Notebook

Astronomy

Tracking Solar Activity

Part of the Student Observation Network, this NASA Web site offers information and activities related to solar flares and storms. Vividly illustrated online tutorials provide guidelines and background for observing sunspots, recording radio waves, collecting data from magnetometers, and viewing auroras. Learn how to make a sunspot viewer or magnetometer. See live images of the […]

Humans

From the June 16, 1934, issue

Fanciful creations of the photographer's art, the possible addition of element 93 to the periodic table, and a Triceratops skull on display.

Humans

From the June 9, 1934, issue

Mexican archaeology, dry ice for shrinking metals, and choosing optimal flight paths for airplanes.

Physics

Light Projects

This colorful, interactive Web site provides a lively introduction to the nature of light and spectra. A product of Project LITE (Light Inquiry Through Experiments) at Boston University, the site offers a variety of applets, activities, and materials on topics ranging from color mixing and afterimage effects to moire patterns and geometrical optics. A fascinating […]

Humans

From the June 2, 1934, issue

The first chimpanzee twins born in captivity, increased speed and safety for aircraft, and a new pH indicator.

Astronomy

Transit of Venus

On June 8, Venus will pass across the face of the sun (as viewed from Earth). Such a transit occurs rarely; the last one was in 1882. A variety of Web sites feature information about these transits and offer advice for observing and timing the 2004 event. Go to: http://www.venustransit.ie/ and http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/sunearthday/2004/index_vthome.htm

Humans

From the May 26, 1934, issue

Extracting bromine from the sea, a new treatment for cancer, and a novel altimeter.

Humans

Famous Engineers

Did you know that Scott Adams, cartoonist and creator of Dilbert, has an engineering background? Others who have been engineers or have an engineering background include astronaut Neil Armstrong, first man to walk on the moon, as well as film director Alfred Hitchcock, former Dallas football coach Tom Landry, and television talk show host Montel […]

Humans

From the May 19, 1934, issue

Preparing for a stratospheric ascent, the great dust storm of 1934, and the invention of the electron microscope.

Chemistry

Home Experiments

Collapsing a soft drink can, fireproofing a balloon, creating cool light, and bending water are among the activities offered by Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, a chemistry professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His Web pages provide instructions for performing these and other experiments at home. Go to: http://scifun.chem.wisc.edu/homeexpts/HOMEEXPTS.HTML.