December 31, 1999

TIME KEEPING- Extra Seconds

The millennium will arrive on time this year, but that isn’t always the case.

December 30, 1999

TIME KEEPING- Absolute Time

Scientists tell us that the earth is slowing down- but what sort of clock is keeping track?

December 29, 1999

Ramadan – Feast

During the celebration of Ramadan, an international group of Muslims gathers together for a taste of Islamic diversity.

December 28, 1999

Ramadan – In America

A young Muslim in Oklahoma has plenty of opportunities to explain the traditions of her faith.

December 27, 1999

ETYMOLOGY OF CHRISTMAS

Ever wonder where the word “Xmas” came from?

December 24, 1999

Wigilia – 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, 1999

CHRISTMAS 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, 1999

CHRISTMAS 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, 1999

CHRISTMAS 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, 1999

CHRISTMAS – 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, 1999

Christmas Bonfires – Construction

Working together to build 20 foot pyres of wood and wire, a family near New Orleans celebrates Christmas eve.

December 16, 1999

Christmas Bonfires – Tradition

Along the banks of the Mississippi River, a line of Bonfires lights the way for Papa Noel.

December 15, 1999

CHRISTMAS- Trees and Mistletoe

Some of our most enduring Christmas traditions may date back to the days before that holiday even existed.

December 14, 1999

PULSARS- Discovery

The rise and fall of a pulsar signal gave astronomers the answer to a fifteen year old mystery.

December 13, 1999

PULSARS- Mystery

Some pulsars spin up to a thousand times a minute. But how do they keep from slowing down?

December 10, 1999

PULSARS- Basics

Pulsars are the fastest known spinning objects in the universe. And, with the right equipment, we can actually listen to them.

December 9, 1999

TIME KEEPING- Natural Cues

One way to keep track of time is by noting the seasonal changes in our environment.

December 8, 1999

TIME 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, 1999

MARS MICROPHONE- Martian Soundscape

This month, scientists are waiting for their first whispers of the Martian soundscape.

December 6, 1999

MARS 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, 1999

WEDDELL SEALS- Mating Underwater

When it comes to mating, male Weddell seals must be ready to fight it out.

December 2, 1999

NAKED 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, 1999

GOBI DESERT-Ancient Sounds

The strange booming sounds of the Gobi desert may be older than the dinosaur bones buried beneath its dunes.