Computer users wanted in star dust hunt

[Deeboe]

Hello,

I just read this on CNN.com and thought I would post it! Sounds pretty cool, if you are into it!

Computer users are being invited to join the hunt for minute grains of star dust that a NASA spacecraft should return to Earth this weekend.

The Stardust spacecraft should land in Utah early Saturday, carrying in its hold a sprinkling of grains of interstellar dust scooped up during its seven-year mission.

Researchers are seeking the public's help in pinpointing the submicroscopic bits of dust, leftovers from stellar explosions perhaps millions of years old, in photos they plan to place on the Web.
...
Users will have to prove their mettle before they are allowed to participate in the search. That includes undergoing some Web-based training, passing a test and registering before being allowed to use the virtual "microscope," the University of California, Berkeley researchers behind the project said.

You can find the article here: http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/space/0....ap/index.html

I guess it is like the SETI(at)home project... and I know there are some SETI's here... I'm one

Here is the project to sign up: http://stardustathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/

OK, I am going to take the test. I hope to pass!

-Deeboe
*****************************
EDIT:
It seems you can only pre-register at this time. Not sure when the test happens.

[Deeboe]

Hello,

I just read this on CNN.com and thought I would post it! Sounds pretty cool, if you are into it!

Computer users are being invited to join the hunt for minute grains of star dust that a NASA spacecraft should return to Earth this weekend.

The Stardust spacecraft should land in Utah early Saturday, carrying in its hold a sprinkling of grains of interstellar dust scooped up during its seven-year mission.

Researchers are seeking the public's help in pinpointing the submicroscopic bits of dust, leftovers from stellar explosions perhaps millions of years old, in photos they plan to place on the Web.
...
Users will have to prove their mettle before they are allowed to participate in the search. That includes undergoing some Web-based training, passing a test and registering before being allowed to use the virtual "microscope," the University of California, Berkeley researchers behind the project said.

You can find the article here: http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/space/0....ap/index.html

I guess it is like the SETI(at)home project... and I know there are some SETI's here... I'm one

Here is the project to sign up: http://stardustathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/

OK, I am going to take the test. I hope to pass!

-Deeboe
*****************************
EDIT:
It seems you can only pre-register at this time. Not sure when the test happens.

[ShippMA]

Hi Deeboe,

That is cool, i just pre-registered this minute.

Wonder if anyone on AO will actually find a particle, ohhh i'm so excited...

[ShippMA]

Hi Deeboe,

That is cool, i just pre-registered this minute.

Wonder if anyone on AO will actually find a particle, ohhh i'm so excited...

[rahhabb]

NASA's got a whole section devoted to it:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/st...ain/index.html

With a countdown clock and a multimedia page! Some engaging photos and videos!

Also - check out the spacecraft and instruments:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/st...aft/index.html

My reptillian mind reels with the possibilities of what information can be gleaned from those particles. I wonder if the findings, when analyzed, could possibly cause outbursts from various communities when they are announced.

[rahhabb]

NASA's got a whole section devoted to it:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/st...ain/index.html

With a countdown clock and a multimedia page! Some engaging photos and videos!

Also - check out the spacecraft and instruments:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/st...aft/index.html

My reptillian mind reels with the possibilities of what information can be gleaned from those particles. I wonder if the findings, when analyzed, could possibly cause outbursts from various communities when they are announced.

[nihil]

Hmmm,

My reptillian mind reels with the possibilities of what information can be gleaned from those particles. I wonder if the findings, when analyzed, could possibly cause outbursts from various communities when they are announced.

It might cause some problems for those who think that the Earth is c. 6,000 years old and that the book of Genesis should be taken literally?

[nihil]

Hmmm,

My reptillian mind reels with the possibilities of what information can be gleaned from those particles. I wonder if the findings, when analyzed, could possibly cause outbursts from various communities when they are announced.

It might cause some problems for those who think that the Earth is c. 6,000 years old and that the book of Genesis should be taken literally?

[Relyt]

Originally posted here by rahhabb
...My reptillian mind reels with the possibilities of what information can be gleaned from those particles. I wonder if the findings, when analyzed, could possibly cause outbursts from various communities when they are announced.

The movie Species comes to mind here. That shitz should have been left out in space. No telling what will happen with it.

cheers

[Relyt]

Originally posted here by rahhabb
...My reptillian mind reels with the possibilities of what information can be gleaned from those particles. I wonder if the findings, when analyzed, could possibly cause outbursts from various communities when they are announced.

The movie Species comes to mind here. That shitz should have been left out in space. No telling what will happen with it.

cheers