Astronomy

Arlington, VA (PRWEB) July 26, 2010

Fourteen educators have claimed “Gold Star” honors in the NASA-sponsored Top Stars contest, which invited U.S. formal and informal educators to submit their best examples of using NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope in science, technology, engineering or mathematics education.

Examples of Gold Star-winning products include:

*Playground Planetarium: A curriculum that teaches elementary school students about constellations and the myths surrounding them. Younger students design and create their own planetarium using a dome-shaped playground climber, while older students analyze Hubble images.

*Twenty Years of Hubble: Middle school students create a timeline of Hubble events and discover new vocabulary using foldable cards.

*The Life and Death of Bob (a.k.a.NGC 6397): A slide show and supplemental images chronicle the use of Hubble images through a semester-long, college-level introductory astronomy course.

The Top Stars contest was conducted by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) in cooperation with the Space Telescope Science Institute. Submissions were accepted from individuals and from teams of up to four members, and included any combination of text, graphics, video and photos.

Gold Star status was awarded to the best of the best — as judged by IGES and NASA scientists and educators — from the entries selected as “Top Stars” during the contest’s four rounds of competition. The Showcase section of the Top Stars Web site — http://topstars.strategies.org — includes downloadable materials from all Hubble activities selected as Top Stars.

Gold Star winners receive the following prizes (in addition to previously awarded Top Stars prizes):

*An official letter of commendation from NASA;

*An invitation to present their entry to other educators nationwide using the NASA Digital Learning Network;

*A pair of IMAX movie tickets that can be used to see “Hubble 3D;” and

*A “Hubble 3D” movie poster for classroom display.

Educators selected as Gold Stars also will be featured in articles on NASA’s website.

“All of our Gold Star and Top Star winners should be extremely proud of their work,” said Bonnie McClain, NASA Hubble education plan co-lead. “Educators and students around the world will benefit from their effective use of Hubble in high-quality education products and activities.”

The following is a complete list of Gold Star winners:

*Jacky Byatt, Houston, Texas: “Twenty Years of Hubble” (middle school);

*C. Renee James, Huntsville, Texas: “The Life and Death of Bob (a.k.a NGC 6397) in an Introductory College-Level Astronomy Course” (undergraduate);

*Sheree’ Kearns, Jacksonville, Fla.: “Galactic Brain Buster” (high school);

*Joan Labay-Marquez, Boerne, Texas: “Playground Planetarium” (elementary school);

*Carrie Murray, West Chester, Ohio: “Hubble Space Telescope Inspired Research Wiki Pages” (elementary school);

*AmyJo Proctor, Ron Proctor and Stacy Palen, Ogden, Utah: “Expanded View” (informal education);

*Stephanie Slater, Timothy Slater and Daniel Lyons, Laramie, Wyo.: “Using HST to Scaffold Student-driven Scientific Inquiry” (undergraduate);

*Keith Turner, Noblesville, Ind.: “Adopt A Constellation: Final Project” (high school);

Andrew Vandenheuvel, Coopersville, Mich.: “Make an HST Photo” (high school); and

*John Williams, Golden, Colo.: “Hubble Star Cards” and “StarryCritters – What do you see in the night sky?” (informal education).

For more information, please visit:

http://topstars.strategies.org

ABOUT THE HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE

The thousands of stunning images captured by Hubble since its launch 20 years ago have made possible numerous breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe, and thanks to a recent servicing mission Hubble is expected to live on through at least 2014.

ABOUT IGES

Located in Arlington, Va., IGES was established in 1994 and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supported by public and private entities. IGES is a trusted leader in Earth and space science education, communication and outreach, and in fostering national and international cooperation in observing the Earth.

CONTACT

Dan Stillman

Institute for Global Environmental Strategies

(703) 312-7138 (Phone)

(703) 312-8657 (FAX)

Email: dan_stillman(at)strategies(dot)org

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More Astronomy Press Releases

(Vocus) August 11, 2010

This weekend the world-renowned SETI Institute will host the first ever public convention on the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence grounded within science fact and science fiction.

August 13-15th science fans, experts, influential thinkers and celebrities will come together in one of the most anticipated scientific events of 2010 to present a unique and dynamic program dedicated to one of humanity?s most profound questions: ?Are we alone??

