Carnival Of The Space Geeks (Space Cynics Plus Altair?)

After a brief hiatus from the blogosphere (that is if you do not count Twitter and FriendFeed) Colony Worlds is back.

Since I missed posting about the Carnival of Space (two weeks ago), I'll post an update here before mentioning last weeks post.

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Space Cynics Are Us?

The 53^rd Carnival of Space was hosted by everyone's favorite critic, the Space Cynic, with the theme being that of the Night Gallery.

Posts ranged from Martian dust devils, how physics discovered Neptune, to even better ways at finding exo-solar worlds (or planets outside our solar system).

Some interesting posts readers might be interested in include:

• Clark Lindsey of RLV and Space Transport News highlights Russia's attempts at building a 16 passenger space tourism vehicle (which, if successful could help lower the price tag provided they conduct numerous launches).


• Louise Riofrio from A Babe in the Universe suggests that we should visit the asteroids after the Moon, a mission that may be more practical (and appealing) for the next US President.


• Bruce Irving via Music of the Spheres ponders about the possibilities of the Space Elevator, as well as posts a review on a book highlighting this technology from LiftPort.


• Stuart Atkinson of Cumbrian Sky explains why humanity should take the utmost care in preserving the lunar landings as they are, an item that may not site will with Google Lunar X-Prize teams (as they would have to avoid visiting the site lest they damage it).

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Moving on, David Portree via Altair VI hosted the 54^th Carnival of Space, with articles ranging from UFO skeptics, to rethinking galactic alien empires, and even a post about Iron Man (note: yes, its space related).

Articles of interest included:

• Stuart Atkinson of Cumbrian Sky talks about the upcoming Phoenix Lander's visit upon Mars, not to mention a unique approach in defending the spending for public space programs.


• Ethan Siegel from Starts With A Bang! argues that a powerful nuclear bomb may be able to deflect an asteroid a few months away from Earth impact (note: hopefully he is right, I think anything less than a year guarantees a "not-so-happy" scenario).


• Kevin White via Out of the Cradle discusses how the moons gravity would affect lunar sports, and perhaps make exercising a whole lot more fun.

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Thanks for reading, and hopefully these snippets will encourage "the lurkers" out there to join our ever growing group of space bloggers/journalists, as its always encouraging to see a new perspective regarding the cosmos, and humanties role in it.

For those of you desiring to submit your article towards the next blog carnival, you can visit Universe Today for more details in how your post can be viewed by hundreds (if not thousands) of eyeballs.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks! (Anniversary Edition)

A long, long time ago in a place not so far away (at least online), Henry Cate founded the very first Carnival of Space.

While blog carnivals are nothing new, this was the first time a group of scientists, engineers and space enthusiasts working at aerospace companies, labs, or simply posting from their computer gathered together online in order share their thoughts regarding the future of humanity--blog style.

The diversity of people publishing articles for all to see is truly amazing, and hopefully one day we will all be able to meet--whether in this world or on the next (note: as in the Moon or Mars--now wouldn't that be glorious?).

Without further delay, here are just a small sample of the articles that caught my eye from the Carnival of Space hosted by Henry, which you can see over at Why Homeschool.

• Jim Plaxco of Artsnova Digital Art and Space publishes his thoughts on how space art has played a role in helping humanity visualize themselves on other worlds, a scenario that may need to be repeated for today's world.


• Robert Simpson from Orbiting Frog highlights the hazardous debris from China's Anti-Satellite Test (aka ASAT) using Google Earth, a "minor thorn" for future space stations orbiting Earth.


• Ian O'Neil via AstroEngine brings some startling news about solar flares erupting from the Sun without any sunspot activity. Sunspots can help act as an "early warning system," as solar flares can give future Martians (and Lunites) an unhealthy dose of radiation.


• Brian Wang on Next Big Future brings good tidings regarding the VASIMR System, which has the potential of reducing a Martian trip (one way) to as little as 39 days. Did I mention we could be a few years away from an actual flight test?


• P. J. Blount (from Res Communis) conducts an interesting interview with Mike Gold of Bigelow Aerospace regarding ITAR, and how it may be hindering the American space race.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to tune into the next Carnival of Space coming up this Thursday.

For those of you desiring to share your opinion regarding space, humanity and what lies "beyond the black," feel free to contact Fraser over at Universe Today and he will give you the necessary details on how your article can be posted upon the next Carnival of Space.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks! (51st Edition)

(Image: Neelix the chef of Star Trek Voyager, via Ex Astris Scientia)

The latest, (and perhaps largest) Carnival of Space was hosted by Ian O'Neill over at AstroEngine, who also writes for Universe Today (a site I highly recommend).

