Jason Cardillo » Interesting

Running into the Moon

Jason — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:09:30 +0000

So a while ago, I worked on a project to build a website for the LRO and LCROSS missions at NASA. Basically, this was a mission that sent a satellite to map the moon’s surface and take measurements in preparation for another manned moon landing. LCROSS was added on when it became apparent that there was additional space that shouldn’t go to waste. LCROSS takes parts of the craft that would normally drift aimlessly through space and impacts them into a south pole crater. The resulting plume will give us lots of data about what elements are on the moon, and let us know whether or not there are large stores of water ice frozen in these craters.

I write all of that because Thursday night/Friday morning, the LCROSS impactor will hit the moon. This will be a pretty big deal and, due to careful planning, we can check it out via big telescopes and on NASA TV. If you’re in the Bay Area, Chabot Space & Science Center is hosting a party. I’m sure there are others at planetariums around the world. If you want to throw your own party, NASA put together a whole info kit for you! Enjoy

Little Kids Are So Smart

Jason — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:24:21 +0000

Mad props to Julian. Apparently NASA was already considering this, but they’re going to send him a prize anyway.

One more job I didn't get

Jason — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 17:18:52 +0000

thanks Joy of the Mundane

I thought about applying even though I’m not a fish sandwich, but then again, $250 ain’t a lot. And, do you only get hired if you come in with a friend?

The Coldest Town on Earth

Jason — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:04:58 +0000

OK, ok, I will stop complaining about 40F temps here in the Bay Area. Oymyakon takes the cake and makes me seem quite the wimp.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZjfScL_wRE&eurl=http://xo.typepad.com/blog/2008/12/oymyakon.html&feature=player_embedded]

For those who need help with the conversions, -30C = -22F,-40C = -40F, -60C = -76F, and -71.2C = -96F. Any way you slice it, that’s bloody COLD!

Thanks to Welsh View and BB

Interesting Tidbits from the Week

Jason — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 06:05:38 +0000

“Chinese ‘classical poem’ was brothel ad (The Independent)

Top 10 Records of 2008 (A VC) The only two I can personally vouch for are Vampire Weekend and Only by the Night, but I generally like Fred’s picks.

Mud in the Teeth (Meredith Miller and pdxcross.com) It’s a click to a click to a slideshow, but its worth it, I think, for fans of muddy ‘cross.

Best NatGeo Photos of 2008 (via Damn Cool Photos) Not sure if this is official or just the folks at DCP, but they’re good nonetheless.