SETI Institute scientists and colleagues from around the country?with expertise in such fields as astrobiology, astrophysics, planetary geology, and radio astronomy?conduct some of the most groundbreaking and innovative research in their fields. These experts will be helping to celebrate the Institute?s 25th Anniversary by extending a public invitation to share their insight. Everyone interested in ?the search? is welcome to join the dialogue at the convention.

SETIcon is an event for the entire family and includes traditional science presentations, interactive Q & A forums, and fun activities, such as a Guitar Hero competition hosted by some of SETI Institute?s most celebrated scientists and guests.

Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart has worked with Nobel Laureate George Smoot and the SETI Institute?s Jill Tarter on a special musical composition called “Rhythms of the Universe.” Hart will introduce a preview showing of this work-in-progress at a Friday evening event during SETIcon.

This weekend?s event will also serve as the location for SETI Institute?s 25th Anniversary celebration, and will feature a banquet Saturday evening paying tribute to SETI pioneer Frank Drake who conducted the first SETI experiment, Project OZMA 50 years ago.

SETIcon?s arrival marks an important time in our history when astronomers have found planets around hundreds of other stars, and public interest and anticipation is mounting over the prospect of discovering life beyond Earth.

Tickets are still available (detailed event and purchasing information below). Come participate in this extraordinary weekend and hear real answers to pressing questions on the search for life in the Universe.

The SETI Institute?s 1st Annual SETIcon

August 13 – 15, 2010

Hyatt Regency Hotel, Santa Clara, California

Only $ 20 per day or $ 35 for a weekend pass.

Go to http://www.seticon.com for more information and tickets.

A few of the fascinating panels scheduled for the weekend:

????Looking for a Few Good Earths: Finding Our Counterpart Among the Stars
????Was Stephen Hawking Right: Should We Not Broadcast to Extraterrestrial Civilizations?
????Multiverses: Is One Cosmos Enough?
????Should Pluto be Considered a Planet?
????Why Are There No Tourists from Other Worlds?
????White Lab Coats and Gray Aliens: Images of Scientists and Extraterrestrials in the Popular Media
????Asteroid Armageddon: Will The Kind of Rock that Obliterated the Dinosaurs Get Us Next?
????Should Humans Explore the Moon and the Planets or Do We Leave it to Robots?
????Is Doomsday 2012 For Real or Will you Still Have to Pay Taxes in 2013?
????Do We Have to Learn Klingon: How Will We Communicate with ET?
????Secrets of the Red Planet: What Have We Learned from Mars Exploration?

Guest speakers include:

????Rusty Schweickart, the Apollo astronaut, who now devotes his life to saving the Earth from future asteroid impacts
????Frank Drake, the astronomer who undertook the first project to listen for alien radio messages and founded the SETI field 50 years ago
????Michael Brown, who discovered large worlds beyond Pluto and helped kick Pluto out of the “planet club”
????Robert J. Sawyer, the award-winning science fiction writer who has written some of the best novels about alien contact
????David Morrison, the NASA astronomer who is trying to calm public fears about the so-called “Doomsday 2012″ idea
????Debra Fischer, one of the top planet hunters in the world, co-discoverer of the first system of planets around another star
????Alex Filippenko, who helped discover the “dark energy” that is speeding up the expansion of the entire universe
????Jill Tarter, the leader of the quest to find signals from alien civilizations (on whom Jodie Foster’s character in Contact is based)
????Tim Russ, who played Tuvak on Star Trek: Voyager, and who is an avid amateur astronomer
????Mary Roach, author of several best sellers and the forthcoming “Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void”

SETIcon benefits the non-profit SETI Institute, and its programs in science and education. In 2010 the Institute is celebrating its 25th year or scientific research and public outreach.

For more information and media inquiries for this event, please contact Barbara Vance at bvance(at)seti(dot)org or 650-960-4531.

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San Diego, CA (PRWEB) August 22, 2010

When Jerry Yudelson wrote his recently released book “Dry Run, Preventing the Next Urban Water Crisis,” he was focused upon areas such as San Diego.

