Gamma Ray Burst 080319B visible to the naked eye

The “Pi of the sky” project surveys a large fraction of the night sky to be ready to make early observations on gamma ray bursts as they occur. Gamma ray bursts (GRBs) are thought to be released when a star collapses, creating a black hole. They often last two minutes or less. Last night their preparations paid off as they recorded the brightest GRB ever.

This observation was the proof of the novel concept of the “Pi of the Sky” project. Usually, optical emission from GRB is observed by telescopes listening to alerts from satellite gamma ray detectors. Signal distribution and turning the telescope take some time and the very first minute of the outburst cannot be observed. The principle of the “Pi of the Sky” project is different. The apparatus monitors continuously large fraction of the sky taking 10s exposures and detects optical flashes independently, while the satellite information confirms the origin of the flash.

Expelled: FAIL!

This is hilarious. Science blogger PZ Myers tried to attend a screening of the anti-evolution movie Expelled, for which he was interviewed under false pretenses. Everyone had to show identification — to see a free movie screening! He was singled out and told that (a) he couldn’t attend and (b) he had to leave the premises immediately or be arrested (on what grounds, I wonder).

Of course, he left quietly. But he could hardly wait to tell the science community the rest of the story.

It’s particularly ironic that at a movie preview, people complaining that they can’t get their point out are keeping out people who might disagree with them. Maybe they’re afraid that PZ might mention that he was interviewed under false pretenses. And on their home page they criticize PZ for commenting on a movie that he hasn’t seen! And then, of course, there’s PZ’s guest for the evening… Richard Dawkins!

• Here’s Ed Brayton’s link to the story: “PZ Expelled from Expelled.” And thanks to Ed’s article at Dispatches from the Culture Wars, I’m linking to Kristine’s first-hand account.
• Here’s a blog reaction from Jon Voisey at The Angry Astronomer. He’s also keeping track of dishonesty by the producers and promoters of Expelled.
• Here’s a blog reaction from science blog Clyde Weys Musings: PZ Myers is expelled from Expelled.
• And here’s Kristine’s blog article about her adventure: Amused Muse: Expelled from Expelled.
• TK Kenyon over at Rabid Atheist noted it, too., and laughed so hard it caused an asthma attack.

(The Expelled image is from Rants ‘n’ Raves.)

Cat on a parachute jump

A parachute enthusiast decided to take his cat to share the pleasure of a parachute jump. He has strapped the cat to his chest in a special restraining suit.

In the plane, and at first in the doorway, it’s trusting its owner and just looking around.

Then it starts to get alarmed.

At this point it’s pedalling its feet, trying to back off.

It’s twisting its head, trying to get back into the plane. You can almost hear it think, “Get me out of here!”

The owner had wrapped the cat’s paws in little mittens, which probably saved him a scratching and perhaps making his jump with a cat wrapped around his head. But the cat probably pee’d on him on the way down.

Butterflies of North America

The butterfly index tells you how to attract butterflies and links to a list of North American butterflies (and butterflies of North Carolina).

Robots will explore HMAS Sydney

Submersible robots will be sent to examine the presumed wreck of HMAS Sydney, a light cruiser sunk during World War II by a German ship, HSK Kormoran, which was disguised as a Dutch merchant marine vessel at the time.

“The light cruiser sank following a fierce engagement in November 1941 with a “disguised German raider, HSK Kormoran, which was also sunk in the battle.

“But while more than 300 sailors from the German ship were rescued, there were no survivors among Sydney’s 645 sailors and air force personnel, a fact which has generated controversy and distress over the years.

“The wrecks of both ships were finally discovered this week by a search team put together by the Finding Sydney Foundation and led by the British shipwreck hunter David Mearns.

“The foundation’s search vessel, SV Geosounder, is expected to return to Geraldton tomorrow to prepare for the next phase of the search which will involve much closer examination of the wrecks.

Geosounder has collected high-quality sonar images of the two vessels and of the debris lying on the seabed at the site of the main battle between the two warships.”