As far as the Carnival goes, there were many, many articles which explored topics ranging from our attempts at finding Martian life, whether or not light is slowing down to even why humanity needs to explore space before we exhaust our own resources.

A few articles of interest include:

• Brian Wang (of Next Big Future) updates everyone regarding the solar sail, which might be almost ripe for testing (which makes visiting the outer planets a whole lot easier).


• John Benac from Political Action for Space reports that NASA may be slowly warming up towards NewSpace (aka private sector).
  
  This is good news, as a partnership between the to may be America's best bet for returning lunar side.


• Ralph Buttigieg of The Discovery Enterprise has an interesting article regarding space cooks, and why their recipes could lead towards a successful mission.

There are numerous other articles not mentioned here, so be sure to read them all before the next carnival rolls around.

Speaking about the next Carnival of Space, this weeks will celebrate our one year anniversary! Yes, one year of scientists, engineers and space enthusiasts getting together (online that is) to entertain the world on the latest happenings from across the space blogosphere.

So instead of simply reading many of these fine articles online, you may want to consider submitting your post to be included within the next carnival. Details on how to enlist can be found over here.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (Over The Hill At 50)

Last weeks Carnival of Space was hosted by Wayne Hall over at the KentuckySat Blog (note: yes, Kentucky has officially caught space fever).

Numerous articles featured topics ranging from dark matter, to why Pluto is not a planet, to even how common intelligent life may be throughout our galaxy (if not the universe itself).

Some very interesting articles that may be of interest to readers here include:

• Brian Wang of Next Big Future discusses dome enclosed cities, which may useful for off world colonies.


• Ken Murphy from Out of the Cradle features an interesting post regarding lunar gardens (part two). Be sure to visit his third article in the series over here.


• Stuart Atkinson on Cumbrian Sky takes issue with Russia sending monkeys to Mars, highlighting why doing so would be of little value of scientists (note: this author recommends pigs instead).


• Mang at Mang's Bat Page enlightens everyone on how to navigate without using GPS or a compass--training which will probably benefit colonists living on worlds lacking magnetic fields (unless of course they live on Saturn's Titan)


• John Benac from Political Action for Space (a must read) highlights a new pro-space PAC (or political action committee) called The Committee for the Advocacy of Space Exploration, which hopefully the space community will consider supporting financially.

While reading these articles like these can help "wet the tongue" when it comes to space exploration, submitting an article to the Carnival of Space is even better as it helps to not only keep everyone informed, but also expand our view of conquering our "little" Universe.

If you are interested in submitting your article for the upcoming Carnival of Space, then head over towards Universe Today for more details.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (49)

(Image Credit: JPL / NASA)

Last week Will Gater hosted the Carnival of Space, which features articles ranging from black holes to answering kids questions on what is the biggest star in the universe.

Some interesting posts that caught my eye included:

• Brian Wang of Next Big Future highlights how carbon nanotubes could be used to turn radiation into electricity (which would benefit off world colonies living in radioactive environments).


• Ken Murphy of Out of the Cradle gives an in depth look at growing lunar gardens. Be sure to also visit his followup article as well, which digs a little deeper into the subject (note: no pun intended).


• Ian O'Neill from AstroEngine discusses whether or not the first Mars settlement will have internet access. My guess is yes, especially if Google gets involved. ;-)

The upcoming Carnival of Space is approaching the big "5-0," so if there are any lurkers out there desiring to express their point of view regarding the cosmos, you might want to consider joining the next Carnival of Space.

Details on how to enter can be seen over here.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks! (48 And Going Great!)

Brian Wang of Next Big Future graciously hosted the 48^th Carnival of Space, with some interesting articles ranging from updates about our favorite Martian rover, potential for worlds orbiting red dwarf stars at harboring life, and why Martian lovers should consider moving towards Arizona.

A few interesting articles included:

• Clark Lindsey of RLV Transport News highlighting how a small private space firm called Survey Satellite Technology was able to out perform its larger rivals with launching a satellite on time and within budget.
  
  This should help encourage minor space firms that they can compete in "the big leagues" (against major players).


• Stuart Atkinson of Cumbrian Sky ponders what Phoenix will see once it lands on the red planet. Hopefully it will be able to determine whether or not Martian soil is friendly or hostile towards Earthen life forms.


