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NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day
Oct 14, 2023
Circular Sun Halo
Want to see a ring around the Sun? It's easy to do in daytime skies around the world. Created by randomly oriented ice crystals in thin high cirrus clouds, circular 22 degree halos are visible much more often than rainbows. This one was captured by smart phone photography on May 29, 2021 near Rome, Italy. Carefully blocking the Sun, for example with a finger tip, is usually all that it takes to reveal the common bright halo ring. The halo's characteristic angular radius is about equal to the span of your hand, thumb to little finger, at the end of your outstretched arm. Want to see a ring of fire eclipse? That's harder. The spectacular annular phase of today's (October 14) solar eclipse, known as a ring of fire, is briefly visible only when standing along the Moon's narrow shadow track that passes over limited parts of North, Central, and South America. The solar eclipse is partial though, when seen from broader regions throughout the Americas.
https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html?
The Ring of Fire: 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse
Watch live with us as a “ring of fire” eclipse travels across the United States on Oct. 14, 2023, from Oregon to Texas.
This event occurs when the Moon passes directly in front of the Sun, but appears too small to completely cover the Sun’s surface – resulting in what appears as a ring of fire in the sky. It’s also known as an annular solar eclipse. Everyone in the contiguous 48 states will have the opportunity to see at least a partial eclipse. Join us for conversations with scientists and telescope views from across the country — and send us your questions in chat using #askNASA.
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2023/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlY79zjud-Q
China discovers never-before-seen ore containing a highly valuable rare earth element
Oct 14, 2023
Scientists in China have unearthed a never-before-seen type of ore that contains a rare earth element sought after for its superconductive properties.
The ore, dubbed niobobaotite, is made of niobium, barium, titanium, iron and chloride, the South China Morning Post reported.
It's the niobium that is causing excitement: This light-gray metal is currently used mostly in the production of steel, which it strengthens without adding significant weight. Niobium is also used in making other alloys (materials made of mixes of metals) and can be found in particle accelerators and other advanced scientific equipment because it is a superconductor at low temperatures, according to the Royal Society of Chemistry.
The deposit was found in the Bayan Obo ore deposit in the city of Baotou in Inner Mongolia on Oct. 3. The brownish-black ore is the 17th new type found in the deposit and one of 150 new minerals found in the region, according to the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).
The discovery may be a windfall for China, which currently imports 95% of its niobium, according to the South China Morning Post.
"Depending on the volume and quality of this niobium it could make China self-sufficient," Antonio H. Castro Neto, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS), told the newspaper.
Brazil is the world's largest supplier of the rare earth metal, with Canada a distant second. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a project to open a niobium mine and processing facility is underway in southern Nebraska. The Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project would be the only niobium mine in the U.S.
The metal may also be in greater demand in the future, as researchers are working to develop niobium-lithium and niobium-graphene batteries.
According to S&P Global, these batteries can reduce the risk of fires when used along with lithium. Niobium-lithium batteries also charge faster and can be recharged more often than traditional lithium batteries.
In May, researchers at the the Centre for Advanced 2D Materials (CA2DM) at the NUS, which is developing niobium-graphene batteries, said the batteries could last around 30 years — 10 times longer than lithium-ion batteries — and can fully charge in less than 10 minutes.
https://www.space.com/china-niobobaotite-discovery-rare-earth-element
‘Lost In Space’ Actor Mark Goddard Dies At 87
October 14, 2023
Mark Goddard, 87, known for his portrayal of Don West in the 1960s CBS sci-fi series, “Lost in Space,” passed away Tuesday in Hingham, Massachusetts due to pulmonary fibrosis, Evelyn Pezzulich, the actor’s third wife, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
The actor, born as Charles Harvey Goddard, began his career in the late 1950s, gracing television screens with series roles in shows including “Johnny Ringo,” a Western drama, and the crime-themed “The Detectives,” the outlet noted.
It was his role as Don West in the 1965 series, “Lost in Space,” however, which would etch his name in the annals of television history. The show followed the Robinson family: father John Robinson (Guy Williams), mother Maureen (June Lockhart) and their children, Judy (Marta Kristen), Penny (Angela Cartwright) and Will (Billy Mumy). Alongside them were Don West and a loyal robot as they embarked on a perilous journey to find their way back to Earth after being marooned in space due to an act of sabotage. The show enjoyed a successful three-season run from 1965 to 1968, the outlet noted.
Mumy, who played Will Robinson, paid a touching tribute to his late co-star on Facebook, reminiscing about the enduring friendship they shared for 59 years. He fondly recalled their last words, “I love you,” and praised Goddard as a gifted and trained actor. Mumy acknowledged that, at times, Goddard might have felt constrained by the show’s campy style, but he also embraced and loved it.
“Mark was a sports nut. He passionately followed his Boston teams. He was a die hard Celtics fan. I’m a die hard Lakers fan. We teased each other about that classic rivalry and we both had great respect for many of the players on the teams we rooted against,” Mumy added in the post.
Mumy also imagined Goddard enjoying a martini in heaven, finding solace in a better place, with departed colleagues like Jonathan Harris, Kevin Burns and Guy Williams.
Goddard, with co-stars Lockhart, Cartwright and Kristen, also made a memorable cameo in the 1998 film adaptation of “Lost in Space,” in which Matt LeBlanc took on the role of Don West, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
His contribution to the world of entertainment will be remembered and cherished by fans of the sci-fi series.
https://dailycaller.com/2023/10/14/actor-mark-goddard-dies-87/
getting dark out
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