Astronomy.com blog - All Comments

re: Approach of the robot armada!

jaymast — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:17:18 GMT

The name "armada" is a nautical term and is most often associated with the unfortunate destruction of a Spanish invasion fleet in the 16th century. Even the American navy is loath to use the term. Instead of 'robot armada' why not 'robot corps' — it's a land-based term, not too militaristic, but still denoting a coordinating group of individual units.

re: Editors dedicate Astronomy magazine’s new observatory

weatherwatcher — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:12:25 GMT

Congratulations! I'm sure this project has been a great adventure getting to this starting point. Adventures have a way of outliving those who begin the journey. I am a very, very amateur hobby astronomer living in a small Eastern New Mexico town. We too have dark skies here. Once lived in Lordsburg and often visited church members in the Animas area. Great setting for an observatory. I am a long time subscriber to Astronomy Magazine and will enthusiastically follow your explorations. I wish for you many successes and an appropriate number of surprises from the skies. GLW

re: Ares I-X finally reaches T-minus-zero

SleeperMP — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:41:03 GMT

I'm happy to see the successful test. But, let's be honest. We, as a nation, were doing this and more over 30 years ago! It is shameful that America will soon have no lauch vehicle capable of even going to the space station. Congress is simply allowing China and India to be the leaders in human space exploration. I know the comments, another old timer ranting about past glory. But those Apollo flights inspired many of us to become engineers, doctors, physicists, etc.. Where is that inspiration today?

re: Mad scientists’ revenge?

Bill Andrews — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:38:12 GMT

Well, you're all right, and I agree that we can't pass judgment on the guy unless (or until) he's found guilty. I tried to make it clear that these crimes were all alleged and we had no proof of anything, and so Nozette might be completely innocent.

But that doesn't mean I can't draw comparisons between his alleged actions and cartoonish supervillains. I mean, the arrest actually happened. Things really don't look good for him. He might actually be a "mad scientist." We just don't know at this point.

But (I think) it's interesting to think about.

re: Astronomy editors sit down with the band They Might Be Giants

Bill Andrews — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:25:03 GMT

I couldn't have put it better myself, Antitax!

re: Ares I-X finally reaches T-minus-zero

ZIVA — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:04:19 GMT

FINALLY THEY GOT IT OFF THE GROUND. I AM GLAD IT WAS SUCESSFUL. CONGRATES ALL AROUND.

re: Mad scientists’ revenge?

FlarRekLaw — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:15:18 GMT

Given a VERY minimal description (in the Los Angeles Times) of what information he offered to sell, I will agree with jodoak.

A jury that has heard the full indictment should be the FIRST individuals that say "Guilty" or "Not Guilty"; i.e. Spy or Not Spy.

I don't believe any of us has the right to say something (e.g. "evil genius" of "mad scientist") that we are not qualified to judge by 1) having true expertise and first hand examination or 2) superior and authoritative information.

re: Mad scientists’ revenge?

jodoak — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:50:55 GMT

Before we can condem this scientist he needs to be found guilty. If found guilty then I believe he should get the fullest extent that the law will allow.

Remember, just because they have all this great education doesn't mean they any common scense.

re: Astronomy editors sit down with the band They Might Be Giants

Antitax — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:43:53 GMT

Astronomers like to hang out with stars.

re: Mad scientists’ revenge?

Starwolf — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:27:57 GMT

I'm not to sure what to make of it. As much as I love astronomy (and the engineers, technicians and scientists behind it all) I would have to say that even more importantly should be the welfare and safety of our nation. It's a shame that such an intelligent person who was pivotal in the astronomical community is allegedly responsible for committing these crimes against our nation. Unfortunately, I have no choice but to say let him be punished to the maximum extent.