• AstroProf expresses thoughts over the radiation issue regarding space, something either NASA (or NewSpace) needs to seriously resolve or we, as a species will only be able to glimpse at other worlds from afar (instead of settling them).

Thanks for reading! This weeks space carnival is going to be hosted by Henry Cate (over at A Pondering Heart), who actually helped kick start this whole Blog Carnival, not to mention actually attended the Space Access event last week. Update (4/13): Henry Cate will be hosting the 50^th Carnival of Space, not the 49^th. Sorry for the confusion!

For those interested in joining our ranks (instead of observing from the sidelines), you can visit Universe Today for more information.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks! (Round 47)

Last weeks Carnival of Space was hosted by The Martian Chronicles (which I have just recently subscribed to), a group blog authored by Briony Horgan, Melissa Rice and Ryan Anderson.

Articles ranged from Martian rovers surviving the NASA knife, potential off world oceans within our solar system, black holes with lasers (oh my!), and familiar faces (and unfamiliar explosions) from a galaxy far, far away.

Some interesting articles included:

• Clark Lindsey on RLV and Space Transport News posted about the upcoming Lynx rocketplane by XCOR.
  
  This rocketplane may help decrease the price of suborbital trips, which is needed in order to convince the public that space is apart of their future.


• Paul Gilster from Centauri Dreams highlights Titan's underground oceans, and questions what defines a habitable zone around a star.

Also worthy of mention (although it did not make the Carnival) was Henry Cate (from Why Homeschool) who blogged about the Space Access Summit (which he was fortunate enough to attend).

Note: For those of you who do not know, it was Henry who initiated the original Carnival of Space, until it was handed over to Fraser of Universe Today.

Thanks for reading, and if you are interested in adding your article to the latest space carnival, all you have to do is visit the Carnival of Space page for more details on how you can sign up.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (45 And 46)

It looks like the Carnival of Space is up, although I (unfortunately) forgot to mention last week's Carnival of Space, so I'll do a quick recap here of some of the interesting highlights before proceeding to this weeks Carnival.

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Last week's Carnival of Space was hosted over at Observations from Missy's Window and included everything from extraterrestrials hiding out by Pluto (note: silly humans) to take a ride to the stars "for free" to even witnessing exploding super nova's.

Some of the best posts featured included (but not limited to):

• Paul Gilster of Centauri Dreams writes about sending probes to promising worlds in other star systems, and then uploading a human "mind" into mechanical bodies in order to explore them (note: reminds me of First Wave, minus the alien invasion of course).


• Ian O'Neill from AstroEngine discusses theories on what may have caused those Martian avalanches, and strikes of Marsquakes as a possible culprit.


• Louise RioFrio (aka A Babe in the Universe) highlights the Cassini satellite's encounter with Enceladus regarding its icy geysers (which unfortunately failed later on).

Those were some of the interesting articles posted on last weeks Carnival, and here are a "few" more from this weeks Carnival of Space, which was hosted by Bill Dunford of Riding With Robots.

Posts here ranged from impolite extraterrestrials to reaction over the death of Arthur C. Clarke (RIP). A few interesting articles included:

• "The Fool" (over at New Frontiers) giving a basic analysis of the Space Elevator, a project slowly gaining exposure in the public arena.


• Brian Wang of Next Big Future gives some good news regarding the technology that may make magnetic sails (and maglev launces) possible.


• Nancy Young-Houser from A Mars Odyssey reports on NASA's focus on finding little green men on other worlds (note: if you are having problems viewing the link, click here and scroll down to the third post that mentions "NASA 2009 Mission" in the title).

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Thanks for reading, and if you ever get the urge to voice your opinion from your corner of the universe, you might consider not only joining our growing ranks, but declare your message to the world by enlisting in the next Carnival of Space. The fine print can be found over at Universe Today.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (When Mars Attacks)

Phil from Bad Astronomy hosted yesterday's Carnival of Space, which oddly had many articles mention our favorite red planet, Mars.

Several posts ranged from Martian avalanches to women on Mars (or at least driving rovers) to even whether or not water actually existed on Mars in liquid form in the past.

A few articles did catch this authors attention, such as:

• Brian Wang of Next Big Future reports on large sheets of Carbon Nanotubes being produced, which is good news for Space Elevator and Solar Sail fans.


• Nancy Atkinson writes on Universe Today about sending someone on a one way ticket to the red planet. Any volunteers?


• Ian O'Neill from AsteroEngine talks about creating an early warning system against solar storms (a priority if we are to ever colonize Mars).

