Visitor Locations
- 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
Read More
Monthly Archives: June 2010
The Towels…
Over at Flopping Aces, the folks have an interesting view on the current administration’s approach to the hard problems it is facing. It is, I think, a nice companion to my post yesterday. Go read it. Now, let’s contrast that … Continue reading
Posted in Marines, Politics
Leave a comment
SCOTUS Decision
Yesterday the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) released their ruling on the on the McDonald v. Chicago case that had been heard in Feb. If you have not been paying attention, this has turned into surprisingly big news … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Time for a New Secretary?
From reports this morning, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano looks to have put her foot in it again. In fairness, the quote that is being latched onto is relatively benign. “It’s a big border,” she said. “It’s 1,960 miles across that … Continue reading
Posted in Politics, Security
Leave a comment
Toby Keith – Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue
Episode 3 of our series of modern patriotism turns to the annals of country music. Enjoy. more about “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (…“, posted with vodpod
Posted in Blood Warmer, Music
Leave a comment
Bad Advice
It seems that the officers of Law Enforcement in the Cleveland area are providing advice to citizens that, at first blush, would seem to encourage criminals. Hmm, perhaps this is a job security measure on the part of the PD. … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Daily Show – Energy
Now, this is a funny historical look at a serious issue. Too funny not to just enjoy as is. more about “Stewart Takes On America’s Oil Depend…“, posted with vodpod
Posted in Humor
Leave a comment
Giveaway Time
Over at The Survivalist Blog, there is a ammo give away. Get on over there and enter. M.D. Creekmore at The Survivalist Blog – a survival blog dedicated to helping others prepare for and survive disaster – with articles on … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Gene Simmons – Military Tribute
An interesting celebration featuring Gene Simmons, without the makeup and guitar. more about “Gene Simmons Military Tribute“, posted with vodpod
Posted in Blood Warmer, Music
Leave a comment
Gun Bloggers Glossary
A darn fine compilation of terms that are found across the internet, along with links to extended explanations. Well done, worth the time, and there are some chuckles to be found as well.
Posted in Culture, Firearms
Leave a comment
Sharia Law
There has been quite a bit of discussion regarding Sharia Law over the past several years. We have seen Great Britain flirt with offering enclaves where Sharia law would hold sway, complete with court systems. We have see reports of … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Events, Evil walks the earth, Terrorism
Leave a comment