The Mars Report - June 6th, 2014

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[caption id="attachment_2966" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Impact Scar Detected-in Mars Weathercam Image[/caption]

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 Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. I apologize for the delay in the publication of this edition of ‘The Mars Report’. I have, yet, to write about it but my health is giving my fits and starts. For three days, this week, I had golf balls under my armpits, and fevers that would come and go within a day. I desperately need to get to my doctors, but I am unable to do so by myself. Anywho, I am here now and I have a pretty incredible edition of ‘The Mars Report” for everyone to read and enjoy.

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Just a little promotion, before we get started, of yesterday’s article here at The Other Shoe. Yesterday, and just below this article I published the Tenth edition of ‘The Horror in Smithville’ (click that link to go directly to the story). Yesterday’s episode saw a turn in the luck of our two hero’s, Timmy and Archer, and the introduction of an all new character – Mr. Champion. I would get into any spoilers, but Mr. Champion… is… well, special. And not to tip my hand too much, but you might be seeing a lot of Mr. Champion in upcoming episodes. If you haven’t, already, be sure to drop by and give it a read. Later today I will be publishing another review of all the parts (episodes) so far. So, if you have never taken the time to read this tale of adventure and horror? You will be able to go to one place to get caught up on the adventures of Timmy and Archer… and ‘The Tall Man, too.

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Today we visit the Martian surface not for any accomplishment of our sojourning rover, Curiosity. No, today we are going to see images from Mars of the “Best Ever Pinning Down of When a Space Rock Hits Mars.” It really is an incredible event, from a scientific point of view, and helps me to bring to focus just how in touch for the events on Mars America is. This is a ‘Good Thing’ for America and for the furtherance of our people and our species. As I relayed in the earlier edition of ‘The Mars Report’ right here on Wednesday of this week, America needs to focus on exploration and colonization of Mars.

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This is not just my opinion, but the opinion of the National Research Council, too. As stated in their report[1] to NASA and Congress (‘Pathways to Exploration: Rationales and Approaches for a U.S. Program of Human Space Exploration’), the need for timely exploration and eventual colonization of Mars is of the up most importance to scientific development and the continuation of our species. This goal was firmly in mind when NASA planned (and launched) the ‘Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter’[2] projectand the largest rover ever to land on another planet, ‘Mars Science Laboratory - Curiosity’ project[3]. It is no coincidence that, for the first time in the history of man, we have a rover on the Martian surface at the same time we have a scientific laboratory in Martian orbit.

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As well, for the purposes of this article this combination of scientific platforms has allowed us to make the single timeliest observation of a galactic body crash to the Martian surface. My Dear Readers, this is (really) a major scientific achievement. An achievement that should have been heralded from every rooftop, by every media outlet and held up as the accomplishment that it truly is. You see, this is what is possible… this is our potential as a nation, a people, a species. I am happy, and honored, to share this achievement here on my blog.

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At the top of this page you will see one of the very first images that altered NASA of the strike. The image was taken by Mars Color Imager (MARCI) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter[4] on May 9^th, 2014. I am bringing these images, and this news, to you just a matter of a couple of weeks later. Honestly, I had all these images ready… last week. If it hadn’t been for the gold balls under my arm pits… and this nagging fever, well I would have broken this news… ,like, an actual news outlet! J

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[caption id="attachment_2968" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Large, Fresh Crater Surrounded by Smaller Craters[/caption]

(Large, Fresh Crater Surrounded by Smaller Craters)

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Now, the image above of the largest impact crater associated with the March 20^th, 2012. The crater is 159 feet wide and is surrounded by several other smaller craters. Further… well here is the statement directly from the NASA/JPL web site;

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“It is the biggest fresh impact crater anywhere -- not just on Mars -- ever clearly confirmed by before-and-after images.”[5]

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The exploding asteroid rained debris at the time of impact, resulting in the creation of the surrounding smaller craters. This image was taken by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

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[caption id="attachment_2964" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Best-Ever Pinning Down When a Space Rock Hit Mars[/caption]

(Best-Ever Pinning Down When a Space Rock Hit Mars)

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Like I wrote, earlier in this article, with the images I am sharing here today. NASA/JPL managed to develop the ‘Best pinning down of when a space rock hit Mars” in the history of our observation and exploration of Mars. Now, remember, that NASA/JPL made this accomplishment in spite of what the National Research Council called “an anemic budget”. Just image what scientific accomplishments and exploration American scientists could do with adequate funding!

