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NASA Predicts Asteroid 2024 YR4 Might Hit The Moon.

According to observations made by NASA using the James Webb Space Telescope, there is a three point...

Basically No chance 2024 YR4 will hit Earth.

Recent observations have virtually eliminated any concern about an impact from asteroid 2024 YR4...

Asteroid 2024 YR4: A 2032 Threat? Not on Our Watch

Back in December 2024, astronomers caught wind of something unusual—a small, fast-moving rock...

No, Trump’s Executive Orders Can’t Cancel Your Rights.

Donald Trump does not have the power to rescind either constitutional amendments or federal laws...

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Hontas FarmerRSS Feed of this column.

My research focuses on astrophysics from massive star formation to astroparticle physics. Born and raised in Chicagoland I have lived in Bellwood, IL since 1984 and attended public schools here... Read More »

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The Current Status of Quantum Gravity Research.

The Current Status of Quantum Gravity Research.

Sep 15 2009 | comment(s)

What happened to all the enthusiasm?  Perhaps new astronomy will shed light on the matter.
In 2005 the anniversary of Einstein's miracle year there was much talk of "new Einstien"s and why there have been no new ones.   Carlo Rovelli published a very good book on the subject.  String theory and M theory were as hot as the surface of the sun.  In a heated exchange on Wikipedia I made the acquaintance of Lubos Motl.   There was much excitement 4 years ago.  So what happened?  Why no accepted theory of quantum gravity?  

Fat Studies: Joelle Ruby Ryan profile of a fat scholar and supposed investigator.

Fat Studies: Joelle Ruby Ryan profile of a fat scholar and supposed investigator.

Sep 07 2009 | comment(s)

Every so often here a "investigation" by one Curtis Hinkle and the "transgender and intersexed community" will be cited. What about the people who did the investigating? Those anonymous members of the "transgender and intersexed" community. What they are like. It is on their word that the veracity of their conclusions, connections and extrapolations ought to be assessed. Ms. Joelle Ruby Ryan is one such person. This is a follow up to my previous blog post on the subject of fat studies "Is it about body acceptance and self esteem or jealousy".
Dumbing down of The Science Channel.

Dumbing down of The Science Channel.

Sep 02 2009 | comment(s)

More reality programs, less hard science coverage, and when they do cover hard science it's watered down.  This is all true as the production values of the programs have increased while the science value has decreased.  
When the science channel started many years ago here are some of the shows they had. 
  • Skeptical Inquirer  - Cold hands off debunking of things like acupuncture.
  • Understanding - in depth hard core exposition of physics, chemistry, or biology.
  • A number of documentary series. 
Fat Studies: Is it about body acceptance and self esteem, or jealousy?

Fat Studies: Is it about body acceptance and self esteem, or jealousy?

Aug 19 2009 | comment(s)

The goal of a world where body weight was not cause for discrimination or denigration is a nobel one, but at what cost?  In the zero sum game point of view some activist have it seems that for people of high BMI to gain, those who are of normal BMI must loose?  
Quantum field theory in curved space time, quantum gravity....They are one and the same.

Quantum field theory in curved space time, quantum gravity....They are one and the same.

Aug 07 2009 | comment(s)

Robert Wald has formulated QFT in curved space time in terms of it's algebra of observables on a manifold.  In doing so he has, perhaps unintentionally, provided framework in which very different theories of quantum gravity look very similar. 
A surge protector between your cable box/internet and your own electronics.

A surge protector between your cable box/internet and your own electronics.

Jul 24 2009 | comment(s)

Approximately $1500 worth of fried electronics has taught me a valuable lesson.