Lumpy Potato Moon

No, that's not a new band name, but a description The Bad Astronomer often uses when talking about Phobos.  Today he had a great entry on his blog, and I just had to share the video.  Basically, what you are seeing is a video stitched together from images sent back by the Mars Express Orbiter of the moon Phobos as it passes by Jupiter (from the orbiter's frame of reference).  Dr. Plait's blog explains the geometry with pictures and everything.

CLICK HERE TO READ AN ACTUAL ASTRONOMER'S THOUGHTS ON THIS.
Although,truth be told, "Lumpy Potato Moon" does sound like a great band name!

Any Program Managers Looking for a Job?

I am not looking for a job myself.  I am very happy with where I am working.  (Although, if I got the same, or better, benefits and at least a 25% increase in salary, I could be convinced to at least listen to you.  Keep in mind, my benefits package is pretty rare in today's climate, so that alone would probably stop most offers.)  That said, I do still get a lot of emails and information on jobs that are out there.  So here I am just passing along information as promised in an email.  I figure between the blog and it getting reposted on facebook, a lot of folks should see this.

With your PROGRAM MANAGEMENT background in the AEROSPACE/DEFENSE sector, I was wondering if you would be open to exploring an exciting position in Dallas/ Fort Worth?

As a SR. PROGRAM MANAGER you should possess strong leadership and communication skills with an emphasis on program execution. The opportunity would include managing $30M program for a very well-known International company with a variety of products/systems.

You would be responsible for:
*Coordinate and oversee all aspects of the program; monitor, direct, and coordinate program resources, budgets and logistics.

Experience in any of the following areas:
*Avionics/aircraft related to defense/military programs (maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), modification, manufacturing, or weapon/mission systems integration).
* Self-starter with initiative and the professionalism to effectively communicate with customers, suppliers, management and team members.
*Although not required it would be a plus; PMP/PMI certification and/or Earned Value Management (EVM).

Highly visible role with excellent benefits + generous relocation package and attractive salary
Active Secret DoD Clearance, eligible for TS
LOCATION: Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX

Interested? Reply to mike.delaney@gnr-corp.com, with a range of times to talk, your phone number; include an attached resume, should you have one.

Astronomy Coolness

Thank you Dr. Plait for posting this.  Again it reaffirms that Saturn richly deserves being everyone's favorite planet.  And if it isn't, it should be.  This is basically a video compilation of numerous still photographs from Cassini, which has been orbiting Saturn for 7 years now.  A videographer named Chris Abbas is the genius that put this together.  If you are interested in some of the optical effects that appear in some of the photographs, Dr. Plait explains them.


CASSINI MISSION from cabbas on Vimeo.

The Myth's Prayer

The Myth's Prayer

Our Father, which art a myth, horrible be thy name.
Thy Kingdom laughable, thy will be dumb,
because men created your heaven.
And because we worked for it, we have our daily bread.
And only because it is the right thing to do,
we forgive those that trespass against us.
And lead us not into religion, but deliver us from it.
For thine is the nothingness, the myth, and the delusion for ever and ever.

Amen my ass!


Original by Sam Henline via Facebook.