EXPLICIT MATERIAL Possible

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Today in Space!

In this episode, Alex talks more about himself and his experiences with college. This episode features the first "Lightning Round", a little experimental piece that could make it's way to being a regular segment. Let me know what you think, email the show at todayinspace.net/contact

Topics:

• UPCOMING: Jan 26, 2015 - Asteroid 2004 BL86 Flyby-Stargazing

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

• The Mars 'Opportunity' rover - new real-color panorama of Mt. Tribulation & 'robotic amnesia'

Opportunity’s view from Cape Tribulation Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell Univ./Arizona State University

• UPDATE: Ceres Approach by Dawn - March 6, 2015. More info on Ceres

Ceres Interior: Cutaway view of Ceres showing the differentiated layers of the asteroid. Last Update: 29 Mar 2011 Credit: NASA/ESA/STScI Last edited

• UPDATE: Orbital Sciences new Rocket Engines (RD-181's) for Antares and an overview of the manufacturing deal Energia (Russia).

Image of an Antares rocket rolling out to the launch pad at Wallops Island, Virginia. The rocket’s two AJ26 engines will be replaced by RD-181 engines. Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

At the end, Alex talks about his theory of perspective and reference frame and why it is so important after he couldn't find Comet Lovejoy...even with a star map.

Enjoy & Thanks for listening!

CORRECTION:

Ceres is being approached by the Dawn Mission, while Charon & Pluto are being approached by the New Horizons mission. If I mentioned that after Ceres, it will see Pluto...I was wrong.

Space Links:

• Ceres: Overview https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=Dwa_Ceres
• Giant Asteroid Is Headed Our Way, But NASA Says No Worries  http://ht.ly/HHc7Q
• Orbital Sciences Contract for New Antares Engines http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/01/22/orbital-sciences-signs-contract-for-new-antares-engines/
• NASA to hack Mars rover Opportunity to fix 'amnesia' fault http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30642548
• Star Map and Info on Comet Lovejoy http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-news/observing-news/spot-comet-lovejoy-tonight-122920141/