Yudelson, who has keynoted more than 50 green building, business, industrial and development events in the past three years, will be the keynote speaker when SDSU?s College of Extended Studies hosts its third annual green event ?Blue is the New Green: Water in the Built Environment,? Friday, Aug. 27 from 8-10:30 am in the SDSU Extended Studies Center.

?We will particularly focus around my new book and how the message is relevant for San Diego,? Yudelson said by telephone from his Tucson, Ariz. office, where he leads the consulting team at Yudelson Associates.

?Obviously, the water crisis is a big issue in San Diego,? Yudelson added. ?We want to get people to think about water and energy issues. Collection, distribution, and treatment of water consume almost 20 percent of all electricity produced in California.?

Yudelson will bring to the SDSU green event an impressive background that includes writing 12 books, being a former national board member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and a current registered professional engineer. He is an expert in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system and is among the leading green building consultants in the country, specializing in helping project teams in the conceptual design and schematic design phases, and assisting with goal setting and facilitating eco-friendly building.

He also has more than 25 years of technical and business experience with renewable energy systems, green building design and environmental planning; leading more than 250 business, technical, and marketing consulting assignments.

Noting that ?our water resources have not increased since Adam and Eve,? Yudelson believes that the great conflicts of the 21st century will be over water; not oil. He further states that saving water will save energy and reduce global warming pollution.

?Water conservation is the cheapest way to save energy,? he said.

?We are privileged to have such an outstanding keynote speaker as Jerry Yudelson for our green event because of the impressive background he brings to the table,? said Joe Shapiro, dean of SDSU?s College of Extended Studies. ?Jerry will reach out to our audience and provide them with information and answers to many questions that people have concerning the burgeoning green industry. We are very honored and excited to have him as a keynote speaker at SDSU.?

SDSU?s College of Extended Studies currently offers four programs in the green energy field, including online professional certificate courses in Green Building Construction, Green Energy Management, and Residential and Commercial Sustainable Practices; and the new Green Home Performance BPI Contractor program that offers Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification.

?Green is the new normal,? Yudelson said. ?It is here to stay.?

The fee to attend the ?Blue is the New Green: Water in the Built Environment,? event is $ 30 to the public and $ 20 to students and USGBC members. Breakfast will be served and parking is complimentary. Yudelson?s new book will be premiered and handed out complimentary at the event.

SDSU?s College of Extended Studies thanks its sponsors for the event: Allied Waste Services, Barona Resort & Casino, California Center for Sustainable Energy, and U.S. Green Building Council ? San Diego Chapter.

For information, visit http://www.neverstoplearning.net/greenevent or call (619) 594-3946.

SDSU’s College of Extended Studies reaches out to the greater San Diego community, the nation, and the world with a wide variety of lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to web design. Additionally, the College offers more than 50 certificate programs, online courses, and many other learning opportunities. For more information or to register, call (619) 265-SDSU (7378) or visit http://www.neverstoplearning.net.

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Edwardsville, Ill. (Vocus) August 27, 2010

The true story of Hanny?s Voorwerp is now a comic book produced by two art and design students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville under the guidance of researcher Pamela Gay in the SIUE Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Research, Education and Outreach. It will be released nationally Sept. 3.

According to Gay, reality is sometimes ?cooler than fiction,? especially when it involves monster black holes, glowing green gas, and everyday people making extraordinary discoveries. ?All of these realities came together in the story of ?Hanny?s Voorwerp,? a real-life tale of scientific adventure that is being released at the Dragon*Con conference in Atlanta, which is considered the world?s largest fantasy/science fiction convention.

?The comic book was produced at SIUE, with line art by Elea Braasch and color by Chris Spangler, both art and design majors here,? Gay said. The comic book also was produced in collaboration with Bill Keel, a professor of astronomy at the University of Alabama.

Artists Braasch and Spangler transformed the story into a piece of art, drawing inspiration from Dave McKean?s work on The Sandman comic book series. ?I never thought I?d get a chance to turn a true story into what feels so much like a fantasy piece,? Braasch said. ?It?s been an amazing experience.?

The project also shows that science and art can make an interesting pairing. ?I?ve always liked astronomy,? Spangler said. ?This project allowed me to learn so much while exploring how to combine Hubble images and my own artistic ideas.?

