Astronomy

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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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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Lexington, KY (PRWEB) December 16, 2010

The Issy?s Gift Activity Book, is the latest electronic activity book by Christian children?s book author Celia Banks. The activity book is designed to accompany Banks? popular hardback Issy?s Gift, and adds another layer of learning to the story of Christmas. The activity book uses puzzles, printable sheets, art activities, singing and more to enhance kids? learning experience. This latest offering follows Banks? committment to providing e-book supplements to her readers and keeps in line with Amazon.com?s acknowledgment that e-books are outselling traditional hardbacks.

?The world of internet technology offers new opportunities for us as authors and teachers in the way we communicate with our audience,? Banks said. ?Our books are now easily accessible for those who want them as soon as the purchase is made from the comfort of their own homes. The Issy’s Gift Activity Book not only contains interesting facts about the Bible, it is full of fun facts about other subjects including history, astronomy and math to name a few. I believe the parents will learn right along with their children.?

These interactive activities will help children improve reading skills, learn about textures and actively engage in their environment. The entire God?s Word is Just for Me Series is designed to act as a fun supplement to a child?s existing educational environment with the electronic book putting fun instantly within reach.

?For children’s activity books, it is especially useful to have printable sheets available with the click of your mouse. The staff at CeliaBanks.com is happy to be able to accommodate a wider range of customers with our new downloadable electronic products.?

About the Book:

Issy?s Gift Activity Book

This activity book was specifically created as a teaching tool for you to interact with your children about the story, characters and Bible based truths of the book, Issy?s Gift. Whimsical art and activities amplify the Biblical messages and engage children of all ages.

Issy’s Gift Hardback

Issy was so excited. As a young camel, he was on his first caravan trip. He was going with his grandfather and the wise men to a far away land to see the young Christ Child who was born King. Join the little camel, Issy, as he goes on a journey to visit the Child and learns important life lessons about the value of giving, why the Christ Child is so special and?why He is so much more than just an earthly king.

About the Author:

Celia Banks is a former vice president of design for the International China Company and has been a designer for dolls, dollhouses, toys, cosmetics and gift products for companies such as Avon, Mattel, Hasbro and Horsman Doll Company.

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More Astronomy Press Releases

Arnold, MD (PRWEB) August 17, 2011

People all over the world will be waiting to see what happens Dec. 21, 2012 ? the date that the world as we know it is predicted to end. In this new book, the author examines Mayan calendar end dates, galactic alignments, Pleiades photon belts, polar axis shifts super volcanoes and Nostradamus? end-of-the-world claims and details his beliefs that all are ?creative fiction spun from some kernels of scientific facts.? The book delves into the background of the different theories, showing why no one should be afraid of that date.

Dialogues on 2012, set in 2012, is written against the backdrop of three lifelong friends exchanging e-mails about different aspects of the 2012 predictions. The friends run the gamut: Fred is a believer, Tom is a disbeliever and Aileen wavers between the two perspectives. As they exchange their ideas, the friends each bring something of value to the discussion. Detailed endnotes enhance the author?s credibility on the subject. This critical ? and at times light-hearted ? scientifically accurate book shines a needed spotlight on end-of-the-world claims that have gained attention as the date draws closer.

This is the first book for popular reading by author Christopher Keating, a professor of physics with 20 years of experience conducting research in space physics, has taught undergraduate physics, space science and astronomy. This no-nonsense individual served for more than 30 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve working mainly as a naval intelligence analyst. He also spent time with the physics department at the U.S. Naval Academy.

For more information, visit http://www.dialogueson2012.com

DIALOGUES ON 2012: WHY THE WORLD WILL NOT END

Christopher Keating

Dog Ear Publishing

ISBN: 978-145750-383-2????????????????????????360 pages???????????????????????? $ 18.50 US

Available at Ingram, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble

and fine bookstores everywhere

About Dog Ear Publishing, LLC

Dog Ear Publishing offers completely customized self-publishing services for independent authors. We provide cost-effective, fast, and highly profitable services to publish and distribute independently published books. Our book publishing and distribution services reach worldwide. Dog Ear authors retain all rights and complete creative control throughout the entire self-publishing process. Self-publishing services are available globally at http://www.dogearpublishing.net and from our offices in Indianapolis.