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[caption id="attachment_2965" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Fresh Mars Crater Confirmed Within Impact Scar[/caption]

(Fresh Mars Crater Confirmed Within Impact Scar)

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The image above is not quite as clear to the naked eye. I had to download this Image and blow it up with my own programs to clearly see the crater. Yet, if you take a moment and really focus on this image, you can make out the outline of the impact crater, in the middle of this image. I include this image because it was in the series that NASA/JPL presented on the web site. I feel strongly that I should do my best to share all the image, all the evidence when I relay discoveries and scientific accomplishments to you, My Dear Readers.

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[caption id="attachment_2963" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Before-and-After Views Confirm Fresh Craters[/caption]

(Before-and-After Views Confirm Fresh Craters)

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The images above were taken by the Context Camera (CTX) aboard the NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The image on the left was taken on January 6, 2012 and the image on the right was taken (by the same camera) on April 6^th, 2014. Remember, that these images are being taken from miles above the Martian surface. I think that these black and white images are a lot better, as far as being able to clearly see the impact carter, than the color comparison images above.

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[caption id="attachment_2967" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Landslides Near Fresh Crater on Mars[/caption]

(Landslides Near Fresh Crater on Mars)

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Which bring us to the image above, the last image for this edition of ‘The Mars Report’. This image was taken by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter on April 6^th, 2014. The impact of the exploding asteroid appears to have caused landslides in the area of impact. Again, this is great science that NASA/JPL are involved in, here on the Martian surface, millions of miles away from Earth. The presence of the rover Curiosity and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have given American scientists a unique opportunity to make scientific discoveries in a timely fashion. What would, from earth observations only, would take decades of observations and imaging is, right now with our dual presence, taken only a matter of twenty to twenty-two months!

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My Dear Readers, I am not so sure that I adequately conveyed the importance of this discovery. Conveyed how much of advancement, to previous means and methods, this discovery has made. Worry not, I have months and months more of this mission to cover, and tons more scientific discoveries and observations. I am sure, that in time, everyone will understand the importance of the dual scientific and exploratory tools. The opportunity that NASA/JPL has brought to not only American scientists and astrophysicists, but to the whole of mankind. It really is just a matter of time before mankind looks on Earth as our starting place… our crib. Only a matter of time before mankind sees all of our solar system as its home, and the stars and universe beyond as obtainable.

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We live in a very special time, My Dear Readers. A time of great discovery and accomplishment. Through my work here at The Other Shoe I hope that I expose all of you, My Dear Readers, to some of these accomplishments and the potential of our aspirations in the stars. Earth is where mankind started out. Earth should not be where our species… ends. We heave it in our spirit to move West… to land on the moon. I have no doubts that if mankind were to set his sights on the farthest star from our own. That in time, we would reach our goal.

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The only limitation mankind has, is the reach of his imagination.

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!
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http://www.ebay.com/usr/enzomatrixlt

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[caption id="attachment_2866" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

 

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[1]http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=18801

[2]http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mro/

[3]http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/#.U5JBc3KwL-4

[4]http://www.nasa.gov/jpl/mro/pia18381/#.U5I-jXJdX84

[5]http://www.nasa.gov/jpl/mro/pia18384/#.U5JPfXJdX84

 

The Mars Report - June 4th, 2014

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[caption id="attachment_28" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Curiosity Lowered By 'Sky Crane' to Martian Surface[/caption]

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                Welcome back My Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. It has been more than a week since I wrote, and published, an edition of ‘The Mars Report’. However, today’s edition just could not have come at a better time. For those of us that, daily, look to the stars and dream of living in outer space or another planet? A report from the National Research Council (named ‘Pathways to Exploration: Rationales and Approaches for a U.S. Program of Human Space Exploration’) outlines the genuine necessity of planetary exploration and colonization, a goal, which I have strong, and positive feelings about.

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The report, written by a committee of experts in space exploration was mandated by Congress and sponsored byNASA, sets the goal of “putting a man on Mars”. This is consistent with NASA’s long-term vision for space exploration. However, the report noted, current funding for NASA is “too meager to reach the goal”.[1]The report also states that it is “in the best interests of the United States” to include China in future space partnerships. This goes against a recent law, drafted and sponsored by Republican Congressman Fran Wolf (Virginia).[2] Quite honestly, the future of the human race is far more important than trumped up ideas about ‘national security’ drummed up along party lines.

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The report also pointed out that the current budget for NASA “is anemic” and does not provide enough funds for two major projects essential to their long-term goals. The first of these projects is the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), a large airborne infrared telescope, which is currently grounded. The second project is essential for any manned Martian space flight, the Space Launch System (SLS) heavy-lift rocket and the companion Orion deep-space crew capsule.