Gay is known for her writings about astronomy and her involvement with Galaxy Zoo, an internationally recognized ?citizen astronomy? project, and the highly acclaimed Astronomy Cast and the award-winning 365 Days of Astronomy podcasts. Both shows are produced as collaborations between SIUE and Astrosphere New Media Association.

?In summer 2007, Dutch schoolteacher Hanny van Arkel was exploring galaxies through the Galaxy Zoo citizen science project (http://www.galaxyzoo.org),? Gay explained. ?In one image she saw a mysterious glowing blob of gas. She wasn?t the first person to see this blob, but she was the first person to ask, ?What is the stuff??

?Her simple question started her and a global team of astronomers on an adventure of discovery that would take them around the world and even into orbit,? Gay said. ?This story, including how the Hubble Space Telescope helped solve the mystery, is told in the comic book.?

In the spirit of the ?citizen science? nature of this discovery, the comic book was scripted through a citizen writing project. A team of authors was recruited at CONvergence, a three-day science fiction conference in Bloomington, Minn., in early July. Editing of this team project was provided by Gay and Kelly McCullough, author of the WebMage series.

The comic book will be released in digital and physical form at 10 p.m. Eastern time on Sept. 3 during a special event at Dragon*Con. Gay, Braasch and Spangler plan to be present, and the event will be streamed over the internet: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/voorwerp-comic-release.

The first 500 attendees of the event will receive copies of a special first printing of the comic. Online viewers will be able to download a PDF file from http://hannysvoorwerp.zooniverse.org. A second printing will be available for order via the website in mid-September.

The SIUE College of Arts and Sciences combines foundational education with diverse and highly-specialized coursework. Faculty help students explore diversity of ideas, experiences and people while learning to think and live as fulfilled, productive members of a global society. The College offers 44 degree programs in the arts, humanities and social and natural sciences.

SIUE offers the advantages of a small, liberal arts college with the low tuition rates of a state university. Our emphasis on undergraduate education, complemented by faculty research, creates practical applications for student learning. Located in the second most populated area of the state, this Illinois university draws students from all 102 Illinois counties, 42 states and 50 nations.

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More Astronomy Press Releases

Palisade, CO (Vocus) September 2, 2010

A Unification of Science and Religion, a new book by Pete Doumit, has been released by RoseDog Books.

Do we have to believe in either God or science? Or can we believe in both God and science? And is there a logically tenable position with regard to the unification of science and religion? These are some of the questions that are addressed in this book. From quantum physics to the Big Bang, evolution by natural selection to geologic time, the author discusses the rationality of religious faith in light of modern scientific findings and seeks to dismantle the false dichotomy between science and religion. In this book, you will find a compelling case made that shows not only that science and religion can be unified, but that they should be unified.

Pete Doumit is a consulting geologist with a background in education. A former high school science teacher and junior college geology and astronomy professor, Mr. Doumit has experienced first-hand the questions that surround the roles that science and religion play in the lives of many people. He holds a B.S. in Natural Science with a Geology emphasis from the University of Puget Sound, and an M.A. in Earth Science with a Geology emphasis from the University of Northern Colorado. He resides in western Colorado with his wife and three children.

A Unification of Science and Religion is a 260-page paperback with a retail price of $ 23.00. The ISBN is 978-1-4349-9858-3. It was published by RoseDog Books of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more information or to request a review copy, please visit our virtual pressroom at http://www.rosedog.com/pressroom or our online bookstore at http://www.rosedogbookstore.com.

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Arlington, TX (Vocus) September 2, 2010

American Mensa is taking 50 percent off the Mensa Home Test in honor of its 50th anniversary. For the entire month of September, prospective members can get half off the print or online version of the test. While it is not a requirement, taking the exam will give individuals an indication of how they will fare on the Mensa Admission Test. The test will be just $ 9 through Sept. 30, 2010. For more information about the Mensa Home Test, log on to http://www.us.mensa.org/MHT.

Taking the practice exam will help prospective members prepare for American Mensa?s annual event?Mensa Testing Day, Oct. 16, 2010. This year, we are inviting the public to Carpe Mensa, and seize the many opportunities available to members. More than 190 test sessions will be given across the country, and anyone who scores in the top two percent on the admission test will be invited to join the high IQ society. For more information about Mensa Testing Day, log on to http://www.us.mensa.org/MTD.

