[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA9iIqIAUT4[/youtube]
The Cassini spacecraft reached Saturn in 2004, sending the clearest images of the most striking planet in the Solar System. Working at home, Stephen Van Vuuren used those photos to create the most hypnotizing space film I’ve seen. There is no CGI and no 3D models in these images. Just images from NASA. Jump to 0:56 for the final result of his work, so far.
Continue reading… “Breathtaking Saturn Cassini Video”
Laptops were called “microcomputers”, and were the size of a small house.
Remember when this was the latest technology? Computer technology has certainly come a long way in only a few decades. Tech that was once cutting-edge is just plain funny now. Take a trip back in time and enjoy the computers of days long ago. (Pics)
Continue reading… “Retro Computer Ads”
This image of the sun with a massive detached prominence hovering just above its surface.
Somewhat alarmingly, it looks like a close-up of a tennis ball blowing a smoke ring. But this incredible image is actually of the sun with a massive detached prominence hovering just above its surface. It shows the aftermath of a large solar flare – or prominence – emitted by an erupting sunspot earlier this month. (pics)
Continue reading… “Amateur Astronomer Takes Stunning Photo of a Smoke Ring Emitted by the Sun”
It sets a record for the largest balloon cluster flight, reaching a height of 10,000 feet and floating for about one hour.
In a stunning example of life imitating art, National Geographic just launched, literally, a real life version of the floating house from the movie Up. (Pics)
Continue reading… “Floating House Inspired By the Movie Up”
Mr Sailer records the moment a bullet enters a radish.
This is one photographer who knows what a real photo shoot is. Using a loaded weapon and a home-made camera, Alan Sailer captures the moment a series of everyday items explode on contact with a bullet. (Photos)
Continue reading… “Amazing Photos That Capture the Explosive Power of a Bullet”
The world’s most detailed 3D model of HIV.
We’re always suckers for a good art/science mashup, so perhaps it’s no surprise that we’re feeling pretty good about today’s release of the 2010 International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge winners. This year’s winning entries included the most detailed 3-D model of the HIV virus ever made (above), a sweeping infographic primer on the many ways fungi impact our lives, and a non-interactive media project that tracked 3,000 pieces of garbage from their origins in Seattle to destinations across the U.S. (Pics)
How air attacks were detected before radar.
Beginning in the middle of the 1930s, engineering labs in the U.S. and Europe were experimenting with radar systems. Early radars did not have the slick plan position indicator (PPI) displays that modern systems use for plotting target movement for indication of azimuth (direction) and range (distance). Instead, oscilloscopes showed radar returns as amplitude blips along a time base that represented range. Azimuth was determined by where the operator pointed the antenna (rotating versions came later). Since radar cross section stealth technology had not been invented yet, the amplitude of the signal was useful a measure of the size of the target. (Pics)
Continue reading… “Detecting Aircraft Before There Was Radar”
Super Tooth Buddy
I stopped by the SuperTooth Buddy booth at CES2011 in January. I have been looking for something that will allow me to talk on my cell phone when I am in my car, that is simple to set up and use and lets me keep both hands on the steering wheel while talking. The most frustrating thing for me has been either feeling around on the car seat to see where my cell phone is or digging through my purse, which can be distracting when you are trying to keep both eyes on the road. The SuperTooth Buddy Speakerphone takes care of all that. (Pics)
Continue reading… “Super Tooth Buddy – Ultra Compact Bluetooth Speakerphone for Your Vehicle”
The new $1.35 million Pagani Huayra.
With most cars you can simply get in, start the engine, and drive off. But with the new $1.35 million Pagani Huayra, you’d better add checking the flap positions to your pre-drive checklist.
Continue reading… “Pagani Huayra – $1.35 Million Super Car”
Project Daedalus
Forget about warp drives and wormholes, the Daedalus class of interstellar spacecraft could make it to a nearby star in our lifetimes, and it’s doable with near-term technology. Also, it’s huge. (Pics and video)
Continue reading… “Project Daedalus – The First Realistic Interstellar Probe”
Suits that Transport
Students of automotive design and fashion at the European Institute of Design in Barcelona have joined forces to explore the futures of urban mobility, in collaboration with Iniciativa BMW. “Suits That Transport”—translated a little cagily from the Spanish “El traje que te transporta”— is the name given to an exhibition of the students final outcomes currently on public display on the Rambla Catalunya in central Barcelona. (pics)
Continue reading… “‘Suits That Transport’ – Wearable Transportation of the Future”
The Ark
Speaking to the world’s rising sea levels, Russia-based architectural firm Remistudio proposes this arch-shaped floating hotel as a refuge from even extreme floods. Called (quite appropriately) the Ark, the futuristic structure has the ability to exist autonomously on the surface of the water. Designed to be a bioclimatic building, the Ark incorporates several innovative green strategies and elements to ensure that its residents can survive aboard for months at a time. (Pics)
Continue reading… “‘The Ark’ – A Floating Hotel Designed to Withstand Even the Most Extreme Floods”
By delving into the futuring techniques of Futurist Thomas Frey, you’ll embark on an enlightening journey.
Learn More about this exciting program.