Neutron Star Carbon Environment

“The compact star at the center of this famous supernova remnant has been an enigma since its discovery,” said Wynn Ho of the University of Southampton and lead author of a paper that appears in the November 5 issue of Nature. “Now we finally understand that it can be produced by a hot neutron star with a carbon atmosphere.”

By analyzing Chandra’s X-ray spectrum — akin to a fingerprint of energy — and applying it to theoretical models, Ho and his colleague Craig Heinke, from the University of Alberta, determined that the neutron star in Cassiopeia A, or Cas A for short, has an ultra-thin coating of carbon. This is the first time the composition of an atmosphere of an isolated neutron star has been confirmed.

The Chandra “First Light” image of Cas A in 1999 revealed a previously undetected point-like source of X-rays at the center. This object was presumed to be a neutron star, the typical remnant of an exploded star, but researchers were unable to understand its properties. Defying astronomers’ expectations, this object did not show any X-ray or radio pulsations or any signs of radio pulsar activity.

By applying a model of a neutron star with a carbon atmosphere to this object, Ho and Heinke found that the region emitting X-rays would uniformly cover a typical neutron star. This would explain the lack of X-ray pulsations because — like a lightbulb that shines consistently in all directions — this neutron star would be unlikely to display any changes in its intensity as it rotates.

Scientists previously have used a neutron star model with a hydrogen atmosphere giving a much smaller emission area, corresponding to a hot spot on a typical neutron star, which should produce X-ray pulsations as it rotates. Interpreting the hydrogen atmosphere model without pulsations would require a tiny size, consistent only with exotic stars made of strange quark matter.

“Our carbon veil solves one of the big questions about the neutron star in Cas A,” said Craig Heinke. “People have been willing to consider some weird explanations, so it’s a relief to discover a less peculiar solution.”

Unlike most astronomical objects, neutron stars are small enough to understand on a human scale. For example, neutron stars typically have a diameter of about 14 miles, only slightly longer than a half-marathon. The atmosphere of a neutron star is on an even smaller scale. The researchers calculate that the carbon atmosphere is only about 4 inches thick, because it has been compressed by a surface gravity that is 100 billion times stronger than on Earth.

“For people who are used to hearing about immense sizes of things in space, it might be a surprise that we can study something so small,” said Ho. “It’s also funny to think that such a thin veil over this star played a key role in frustrating researchers.”

In Earth’s time frame, the estimated age of the neutron star in Cas A is only several hundred years, making it about ten times younger than other neutron stars with detected surface emission. Therefore, the Cas A neutron star gives a unique window into the early life of a cooling neutron star.

The carbon itself comes from a combination of material that has fallen back after the supernova, and nuclear reactions on the hot surface of the neutron star which convert hydrogen and helium into carbon.

The X-ray spectrum and lack of pulsar activity suggest that the magnetic field on the surface of this neutron star is relatively weak. Similarly low magnetic fields are implied for several other young neutron stars by study of their weak X-ray pulsations. It is not known whether these neutron stars will have low magnetic fields for their entire lives, and never become radio pulsars, or whether processes in their interior will lead to the development of stronger magnetic fields as they age.

Source: Chandra X-ray Observatory Center

MOTO’s 5 inch handheld AMP development platform running Android 2.0 and Texas Instruments’ OMAP™ processor is available for customization today; pocket and tablet form factor mobile computing and entertainment product utilizing next generation OMAP processors are in development for availability in 2010.   

AMP features Texas Instruments’ OMAP chip set roadmap. “Texas Instruments is pleased to collaborate with MOTO on the development of the Android Media Platform (AMP). Working together, MOTO completed the AMP reference design in four months including hardware design, software port and platform development. With this short development time, MOTO is able to interest customers who are looking to innovate on the Android platform today.” Elie Belmand, General Manager for the Mobile Consumer Business within in Texas Instruments’ Wireless Group.

Mr. Belmand continues, “MOTO’s AMP platform highlights the capabilities and performance of the OMAP3430 processor while providing the tools to allow OEMS to quickly create differentiated Android devices in a range of specifications. Further, MOTO has a roadmap in place to continue to leverage OMAP technology to remain at the forefront of innovation. We believe solutions like AMP will be crucial to driving innovation in the Android market and supporting growth of this thriving operating system.”

MOTO partnered with Option on the AMP 3G module. Jan Callewaert, CEO Option says, "“We’re very happy to partner with Moto Development Group on the integration of 3G capabilities in their Android 2.0 Development Platform. Our GTM 501 – the world’s smallest HSPA module – is ideally suited for this type of thin connected devices. It is Option’s core strength to provide a total 3G solution - including high valued services, software and hardware - to innovative companies like MOTO.”