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My Dear Readers, these projects and NASA’s budgetary limitations are the result of partisan politics and the victim of an austerity based budgetary mindset. This is not just inconvenient for NASA these (rather short sighted) decisions could well place the very future of our species at risk. The report made that point very clear by emphasizing the “‘aspirational’ reasons such as the shared destiny of humanity and the ultimate survival of the human species”. The current population of our planet is seven billion and shows no sign of decreasing. Further, with the most recent meeting of environmental scientists releasing a statement that “Global warming is likely to accelerate at a much faster pace and cause more environmental damage than previously anticipated…”[3] Mankind would be best served by Terraforming a planet, like Mars, sooner rather than later.

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In just the introduction of this paper, the experts on space exploration, stated:

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“Today the United States is the major partner in a massive orbital facility - the International Space Station - that is becoming the focal point for the first tentative steps in commercial cargo and crewed orbital space flights. And yet, the long-term future of human spaceflight beyond this project is unclear. Pronouncements by multiple presidents of bold new ventures by Americans to the Moon, to Mars, and to an asteroid in its native orbit, have not been matched by the same commitment that accompanied President Kennedy s now fabled 1961 speech-namely, the substantial increase in NASA funding needed to make it happen. Are we still committed to advancing human spaceflight? What should a long-term goal be, and what does the United States need to do to achieve it?”[4]

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It is time for the future of our species to come before partisan politics. Time for the budget, for space exploration and settlement, of the single wealthiest nation on the planet equal the scope of the task at hand. It is worse than foolhardy for hyperbolic partisan politics to pinch pennies when it comes to the very future of our people, our species! We simply cannot wait for another Kennedy-like President to come along and enamor the public and challenge our Congress with a national goal in space exploration. We simply must find a way to do the ‘Right Thing’ for the preservation of our nation and our species without a President Kennedy to lead the way.

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For the past hundred years science fiction writers have put on paper visions of our future. Everything from geosynchronous satellites to cellular phones were first dreamed of by science fiction writers in novels of a better and more technologically advanced man. How many men, of the age 45-55, have proclaimed, “where are the flying cars and rocket packs?” If you think about our future, if you (as a boy or young girl) read science fiction you just cannot help but be let down by the lack of scientific progress America, and mankind, has made since the Apollo missions.

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Most of us, that have these dreams, know. That the major reasons mankind does not have flying cars and jet packs? It is because of; greed, the technologically stunting disease that is ‘the politics of, and for, the wealthy’ and all the fear mongering that comes from the fringe. That when any man… a man that has the convictions that come with beliefs, and the courage of his convictions, steps forward and says “NOW is the time for America to take the lead in space exploration and colonization…” is immediately attacked and torn down by the talking heads that live among the fringe of our political system. Truly it is the fears spread by these overly loud ‘talking heads’ that occupy the fringe of our political system that rob America of the opportunity to, once again, lead our species back out into space.

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My Dear Readers, I encourage you all to take a few moments (today) and follow the links I have provided to the content I have quoted. Take a few moments and familiarize yourself with the reality of Human Space Exploration. The limitations that are placed on NASA, and by association our nation and the people of this planet. I remember a time… I clearly remember a time when boys and men looked to the stars and saw America’s future! We looked to the stars and knew that American Astronauts were taking the very first steps mankind made off of Earth. Nightly we all looked at the Moon and the stars, either with our naked eyes or through the telescopes, we begged for, for our birthdays or Christmas.

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We looked at the moon, the planets and the stars with a longing and anticipation. A longing to join Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin and anticipation for when our time would come to be among the stars! My Dear Readers, I write this article not just for the boys and girls that, joined me, in looking towards the stars with anticipation. I write it, as well, for the “ultimate survival of the human species”.[5] Realize, My Dear Readers, that when the time comes… the tides of extinction will not recognize distinctions of; wealth, race, religion or party. When our planet’s tides encroach on our cities, they will drown us all. That when our air becomes so toxic it is fatal to breath? It will be fatal to breath for all Americans, regardless of how wealthy we are or what party we vote to support.

