so NASA finally had an idea that i think is brilliant. it is one of those ideas that is so good that most people think, "why didn't i think of that?" one of the problems aboard the ISS, is that parts break down and it then takes a schedule rocket delivery to replace said part. well in a brilliant move, a company is developing a 3d printer that is space ready so the ISS staff can just "print" a new part when needed. this will prevent the need for a launch and the replacement part is available immediately! great idea! read here for details:
http://www.innovationnewsdaily.com/3d-printer-space-station-factory-2414/next up is a story that could provide some very awesome video and photo footage for astronomers. there is a large cloud of stellar gas headed towards a black hole. the mock up video does indeed look pretty awesome and it will be interesting to see what happens when the cloud gets close enough for interaction. this is a very rare event and most people involved are very excited. read here for details and video:
http://motherboard.tv/2011/12/14/astronomers-find-supermassive-black-hole-gobbling-down-a-gassy-meal--2finally a story that is truly epic. the photo captured is amazing on a level that is almost beyond words. it is not everyday that a new star is born close enough for observation from earth. and it is truly a rare event to have a birth of a star caught on film. the 30 octillion ton star is approximately 2000 light years away and provided a truly humbling and astounding picture. so, i present the birth of IRS
4 in all it's glory...
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2011/12/15/epic-tantrum-thrown-by-30-octillion-ton-baby/