Source: http://www.moto.com/amp

Search Online

“If, as these data suggest, the cognitive and emotional impact of online content is greatest when acquired by searching, then Web site sponsors might consider increasing their advertising on pages that tend to be accessed via search engines,” said Kevin Wise, assistant professor of strategic communication and co-director of the Psychological Research on Information and Media Effects (PRIME) Lab at the University of Missouri.

According to a 2009 Pew Internet and American Life Project survey, nearly 73 percent of all American adults use the Internet on a daily basis. And nearly half of these adults use the Web to find information via search engines, while 38 percent use it as a time pass.

In the study, the researchers examined how methods for acquiring news — searching for specific content versus surfing a news Web site — affected readers’ emotional responses while reading news stories. They monitored participants’ heart rate, skin conductance and facial musculature to gauge their emotional responses to unpleasant news. The researchers found that unpleasant content triggered greater emotional responses when readers sought the information by searching rather than surfing.  In future studies, Wise will study the effects of acquiring pleasant content on readers’ emotional responses.

“How readers acquire messages online has ramifications for their cognitive and emotional response to those messages,” Wise said. “Messages that meet readers’ existing informational needs elicit stronger emotional reactions.”

The researchers also found that information was better understood and remembered when users conducted specific searches for information. In a previous study, Wise tested the effects of searching and surfing on readers’ responses to images and found similar results.

Source: University of Missouri-Columbia

BlackBerry Mobile

The BlackBerry application enables many more users to enjoy an enhanced experience while navigating course catalogs and campus maps, e-mailing professors and classmates and receiving real time updates on course schedules, campus events, news and sports with Mobile Central (formerly MobilEdu), Blackboard Mobile’s flagship suite of applications.

Originally optimized for users of Apple iPhone and iPod Touch devices, the best Mobile Central experience is now available to users of BlackBerry devices. The suite is also generally accessible to users of any smart phone or mobile Web enabled device.

“This new platform allows us to easily reach our students, faculty and staff around the clock and deliver information whenever and wherever they want it, which increasingly is on mobile devices like the BlackBerry and iPhone,” said David Morton, Director of Mobile Communication Strategies at the University of Washington (UW). “As a modern, global university, UW committed to embracing mobile communications and is pleased to be the launch institution for the BlackBerry initiative.”

“Institutions are looking for new ways to engage and support their communities, and we’re building a mobile platform that helps them do that,” said Michael Chasen, President and CEO of Blackboard. “Increasingly, we hope to help institutions change expectations by enabling mobile services and interactions that represent the full range of the education and campus experience.”

Originally developed by San Francisco-based Terriblyclever Design, LLC, which was acquired by Blackboard in July, Mobile Central is branded for each institution and accessed by users who download their institution’s application. The category defining suite of mobile applications for education is helping to better connect students, parents, faculty, prospective students and alumni to the campus experience in a way that wasn’t possible before.

With Mobile Central, users have access to course catalogs, directories and maps, they can identify exact campus locations with GPS and they can check campus news, schedules, and real-time scores for athletic teams. In addition, open APIs for Blackboard Mobile enable institutions to extend the platform’s offerings to fully customize and personalize the school’s iPhone, BlackBerry and mobile Web interfaces.

The announcement was made at the EDUCAUSE 2009 annual conference in Denver, Colo., where several thousand members of the higher education community have gathered at the industry’s premier information technology event.

“The BlackBerry app is something our clients have asked for and is part of our effort to create an optimized experience for all mobile users,” said Kayvon Beykpour, Vice President of Blackboard Mobile. “We’re happy to work with institutions to leverage technologies that meet the expectations of students and other campus constituents who live and learn in a mobile, digital world.”

For more information about the Blackboard Mobile platform, please visit http://www.blackboard.com/mobile.

appmii : Build Your Own iPhone Apps

appmii is ideal for those who do not have the time or money to create an app from scratch. Hiring a designer can be costly, and oftentimes the finished product is not satisfactory. So, appmii may be a good option for those people. Not only is appmii affordable, it permits users to collect a profit. Registration and creating an app is free, no credit card or payment is necessary to begin.

There are two easy ways to get started on building an app.

appmii basic:

appmii basic has a set-up fee of $99.95 and a monthly hosting fee of $4.99. Once ideas and instructions are received, appmii will build a customized app ready for downloading and sharing. Furthermore, after Apple takes its fee, the user receives 40 percent of their app’s revenue. The app designer sets the fee for the app, or can make it free of charge. Every additional app is $99.95. The basic package is ideal for those new to the app market.

appmii pro:

appmii pro allows users to participate in a two-tier affiliate program. This set-up is designed for users with an entrepreneur’s mindset. The set-up fee is $249.95 and has a monthly hosting fee of $29.95. Just like with the basic package, users can design and upload their own apps, except with pro there is the opportunity to earn more profit. Thanks to the two-tier marketing set-up, users earn money even when sales commissions go out. As opposed to earning 40% of the revenue with the basic package, pro users earn 50% of their apps revenue after Apple takes their share.

