The Moon’s Supercomputer
The woman behind the math behind the space program.
Hubble Deep Field
Hubble Deep Field In 1990 NASA launched a telescope named after astronomer Edwin Hubble. The Hubble Space Telescope was a giant leap for the “world” of astronomy. It was one of the largest ever created and designed to be upgradable and maintained by astronauts. Since the telescope is in orbit, it is not disrupted by light …
Devils Tower
Close Encounters at Devils Tower Perhaps the most memorable inclusion of a natural landmark in popular cinema flew into our collective imagination in 1977. Like our previous visit to Arches National Park, we have Steven Spielberg to thank for widespread knowledge of Devils Tower, where Richard Dreyfuss and pals become proximal to the location in Close Encounters of …
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher In the opening portions of 1987’s The Princess Bride the inimitable Andre the Giant carries Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, and Wallace Shawn up the Cliffs of Insanity in an attempt to lose The Man in Black (Cary Elwes), who ascends the vertical walls at an inconceivable pace. Insanity is a perfect descriptor for …
The Grand Canyon as Evolutionary Force*
The Grand Canyon as Evolutionary Force* Certain spots on the globe are well known for their geographic isolation. The concept is easy to visualize simply by imagining an island. If an area is physically isolated from other spots very often there will be a drastic effect on the evolution of life in the region. Two famous …
Father of the National Parks
Father of the National Parks No self-respecting publication about nature could start anywhere other than John of the Mountains, especially when the title of the newsletter comes directly from one of his quotations. What follows is the most simplistic overview one could fit in a newsletter. These words will not do him justice, so please read more …
In Which Talking Birds Parrot New Content
In Which Talking Birds Parrot New Content [Editor’s Note: This article is an unusual addition to the project. It was the result of a promise to produce new content on a deadline, while being away from a computer. The videos are well worth your time, so we’re happy to feature this piece in the archives.] …