Future Giant Telescope News Roundup

The Thirty Meter Telescope appears to have found that donor, in Intel's Gordon Moore. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation pledged $200 million for the construction of the telescope late last year. The Giant Magellan Telescope at 24.5 meters, the Thirty Meter Telescope, and the 42-meter European Extremely Large Telescope are expected to be completed within a decade. In the glacial world of large 'scope building, this is just around the corner.Project E-ELT has the aim of observing the Universe in greater detail than even the Hubble Space Telescope. A mirror of approximately 42 meters would allow the study of the atmospheres of extrasolar planets. The 5-mirror anastigmat design is estimated to cost €800 million and could be completed by 2017. The large earth based telescopes and the ionic liquid telescope look like there is some momentum to actually having them built. The next two are currently just ideas (although they are good ideas). This site previously covered a magnetic flux telescope design which could make space based telescopes that are over 200 meters in size.
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New Neutrino Telescope for South Pole

IceCube is an international collaborative effort made up of more than 150 scientists, engineers and computer scientists, from 26 institutions in the United States, Europe, Japan and New Zealand. The principal investigator for the project is Francis Halzen, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor of physics, and the collaborating institutes include the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). Berkeley Lab researchers were responsible for the unique electronics package inside the digital optical modules (DOMs) that will enable IceCube to pick out the rare signal of a high-energy neutrino colliding with a molecule of water.

“Each of these DOMs is like a mini-computer server that you can log onto and download data from, or upload software to,” says Robert Stokstad, of Berkeley Lab’s Nuclear Science Division (NSD), who heads the Institute for Nuclear and Particle Astrophysics (INPA) and is the leader of Berkeley Lab’s IceCube effort. Equipped with on-board control, processing and communications hardware and software, and connected in long strings of 60 each via an electrical cable, the DOMs can detect neutrinos with energies ranging from 200 billion to one quadrillion (1015) or more electron volts.
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Failure of Intermetallics Investigated Using World’s Most Powerful Electron Microscope

In the 1950s, a concept called “synchroshear” was proposed to explain how this defect moved in many complex structures. Under that theory, this movement is accomplished by coordinated shifting of atoms in two adjacent atomic layers. This synchronized movement is necessary to prevent atoms in one layer from colliding with atoms in the neighbouring layer.
But because atoms are so tightly packed in compounds with complex structures, as they are in Laves phases, the theory could never be proven. There wasn’t a microscope powerful enough to show, in clear detail, how the atoms behaved.

Enter Matthew Chisholm, a staff researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Chisholm uses a unique Z-contrast scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) to study defects in materials. The microscope was recently outfitted with an aberration-correction system, which corrects errors produced by imperfections in the electron lens. The system doubled the microscope’s resolving ability, making it the most powerful electron microscope on the planet.
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Eyelid Neuroma Associated With Swim Goggle Use

A 22-year-old man had a 5-year history of bilateral upper eyelid masses, which was worse on the right side. The patient had been in competitive swimming for 9 years and used hard plastic swim goggles. He denied any previous episodes of facial or ocular trauma. An ophthalmic examination of visual acuity, pupillary response, and extraocular movements, as well as slitlamp examination showed no abnormalities. An external examination revealed bilateral, sub-brow nodules, located in the area of the supraorbital notch, with the right nodule being larger than the left (Figure 1). No point tenderness was elicited. Excision of the right nodule was performed under local anesthesia, and there was no numbness or paresthesia in the distribution of the fifth cranial nerve, first division, either before or after surgical treatment. Histopathologic analysis revealed a haphazard proliferation, including all elements of nerve fascicles: axons, myelin, Schwann cells, and fibroblasts (Figure 2). After 12 months the eyelid is without clinical recurrence.
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How to Pick the Right Spotting Scope

If serious photography is planned, keep in mind that catadioptric scopes (and the few high-end prismatic exceptions noted in our catalog, particularly those with ED glass or fluorite optics) generally make better telephoto lenses than a small prismatic scope.If low light performance is important, look for the highest twilight factor.If you spend a lot of time in the field, look for a reasonably light weight.If you expect rough treatment or regular soakings, consider a rubber-armored and/or waterproof scope.If getting the sharpest, highest contrast image possible is more important than convenience or price, consider single power eyepieces rather than a zoom. Also consider ED glass or fluorite lens systems for ultimate sharpness.

From $200 to $2000, each time you double the retail price of a spotting scope you can expect about a 10-15% improvement in optical performance. Don’t be afraid to buy a spotting scope at the lower end of the price spectrum, however, as they are all quite good. We’ve weeded out the poor performers for you, choosing to carry only those which meet our standards, which tend to be high. But don’t think you have to strain your budget to buy the most expensive scope simply because it has the best optics. It may not fit your birding style or your requirements for durability, field of view, low light capability, etc.
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Large Binocular Telescope Achieves First Binocular Light

The Large Binocular Telescope on Mount Graham, Ariz., has taken celestial images using its twin side-by-side, 8.4-meter (27.6 foot) primary mirrors together, achieving first "binocular" light.U.S., Italian and German partners in the telescope, known as the LBT, are releasing the images today. First binocular light is a milestone not only for the LBT– now the world's most powerful telescope – but for astronomy itself, the partners say. The University of Arizona owns a quarter of the telescope's observing time.The first binocular light images show three false-color renditions of the spiral galaxy NGC 2770. The galaxy is 102 million light years from our Milky Way, a relatively close neighbor. The galaxy has a flat disk of stars and glowing gas tipped slightly toward our line of sight.

