Bill Housley
Science Fiction and Fantasy Author
About.me
Bill Housley
Author, Actor, Father, Wildman
Hates the World;
Loves the world;
Writes about the world;
End of Story.
Contact
Into the Dark–Escape of the Nomad
Where’s The Cat?
Another Man’s Terrorist
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Space.com Top Stories
- Solar Eclipse Will Transform Sun into 'Ring of Fire' Next Week April 23, 2014The sun will look like a ring of fire above some remote parts of the world next Tuesday (April 29) during a solar eclipse, but most people around the world won't get a chance to see it.
- 'Ring of Fire' Annular Solar Eclipse of April 29, 2014 (Visibility Maps) April 23, 2014On April 29, 2014, the moon will block much of the sun in a so-called annular solar eclipse, also known as a "ring of fire" solar eclipse. See where the solar eclipse will be visible from in this Space.com gallery.
- Moon and Mercury Shine Together in Amateur Photo April 23, 2014Skywatcher Victor Rogus of Jadwin, Missouri captured this wonderful image of 4 percent illuminated moon in conjunction with planet Mercury on Feb. 27, 2014. See how he did it.
- Virgin Galactic and Land Rover Team Up for Space Travel (Video) April 23, 2014Automaker Land Rover is teaming up with private spaceflight company Virgin Galactic to help transport future commercial astronauts on Earth before flights to space.
- Amateur Astronomers Capture Magnificent Mix of Celestial Delights in Amazing Photo April 23, 2014Two Michigan-based photographers, Terry Hancock of Fremont and Robert Fields of Howell Township, captured this brilliant image of three nebulas and a star cluster on April 11. See how they did it.
- Buzz Aldrin Wants NASA Astronauts to Visit Asteroid in Deep Space April 23, 2014While moonwalker Buzz Aldrin thinks that a mission sending humans to an asteroid is a good idea, the Apollo astronaut isn't so happy with NASA's current plan to get astronauts to a space rock.
- Lyrid Meteors Rain Over Earth, NASA Cameras Watch | Video April 23, 2014The annual meteor shower peaked on April 22nd, 2014 and NASA's All Sky Fireball Network captured many of the streaking meteors as they burnt up in the atmosphere.
- Spacewalking Astronauts Replace Dead Computer on Space Station April 23, 2014A pair of NASA astronauts replaced a dead backup computer on the International Space Station during a short spacewalk Wednesday (April 23) to restore a critical computer system back to full strength.
- Virgin Galactic + Land Rover Partnership Driving to Sub-Orbital Tourism | Video April 23, 2014In a marketing exercise, the private space tourism company has joined forces with the sport utility vehicle giant to unveil the Land Rover Discovery Sport compact SUV.
- Spacewalk Photos: NASA Astronauts Replace Dead Space Station Computer (April 23, 2014) April 23, 2014See photos of NASA astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Steve Swanson as they spacewalk outside the International Space Station on April 23, 2014 to replace a dead backup computer on the outpost's exterior.
- WATCH LIVE NOW: Manned Mars Exploration Conference October 6, 2012NASA officials and Mars exploration advocates discuss manned missions to the Red Planet at the Humans 2 Mars summit, which runs from April 22-24, 2014.
- US Astronauts Taking Spacewalk to Fix Space Station Today: Watch Live April 23, 2014Two NASA astronauts will take a short spacewalk to replace a dead computer on the International Space Station today. See how to watch it live here.
- SpaceX Video Captures Amazing Reusable Rocket Test Launch and Landing April 23, 2014SpaceX's Falcon 9R rocket soared about 820 feet into the air last week at the company's rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas, then came back down to Earth for a soft landing on the launch pad as planned.
- Mars Missions Could Make Humanity a Multi-Planet Species, NASA Chief Says April 23, 2014In order for humanity to survive into the distant future, we need to visit and even colonize other worlds, according to NASA chief Charles Bolden.
- Guion Bluford: First African-American in Space April 23, 2014Guion "Guy" Bluford is a former NASA astronaut who was the first African-American to fly into space. He flew four shuttle missions.