?For fifty years, American Mensa has supported intelligence with its wide array of events and programs. In honor of this milestone, we are taking half off the Mensa Home Test so prospective Mensans can prepare for membership to our organization,? says Elissa Rudolph, Chair of American Mensa. ?Within five decades, American Mensa has been able to bring together thousands of members from all walks of life, and we?ve looking forward to welcoming thousands more into our network to share their ideas, learn from their fellow members, and most importantly, make new friends.?

On Sept. 30, 1960, five members gathered at the Brooklyn home of American Mensa founder Peter Sturgeon for the first meeting of the organization. Fifty years later, that number has grown to more than 57,000, offering a strong network of intelligent individuals that allows members to connect with likeminded people, and share their ideas through American Mensa?s programs. For more information about the history of Mensa, log on to http://www.us.mensa.org/AboutMensa and click on the ?History of Mensa? or follow us on Twitter.

American Mensa is an organization open to anyone who scores in the top two percent on an accepted, standardized intelligence test. The organization has more than 57,000 members in the United States and more than 110,000 members around the world. Members of Mensa attend local and national events, join special interest groups such as astronomy and philosophy, and help out in their communities through various projects. For more information about Mensa, or to apply for membership, visit http://www.us.mensa.org or call (800) 66-MENSA.

For more information:

Catherine Barney: 817/607-0060 ext. 5541

catherineb(at)americanmensa(dot)org

Monica Hatley: 817/607-0060 ext. 5542

monicah(at)americanmensa(dot)org

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Acworth, GA (PRWEB) September 8, 2010

After only 18 months on the market, the new Feel Good Light Lenses give rise to companion Feel Good Photos WallArt, spreading good cheer from wall-to-wall-to-ceiling.

In a bid to spread more of the good cheer generated by their successful Feel Good Light Ups Light Lenses, The Flag Company, Inc. announces it newest, companion product, Feel Good Photos WallArt, contemporary interior decorative wall pieces that coordinate with Light Ups ceiling art.

Just added to their product line, Feel Good Photos WallArt can complete a room?s decorative theme exhibited by a Feel Good Light Ups Light Lens ceiling art piece. An indoors ?clouds-in-the sky? effect from a ceiling Light Lens insert, for example, can be continued in a companion theme via a mounted framed WallArt piece of the same, or similar scene.

These Feel Good Photos WallArt standalone pieces come in three choices of quality metallic frames?black, silver, gold?and are available in an initial series of designs ready to go, ranging from airplanes, art, and astronomy, to balloons, clouds, and trees, all sized at 24? x 48?. However, because the WallArt pieces use the same inserts as the Light Ups lenses, there are actually hundreds of scenes to choose from that can be easily adapted into a WallArt frame, allowing unlimited possibilities for all decorative whims.

With the success of their Feel Good Light Ups Light Lenses launched 18 months ago, The Flag Company decided to take their ceiling art one step further, creating this decorative arena ?in-the-round? from wall-to-wall-to-ceiling. View unlimited combinations and details on their new website http://www.feelgoodlightups.com.

?We have been very pleased with the success of our Feel Good Light Ups Light Lenses and our new WallArt photos make great companion pieces?a perfect fit for a complete room decor,? says Mike Lawrence, Vice President of The Flag Company, Inc.

Priced for affordability, these cheerful WallArt photos cost only $ 79, often the price of a simple frame. The Feel Good Light Ups sell for $ 32 each. For customers who have their own ideas about things, custom WallArt can also be made from a high-resolution photo or artwork for the same cost of $ 79 plus a set-up charge.

Similar to the Light Ups Light Lenses, the WallArt photos are a perfect solution for decorating such venues as schools, medical facilities, day care centers, pet centers, and conference rooms. They are also ideal used as educational tools.

About The Flag Company, Inc.:

The Flag Company, Inc. offers a complete range of flags and flag-related products. Custom screen printing and digital printing are available for special events, corporate logos, etc. Stock merchandise includes U.S., states, international, and military flags and all types of accessories such as bunting, memorial cases, pennants and more. The Flag Company, Inc. is the nation’s largest producer of message flags, offering over 300 different messages, which are used by realtors, restaurants, car dealerships, and any host of companies imaginable. A constant hot item is toothpick flags?in stock and available for state, countries, and holidays and produced on a custom-order basis for corporations and special events. The complete product line can be viewed at the website http://www.flagco.com.

