Where my Money at?

NOOOOOOO!


NASA May Have to Revamp Science Plans Without RTGs 
-from Universe Today 



Okay, in all honesty, I had no idea what an RTG was before reading this article.  But now that I know, I'm downright scared.

The LAST thing NASA needs is more obstacles.  And cutting funds?  That's a tough obstacle to overcome.  I don't think anyone will disagree that the main cause for the molasses-like progress in space exploration is owed to monetary conflicts.  It's just depressing to hear that the aspirations of planetary scientists are still at the bottom of the list when it comes to government funds.  BUT that is another reason for our UT society!  To raise awareness and interest!  It's go time.


Where are those Russians when you need them?


-Martha

From Russia, with Love

The Russians have got the right idea.  

Check out this Spectrum article: Russia Reveals Vision for Manned Spaceflight

Firstly, they named their space agency Roskosmos, which is just awesome.  RosKOSMOS, like cosmos?!  That's deep man.

Secondly, they've got the groundbreaking idea to unite international space organizations, like themselves and our very own NASA, in order to make space exploration CHEAPER while still going where no man has gone before?  Like Mars!

Of course, there are some kinks to work out, seeing as though they built their launching spot right on the Chinese border, which I'm pretty sure Hu Jintao isn't too happy about . . . But you never know, if the Russians share their super secrets, it may just help border relations! . . . possibly. 

Anyway, I believe this way of thinking is what WILL finally get us to Mars, to infinity, AND BEYOND!

         First Russian Space Dogs from http://englishrussia.com/ 

UT Planetary Science Symposium

Remember that the UT Planetary Science Symposium is on Friday, October 2, so don't forget to register if you want to attend!


This symposium will mark a major point on our society's beginning and serve as a real "launching off" pad, hah! . . . if you catch my drift . . . We hope to meet and speak with those in Austin and at The University of Texas who are interested in the planetary sciences, and hopefully add more members to our society.  It will provide us with the opportunity to share our scientific interests and hear about research that is being conducted on campus and elsewhere!


The symposium will be going on all day, so drop by Avaya Auditorium in the ACES building when you can.

http://www.as.utexas.edu/utpss/ 

Neil DeGrasse Tyson is my hero

Watch out for Friday!

Well, not this one, and not the next . . . but yep, Friday.  April 13, 2036 to be exact.  It's going to be a doozie.

Check out this YouTube link to see why.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaW4Ol3_M1o

Plutophiles?

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/08/24/pluto.dwarf.planet/index.html


Well, I guess that makes sense . . .

Poor Pluto, the demoted planet must be going through quite the identity crisis.  Now the scientific community is thinking about restoring it's "planet" status?  It has only been three years since Pluto was knocked off it's My-Very-Excellent-Mother-Just-Sent-Us-Nine-Pizzas pedestal.  If my calculations are correct, that's something like a blink in Pluto time.  There must be some major planetary whiplash going on there.  

According to CNN , at least we know the plutophiles are showing support for Pluto's right to be a planet.  Because, what else is my very excellent mother going to send us?   I'll take the pizza, please.

First Post!

Hello all,

Welcome to our student created blog for everybody who loves rocks, science, and planets!

Along with the BRAND NEW organization of our University of Texas Planetary Society (or University of Texas Planetary Geology Society, or UT Society for Planetary And Cosmic Education, or . . . well we haven't exactly decided on a name yet, but it's coming . . . promise) we have decided to begin a blog with all sorts of current and relevant information . . . ON SPACE!

The goal is to bring everyone and anyone interested in the planetary sciences exciting news about what we are doing as an organization at The University of Texas, and also really cool videos of current cosmos news.  Maybe even some Star Wars, you never know.  We love this stuff.  

It may take me a while to figure out this whole blogging thing, so bear with me!  BUT let me tell you, this is going to be awesome.  Out of this world awesome.

Cheers!