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- Portrait of a Doomed Asteroid
A new study provides a possible explanation of mysterious X-ray flares detected by the Chandra K-ray Observatory for several years in the region of Sagittarius A*, or Sgr A*. The study suggests a cloud around Sgr A*, a supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way Galaxy, which contains hundreds of trillions of asteroids and comets that have been stripped from their parent stars. The flares occur when asteroids of six miles or larger in radius are consumed by the black hole. An asteroid that undergoes a close encounter with another object, such as a star or planet, can be thrown into an orbit headed towards Sgr A*. If the asteroid passes within about 100 million miles of the black hole, roughly the distance between the Earth and the sun, it is torn into pieces by the tidal forces from the black hole. These fragments would then be vaporized by friction as they pass through the hot, thin gas flowing onto Sgr A*, similar to a meteor heating up and glowing as it falls through Earth's atmosphere. A flare is produced and eventually the remains of the asteroid are swallowed by the black hole. Image Credit: Illustrations: NASA/CXC/M.Weiss
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Monthly Archives: August 2009
TR – Criticism
The good folks over at The Art of Manliness have taken the “motivator” comcept in a most acceptable direction. There are a wide variety of them on their site with various historical characters, as well as some other great daily … Continue reading
Posted in Heroes, History
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Revolution?
Another health care post just for grins. We are rapidly approaching a point of social revolution and civil strife. On the one hand you see what may have previously been the “silent majority” no longer being silent. On the other … Continue reading
Posted in Politics
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Should the motto “In God We Tr…
Should the motto “In God We Trust” be removed from U.S. currency? Go vote now http://bit.ly/TKxC7
Posted in Uncategorized
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Poseidon
Full disclosure: 1. I am a Boeing Shareholder 2. I have extended relatives that work for Boeing 3. I have been enamored of Boeing aircraft since I was 6. A proven airframe and a new mission. Very cool video. They … Continue reading
Posted in Aviation
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Not So Sure
I have stayed away from commenting on the Healthcare reform debate going on in the US right now. I think people are finally getting the point about what the potential fallout of nationalized medicine is. Just in case you have … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Politics
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Voodoo
One of my earliest memories growing up is that of watching aircraft fly out of Portland International. In the 60′s we would drive north on 122nd and as you crossed Halsey you would be in just the right spot to … Continue reading
Posted in Aviation, History
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Why Study Math?
Well math does form a basis for physics and pratical engineering. Witness this demonstration of math done well.
Posted in Culture, Humor
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Surgical Precision?
At 1500m, maybe not quite surgical but I SO do want one of these. Maybe in another life.
Posted in Guns
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Friday Funny
A consumables alert is in effect for this post. Please finish eating or drinking anything that is in your mouth prior to completing this post. Put any mugs etc. down. An Irish farmer named Seamus had a car accident. In … Continue reading
Posted in Humor
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