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Related Astronomy Press Releases

Pleasanton, CA (PRWEB) September 12, 2010

This book is the narrative of one example of an epistemic rupture, of the theft and destruction of i the cultural heritage. We tell the story ( and the history ) of such a rupture in the case of Astronomy and Mathematics. Indic Studies Foundation is pleased to announce the release of Volume 5 of the Series on Distortions in Indian History. The book is available at

http://www.lulu.com/product/hardcover/the-origins-of-astronomy-the-calendar-and-time/12563873?productTrackingContext=search_results/search_shelf/center/4

The main reason for writing this book is that the real story of the Indic contribution to Astronomy has yet to be told in the text books of the west. Few books(1,2) give a coherent account of the Indic odyssey as it unfolds from the mists of antiquity to the pioneering work of Astrophysicist Chandrasekhar on the nature of the universe. If they do mention it at all, it is merely to say that they borrowed everything from Greece or Babylon. When challenged, the mathematician in the west will quote one of the 3 or 4 Occidental historians of Mathematics (e.g. Toomer, Van der Waerden or David Pingree) as their authoritative source. Rarely will they mention a Primary source in Sanskrit, because they are not familiar with the literature in Sanskrit and they do not trust the Indics to tell the true story. They prefer to get the story from an Occidental who may not have read a single book in its Sanskrit original rather than get it from an Indic. The net result is a book filled with clich?s where the content is already degraded from multiple levels of interpretation and inadvertent filtering of the original source.

Part of the reason for writing this book is to influence all the readers, regardless of their ethnicity, ideology, or geography to adopt a more global perspective on matters relating to History and philosophy of the sciences. Under such a perspective, few would feel compelled to defend or attack a viewpoint if the extent of the antiquity was the sole issue at stake. But the yearning for a competitive antiquity is not restricted to those of a particular ethnicity. It appears to be a predominant factor when a more aggressive and authoritarian civilization subjugates a people with a more advanced episteme. Time and again , this pattern of behavior has been the norm, where the aggressor has adopted the Epistemes of the subjugated people, after devoting a massive effort to absorb the knowledge, and once he is fairly confident that he has been successful in this endeavor, he will turn around and assert precisely the opposite, that in fact it is the subjugated civilization that has borrowed the episteme and the resulting knowledge.

Keep in mind that antiquity affects many factors that have a bearing on the sense of uniqueness that a people have of themselves and a sense that continuity and longevity of a civilization bestows a modicum of a sense of wellbeing. A loss of epistemic continuity that is now being experienced in the Indian subcontinent has long term consequences for the manner in which the Indics will look upon themselves. Civilization is a fragile thing, if I may paraphrase Will Durant, the great historian who compiled the monumental Story of Civilization over a thirty year period, and it does not take much to obliterate a civilization.

The Indic approach to astronomy, contrary to presuppositions in the occident was characterized by mundane motivations namely the need to determine accurately the date, time and place of the location of the main planetary bodies that he could see with the naked eye; the Sun, Moon, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn in relation to the Earth. As we shall repeat on more than one occasion, in this endeavor he was eminently practical. Again, his motivation for the determination of these quantities was also driven by pragmatic considerations like a need for fixing the seasons when planting was necessary. He may have found it politic to cloak these mundane considerations in ritualistic garb in order to impress those in society not blessed with the analytical skills that he may have used. In summary the goal of the Ancient Indic Prayojana or raison-de-?tre of the stra was primarily the determination of Kal? (Time), Dik (direction or orientation), and Desha (Place)

The story of the calendar and the development of mathematics and astronomy is indeed a fascinating chapter in the intellectual history of the species. It is laced with people of superior talents, but all too often these very same gifted individuals were not able to rise above petty considerations, while they were uncovering the secrets of the skies.

