Fransisco and Santa Cruz got me to thinking of Jefferson Starship's "Have You Seen the Stars Tonight". Thanks for the good spirits. Love to all.

193

The Sanity Inspector Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:54:11pm

re: #174 Charles

I'm mixing it up with Oliver Willis on Twitter. He's calling me a racist and bigot and trying to smear me to an LA Times writer.

He hasn't been paying attention lately, it seems.

194

William of Orange Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:55:47pm

Hail to science!!

195

The Sanity Inspector Fri, Dec 11, 2009 3:58:28pm

re: #172 bosforus

I'm guessing a person from the bronze age would also be extremely curious as to how we had such a dependable food supply that allowed us to spend our time looking into space.

There's a lot of things people even one generation back would be amazed at. If my grandfather could come back, I can imagine the conversation:

"So, let me get this straight. You pay a monthly bill, to watch television? And you pay two dollars for a bottle of water? And why is everyone out here in the park walking around in colored underwear?"

196

Decatur Deb Fri, Dec 11, 2009 4:04:56pm

re: #195 The Sanity Inspector

But his opinion of congress would probably be unchanged.

197

wrenchwench Fri, Dec 11, 2009 4:10:03pm

re: #174 Charles

I'm mixing it up with Oliver Willis on Twitter. He's calling me a racist and bigot and trying to smear me to an LA Times writer.

It is difficult to follow conversations on Twitter. I can't figure out why Willis tweeted RS McCain:

@rsmccain you would probably help this along if u had a straight answer to it. just a thought. _{about 2 hours ago from TweetDeck in reply to rsmccain}

198

reine.de.tout Fri, Dec 11, 2009 5:28:26pm

re: #197 wrenchwench

I have the same problem. If you go back to RSMCcain's twitter, it's difficult if not impossible to find what the original comment was that produced that response. It's my biggest complaint about twitter.

Try "tweetgrid.com". You can search for all tweets that mention a particular person, like "lizardoid" for Charles. It helps a bit.

199

Achilles Tang Fri, Dec 11, 2009 6:37:25pm

The long view in a little slice of sky.

These are galaxies not stars. About 500,000 of them

200

sffilk Sat, Dec 12, 2009 8:14:11am

That looks so cool!

Spy Mode Auto

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