While not mentioned in the Carnival, I would like to inform readers that Dan Schrimpsher of Space Pragmatism has a new domain over at SpacePragmatism.net (background story over here) so be sure to update your bookmarks and share the link love.

For those of you wishing to join in on the space based carnival fun, you can visit Universe Today for more details, as we are always looking for more writers to add to our ranks.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (43rd Edition)

Ethan Siegel hosted the 43^rd carnival of space over at Starts With A Bang! which featured over 20 excellent posts with an Oscar theme twist.

Entertaining articles included solar flares, finding exo-solar rocky worlds, a man who wants to fund his own lunar trip and a play about Galileo and his daughter?

A few interesting articles that stood out were:

• Brian Wang of Next Big Future highlights lunar trucks and mining rovers that NASA may be considering (note: I guess gold is the new black).


• The Fool over at New Frontiers has an update about Spaceport America, which will probably attract thousands just from the look alone.


• Shrubber (the NewSpace's favorite skeptic) is painting another scary image of NASA. Hopefully the problem is not as serious as it seems, as it could easily result in the death of human space flight, especially if Obama becomes president.


• Pamela and Fraser discuss over at Astronomy Cast where the center of the Universe is located, which may disappoint some politicians (in both parties).

Next weeks Carnival of Space is quickly coming up, and if would like to see your article highlighted across the blogosphere (or at least within the space community) then you might want to check out Universe Today for details on how you can join in on the fun.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (42 And Going Strong)

Chris Lintott's hosted last weeks Carnival of Space over at Chris Lintott's Universe, featuring articles ranging about Saturns moons to updates about NewSpace to even some back ground info regarding the NASA logo (note: be sure to read the comment section).

A few interesting reads include:

• Paul of Centauri Dreams has a great idea of where to place the worlds most powerful (future) telescope.



• The Fool of New Frontiers has a great introduction for "newbies" regarding the Orion Crew Vehicle.



• Ed over at Robot Guy publishes some alarming news regarding NASA's future rocket, which could threaten the entire Vision for Space Exploration (at least on the government side of things).

There are plenty of other articles to discover, and if you would like to participate in the next Carnival of Space, a simple trip towards Universe Today would enlighten you on how to enter.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (New Frontiers-41)

The Fool hosted last weeks Carnival of Space, which featured an array of articles ranging from evil carnivorous galaxies to Earth's "other moons," to even ponderings about the lack of space themed TV shows.

Of the many posts featured at the Carnival, here are a few that caught this authors attention.

• Louise of A Babe in the Universe mentions an underground "swimming pool" around the southern pole of Enceladus (a feature future colonists may enjoy)


• Paul over at Centauri Dreams highlights a bacteria that is able to live off of infrared light, which could enable us to grow genetically altered plants underneath dim sunlight.


• Clark of RLV and Transport News enlightens everyone regarding the future economics of space tourism (note: middle class now included)


• Brian Wang on Next Big Future discusses a new magnetic launch concept, which unfortunately no one (with deep pockets) is seriously considering.


• Flying Singer of Music of the Spheres wonders why NASA is not exciting the public about space, something that should be a major concern, especially if Obama becomes President.

Those were a few of the entries highlighted last week, and if any lurkers outer there would like to see their article featured in the next space carnival, all you have to do is visit Universe Today for more details.

Belated: Carnivals Of The Space Geeks (39 And 40)

After taking a longer than expected hiatus from blogging, it looks like I forgot to mention the previous carnival (not to mention a few other key stories). So in an attempt to "catch up," both space carnivals will be rolled into one post.

Carnival of Space 39

The 39^th Carnival of Space was hosted by Sean Welton of Visual Astronomy who linked to posts ranging from astro-poetry to analysis on the raging Jupiter storms.

A few interesting posts readers should check out from the Carnival include:

• Amanda Bauer of Astropixie gets a little excited about Virgin Galactic's Spaceship Two (note: how could you not get excited?).


• Brian Wang of Next Big Future discusses the upcoming Space Elevator Games, and their one kilometer challenge (note: I'll have to see if I can book a flight out there in September).


• Missy Fryer asks whether or not the lunar missions should be replaced with missions towards asteroids.


• Pamela Gay of Star Stryder lays out the case for the existence of dark energy, a controversial item being debated among hard core astronomers (and amatures as well).

Those were some of the highlights from last week's Carnival of Space, and here are some of the interesting articles from this week's Carnival of Space (hosted by Orbiting Frog).

Carnival of Space 40

• Brian Wang discuses the progress of SpaceX's Merlin engines, which is very good news for NewSpace.