- Cross-Section of the Universe | Space Wallpaper April 23, 2014This space wallpaper of a galaxy cluster taken by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope gives a remarkable cross-section of the Universe, showing objects at different distances and stages in cosmic history.
- Space Station Beams Down Earth Day Greetings | Video April 22, 2014ISS Commander Koichi Wakata and Flight Engineers Richard Mastracchio and Steve Swanson have a message to share with the world on April 22nd, 2014, Earth Day. -- Satellite's Earth Day Photo: http://goo.gl/iXd3z8
- Photos: SpaceX's Amazing Falcon 9 Reusable Rocket Prototype in Pictures April 22, 2014See photos of SpaceX's innovative F9R, the Falcon 9 Reusable rocket prototype, as it soars through test flights. The SpaceX F9R rocket is a Falcon 9 booster first stage equipped with landing legs and a vertical landing system.
- Earth Day from Space: Satellite Snaps Far-Out Photo (Image) April 22, 2014A U.S. satellite has captured the ultimate Earth Day view from space, showing the entire planet in a stunning group shot of humanity. The photo, taken today (April 22) to mark Earth Day, was captured by the GOES-East satellite at 7:45 a.m. EDT (1145 GMT)
- 'What Is Relativity?' (2014): Book Excerpt April 22, 2014Many people with a basic knowledge of physics know that Einstein developed the theory of relativity, yet few people actually understand what it means. But author and astrophysicist Jeffrey Bennett relativity should be something anyone can understand.
NASA Breaking News
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LiveScience.com – Top Stories
- Zoos, Aquariums and Their Visitors Are Critical Advocates for Conservation (Op-Ed) April 24, 2014Zoos and aquariums are hubs for inspiring the public to support wildlife conservation.
- Pregnancy Diet and Nutrition | What to Eat, What Not to Eat April 24, 2014There's a reason they say you're "eating for two" when you're pregnant. Find out what to eat when pregnant and what foods to avoid.
- 4 Ways to Avoid Feeling 'Hangry' (and Save Your Marriage) April 24, 2014That "hangry" feeling you get, when you've waited too long between meals, can bring trouble in relationships, a new study suggests. Here's how to avoid the drops in blood sugar levels that can lead to feeling hangry.
- Not So Harmless? Pot Linked to Heart Problems April 23, 2014Pot may not have a chill, calming effect on everyone – evidence is emerging that for some people, smoking marijuana could increase the risk of heart problems, doctors say.
- Tiny Insect Parts Revealed in New 3D, True-Color Images April 23, 2014A new scanning system, which uses basic equipment, can capture 3D models of insects in color.
- Misleading Gun-Death Chart Draws Fire April 23, 2014Recent news reports about how Florida's "stand your ground" law affected the number of deaths in the state have raised a few eyebrows, thanks to a strange statistical chart.
- Deep-Sea Robot Explores Shipwrecks Thursday: Watch Live Online April 23, 2014Watch live as a remotely operated vehicle explores debris and artifacts from one of the three mysterious shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico.
- The Truth About Marijuana: Health Risks Trivialized (Op-Ed) April 23, 2014Marijuana may not be the "safe" drug many think it is.
- Sugar Wars - Food Industry Held Accountable | FED Up Trailer April 23, 2014From Katie Couric and Laurie David (producer of An Inconvenient Truth) comes a revealing look at the food industry's stance on weight loss. Premieres in theaters on May 9th, 2014.
- Photos: Shipwrecks of the Deep Sea April 23, 2014Photos of mysterious 19th century shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Quail Assembling - Nikon Small World photomicrography competition April 23, 2014Captured by Dr. Gabriel G. Martins of The Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia, this winning video shows a sequence of “virtual” slices through the whole embryo, revealing startling clarity and detail of such a large specimen.
- Not Just for Sex: Why the Y Chromosome Hasn't Vanished April 23, 2014Men have lost most of the genes originally included on the Y chromosome during evolution, but those genes essential for survival have persevered. These genes may contribute to differences between men and women with certain diseases, researchers said.
