Short Reviews: William Speed Weed

"Circles of Life (non-fiction)" [permanent link]. An article that looks at how the eccentricity of a planet's orbit may affect the ability of a planet to support life. Using the Earth as an example and making its orbit more eccentric in simulations, it turns out that even in a very eccentric orbit (with extremes of temperature between freezing and boiling on land), the Earth could still support life, making life on other planets with eccentric orbits more likely.
Read from Nov 2002 Discover magazine
"Flying Blind (non-fiction)" [permanent link]. An interesting article that looks at the next generation of aircraft that can fly by themselves; no pilots, either on the plane or remotely controlling it, are needed.
Read from Aug 2002 Discover magazine
"The Very Best Telescope (non-fiction)" [permanent link]. An interesting article that looks at the competitive nature of 'planet hunting' and how astronomers are using the very best telescopes and powerful computer imaging technology to try to actually see planets orbiting other stars.
Read from Oct 2002 Discover magazine

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws