Month: December 1999
Pulse of the Planet Daily Audio
TIME KEEPING- Extra Seconds
The millennium will arrive on time this year, but that isn’t always the case.
December 30, 1999TIME KEEPING- Absolute Time
Scientists tell us that the earth is slowing down- but what sort of clock is keeping track?
December 29, 1999Ramadan – Feast
During the celebration of Ramadan, an international group of Muslims gathers together for a taste of Islamic diversity.
December 28, 1999Ramadan – In America
A young Muslim in Oklahoma has plenty of opportunities to explain the traditions of her faith.
December 27, 1999ETYMOLOGY OF CHRISTMAS
Ever wonder where the word “Xmas” came from?
December 24, 1999Wigilia – Breaking Bread
A family in upstate New York comes together to break bread as part of the Polish Christmas Eve tradition called Wigilia.
December 23, 1999CHRISTMAS PHYSICS- Relativity Cloud
At the helm of a so-called “Relativity Cloud” Santa would have all the time he needs to make his Christmas deliveries.
December 22, 1999CHRISTMAS PHYSICS- Nano-Toymaking
200 million presents is a big load for any sleigh. A bona fides rocket scientist gives us his answer to Santa’s payload problem.
December 21, 1999CHRISTMAS PHYSICS- Mind Reading
What if Santa Claus got the flu and an ordinary mortal was asked to cover for him. How might he do it?
December 20, 1999CHRISTMAS – When It was Illegal
Believe it or not, there was a time when the singing of Christmas Carols could land you in jail.
December 17, 1999Christmas Bonfires – Construction
Working together to build 20 foot pyres of wood and wire, a family near New Orleans celebrates Christmas eve.
December 16, 1999Christmas Bonfires – Tradition
Along the banks of the Mississippi River, a line of Bonfires lights the way for Papa Noel.
December 15, 1999CHRISTMAS- Trees and Mistletoe
Some of our most enduring Christmas traditions may date back to the days before that holiday even existed.
December 14, 1999PULSARS- Discovery
The rise and fall of a pulsar signal gave astronomers the answer to a fifteen year old mystery.
December 13, 1999PULSARS- Mystery
Some pulsars spin up to a thousand times a minute. But how do they keep from slowing down?
December 10, 1999PULSARS- Basics
Pulsars are the fastest known spinning objects in the universe. And, with the right equipment, we can actually listen to them.
December 9, 1999TIME KEEPING- Natural Cues
One way to keep track of time is by noting the seasonal changes in our environment.
December 8, 1999TIME KEEPING- Lunar Calendars
Many of the world’s oldest calendars take their cues from the cycles of the moon– presenting a real challenge for time keepers.
December 7, 1999MARS MICROPHONE- Martian Soundscape
This month, scientists are waiting for their first whispers of the Martian soundscape.
December 6, 1999MARS MICROPHONE- Instrument
As part of a hi-tech collection of scientific instruments, a tiny microphone is making its debut on the Martian surface.
December 3, 1999WEDDELL SEALS- Mating Underwater
When it comes to mating, male Weddell seals must be ready to fight it out.
December 2, 1999NAKED MOLE RATS
Picture a hot dog that’s been left in the microwave a little too long and you’ve got a pretty good idea of what a Naked Mole Rat looks like.
December 1, 1999GOBI DESERT-Ancient Sounds
The strange booming sounds of the Gobi desert may be older than the dinosaur bones buried beneath its dunes.