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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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Category Archives: Holidays
Independence Day 2011 (-1)
It’s that time of year again when we celebrate the 235th anniversary of the Independence of this Republic of ours from England. For today 3 Jul, let’s start with this classic:
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Independence Day 2011 (-2)
It’s that time of year again when we celebrate the 235th anniversary of the Independence of this Republic of ours from England. For today 2 Jul, let’s set the tone:
Posted in Blood Warmer, Holidays
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Memorial Day 2011
Memorial Day is rapidly approaching, and there are a number of good posts out there to remind us of what this holiday is really all about. Over at Castle Arggghhhh is a nice little post that should strike a chord … Continue reading
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Happy New Year
This seems like an appropriate way to start the New Year.
Posted in History, Holidays
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It’s Christmas
As expected it’s a white Christmas at Thor’s Hall. That’s all for now, go enjoy your friends and family.
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Darwin
This is what Darwin was talking about. Have a Happy Thanksgiving Day
Posted in Culture, Holidays
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Veteran’s Day
I’m on the road this week and it’s a bit hectic. So, I’ll have to keep this Veteran’s Day thought brief. If you are a Veteran these two pieces of video will get cause the dust swirling around in your … Continue reading
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Happy Halloween
The pumpkins are carved out into Jack-o-Lanterns. The kids have their costumes ready. A portion of the outdoor spookiness is complete… just need to add the finishing touches. The treats are in the house, the weather is cooling off nicely … Continue reading
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Man farm and fleet has already…
Man farm and fleet has already switched over from Halloween to Christmas merchandise. Incredible.
Happy Columbus Day
Today is Columbus day. The kids have been off of school since the end of day Wednesday and still have today off too. Needless to say I am jealous, and am wishing that I was burning some vacation time right … Continue reading
Posted in Holidays, Personal
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