- Experimental Cochlear Implant Treatment Could Improve Hearing April 23, 2014Improved cochlear implants that deliver genetic instructions to stimulate regrowth of auditory nerves could give people who are deaf the ability to enjoy music again, new research suggests.
- 1800's Shipwreck Rediscovered Near Golden Gate Bridge April 23, 2014A ship that sunk near San Francisco's Golden Gate in 1888 has been rediscovered by NOAA. The City of Chester sits upright in more than 200 feet of water.
- Food vs. Sex: Why Some Female Spiders Eat Males Before Mating April 23, 2014Certain female spiders are infamous for eating their partners after sex, but some actually pounce on suitors, fangs first, before mating ever occurs.
- Mantis Shrimp's Attack Claw Inspires Tough New Material Design April 23, 2014Mantis shrimp attack their prey using a clublike claw that accelerates faster than a .22-caliber bullet. Researchers think studying the structure of this club could inspire stronger, more impact-resistant materials.
- How Cold Was Winter? Starving Rats Ate Trees April 23, 2014Some effects of the long-lasting, sub-freezing temperatures are only now becoming apparent. One surprise was the discovery that starving rats in New York City had attacked the trees in urban parks for sustenance.
- What Are the Types of Meditation? April 23, 2014There are many types of meditation, including Zen Buddhist meditation, transcendental meditation, Tai chi and yoga.
- 7 Ways Depression Differs in Men and Women April 23, 2014
- Creationist Debate Stalls South Carolina State Fossil Bill April 23, 2014When 8-year-old Olivia McConnell proposed a state fossil for South Carolina, she probably didn't expect her request to prompt a drawn-out fight with creationists in her state legislature.
Discover Magazine — Space
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NASA Blog Updates
- NASA Deputy Administrator's Blog June 26, 2013A Great Day for Equality
- NASA Administrator June 26, 2013Protecting Planet Earth
- NASA IV&V Matters June 24, 2013Summer Interns Return to IV&V
NASA Image of the Day
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Masten-space.com Blog updates–X-Prize winner!
- Fall 2014 Internships January 20, 2014Masten is now accepting applications for internships for the Fall of 2014. If you’ve followed us you know we’ve had a great history of outstanding interns working with us. There are few places like us that can deliver an internship with this level of responsibility and hands on work. We’re not looking for gophers, we’re looking
- Masten featured on PBS documentary December 2, 2013We get asked on a regular basis what life is like working at Masten. Well, the good folks at KQED (San Francisco Bay Area PBS affiliate) came out in May to capture a slice of Mojave with a healthy dose of Masten rockets. Watch for Masten to appear around time marker 13:47. We really enjoyed hosting
- Summer 2014 Internships November 11, 2013Masten is now accepting applications for internships for the Summer of 2014. If you’ve followed us you know we’ve had a great history of outstanding interns working with us. There are few places like us that can deliver an internship with this level of responsibility and hands on work. We’re not looking for gophers, we’re looking
- Joy and Sadness November 11, 2013Most of the time these blog posts update you on just a glimpse of what’s going on behind the curtain over here at Masten, and the man behind that curtain for most of those posts over the last three plus years has been Colin. Today’s post is a little different. Today, it is both with
- Xaero B Rises March 18, 2013Since last summer, even while we focused on Xombie flights for JPL and expanding Xaero’s flight envelope, we were working. Designing, tweaking, and starting to build the next iteration of Xaero that we affectionately (and creatively) call Xaero-B. We’re finally ready to pull the curtain back and share her with you! Xaero-B is intended to
- February Flight Frenzy! February 1, 2013We finished our work early and now we have extra time for you! As a result, a special one-time deal can be yours this February. Think of it as our Valentine’s Day present to the space community. For projects that can fly by the end of February, we’re offering an open loop flight on our
- Announcing Postgraduate Fellowships January 25, 2013We’re about to embark on a historic year for Masten Space Systems. Team members will be part of test flight firsts, the design and construction of some of the most advanced suborbital test vehicles ever built, and fulfillment of some unique contracts that will further establish Masten as the world leader in VTVL technology. We’re excited today
- Introducing Scimitar October 9, 2012I’m often reminded of an inspirational quote from a truly great self-made man: “I’m on to the next one On to the next one On to the next one On to the next one On to the next one On to the next one On to the next one Hold up, freeze Somebody bring me
- Next September 18, 2012Last week we encountered a sub system failure in flight that necessitated turning the rocket off while still in the air. Landing at that point winds up considerably rearranging the rocket into rocket parts. Since then we’ve heard from a lot of folks offering support, encouragement, and concern. Thank you. Please know that the team
- Xaero Test Update September 11, 2012Today, Masten Space Systems conducted a flight test of Xaero to 1 km altitude with the intention of testing flight controls at higher ascent and descent velocities. Our test objectives were met and initial results show the vehicle performed better than expected at altitude. However, the vehicle was lost during final approach to landing, and
Discovery Space News
- Spacewalking Astronauts Replace Dead Computer on Space Station April 23, 2014Two astronauts made quick work of their repair during the spacewalk.