The first image combines ultraviolet and green light and emphasizes the clumpy regions of newly formed hot stars in the spiral arms. The second image combines two deep red colors to highlight the smoother distribution of older, cooler stars. The third image is a composite of ultraviolet, green and deep red light and shows the detailed structure of hot, moderate and cool stars in the galaxy. The cameras and images were produced by the Large Binocular Camera team, led by Emanuele Giallongo at the Rome Astrophysical Observatory.The LBT has a light-collecting area equivalent to a single 11.8-meter (39-foot) surface and will combine light to produce the image sharpness equivalent to a single 22.8-meter (75-foot) telescope. It is located on 10,480-foot Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona.
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Steiner's Pocket-Sized 10x26 Predator Binocular Combines Power and Comfort

Whether you’re rafting the Colorado, hunting elk in Montana or hiking the Australian Outback, a powerful and compact binocular is a welcomed accessory. Steiner’s new 10x26 binocular is an ultra-light, high-performance optical device offering the perfect combination of portability and power.Comfort and convenience are critical when traversing unknown terrain, and the 10x26 Predator is designed with these benefits in mind. The new Predator weighs less than 10 ounces, making it small enough to tuck away in a coat pocket for an afternoon on a mountain trail. Its lightweight design and contoured thumb grooves allow hunters to glass for hours without arm fatigue and the smooth and accurate center-focus knob can be manipulated effortlessly and efficiently. The snug wrap-around eyecups eliminate distracting sidelight while providing a comfortable buffer between the binocular and its user.The green-tinted Predator lens coating filters the indistinct colors of haze and foliage and amplifies the visibility of colors common to birds, game animals and other wildlife.

Subjects that might normally be camouflaged by dense greenery will pop out when seen through the "eyes" of the Predator.The 10x26 Predator provides uncommon power for a binocular of its size. Users can spot a lark perched on a tree limb from 100 yards and see it as if it were only 10 yards away. With an exit pupil of 2.6, the new binocular also offers excellent light gathering ability for a unit of its size and power.The 10x26 Predator is ideal for any outdoor endeavor, regardless of the season or weather. With its water-resistant seal, users won’t have to worry about rain, cold or whitewater spray. The Predator is also fogproof to define hazy objects on humid, overcast early mornings. The 10x26 ultra-light model comes as a more powerful version of Steiner’s previously introduced 8x22 Predator model.All Predator models come equipped with a carrying case for easy travel. They are available in the following three categories, "Ultra-Light," "Porro" and "Premium."
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MIT IDs binocular vision gene

In work that could lead to new treatments for sensory disorders in which people experience the strange phenomena of seeing better with one eye covered, MIT researchers report that they have identified the gene responsible for binocular vision Unlike horses and eagles, whose eyes on the sides of their heads provide two different scenes, humans see a single, in-depth view. Now researchers from the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT have identified the gene responsible for melding images from two eyes into one useful picture in the brain.The work, which appeared in the Sept. 4 issue of the Public Library of Science (PLoS) Biology and in the journal Cerebral Cortex, shows that a novel gene is necessary for binocular vision."There are other instances in the brain where two different inputs have to be properly aligned and matched--such as auditory and visual projections to the midbrain that enable us to orient to sound," said lead author Mriganka Sur, Sherman Fairchild Professor of Neuroscience at the Picower Institute and head of the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT. "This is the first study to pinpoint a gene with this kind of job."

Two points of view
Binocular vision allows us to perceive depth and carry out detailed visual processing. The images projected by each eye are aligned and matched up in brain regions called the visual thalamus and cortex.The MIT researchers discovered that the genes Ten_m3 and Bcl6 have a key role in the early development of brain pathways for vision and touch. Ten_m3 appears to be critical for the brain to make sense of the two disparate images from each eye.In mice that had the Ten_m3 gene knocked out, projections from their two eyes were mismatched in their brains. Because each eye's projection suppresses the other, the mice were blind, even though their eyes worked normally.Remarkably, the researchers found that when the output of one eye was blocked at a molecular level, the knockout mice could see again. With one eye's conflicting input shut down, the other eye was able to function, though only with monocular vision.
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Binocular looks pure class

Binocular laid down the most emphatic of Champion Hurdle markers with a totally dominant display in winning the Boylesports.com International at Ascot.The Grade Two event was rescheduled from Cheltenham a week ago and may be the last time Binocular is seen on the racecourse until the Festival.But a four-and-a-half-length defeat of Celestial Halo, with his other three rivals Chomba Womba, Katchit and Crack Away Jack a long way behind will have sent out a severe warning to all other aspirants to the crown.Binocular beat Triumph Hurdle winner Celestial Halo at Aintree and Tony McCoy was unconcerned on the even-money favourite as Ruby Walsh built up an advantage of around 10 lengths from the off.The field closed up turning for home and although Walsh regrouped, Binocular drew alongside the leader at the second-last and did not even need a flick of the whip as he simply swatted his rival away.