It is unfortunate that the Indic role in this fascinating chapter has been largely ignored in most western descriptions of the history of astronomy and time. There hardly exists a history book in Astronomy that does justice to the fact that the ancient Indic left behind a staggering amount of literature for us to decipher. In fact the perception is just the opposite that Information about Indian math is hard to get. This is in large part a problem that the occidental has created by imposing very high standards of reliability, in many cases standards that are impossible to meet and certainly were never demanded of similar sources from Ancient Greece. As a result the bias against Indic contributions in antiquity has been institutionalized to a large degree. This is regrettable and as a result, the story within a story of how the occidental tried to ignore, minimize and even suppress the Indic contribution is equally interesting.

This book is not about the glories of a bygone era, where one bemoans the ephemeral nature of an enlightened past. It is a recounting of the irreversible nature of the changes that take place when a civilization is subjugated. Its traditions are ridiculed. Its history is rewritten, its language is driven into oblivion and any attempt to combat this assault albeit in a non-violent and scholarly manner, marks the individual as a fundamentalist. The calendar, astronomy, and the story of time combine to make a fascinating chapter in the story of the homo sapien, but it is to be hoped tha it is the larger Civilizational canvas that the reader will focus on.

What do I take away from the writing of this book? My faith in the universality of the human spirit. If there is one thing above all that I treasure from this experience is that the love of science and mathematics does not recognize man made geographies, boundaries, ethnic classifications, language, social strata or economics. It is for this reason I find that the current Eurocentrric emphasis in the Occident which persists among authors even to this day to be a anathema and to be of a particularly egregious nature with which I have little sympathy and have no tolerance whatsoever.

The book can be ordered from http://www.lulu.com.

References

1.See for instance, James Evans, The history and practice of Ancient Astronomy, Oxford University press, New York,1998

2.Hoskin, Michael, “The Cambridge Concise History of Astronomy?, Ed. By, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. 1999

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(PRWEB) September 15, 2010

In the current economic climate, everyone?s looking for a great value, and we have one to share with you today. If you buy a Thunderbirds novel, you?ll receive the book PLUS a number of outstanding downloadable gifts at no additional charge.

Go to http://www.countdowntoaction.com for all the details.

Need a break from vampires and zombies? Read Inspiring Stories the Whole Family Can Enjoy!

If you?re looking for action, adventure, and a great read, The Thunderbirds? novels are for you! These are officially licensed, approved, and sanctioned novels based on the 1960s Thunderbirds? television series, set at a time over 50 years from now.

In Countdown to Action, the first novel in the series, retired billionaire astronaut Jeff Tracy, driven by the tragic death of his wife, founds an organization (International Rescue) to help people who are in mortal danger and out of reach of the normal first responders. His grown sons and associates join him in this effort, and the adventures never stop.

Countdown to Action, and the next books in the series, Action Alert, and Deadly Danger, are written so that they can be enjoyed by anyone, whether or not they have seen the TV series.

Go to http://www.countdowntoaction.com for all the details.

Countdown to Action is a Mom?s Choice Awards? Silver Recipient, a finalist in the National Best Books Awards, and a finalist in the Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Awards. It has been favorably reviewed by the respected Midwest Book Review. Action Alert, the second novel in the series, is also a Mom?s Choice Awards? Silver Recipient. Deadly Danger, the third novel in the series, was a finalist in the Scribe Awards.

These novels appeal to a wide variety of readers: those who value public service, those who enjoy action-adventure, parents who are looking for novels that they can read and share with their children and grandchildren, and those who are looking for good, old-fashioned heroes who hold to the highest ethical standards.

And, when you buy the book, you can choose from a set of downloadable bonus gifts at no additional charge.

Go to http://www.countdowntoaction.com for all the details.

Author Joan Marie Verba earned a bachelor of physics degree from the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology and attended the graduate school of astronomy at Indiana University, where she was an associate instructor of astronomy for one year. She has worked as a computer programmer, editor, publisher, health/weight loss coach, and social media manager.. An experienced writer, she is the author of the nonfiction books Voyager: Exploring the Outer Planets, Boldly Writing, and Weight Loss Success, as well as the novels Countdown to Action, Action Alert, and Deadly Danger, plus numerous short stories and articles. She is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Thunderbirds TM & ? 1964 and 2010 ITC Entertainment Group Limited. ‘Thunderbirds’ is a Gerry Anderson Production. Licensed by Granada Ventures Ltd. All rights reserved.

