World’s biggest optical telescope in the making

by Abha Malpani on

A 30-meter, $1-billion optical telescope that’s in the making promises to bring our Universe 10-times closer. A dream come true for astronomers, it will allow for the study of earlier galaxies, and maybe even take us into the space beyond our solar system.

Headed by the California Institute of Technology, the telescope is called the Thirty-Meter-Telescope or TMT and word is that it will exceed the capabilities of its rival telescopes: the 24.5 meter giant Magellan Telescope, and the 42-meter Extremely Long Telescope; and it is the biggest news to hit astronomy since the launch of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope in 1990.

Plans are for it to be located in Mexico, Chile or Hawaii; the design is to be finalized in 2009 and its completion is tapped for 2016.

Look how far we have come: Galileo’s handmade telescope in the 17th Century — which was not more than 2-meters in size — to this humongous thing that will further revolutionize our understanding of what has so far been beyond us.

I think the fact that we were able to turn something that was once used to peek into our neighbors backyard, into something that allows you to look beyond your planet, is fascinating and so underrated. The boons of science never fail to leave me in awe.

20 things about living in space

by Martha Edwards on

Space is soon to become the next frontier, for travel and maybe for living too. With the world’s first space hotel set to start accommodating guests within 5 years, here are some things you should know about spending time in space, courtesy of Discover:

  • Space sickness is common. You could have several symptoms, including nausea, headaches and trouble locating your limbs.
  • Your health will be affected in others ways too — including kidney stones, muscle atrophy and slower bowel movements. And the scariest side effect? Your heart will shrink.
  • But you’ll be taller overall. Expect to grow about 2 inches.
  • If you’re pregnant, it will affect how your baby’s inner ear develops, meaning he or she (or they) could have problems with balance.
  • If you snore on earth, you won’t in space (I live with a snorer so this one sounds ideal, actually)
  • But you won’t get regular sleep — in space, there are 16 sunrises a day!
  • If you like salt on your food, you have to use it in liquid form.
  • When you use the bathroom, you have to position yourself precisely in the right spot so things will go to … well, you know. But don’t worry, cameras will help guide your way.

Hmmmm …. suddenly, staying in space doesn’t sound all the fun. Want to know more about what happens in zero gravity? Read the full list.

Why You Should Stay Away From Hotels

by Martha Edwards on

I love staying in hotels, if for no other reason than I don’t have to clean up (much) after myself — I can leave the bed unmade, and fresh sheets and towels will magically appear without me having to make the trek to the laundry room. But sometimes a hotel isn’t the best option — renting an apartment or house is often the way to go, especially if you’re staying for a while. According to this article from MSNBC, there are lots of reasons to avoid hotels. Such as?

Space: Hotel rooms can be pretty limiting size-wise. Your own flat or house will come with lots of extra space, and maybe even your own yard.

Privacy: Hotels are public places; you can keep to yourself in your own apartment.

Price: It’s often a much better deal to rent your own place for a week than pay a nightly rate at a hotel — which can be really expensive! Plus, you can make your own meals in the kitchen, which saves a lot of money.

Cultural experience: Renting your own place allows you to avoid all the other tourists and get a feel for what it’s like to live like the locals. And, consider this: All name-brand hotels are basically the same, so why stay at one when you’re somewhere exotic? You might as well be staying in Poughkeepsie as far as the hotel decor goes.

Flexibility: There are rules at the hotel. In your own place? Not so much.

Don’t just look at rental apartments and houses either — keep your eyes open for unique accommodations. For instance, I stayed on a houseboat on the Seine River when I was last in Paris; it was an amazing experience.

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The NEW Greatest and Most Unusual Travel Photo of All Time

by Justin Glow on

A while back, Willy posted what he called the greatest and most unusual travel photo of all time. Remember that? Well, Willy — my dear friend — I think I’ve found a photo that beats yours. It’s the new greatest and most unusual travel photo of all time. Have a look:

Click the image above to see the ultra-high-res version. Trust me, it’s totally worth it. I’ve been spending some time browsing around Google Earth to figure out what part of our planet the astronauts are floating over, but I haven’t found it yet. Any ideas? [via]

Update: Gadling reader Justin (not me) says: “That’s the Cook Straight between New Zealand’s North and South islands!” From the looks of the map below, you’re right, Justin! Thanks!

World’s First Space Hotel Plans to Open in 2012

by Martha Edwards on

Please pardon the forthcoming cheesiness, but here’s a story that’s quite literally out of this world: The world’s first space hotel is slated to open in 2012. What began as a hobby for Barcelona architect Xavier Claramunt is about to become a reality, thanks to careful planning and perseverance … not to mention $3 billion that he fronted for the project. Guests of the Galactic Suite can fly around the world in 80 minutes, see the sun rise 15 times a day and experience the weightlessness that has until now been limited mostly to astronauts.

Wearing Velcro suits, guests can navigate their way through the luxury hotel. There’s only one problem though — bathrooms. They’ve got the showering part figured out — guests will float through a ‘spa room’ filled with bubbles of water, but they seem to be trying to figure out a way for guests to do ‘other’ duties in a way that is luxurious enough to justify the exorbitant price tag.

Speaking of the price, it’s $4 million for a 3-night stay, including an eight-week training session. And while I think the experience would be amazing, I can’t see myself spending that much money on a hotel unless it has a really nice pool and room service. But then again, I’ve never had the liberty of spending money as a millionaire would, so who knows?

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