Are you smarter than me?

I would not apply for any of these positions. They look like they are for multiple PhDers ... and science guys (not unlike Bill Nye) ...

NASA HQ Business Opportunities

Great pictures: Moons of Saturn

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/05/checking_in_on_saturn.html

Pictures of other planets never cease to amaze me.

The Good Guys

The new Fox TV series "The Good Guys" (http://www.fox.com/goodguys/) schedule appears to have settled on Monday evenings. So far I have been an extra in three episodes. The irregular schedule of my job has allowed me the opportunity to be on the show a few times. The pay isn't great but I keep going back because it's a fun experience.

I am kneeling front left.

Navigating Europa

Wow ... http://www.cc.gatech.edu/~pesti/europa/

You can click on the map and see a 360 degree view of Europa.  It's a black and white picture but quite detailed.  Take a look and let me know what you think.

Future Planets Blog

This blog has been active since at least 2008 but I just found it.  Future Planets Blog

I am happy to say that the blog is about space exploration and is both frequent and intelligent in its blog posts.  It would be a good blog to follow, as I do, if you're interested in the science of space exploration and the discussions related to it. 

I would highly recommend at least checking it out. It's informative and objective in its presentation of sometimes complicated issues and material (we are dealing with science exploration here).

Europa's Latest Review

J.A.,

We met at the Sci-Fi Expo in Richardson, Tx a few weekends ago. My name is William and I’m the one who mentioned you should get your book on the Barnes & Noble Nook, in addition to the Kindle.

Thank you  for autographing my copy of “Europa.” I finished the book in two sittings and thoroughly enjoyed the plot, characters, and technology as much as your writing style. You have definitely found a calling and I look forward to your next book.

Regards,

William

Thanks for the great review William.

Your suggestion was a good one, I forwarded it to my marketing guy and he is working on the Nook (Official Nook Website) angle. 

J.A.S.

Follow me on Twitter @authorjas

Took me awhile but I've entered the Twitter age.  Follow me @authorjas!

May the 4th Be With You

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars_Day

May the 4th Be With You and Happy Star Wars Day!

Old news? I don't think so ...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091215141510.htm

The above news article from December of last year relates a theory which has been bounced around the scientific community for over 10 years and is largely the reason that I wrote "Europa."  Check it out if you have the chance as the theories which define the habitable zone could be re-defined and/or updated to include moons like Europa and Enceladus (of Saturn).  Of course, those theories and the definition of "habitable" in general largely depend on the available technology, both now and in the future.

Life on Mars?

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2951855/Nasa-Evidence-of-life-on-mars.html

In the not too distant past, NASA caught a rock slide on Mars via satellite imaging (kudos to the scientist that caught that one).  Not being opposed to finding life on other planets, least of all Mars or Venus, I am highly interested in any theories which point to that fact.

What's even more interesting to me is the complete lack of these types of science stories in the US press.  The last few stories I've caught regarding major discoveries or planned missions have been in the UK press.  Something to think about ...