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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: July 2010
Quiz Du Jour
Well here is the current quiz meme making the rounds. Give it a try. You are 1% hippie. Ok, you conservative soul. Do you even believe in global warming? Loosen that necktie a little, and try some organic food. … Continue reading
Posted in Humor
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Overboard
Now, I understand that the government feels that we cannot look after ourselves. I understand that they think people will constantly manipulate situations, to take advantage of others and the .gov needs to step in as the referee. I don’t … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Politics
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Confirmation
It is always nice to have what you know to be true, confirmed by others. “America Needs More Marine Corps Values”. Go read the whole thing, I’ll wait. Here’s my favorite highlight: Of course, honor, courage and commitment are always … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Marines
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@TheMajPain now that’s funny
@TheMajPain now that’s funny
@TheMajPain much better than a…
@TheMajPain much better than afghan goat I am certain.
Current Events Humor II
Ok, I lifted this one whole from Stormbringer. It was too good to pass up, even if the Arizona part is really from a true story about Rick Perry, the Gov. of Texas. CALIFORNIA The Governor of California is jogging … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Humor, Politics
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Current Events Humor
Today is the retirement ceremony of Gen. McChrystal. In honor of this event, I will share a little resume comparison that is making the rounds: Here we have a look at two different resumes: General McChrystal Biography Commander, International Security … Continue reading
Posted in Humor
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Manliness
One of the things about the internet is that there are so many users, with so many opinions that discussions become widespread and interesting. A recurring theme that has shown up is “Manliness”. There are all kinds of theories and … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Humor
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Thoughtful Laugh of the Day
Over at Home on The Range, Brigid has another one of her lists up. An ecclectic selection of quotations and pithy sayings that will cause you to ponder, and laugh. Gibe it a read.
Posted in Humor
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SWJ Blog – Aussie with His Min…
SWJ Blog – Aussie with His Mind on Hostile Matters http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/2010/07/aussie-with-his-mind-on-hostil/