• Clark Lindsey of HobbySpace highlights Bigelow Aerospace teaming up with Lockheed Martin in order to launch their inflatable space stations.
  
  For those wondering why this is an incredible event, Clark publishes a second post that will enlighten new comers and old timers alike.


• Sean Welton (last week's space carnival host) thinks humans should pay closer attention to the sky lest we get our astro-turf kicked around by a wandering space rock.


• John Benac via Action for Space is attempting to "rally the troops" to help promote human exploration within the 2008 election. It looks as if Hillary got the message (note: go John!!).


• Paul Gilster of Centauri Dreams discusses a way for a probe to reach Alpha Centauri in under ten lifetimes, give or take a century.

That's it for the latest Carnival of Space (both 39 and 40). For those of you thinking about submitting an article, astro-poem or space post towards the next round, you can simply visit Universe Today for more details.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (38)

Last weeks Carnival Of Space was hosted by Sam Wise of Sorting Out Science.

While I encourage everyone to read all of the entries (as Sam presented them in an interesting story like format), a few posts that did catch my eye were:

• Brian Wang's comparison of Virgin Galactic and NASA over at Next Big Future.


• Jon Goff's essays regarding Single Stage To Orbit and Two Stage To Orbit (note: these posts are very long).


• Marko's post about Russian super cockroaches home grown in space.


• Daily Galaxy wondering if America should ignore the Moon and instead pursue asteroids.

This weeks Carnival of Space is coming up quickly, and readers interested in joining our little "space gang" can email Fraser at info [at] universetoday [dot] com for more details, or they can visit this site to see the space carnivals of the past.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (Lucky 37)

Welcome readers (both new and old) to the 37^th Carnival of Space!

Here you will find a collection of ideas, space highlights and random thoughts ranging from the average (but passionate) citizen to space scientists seeking to break down our complex universe into layman's terms.

Starting from the center of our star system is Phil Plait (of Bad Astronomy) who enlightens us regarding those seasonal sun cycles, not to mention a way for the visual impaired to enjoy seeing the universe in a new light.

Moving outward it seems that Mercury has regained its lost romance with humanity, with a probe finally being sent by NASA.

Stuart Atkinson captures the passion on Cumbrian Sky while Bruce (aka Flying Singer) helps logic lovers understand how these probes can "bounce between the planets" with some cool computer software.

Meanwhile I entertain the gruesome thought of turning Mercury into a prison planet.

Skipping over Venus we head towards our home world where we find our species still stuck on Earth. Like a kid window shopping at the mall we are able to see the universe but are unable to touch it.

Brian Wang of Next Big Future (formally Advanced Nanotechnology) discusses how Boeing's space gas station may help change all of that.

Until then, our current love affair with space shuttles will have to suffice for the time being. Speaking of space shuttles, Atlantis's belated launch is scheduled for liftoff in February, with Nancy Houser of A Mars Odyssey covering the story.

For those of you who are in the mood to taste some interstellar space, Paul Gilster over at Centauri Dreams does not disappoint, highlighting what it might take to build and launch an interstellar probe.

But try not to travel too far off course, as Louise Riofrio (aka A Babe in the Universe) reminds everyone that wandering black holes may roam our not so tiny galaxy.

Speaking of galaxies, have you ever heard of the Galaxy Zoo? Did you ever wonder who the mysterious keepers behind the celestial catalog were? So did I, and it seems that Pamela Gay of Star Stryder was fortunate enough to interview two of them, to the delight of true believers everywhere.

Last but not least Robert Nemiroff reminds everyone why some of us are fascinated by the stars with a glowing image of a dust nebula declaring its presence to the universe, and to all who wish to partake of its glory.

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Thanks for visiting this weeks edition of Carnival of Space, hosted by Darnell Clayton of Colony Worlds.

If you are interested in receiving more stories like the ones mentioned above, I would highly encourage you to subscribe to the authors websites, many of which are my daily highlights throughout the week.

Here is a recap of the participating sites, along with their site feeds (for those of you who wish to subscribe to them via RSS).

• Phil Plait of Bad Astronomy (RSS Feed)


• Stuart Atkinson of Cumbrian Sky (RSS Feed)


• Bruce of Flying Singer (RSS Feed)


• Darnell Clayton of Colony Worlds (RSS Feed)


• Brian Wang of Next Big Future (RSS Feed)


• Nancy Houser of A Mars Odyssey (RSS Feed)


• Paul Gilster of Centauri Dreams(RSS Feed)


• Louise Riofrio of A Babe in the Universe (RSS Feed)


• Pamela Gay of Star Stryder (RSS Feed)

While this weeks round ends, the 38^th Carnival of Space will begin shortly. Instead of being a lonely spectator, why not shine some light on your space based article?