Additionally, the appmii pro package allows users to manage the business of their app online. Using the easy-to-use control panel, users can manage their affiliate marketing and edit and update their app. Once an app is created, individuals can refer friends and take advantage of interactive features, such as social networking, event planning, RSS feeds and blogging.

For those unsure of which direction to take in creating an app, appmii offers a free video series. The series provides directions and advice on all aspects of creating and managing an app, including the development, marketing and profitability. The video series is broken down into seven days and gives a clear idea of what to expect when executing the development of an app.

For more information on appmii and how to get started building an app, visit www.appmii.com.

Flying Without Fear iPhone App

The Flying Without Fear app contains a personal introduction by Sir Richard Branson, a video-based in-flight explanation from start to finish of a flight, frequently-asked questions, relaxation exercises and fear therapy, a fear attack button for emergencies with breathing exercises and quick tips, and a “My Program” section where each user can rate their personal fears and add future flights to prepare them for their next trip. As a bonus, the user is offered 2,000 points when joining Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club.

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, commented:

“This is Virgin Atlantic innovation at its best. Our first iPhone app will bring the benefits of our successful Flying Without Fear course to millions of people around the world who are now using mobile technology to make their lives better. The app will put many travelers at ease and enable them to prepare for their first Virgin Atlantic flight.”

Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Without Fear app is available for $4.99 from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at http://www.mentalworkout.com/flying-without-fear/iphone/buy

MERIDIIST Automobili Lamborghini

Housed in black titanium carbide coated 316L stainless steel, the design of the MERIDIIST Automobili Lamborghini phone references the super sports car down to its famed signature on the battery cover. The back of the device is engraved with its limited edition number while the keyboard is customized with Automobili Lamborghini’s trademark Taurus bull on the steel central button.

The display of the MERIDIIST Automobili Lamborghini phone is made from 60.5 carats of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Its battery life is unrivalled and offers a seven hours talk time or 28 days standby power.

The TAG Heuer MERIDIIST Automobili Lamborghini phone will be available in November at selected TAG Heuer and Lamborgini retailers (http://meridiist.tagheuer.com). Only 1963 pieces of this finely-tuned device will be sold worldwide.

God of War III Ultimate Edition

Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Santa Monica Studio, God of War III is set in the realm of Greek mythology and is a single-player game that allows players to take on the climatic role of the ex-Spartan warrior, Kratos, as he treads through the intimidating heights of Mt. Olympus and the dark depths of hell to seek revenge on those who betrayed him. Armed with double-chained blades, Kratos must take on mythology’s darkest creatures while solving intricate puzzles throughout his merciless quest to destroy Olympus.

In addition to a copy of the highly anticipated God of War III and the limited-edition art book, fans will receive exclusive digital content headlined by the director’s cut of God of War: Unearthing the Legend, a full-length movie documentary depicting the history of the God of War franchise. The Ultimate Edition will also include God of War- inspired downloadable music in the form of the God of War Trilogy soundtrack and the God of War Heavy Metal EP (Extended Play). Lastly, fans will have access to the God of War Combat Arena, containing an exclusive environment and up to seven unique challenges, as well as the exclusive Kratos skin, Dominus, all available for download via the PlayStation Network.

Scheduled to release along with God of War III in March 2010, consumers can pre-order their copy of the God of War III Ultimate Edition beginning today from select retailers and receive a free PlayStationNetwork voucher code to download the God of War III E3 2009 demo. The God of War III Ultimate Edition will retail for $99.99 (MSRP).

Motorola DROID Smartphone

“We’re proud to work with Verizon Wireless and Google on the first smartphone to feature Android 2.0,” said Sanjay Jha, co-chief executive officer of Motorola and chief executive officer of Motorola Mobile Devices. “DROID by Motorola delivers a rich consumer experience with warp-speed Web browsing, a mammoth screen, and Motorola’s expertise in design and voice quality. Combined with Android’s open, flexible graphical user interface and the power of Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, DROID is a smartphone that simply doesn’t compromise.”

“This is an exciting announcement for Verizon Wireless, as the DROID by Motorola is the first device that we are bringing to market under our ground-breaking strategic partnership with Google,” said John Stratton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. “DROID by Motorola gives customers a lifestyle device with access to more than 12,000 applications that will help them stay in touch, up to date and entertained, using the best 3G network in the country.”

