Chills down my spine

Summary: it may not directly relate to science, but great scientists. While stranded in Antarctica during the 9 months of winter, British scientists have decided to make a horror film. Because of their long winter, scientists pick up and refine hobbies to keep themselves busy. The film, called "South of Sanity," features 14 scientists being stalked by a killer. One of the main problems was actors (other scientists) getting slight cases of hypothermia because of extended periods if outside and laying in the snow being dead bodies. Unfortunately, this resulted in dead bodies that shivered.
The film will get its premiere in Aviemore on 31 October. (I have no clue where that is.)


BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-19980602

New planet around Alpha Centauri B

Summary: Full of new discoveries today, there has been a new planet found orbiting our nearest star. The planet is very close and it probably molten lava. Because the Alpha Centauri system is three stars, there will be times or Earth-like day, Earth-like night, and periods of twilight with a very bright evening star.


Wired: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/10/earth-exoplanet-alpha-centauri

BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19959531

Four suns!!

Summary: The wonderful people at Planet Hunters have discovered a planetary system with four suns. This is the first system of its kind, I'm pretty excited.
"It is thought to be a "gas giant" slightly larger than Neptune - more than six times the radius of the Earth."
Imagine having four sunsets every day! However, as a red-head I would probably burn my skin off.


BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19950923

Strange rock on Mars

Summary: Curiosity has found a peculiar rock near to its landing sight. While not an entirely new type of rock, it is not a type that was predicted to be in that area. The rock, named Jake Matijevic after a recently deceased scientist, is similar to the types of rocks found near volcanoes on the islands of Hawaii.
"Jake Matijevic was found to be high in elements consistent with the mineral feldspar, such as sodium and potassium, and low in elements such as magnesium and iron."
Further studies will be done with this rock in hopes of learning more about the history of the Gale Crater and Mars as a whole.


BBC News: http://.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19923118

Dragon in flight

Summary: SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft successfully lifted off from Cape Canaveral, FL earlier tonight. It's mission is to dock with the ISS and deliver cargo and other necessary supplies. If all goes well, SpaceX will continue to be a space taxi for NASA. I'm excited to see how this goes. The docking will be streamed live on NASA.gov or on their ustream page.


BBC News: ttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19867358

Also follow the mission on twitter @SpaceX

New Australian Telescope

Summary: Australia has given us a wonderful new telescope with which to survey the sky! I don't know too many details but I'm excited to see what it has to offer.


BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19840545