Dark Clouds of the Carina Nebula

SPACE WATCH
NASA -
Credit: NASA, ESA, et al., & Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA);
Acknowledgement: M. Livio (STScI) & N. Smith (UC Berkeley)

What dark forms lurk in the mists of the Carina Nebula? These ominous figures are actually molecular clouds, knots of molecular gas and dust so thick they have become opaque. In comparison, however, these clouds are typically much less dense than Earth’s atmosphere. Pictured above is part of the most detailed image of the Carina Nebula ever taken, a part where dark molecular clouds are particularly prominent. The image has recently been retaken and then re-colored based on light emitted by oxygen. The entire Carina Nebula spans over 300 light years and lies about 7,500 light-years away in the constellation of Carina. NGC 3372, known as the Great Nebula in Carina, is home to massive stars and changing nebula. Eta Carinae, the most energetic star in the nebula, was one of the brightest stars in the sky in the 1830s, but then faded dramatically. Wide-field annotated and zoomable versions of the larger image composite are also available. more> http://tinyurl.com/2fknsnf

Electron Switch Between Molecules Points Way To New High-Powered Organic Batteries

By Lee Clippard – The University of Texas at Austin chemists Christopher Bielawski and Jonathan Sessler have discovered new organic batteries — lightweight energy storage devices that work without the need for toxic heavy metals.

In their research, the chemists created two molecules that could meet and exchange electrons but not unite to form a new compound. more> http://tinyurl.com/3y2saxz

Analyst: Chip market correction ‘imminent’

By Dylan McGrath – The business climate for the semiconductor industry is deteriorating, and leading indicators point to an imminent correction in the semiconductor market according to an analyst.

Robert Castellano, president of The Information Network predicted that a drop in sales of electronic gadgets would first impact the DRAM sector, which showed year-to-year sales growth of 135 percent in the second quarter. Castellano predicted that slowing PC sales would hurt microprocessor vendors Intel Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. and said semiconductor foundries would also feel the impact. more> http://tinyurl.com/2aosuze

What do Cloud computing and a sub-prime mortgage have in common?

By Rob Livingstone – By now, everyone has been subject to the ‘cloud-infestation’ of almost every aspect of IT. If you don’t have ‘cloud- something’ you’ll be left behind.

This made me think about the recent GFC and the sub-prime mortage crisis. Some of the comparisons that spring to my mind are:

• Cheap now – expensive later
• Compelling initial offer
• Opacity over what you’re purchasing
• Risk is downplayed up front
• Promise of continual rising value/reducing cost
• Flexibility is offered, but not very easily achieved
• Get that ‘locked in’ feeling
• Crowdsurfing is fun
• Emotion plays a part in the decision

more> http://tinyurl.com/27ktsgo

FCC Halts Rural Broadband Service’s Use of Globalstar Radio Spectrum

By Peter B. de Selding – U.S regulators on Sept. 15 ordered mobile satellite services operator Globalstar to stop using its satellite frequencies in ground-based communications mode until the company’s satellite constellation reaches minimum service levels.

The decision will complicate Globalstar’s relationship with Open Range Communications, a rural broadband provider that uses Globalstar’s radio spectrum to provide ground links to its customers. more> http://tinyurl.com/2volp6h