DROID by Motorola has a solid exterior, intelligent interior and is one of the thinnest full-QWERTY slider phones available. It is a no-fuss, high-tech, location-aware, voice-recognizing, over-the-air updating, multi-tasking machine - and it is available just in time for holiday wish lists.

What you can do with DROID by Motorola?  You can:

• Zip through the Web: Access the Internet at 3G speeds via the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network or from any Wi-Fi hotspot. The multi-window HTML browser with a massive processor delivers the Web the way you expect.
• See it all in cinema-style: View the Web, e-mail, Google Maps, videos and more in widescreen on a brilliant 3.7″ high-resolution screen. Boasting a width of 854 pixels to reduce the need for side-to-side panning and more than 400,000 pixels total, DROID has more than twice the resolution of the leading competitor.
• Run multiple applications at once: Customize your DROID with thousands of applications and hundreds of widgets available on Android Market. Toggle back and forth between up to six applications at a time to juggle the universe and your apps.
• Perform Google Search at the speed of sound: Simply tell DROID what you’re looking for using voice-activated search, and it will serve up Google search results based on your location. If you want more, simply type what you’re looking for into the search bar on the home screen and DROID will also search content on your phone, such as apps and contacts, and the Web.
• Capture moments: Snap digital camera-quality photos with a 5 megapixel camera loaded with the works, such as a dual-LED flash, AutoFocus and image stabilization, or capture your friend’s antics in 16 million colors with DVD-quality video capture and playback. Store it all on the included 16 GB memory card, so you always have it on hand.
• Multi-task like a master: Keep tabs on all your messages with integrated Gmail and Exchange e-mail pushed directly to you, but don’t let them get in your way. With the handy Android notification panel, go straight to the message or simply ignore it, and get back to the task at hand. And, a smart dictionary learns as you type and automatically includes your contacts.
• Get where you need to go with Google Maps Navigation (Beta): DROID is the first device with Google Maps Navigation, providing turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps. It’s powered by Google and connected to the Internet. Use voice shortcuts and simply say “Navigate to [your destination],” and you’ll be on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device.

Pre-loaded Applications and Enhancements to Google Mobile Services includes:

• Google Maps: With layers in Google Maps, view geographic information, such as My Maps, Wikipedia, and transit lines, right on the map.
• Gmail: Multiple accounts support and undo for common operations.
• YouTube: One-touch recording and playback from homescreen widget or app, one-touch sharing with friends, and the ability to view your own uploaded videos and high-resolution videos.
• Google Talk: Easily switch between chats, search your chat history, and preview pictures and videos sent by links.
• Android Market: Browse and download applications created by third-party developers.
• Calendar: Ability to see who has R.S.V.P.’d to your meeting invitations.
• Facebook: Syncs Facebook contacts to your address book, and a live widget gives the ability to update status and view latest updates from friends.
• Amazon MP3 Store: Download the latest tracks over the air.
• Verizon Wireless Visual Voice Mail: Delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions.

Pricing and Availability:

Motorola DROID will be available in the United States exclusively at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online on Friday, November 6, 2009, for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.

High-resolution Panorama Of Milky Way

“This panorama image shows stars 1000 times fainter than the human eye can see, as well as hundreds of galaxies, star clusters and nebulae,” Mellinger said. Its high resolution makes the panorama useful for both educational and scientific purposes, he says.

Mellinger spent 22 months and traveled over 26,000 miles to take digital photographs at dark sky locations in South Africa, Texas and Michigan. After the photographs were taken, “the real work started,” Mellinger said.

Simply cutting and pasting the images together into one big picture would not work. Each photograph is a two-dimensional projection of the celestial sphere. As such, each one contains distortions, in much the same way that flat maps of the round Earth are distorted. In order for the images to fit together seamlessly, those distortions had to be accounted for. To do that, Mellinger used a mathematical model — and hundreds of hours in front of a computer.

Another problem Mellinger had to deal with was the differing background light in each photograph.

“Due to artificial light pollution, natural air glow, as well as sunlight scattered by dust in our solar system, it is virtually impossible to take a wide-field astronomical photograph that has a perfectly uniform background,” Mellinger said.

To fix this, Mellinger used data from the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes. The data allowed him to distinguish star light from unwanted background light. He could then edit out the varying background light in each photograph. That way they would fit together without looking patchy.

The result is an image of our home galaxy that no star-gazer could ever see from a single spot on earth. An interactive version of the picture can viewed on Mellinger’s website. Mellinger plans to make the giant 648 megapixel image available to planetariums around the world.

Source: University of Chicago Press Journals.