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Astronomy and space

Astronomy and space

Blog life: Dynamics of Cats

01 Feb 2008
Steinn Sigurdsson

Blogger: Steinn Sigurdsson
URL: scienceblogs.com/catdynamics
First post: May 2006

Who is the blog written by?

Steinn Sigurdsson is an Icelandic-born astrophysicist currently at Pennsylvania State University in the US. He is interested in the dynamics of compact objects, astrophysics and theory (hence the title of the blog).

What topics does the blog cover?

Physics and astronomy, as well as current news, politics and items from other physics blogs such as Uncertain Principles and The Quantum Pontiff. Iran’s much-debated nuclear capabilities have been a popular subject lately, as has a new geometric theory of everything proposed by US surfer-come-physicist Garret Lisi. Sigurdsson has even posted some lengthy explanations of the principles involved in and the issues surrounding this theory.

Who is it aimed at?

Many of Sigurdsson’s readers are fellow physicists, and this is reflected in the technical level of his discussion of physics-related topics. The rest of his posts, however, would interest anyone who likes to keep up to date with scientific news and current affairs.

Why should I read it?

What sets this blog apart is its distinctly international flavour. Sigurdsson reports on astronomy news from around the world, and over the Christmas period readers were treated to entertaining descriptions of traditional Icelandic customs, such as eating cured skate on 23 December to celebrate the feast day of Thorlac Thorhalli, the patron saint of Iceland.

How often is it updated?

Several times a day, with a mixture of short comments and lengthy essays. The reader gets the impression that whenever Sigurdsson comes across anything interesting during the course of the day, it makes it onto the blog not long after.

Can you give me a sample quote?

The UK Science and Technology Facilities Council, the heir to the old PPARC which succeeded ye olde SERC, announced they were quitting [the Gemini Telescope]. This kinda blindsided the partners. The UK is a 23% partner, with 30 million pound capital investment and 4 million pound annual operational contribution. That is real money, at the current exchange rate that is like eight gazillion dollars. The remaining partners are going to have some difficulty, to say the least, in coming up with that sort of money to keep going. Best bet would be seek out new partners (South Korea anyone?) if anyone is buying. I hear it is going to be a tough shopping season…

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