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People can deny scientific facts for as long as they want. However, one can deny gravity all they desire, yet you still will go splat when you jump off of a three story building. For centuries men denied the curvature of our Earth, they were proven wrong in a very big way. Today, even though Pope John Paul II told his Vatican Scientific advisors “the theory of evolution is now fact. The story of ‘Adam and Eve’ is just that… a nice story”. Yet, to this day, tens of millions of Americans deny the science embraced by the descendant of Peter (the “rock of the Church”) and the head of Christianity on this planet Earth… and still cling (out of desperation, like fearful of falling “off the edge of the Earth”) to a story of a single man and woman from which all of mankind… arose.

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Dinosaurs roamed this Earth for more than One Hundred Seventy MILLION years! Yet, tens of millions of Americans (honestly) believe that the Earth is only ‘thousands of years old’. My question for everyone is; will Americans stand by and allow our very species to become extinct, ‘go the way of the Dodo’, simply out of ignorance and greed? Mankind settling Mars is the logical next step for our species. Today, we posses the basic science to; put man on Mars, build viable and livable structures on Mars, and (with time) to Terraform Mars so that it is livable by humans. My Dear Readers, will Americans allow our nation to fall, our species to become extinct merely for “more tax cuts for the wealthy and businesses”?

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[caption id="attachment_2636" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter[/caption]

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It is my humble opinion that, if we allow this to happen… if we allow our planet to die and take us with it… without the space exploration and colinzation needed to extend the life of our species beyond that of this Earth? Then mankind, quite simply, deserves to die.

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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P.S. My Dear Readers, I realize that this edition is not ‘like’ any other edition ever published. I had something to say… and I didn’t want pictures to distract from that point. However, I will publish ANOTHER edition, later this week, WITH PICTURES FROM MARS! Please, stay tuned for another edition of ‘The Mars Report’ with images from Mars, later this week. Thank you!

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http://www.ebay.com/usr/enzomatrixlt

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[caption id="attachment_2866" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]

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[1]http://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/americas-long-term-space-goal-lets-put-humans-mars-n122481

[2]http://aviationweek.com/space/nasa-china-meet-possible-cooperation

[3]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/4626170/Climate-change-will-be-more-devastating-than-predicted-top-scientist-warns.html

[4]http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18801

[5]http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18801

The Mars Report - May 145th, 2014

Welcome back MY Dear Readers to The Other Shoe. It is, already, Wednesday and the problems with my primary blog location have been resolved. It appears that the blog is back up and working. I just wrote and published a small edition of ‘Notes from Behind the Keyboard’ to get everyone up to date. With that taken care of, now it is time to present the few new images available from NASA/JPL for the Curiosity mission. There are a large number of RAW images, but quite honestly I am suffering with the intolerable temperatures in this apartment, so I am going to keep this short, today.

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There are two great new images of the rover Curiosity. I have decided that these two images are what I am going to share, for today. If I can keep this short, I just might be able to get out an edition of ‘The Mars Report’ and ‘Lost in Space’ before I become fully involved in the writing and production of ‘The Horror in Smithville’. Quite honestly, that piece is taking up most of my time and creativity.

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Our very first image of the day is a selfie taken by the rover Curiosity’s Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) located on its arm. The image was taken to make sure that the cover was operating properly, and that sand was not building up on the wiper assembly or the door hinge. YES! This image was taken during a bit of a sandstorm on Mars. Not often that we get a shot, from Mars, taken during a sandstorm.

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[caption id="attachment_2895" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Rover Curiosirty Takes Self Portrait[/caption]

(Rover Curiosirty Takes Self Portrait)

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For our next, and final, image of the day is another selfie. This time we get a picture of the whole rover Curiosity! NASA/JPL likes to take these images frequently, so that they can monitor any damage done to the rover. So far, the rover Curiosity is fairing very well. There is no damage anywhere on the rover. This is great news for NASA/JPL and all of us that enjoy the images and science coming from Curiosity.

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[caption id="attachment_2896" align="aligncenter" width="630"] High-Resolution Self-Portrait by Curiosity Rover Arm Camera[/caption]

(High-Resolution Self-Portrait by Curiosity Rover Arm Camera)

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Well My Dear Readers that brings us to the end of today’s edition of ‘The Mars Report’. I hope that you enjoyed the selfies that I have provided. I am going through all the RAW images, over the rest of the week. It was a slow image week for Curiosity, which gives me nothing much to share. I look forward to bringing you a full edition, next week.

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Now, back to sweltering in my apartment with a dysfunctional air conditioner… and a genuinely lazy staff. Super!

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Adieu!

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Thank YOU!

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http://www.ebay.com/usr/enzomatrixlt

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[caption id="attachment_2866" align="aligncenter" width="630"] Danny Hanning of The Other Shoe - May 6th, 2014[/caption]