Dog Ear Publishing ? self-publishing that actually makes sense.

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More Astronomy Press Releases

Hagerstown, MD (PRWEB) August 23, 2011

People generally have many ideas. From the onset of toddlerhood, most individuals already have opinions, thoughts, and epiphanies on how things are, or could be. Ironically, as one grows older and gains knowledge, this zeal to change the world inevitably dies down. The process of forcibly hammering their square peg into the round hole provided by civil society apparently turns a wide-eyed dreamer into a disillusioned, benign wage slave.

Doctor of Physics and seasoned IT professional Pardu S. Ponnapalli decided not to let his dreams and ideas die. His first book, Just A Bunch Of Crazy Ideas, contains exactly what the title purports: it?s a collection of eccentric theories that just might work.

This book is about thoughts and ideas on a wide range of subjects. The ideas range from how to modify the game of chess to create an interesting version to how to pursue exploration of space in a way that captures the imagination of the public. New and innovative viewpoints on practical methods to building a space elevator, designing a method to cope with cat litter and some simple ways to conserve energy are also presented. Economic themes about the federal debt and deficit are also examined.

Just A Bunch Of Crazy Ideas is a very entertaining and mind-stimulating read. For people who still have their sense of wonder and adventure, this book will reinforce their will to keep their ideas fresh and alive. For those who have settled with the daily humdrum of mindless work and bills-paying, this might just be the intellectual push needed to revive the idea-filled child within.

For more information on this book and the author, interested parties may contact Xlibris at (888) 795-4274.

About the Author

Pardu S. Ponnapalli is an IT professional working in Rockville, Maryland. He has been a Star Trek buff all his life. He lives in Hagerstown, Md. with his wife, son, dog and two cats. After earning a Ph.D. in Physics, he was promptly rewarded with unemployment. Realizing that he had lofty ambitions in life (like eating), he switched into the lucrative IT industry. He has been an IT professional for about 20 years. His hobbies and passions include chess, astronomy and most of all playing with his son.

For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit http://www.Xlibris.com. To receive a free publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.

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More Astronomy Press Releases

New York, NY (PRWEB) March 16, 2009

One Peace Books (http://www.onepeacebooks.com) announces the forthcoming US publication of the Japanese best-seller, The World’s Easiest Astronomy Book. The World’s Easiest Astronomy Book will be available wherever fine books are sold on September 1, 2009.

Can we live on the moon? Is it possible to travel to the future? Why is the sky blue? The World’s Easiest Astronomy Book answers these questions and more.

Written by Hitoshi Nakagawa, a former Aerospace Development Specialist turned high school teacher, The World’s Easiest Astronomy Book (One Peace Books, ISBN: 978-0-9785084-4-9, $ 12.95, Paper, 120 pages, 45 illustrations) tackles complex questions about space, the universe, and beyond.

Written in easy-to-understand terms, The World’s Easiest Astronomy Book is filled with clever, irresistible diagrams drawn in crayon.

For anyone who has ever had burning questions about how the universe works but didn’t know who to ask, this book provides the answers. Anything but a textbook but no less educational, The World’s Easiest Astronomy Book is anything is an informative, light, entertaining, and out-of-this-world guide.

Author Hitoshi Nakagawa is a former officer of Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency, who currently teaches at Osaka Sumiyoshi High School. He has worked for astronautic projects and on publicity for manned space activities. After telling space stories to his children one day, Nakagawa decided to write The World’s Easiest Astronomy Book in hopes of making his stories available to a broader audience.

Based in New York, One Peace Books specializes in publishing visually-compelling motivational literature. Backed by two successful publishers in Japan, One Peace Books endeavors to publish literature for global readership, and is committed to its core belief that quality literature should not be limited by borders or race, but should reach people all over the world.

Originally published in Japan in July 2006, The World’s Easiest Astronomy Book sold over 50,000 copies in the first two months after its release. The World’s Easiest Astronomy Book will be available nationwide on September 1, 2009.

For more information, please contact Maryglenn McCombs by phone – (615) 297-9875.

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