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.



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