- DNews: Why Does Russia See So Many Meteors? April 23, 2014A few days ago, a fireball lit up the skies over Murmansk, Russia. It seems like Russia sees more meteors than the rest of the world. Why Russia? Trace and Discovery News Space Producer Ian O'Neill have the answer.
- Saturn Moon's Weird Ridge Rained Down From Space April 22, 2014Saturn certainly has some oddball moons and astronomers think they're close to explaining how a weird feature formed on one of them.
- Asteroids Whack Earth More Often Than Thought April 22, 2014An infrasound network detected 26 explosions between 2000 and 2013 caused by asteroids blasting apart in Earth's atmosphere.
- DNews: Why NASA is Experimenting on Twins in Space April 22, 2014To understand the the long-term effects of space on the human body, NASA is conducting an experiment involving twins! Join Tara as she explains what they hope to learn by sending one twin to space, but not the other.
- Look Up! Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight April 21, 2014The Lyrid meteor shower peaks tonight (April 21) and if Mother Nature spoils your 'shooting stars' display with bad weather, you can watch the celestial light show live online with two webcasts.
- 'Easter Dragon' Pays a Visit to the Space Station April 21, 2014Astronauts aboard the International Space Station on Monday opened the hatch on the SpaceX Dragon cargo ship that arrived Sunday and began unpacking more than two tons of supplies and experiments. Continue reading →
- V-2: The Rocket Fueled by the Nazi War Machine April 21, 2014The unexpected spinoffs from the weaponized rocket technology from World War Two ultimately led to the more peaceful space launch applications we have today. Continue reading →
- Opportunity: The Amazing Self-Cleaning Mars Rover April 21, 2014Opportunity has been given a new lease on life after the red planet gave the tenacious Mars rover a power-boosting spring clean. Continue reading →
- DNews: Can We Grow Plants on Mars? April 20, 2014Last year, NASA announced that they had found water on Mars. This posed a question to scientists: Could we grow plants in the soil of Mars? Trace explains what is necessary to grow crops on Earth, and if Mars is able to sustain life.
New Scientist
- Big bang breakthrough: The dark side of inflation April 23, 2014The sighting of gravitational waves from the universe's birth is a great advance – but if confirmed might also be the ultimate setback for cosmology
- Playing peek-a-boo in a colossal rocket box April 23, 2014We take a rocket's-eye view of the monolithic gantry surrounding the European Space Agency's latest launch vehicle, the Vega, as it prepares for take-off
- Build a stable wormhole with the help of dark aliens April 23, 2014An extension of Einstein's gravity would let us build a wormhole – if we could send messages to invisible aliens via space-time ripples
- Asteroid strike map built from nuclear watchdog data April 22, 2014The network that monitors for covert nuclear weapons testing helped detect 26 asteroids entering Earth's atmosphere since 2000 – this movie maps them
- Red lettuce and dinosaur germs head to space station April 18, 2014SpaceX has launched its third cargo mission to the ISS, carrying gear that includes robot legs, a collapsible garden and a microbes from a dino fossil
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