Nuclear and Atomic Radiation Concepts Pictographically Demystified

Greetings, all. Today I’m attempting a different, largely pictographic approach to demystifying the concept of “radiation” for the layperson. Despite the hype, radiation is a natural part of our planet’s, solar system’s, and galaxy’s environment, and one that our biology is equipped to mitigate at ordinary intensities. It’s all actually surprisingly straightforward. So, without further ado, here […]

The Antimatter Plot Thickens…

I realize it’s been egregiously silent here at the Astrowright blog for some time. Apparently, I am not immune to the same disappointing (as a reader) dry spells experienced in/by so many other blogs I’ve followed during the years. (With grad school, teaching at CSN, my day-job working for DOE, a side-business or two in flux, moonlighting the occasional and […]

Forecasting the End: The Science of Rogue Planets

I’m pleased to report that I had the opportunity to consult on (and occasionally appear in) an astronomy/geoscience/climate science crossover project for the Weather Channel this past year, entitled, Forecasting the End. The show, which premiers this evening, uses extremely-low-probability astronomical or geophysical disasters as a hook to explore and present astronomy, geology, meteorology, and […]

Surviving Radiation in Space

For those who are interested in the reality of radiation exposure on Earth, in space, on the Moon, and what this exposure means for our prospects of manned exploration of the Solar System, read on! The Myths and Truths of Death by Space Radiation There are persistent groves of misinformation taking root about the lethality […]

Radiation, Japan, and Irresponsible Reporting: Part IV

This post has been lying in wait for quite some time. I thought it best that I let it simmer and distill for a while… The truth is that I was simply getting too frustrated with the Fukushima coverage to compose a sensible post. Now, with a little extra time and perspective, please allow me […]

Antimatter Hazard Symbol finds early adopters!

Those who have been long-time readers will remember a proposition I made for an antimatter hazard symbol (otherwise and less formally called a “warning sign”) back in May of 2010, which was based on currently-accepted international hazard symbology and color schemes. Well, to date, I am excited to report that the symbol has found some early […]

Time travel physics in flux

Something is rotten with the state of time travel/lightspeed physics. To “c” (the symbolic designation for the speed of light), or not to “c”? -That is the question plaguing physicists in a number of recent studies with apparently conflicting results. Traditionally, the speed of light is viewed as a barrier to physical movement. According to conventional […]

Radiation, Japan, and irresponsible reporting: Part III

As detailed in Part I and Part II of this series, the vocabulary of radiation science, (known as “health physics,”) is being chronically misused and confused by the news media in its coverage of the Fukushima nuclear incident in Japan, and critical context is being ignored when details are reported. The result? There is so […]

Radiation, Japan, and irresponsible reporting: Part II

So, after my last post, you’ve got the subtle (and not-so-subtle) differences between radioactivity (overweight atoms), radioactive material (the material containing or composed of the overweight atoms), radiation (invisible light and particles emitted by the overweight atoms), and contamination (having radioactive material someplace you don’t want it). Hopefully, you can also see why mixing these […]

Exploring Test Cell C with ArcGIS Online

The future is now. GIS forerunner company ESRI has recently published much of their geospatial analysis capability online… for free. Implementing the philosophy that knowledge is power and that all peoples and nations should be empowered to make smart and responsible decisions, ESRI is seeking to change the world by making powerful GIS tools available […]