Monthly Archives: February 2011

Ich bin ein Gastblogger

Posted on February 28, 2011 by

Following Pepsi-Gate a group of Science Blogs refugees got together with other like-minded science bloggers and founded an island of science blogging excellence in hyperspace at Scientopia. For reasons that are beyond my, admittedly, limited comprehension they decided that they … Continue reading →

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When did what end?

Posted on February 27, 2011 by

One of the advantages of this blog is that many of those who comment here are more intelligent, better read, better informed and better educated than the blog author, this means that in their comments they question, provoke and suggest … Continue reading →

Posted in Astrology, astronomy, Chemistry, History | Leave a comment

The Space Shuttle Era, Winding Down

Posted on February 27, 2011 by

The space shuttle Discovery is currently on its final mission. Only two more flight remain for the shuttle program as a whole – it will, in all likelihood, be finished by the end of the year. NASA anticipated great things … Continue reading →

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Living Traditions at the Science Museum

Posted on February 25, 2011 by

How would you feel if I told you that the Science Museum says that homeopathy and acupuncture, as medical treatments, are no more effective than drumming or divination? Satisfied? I hope so.

Posted in Museums, Science | Tagged , , , | 30 Comments

The Last Virtuoso: Robert Hooke and his contributions in geology

Posted on February 21, 2011 by

“So, naturalists observe, a flea                                                  Hath smaller that on him prey; And these have smaller still to bite ’em; And so proceed ad infinitum. Thus every poet, in his kind, Is bit by him that comes behind.” Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) … Continue reading →

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Climate research in the geologic past

Posted on February 18, 2011 by

The climate of a region, as experienced by daily observations of a cool morning and hot midday, was for very long time considered simply the result of the height of the sun above the horizon. This idea forced a very … Continue reading →

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Giants’ Shoulders #32

Posted on February 17, 2011 by

The latest edition of the best history of science blog carnival Giants’ Shoulders is out and can be enjoyed at Skulls in the Stars. Giants’ Shoulders #33 will be hosted by Sascha the canine philosopher at The Renaissance Mathematicus on 16th March … Continue reading →

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John Who? The sixth Astronomer Royal

Posted on February 16, 2011 by

Over on the Longitude Project blog, the last few posts have focused heavily Nevil Maskelyne, 5th Astronomer Royal and a key player in the Board of Longitude, the bicentenary of whose death was marked last week. However, 2011 also inevitably marks 200 … Continue reading →

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The rise and fall of astrology

Posted on February 15, 2011 by

The status of astrology in Europe, as we understand it today, and its respectability as an academic discipline has gone up and down like a roller coaster over the centuries since it emerged in ancient Greece in the 5th century … Continue reading →

Posted in Astrology, History | 1 Comment

Old Concepts of Life on Venus and Mars

Posted on February 14, 2011 by

I’ve recently posted about the pre-space age exploration of Venus and Mars. Both planets have an interesting history in the larger picture of man’s  understanding of the cosmos. The Victorian era is especially interesting – telescopes could discern surface features and increased knowledge of … Continue reading →

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