Top-class
"That was a top-class effort," said McCoy. "The second horse was given a great ride by Ruby and I was more worried about him than the three horses around me as he had an uncontested lead."I am not surprised by the way Binocular won. He hasn't achieved it yet, but there is not another hurdler around that is as exciting as he is."Trainer Nicky Henderson added: "This was a tense day and I am glad it is over."He was there to be tested today as the runner-up really set some gallop. I don't know if AP was very cool or very confident to let Celestial Halo have a lead like that."The way Binocular gets from one side of a hurdle to another is extraordinary - I don't know what the world made of it but it is fair to say I'm happy!""This was not a trial - we were here to win and we needed this race, so I am so grateful to everyone for getting it back on."A while ago I considered not running him again until the Champion Hurdle after this but he looked as big as a bull beforehand."If he had been beaten it may have been because he was short of a run but we will have to see now - he certainly doesn't need any practice!"
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Flight to Service Hubble Telescope Could Take Place

The American space agency has decided to extend the life of the Hubble Space Telescope.The orbiting observatory is sixteen years old. Over the years, space shuttle astronauts have flown to the Hubble four times to make repairs and improvements. A fifth visit had been set for last year.But in two thousand four, NASA's administrator at the time, Sean O'Keefe, vetoed the plan. He said it would be too risky. At that time all shuttle flights were suspended following the loss of the shuttle Columbia in two thousand three.What about designing a robotic spacecraft to repair Hubble? Studies showed that would be too costly and too complex to attempt by two thousand seven. Engineers thought Hubble could fail next year because of weakening batteries and aging gyroscopes. The gyroscopes are part of Hubble's guidance system. They help keep the telescope pointed in the right direction.Now, the current NASA administrator has renewed plans to send a shuttle crew on another Hubble repair flight. Michael Griffin announced the decision last week. He said he would not have agreed to it if he did not believe the plan could succeed, and succeed safely.

VOICE ONE:
NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is preparing to retire its space shuttles. But before then, under the new plan, the shuttle Discovery will fly to the Hubble telescope. It could happen as early as May of two thousand eight. The seven-member crew will carry out repairs and add new equipment, including two new camera instruments. The hope is to keep Hubble operating until two thousand thirteen.NASA chief Michael Griffin says the repair mission can wait until two thousand eight. Engineers have found ways to extend the life of Hubble's batteries and gyroscopes. But even if those systems fail before then, he says, Hubble could operate in a so-called safe mode until the astronauts arrive.The telescope orbits six hundred kilometers above the Earth. Its images of the universe have led to a great many discoveries.Michael Bakich at Astronomy magazine was among those very happy at NASA's decision. He calls the Hubble Space Telescope one of the great machines of all time.
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First light achieved with the 10-m South Pole Telescope, February 16, 2007.

Last night the 10-meter South Pole Telescope with its camera operating at millimeter wavelengths and cooled to 1/4 degree above absolute zero achieved first light. Maps of Jupiter at wavelengths at 2 mm and 3 mm were obtained by scanning the telescope across the planet. These maps showed the telescope, camera and optics are working as designed. First light with the SPT is a major milestone for the project and is a fitting conclusion to a remarkably productive summer season for the South Pole Station. We now look forward to fully characterizing the instrument and beginning cosmological observations.

The efforts of a large team are responsible for the success of the SPT. The team includes members from nine academic institutions, the National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs, the U.S Antarctic Program, General Dynamics/VertexRSI, and the Raytheon Polar Support Company. We are grateful for all their support.We are extremely thankful for the excellent and professional help of the wonderful people at the NSF Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.
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Thirty Meter Telescope News

As I've mentioned previously, Canada is a equal (25%) partner in the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Project. The TMT is the world's most ambitious optical telescope project and we can expect the first science images from the telescope in about 2015.The TMT Project publishes monthly electronic "Newscasts" which cover various aspects of the project. The August issue covers a range of topics including science, technical and management. One article describes how the Project is undergoing a huge cost estimating exercise. The goal is to come up with an accurate cost estimate for the telescope and to have this estimate reviewed by experts later this year.

This issue contains an excellent article by Dr. Tim Davidge of Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics (HIA) in Victoria on studying stars in the Andromeda Galaxy with adaptive optics powered imaging camera on TMT. TMT will have four times the resolution of the Hubble Space telescope and will be able to image stars that are much fainter.The cover of TIME Magazine declares "How the Stars Were Born" and the accompanying article features TMT Board member Richard Ellis. TMT will greatly enhance our understanding how stars, and galaxies, are born.This issue of the TMT Newscast includes a Q&A with Dr. David Crampton who is the Instruments Group Leader for TMT and is also the Head of Instrumentation at HIA.