04/02/2010 by admin.

A strange object has been seen whizzing through space. Nasa have called it P/2010 A2. It was spotted between Mars and Jupiter in the Asteroidial Main belt by the Hubble telescope just last week. The object - presumably a comet or meteor or asteriod collision - has a bizarre X- shaped tail, unlike anything ever seen in space before. Fortunately, the object is over 90 million miles away, so no cause for alarm.

Scientists are calling the debate about the object ‘The Curious Case of Comet Linear’ It’s another example linked to our poser in the early part of our novel (see sample) ‘Does humanity have the X factor?’ Perhaps this is a poignant reminder to act to preserve our natural world?

Posted in Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q70 Do you like to look at the stars?, Q36 Should a good life cost the Earth?, Q23 Do you believe all the laws of physics?, Q14 Do you believe your stars? | No Comments »

29/07/2009 by admin.

Venus, a planet synonomous with love, has caught the heart of star-gazers. A strange spot has emerged on the planet and astronomers are at a loss as to know what caused it. 

An amateur skywatcher spotted the new feature on the same day that another first witnessed the scar on Jupiter.  The bright spot appears in the southern hemisphere of the planet.  A leading scientist said, “It’s fair to say that something unusual happened on Venus. Unfortunately we don’t yet know what it is!” Early suggestions for the activity on our ’sister’ planet include a powerful volcanic eruption, charged sun particles or waves on the surface. 

All the same, the mysterious event is all the stranger since it took place almost simultaneously with the Jupiter hit and the longest solar eclipse this century, and Mars has also been featured on our Watch.   We politely remind you that each of these celestial bodies feature in our novel! Venus also suffers from a runaway greenhouse effect.  As explained in this interesting video, astronomy can help us see our place in the Universe….. hmmm….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqIkKxhjW4U&feature=fvsr

Posted in Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q70 Do you like to look at the stars?, Q54 Do you enjoy a bit of a mystery?, Q41 Do you like surprises?, Q14 Do you believe your stars? | No Comments »

22/07/2009 by admin.

Some 2 billion people across Asia have experienced the longest total eclipse of the sun in the 21st century. 

(Source: Lutfar Rahman Nirjhar - www.nirjhar.com )

The eclipse lasted 6.6 minutes and took place at 3.00am Greenwich meantime.  The exceptional duration was because the moon was just 3 hours away from its closest point to Earth in its orbit.  The length of the eclipse will not be surpassed until 30 years into the next century.  The clipse was the second of three to take place in a one month peiod. It was an amazing awe inspiring spectacle falling as it does within our 3 year Watch and taking place so close to the 40th anniversary of the first Apollo Lunar landing.  The moon is subject to much mythology and superstition in cultures the world over.  A full moon features prominiently in our tale at several key moments; at points of discovery and understanding.

The eclipse has also given scientists an opportunity to learn more about the sun.  For example, solar scientist Lucie Green, from University College London was aboard an Amercian cruise ship heading for the Japanese island of Iwo Jima to examine the waves in the corona. Well done Lucie! 

Jupiter also receives a mention in the novel - so its rather odd that almost to the day an amateur astronomer reported the discovery of a mysterious scar the size of the Earth near the pole of the gas giant. It has caught NASA scientists by surprise with an early conclusion that the planet was hit by a comet or asteroid. Such an event last took place 15 years ago when Shoemaker 59 crashed into the orb.  News of the impact has stunned the astronmy world. Jupiter also has its share of mythology with the Roman God Jupiter being in charge of cosmic justice. In Rome, in the courts of law people used to swear ‘By Jove’ to witness the oath. 

Posted in Q70 Do you like to look at the stars?, Q79 Have you ever looked into the shadows?, Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q54 Do you enjoy a bit of a mystery?, Q46 Do you value a good education?, Q14 Do you believe your stars?, Q20 Have your eyes ever deceived you?, Q41 Do you like surprises?, Q11 Do you believe in justice? | No Comments »

12/12/2008 by admin.

A glance up at the night sky reveals the closest full moon to the Earth for the past 15 years.  According to NASA, the Lunar orb passed over the Northern Hemisphere 30,000 km closer than usual at the nearest point in its oval orbit.  Only every few years does the near orbit coincide with a full moon, creating an appearance that’s brighter and larger than usual.   Not only is the moon at its largest now for 15 years, but also for the period between 1993 and 2016 - 23 years in total.

How curious that this should occur on the 12th day of the 12th month at the heart of the 3 year period of the Whittenbury Watch given the presence of the full moon that loomed large in the night sky at on the horizon behind the head of the ‘Goblin Tree’ at the start of our magical adventure.  Hear the voice of nature. Read the extract:

“Q14: Do you believe your stars?

Astrology was considered science in man’s early history, with messages written in the stars serving as the guiding force for many.  Old traditions die hard, of course, so in these days of supposed reason and facts, millions in developing countries regularly consult their stars for an insight into the future. What about Ben what did the stars predict for him?

After Ben had left the cottage, Julia had dashed to the bedroom to watch her husband’s progress.  To get the best view, she switched off the bulb and peered out into the darkness.  Several rooms were lit in the farmhouse opposite. It was their solemn neighbour’s house.  She speculated whether Ben’s Lady in Grey was inside.  Julia saw no sign of Ben, so she tried a second, smaller window; one which overlooked the Goblin Tree.  She had no choice but to look through its silhouette to the fields where Ben ventured.  A harvest moon had positioned itself right behind the tree’s crown.  The moonlight turned the route to the Nimley Bourne into a shimmering pathwayto a surreal and magic world.”

But much more than this, Charles Lamb’s journal appeared to bring to life William Wordsworth’s poem ‘Lucy’ which has a bright full moon at it’s heart, including the lines, “The sinking moon to Lucy’s cot. Came nearer and nearer still.” (Page 346 of the novel).

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL

12 December is a significant date in our project, given the role of the sacred stones and our ‘Give Away Draw’.  How fascinating that on this day, as the people of planet Earth are slow to act on the need to preserve our natural world from the ravages of our consumption lifestyles, a new movie should appear namely, ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still’.  The movie is about an alien visitor to warn us about an impending global crisis. The trailer begins with the line, “Are you aware of an impending attack on planet Earth?”  The key question posed by the movie is “whether mankind desrves saving… indeed it may already be too late.”

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=A_bNDv0-ZrU

IT MAKES YOU THINK!

Archaeologists have found Britain’s oldest surviving human brain in a field where it was buried some 2,000 years ago during the Iron Age.  It was discovered inside a decapitated skull placed in a small pit near York. 

Researchers studying the remains believe they could be from a human sacrifice whose head was buried to appease the Gods.  The rare find is the first of its kind in Britain, described as ‘a real freak of preservation’. Curious that this should be reported today - it makes you think!

Posted in Q54 Do you enjoy a bit of a mystery?, Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q41 Do you like surprises?, Q20 Have your eyes ever deceived you?, Q14 Do you believe your stars?, Q15 Do you sometimes fear the worst?, Q12 Is our Earth enchanted? | No Comments »

11/07/2007 by admin.

More record breaking in nature. Samson, a three year old Great Dane stands over 6 feet tall and weighs nearly 20 stone. He’s billed as Britain’s biggest dog.  Adopted from the local RSPCA the huge dog is a reluctant media star. Watch out Malachi. Question 58

Meanwhile, Astronomers claim they have detected light from some of the earliest galaxies – that shone over 13billion years ago. Question 14

Posted in Q58 Do things happen for a reason?, Q32 Are you afraid of the dark?, Q14 Do you believe your stars? | No Comments »