Amsterdam-(ENEWSPF)- Astronomers from the University of Amsterdam have shown that forming massive stars are much bigger than grown-up massive stars. Their observations confirm the theory that, at the conclusion of the formation process, a massive star further contracts until it has reached a stable equilibrium. The results are published as[Read More…]

The sky map of the Faraday effect caused by the magnetic fields of the Milky Way. Red and blue colors indicate regions of the sky where the magnetic field points toward and away from the observer, respectively. The band of the Milky Way (the plane of the galactic disk) extends[Read More…]

Solar Dynamics Observatory view of June 7 CME Coronal Mass Ejection as viewed by the Solar Dynamics Observatory on June 7, 2011. Credit: NASA/SDO NASA-(ENEWSPF)- Solar storms and associated Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) can significantly erode the lunar surface according to a new set of computer simulations by NASA scientists.[Read More…]

This color view of a mineral vein called "Homestake" comes from the panoramic camera (Pancam) on NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity. The vein is about the width of a thumb and about 18 inches (45 centimeters) long. Opportunity examined it in November 2011 and found it to be rich in[Read More…]

SOUTH AFRICA–(ENEWSPF)–7 December 2011.  Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called today for increased support from Member States for a United Nations initiative to slow, halt and reverse deforestation, and help developing countries manage their forests in a sustainable manner. “I am encouraged to see that forest countries are acting to reduce deforestation, and[Read More…]

Agency Set to Make Decision on BPA Ban from Food Packaging by March 31 WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–December 7, 2011.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has committed to decide by March 31, 2012 whether a chemical that causes brain damage in developing babies, infants and young children should be banned from use[Read More…]

Taking a break from Game 4 of the World Series on October 27, 2004, Sky & Telescope editor in chief Rick Fienberg snapped this view of that evening’s total eclipse of the Moon. Click on the image for a larger version. Sky & Telescope photo by Richard Tresch Fienberg If[Read More…]

South Africa–(ENEWSPF)–6 December 2011.  Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged countries not to lose momentum and show determined leadership to advance negotiations at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban, South Africa, as States enter their first day of high-level talks. “The world is looking to you for leadership,” Mr. Ban told[Read More…]

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–December 6, 2011. On Dec. 6, 2011 at 1545z, GOES-15 took its first infrared image as the operational geostationary satellite positioned over the Pacific – called GOES-West. This image shows a portion of that first image. The clouds are colorized based on their temperature, an indication of storm intensity.[Read More…]

Nearly 10,000 “Bird the Net” for fun and prizes    New York, NY–(ENEWSPF)–December 6, 2011. The competition was fierce as virtual birders pursued animated orioles, puffins, cranes and more throughout the web in Audubon’s Birding the Net. In all, more than 9,500 participated in the ambitious social media campaign that stretched[Read More…]