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More Astronomy Press Releases

Concord, NH (PRWEB) September 21, 2010

Early predictions are for a vibrant autumn show of color, following a dry summer. But, the trick is to find a place that is off the beaten path, and where you can has easy access to trails and views. Waterville Valley Resort is located in the heart of New Hampshire?s White Mountain National Forest, a place where the brilliant colors of autumn highlight every activity–and there are more activities than you can shake a leaf at.

Waterville Valley has two fun weekends planned for the height of foliage season, starting on Saturday October 2, 2010:

Chili Challenge

Things heat up at Waterville Valley Resort?s 12th Annual Chili Challenge, held from noon until the chili is gone, Saturday October 2nd in Town Square. Waterville Valley area restaurants will have the chance to compete for the title of the King of Chili. Visitors will pay a small fee, which gives them access to sample all of the restaurant entries. After sampling each chili, guests can vote for their favorite. Local restaurants include Six Burner Bistro (2009 winner), Wild Coyote Grill, Olde Waterville Pizza Co, Jugtown Sandwich Shop, Coffee Emporium, The Valley Inn, Snowy Owl Inn, Diamonds Edge North, and The Common Man. Free outdoor concert accompanies the cook-off in the gazebo.

The weekend will have activities for the whole family including an afternoon Car Cruise featuring various types of fabulous cars parked in the center of Town Square for all to see from 1 to 4 pm as well as a 50/50 raffle, merchant give-a-ways and a DJ. Enjoy Curious George Story Time at the Rey Center in Town Square plus the numerous restaurants and shops.

Special travel packages for the Chili Challenge weekend include Saturday and Sunday night stays and Summer Unlimited activities. Prices start at $ 37 per person per night based on quad-occupancy.

Columbus Day

There is nothing like fall in New England. Waterville Valley Resort?s Fall Foliage Festival will be full of color Friday through Monday, October 8th ? 11th.

To complement the brilliant fall foliage, the weekend is set to include family activities for all ages. Travelin Barnyard, magic show, kids games and crafts, pie eating contest, pumpkin painting, outdoor concerts, merchant tent sales, Curious George story hour, astronomy and stargazing with the Rey Center, and more. On Sunday, a 5K-road race and 1.6K fun run will be held with the proceeds going to the SPC Marc Decoteau Memorial Fund.

Winter enthusiasts can gear up for the season at Sport Thoma?s annual sale, taking place Friday through Monday inside the Waterville Valley Ice Arena. The Waterville Valley Black & Blue Trail Smashers will hold their annual ski and board swap on Saturday and Sunday.

The hotels of Waterville Valley Resort will offer a package deal that includes two nights lodging, and Summer Unlimited activities starting at $ 49 per person, per night based on quad-occupancy. The resort is only a few short steps from the nation?s oldest network of hiking trails.

Hikers have been exploring Waterville Valley since the 1800s, and today, there?s no better way to take in the foliage than on a bike, either your own or a rental bike from the Adventure Center in Town Square. Once again, you can take it as easy or as hard as you like. Whether it?s a leisurely ride around town or a dirt-kicking expedition through the autumn woods, you’ll find plenty of trails to suit your mood?more than 30 miles of them. You can even take a chair lift to the top of Snow’s Mountain and ride your bike down. The Adventure Center has well-maintained rental bikes for all levels of riders, and instructors to help you get started, make sure your bike is comfortable, and suggest trails to explore. If you’ve never biked before, it’s a great, non-threatening way to begin.

The town of Waterville Valley?s recreation department hosts a wide variety of activities for residents and visitors in the fall, including foliage tours and walks, open gym sessions for all ages, open basketball, after-school activities, and more.

Waterville Valley was designed and planned specifically as a self-contained, four seasons resort. Today in addition to its world-class ski area, Waterville Valley Resort has award-winning tennis courts, golf, hiking, biking, lodging, cultural activities and summer theater, an indoor ice rink, boating, a skate park, and a host of outdoor activities. Dining options include traditional favorites and elegant dining. For more information, call 1-800-GO-VALLEY or visit http://www.visitwatervillevalley.com.

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