If you desire to have your articles read by a multitude of space lovers from various walks of life, then you can take a trek towards Universe Today where Fraser Cain has the necessary info.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (36th Editon)

This weeks Carnival of Space was hosted by Steinn Sigurosson over at Dynamics of Cats which held an interesting round of posts varying from space weather to revisiting Mercury.

Some interesting posts included:

• Pradeep's post indicates that India is becoming increasingly busy in the space arena.


• Jon Goff has a lengthly (but awesome) post regarding an air launched Single Stage To Orbit. Is it possible? The world may never know should consider this option.


• The Space Cynics are attempting to counter the Space Exploration Alliance to everyone's disappointment (they are lobbying for cheap, reliable access to space)


• Paul Glister has an interesting article regarding Europa's oceans being oxidised, not to mention the ice mountains of Titan.

Those interested in submitting their blog posts (or articles to the carnival of space can visit this page over at Universe Today for the details.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (35th Edition)

The 35^th Carnival of Space is up over at Bruce's Flying Singer, with entries spread out over two separate posts.

Some interesting discussions include:

• Paul Gilster of Centauri Dreams discusses whether or not humans should announce our presence to the rest of the Universe via active SETI (as well as the consequences of doing so).


• Brian Wang of Advanced NanoTechnology provides a fresh new look at solar power satellites in low orbit, which could be built a lot sooner than we think.


• Brian Dunbar of Space for Commerce (who works for LiftPort) wonders if space gold could be the key element to motivate the masses towards space.


• Jonathan Goff of Selenian Boondocks (who works at Masten Space) suggests that the next lunar landing vehicle should be equiped with ejection seats (as parachutes would be useless in space).

Those were some of the interesting articles that caught my eye during this round of the Carnival of Space.

If anyone is interested in joining our growing "space gang," you can contact Fraser from Universe Today over at CarnivalOfSpace [at] Gmail [dot] com, or by visiting this site for the necessary info.

Video: Merry Christmas (Plus Carnival Of Space)

The 34^th Carnival of the Space Geeks is up over at Rainer Gerhards Spaceflight blog, with a host of interesting articles ranging from Scramjets alternatives to free books about Mars.

There are also some spectacular astronomy images over at Bad Astronomy.

For those of you enjoying your holiday break, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, or Solemn Festivus, which ever you prefer.

I would also like to thank the many readers who spend time reading this little web journal of mine, as well as to the host of others out there who still believe that there is more to space than watching Star Trek, and are willing to share ideas to make this happen.

For your enjoyment, here is a video from the show Firefly, which for those of you who are not Browncoats can enjoy over at Hulu.com for free. Enjoy!

Update: Video size adjusted to fit within post.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (33 Rotations)

Last weeks Carnival of Space was hosted by Fraser of Universe Today.

A few (of the many) articles that stood out included:

• Stuart Atkinson of Cumbrian Sky thinks we are actually going to miss having the NASA shuttles around (note: are you serious?) while Mark Whittington thinks SpaceX may actually save NASA from the "launch gap."



• Brian Wang of Advanced Nanotechnology enlightens everyone on what it would take to launch magnetic sails from Earth, while Paul Gilster of Centauri Dreams posts about how discovering the secrets to the solar wind could help speed up travel throughout the solar system, and beyond.



• Last but not least Space Cynics has a post that will help deflate some of the optimism in the NewSpace arena, although his articles do help to keep all of us "grounded." (pun intended--with kindness of course!)

Those wishing to join the fun can submit articles for Thursdays round (of the Carnival of Space) to Fraser over at info [at] universetoday [dot] com or CarnivalOfSpace [at] Gmail [dot] com.

Details about what all the fun is all about can be discovered over here.

Carnival Of The Space Geeks (32nd Edition)

Last week's Carnival of Space was hosted by Ed Minchau over on Robot Guy.

Posts ranged from raging volcano's on Io to visiting Mars but "never touching it," to even a brief history regarding the fall and (hopeful) rise of the solar sail.

Brian Wang (who recently became a father--congrats!!!) has an interesting roundup of his favorite launch systems, one which may be cheaper than a space elevator.

The next Carnival of Space is coming up in a few days, and if anyone is interested in submitting articles to the next round can visit Universe Today for the details.