Google Sky: Traveling to the stars has never been easier

 Google Sky ! To help you explore the far reaches of our universe, we have teamed up with astronomers at some of the largest observatories in the world to bring you a new view of the sky. Using Google Maps this tool provides an exciting way to browse and explore the universe. You can find the positions of the planets and constellations on the sky and even watching the birth of distant galaxies as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope.
We are particularly excited about the ability to view the universe at different wavelengths, to see how it would look if our eyes worked in the x-rays or infrared. As you explore these new layers, play with the transparency to blend between the different wavelengths and see how different parts of the universe light up at different wavelengths" About Google Sky & FAQs 

If you are interested in what's happening on the sky tonight or over the next few months then check out the podcasts from Earth and Sky or search for the position of your favorite planet.

The Cigar Galaxy (Messier 82), observed
in the x-ray, optical and near-infrared
using NASA's space-based telescopes

"Google Sky can be used in a multitude of ways. Users can download Sky in Google Earth, use the program from their web browser, or download the app for an Android phone, which enables them to point their mobile phone toward the sky to identify objects. In terms of functionality, the program has an able search function (of course) and uses some (but not all) of the features of Google Earth. For example, this program does not allow for tilting of the view. But Google Sky can make use of some of the add-on features from the Google Earth Gallery. A fascinating (and addicting) tool that will serve serious scientists as well as students at all levels. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. -- P. J. West, American University Library." Reviewed in 2012 sep CHOICE. 

Top college courses, for free?

Top college courses, for free?

By Daphne Koller, Special to CNN

updated 9:53 AM EDT, Sun September 23, 2012

(CNN) -- "Almost exactly a year ago, Stanford University took a bold step. It opened up an online version of three of its most popular Computer Science classes to everyone around the world, for free.

Within weeks, close to 100,000 students or more were enrolled in each of these courses. Cumulatively, tens of thousands of students completed these courses and received a statement of accomplishment from the instructor. This was a real course experience. It started on a given day, and the students would watch videos weekly and do homework assignments. These were real homework assignments for a real grade, with a real deadline. . . .

This Stanford project led to the founding in early 2012 of Coursera, a social entrepreneurship company that hosts around 200 free courses from 33 of the world's best universities, including Princeton, Stanford, Penn, Michigan, Caltech, Duke, Illinois, Washington and others. . . . "
18 categories for 195 classes - see if something is right for you ! ! 

Recalls.gov: Your Online Resource for Recalls

http://www.recalls.gov/

To provide better service in alerting the American people to unsafe, hazardous or defective products, six federal agencies with vastly different jurisdictions have joined together to create www.recalls.gov -- a "one stop shop" for U.S. Government recalls.

Recalls on the Go

When you’re buying and using products, safety comes first. And now, with this product recalls application, you have vital safety information available whenever and wherever you need it - right on your mobile phone, thanks to the RECALLS.GOV mobile application.

Whether you’re at your child’s day care center or a yard sale, whether you’re at a store or at home, you can now type a product’s name into your phone and learn immediately whether that product has been recalled because of a safety concern. You can also see photos of recalled products and learn what to do with recalled products in your homes.

Stay informed, stay safe, check for product recalls

Nobel Prize

"Nobelprize.org is the official web site of the Nobel Prize. Here you will find information for every Nobel Prize since 1901, including the Nobel Laureates' biographies, Nobel Lectures, interviews, photos, articles, video clips, press releases, educational games and more."

Origin of the Nobel Prize

ALFRED NOBEL: On 27 November 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament in Paris. See a slide show marking the major events and circumstances leading to the awarding of the first Nobel Prizes.

Dates for the Announcements

The prize awarding institutions have set the following dates for their announcements of 2012 prize decisions:
Physiology or Medicine- Monday 8 October, 11:30 a.m. at the earliest
Physics - Tuesday 9 October, 11:45 a.m. at the earliest
Chemistry - Wednesday 10 October, 11:45 at the earliest
Peace - Friday 12 October, 11:00 a.m.
Economic sciences - Monday 15 October, 1:00 p.m. at the earliest
Literature - The date will be set later

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