Murmuration

Such a fun word to say!

Recently we were having a minor chat about Starlings--you know: what's the difference (if any) between US & UK variety, the love/hate cycle with them, etc. 

So while I was snooping the internet for useless bits of information I happened upon this little gem on Vimeo (but the YouTube version is the one I could embed...).

You may well have already seen this, but if not it's a very fun couple of minutes if you have them to spare! (make your screen full-size 1st tho...)

We've seen much smaller versions on the island while waiting for the ferry--but big enough to get your attention & make you wonder what the heck is going on. Hard to imagine an encounter this large & this close!

Per snooping done since I first saw this, the general response seems to be: can't figure it out, can't model it, speeds exceed 20mph at times, and...'no starlings were harmed in the filming of this video!'

We Are Not Alone

NPR is such a usual part of my day, I tend to take it for granted.  In the car, while I'm doing laundry, making dinner; it's just there, adding to my education & information.  There are a few 'NPR moments'--you know, when you sit in the car to finish listening to an article that catches your attention.
Then, every once in awhile, there is a "wow!" moment when you are so glad that you got to hear that piece & wish you could just bottle it up & send it to everyone.  Well this morning was just such a piece:  Robert Krulwich did an article on the world above our heads (and we're not talking birds!).  I just love his articles anyway--such a great voice & most often an unusual treat.

If, by chance, you caught the article on Morning Edition today, great!  If not, give a listen.  It only takes about five & a half minutes.  (click on the grey box at the top of the page that says "Listen to Bug Highway...), not the animated video below...)

30th Anniversary

This week has included a broad showcase of the Mt. St. Helen's eruption as it's the 30 year anniversary. I have to say--I've learned a lot more with all of the special coverage, articles, and films.

Most any north-westerner can tell you where they were when it happened. I don't have that perspective as I was still in Arizona. I had been accepted to grad school & was set to move in August. My phone started ringing that day--and continued for several days--as local friends were sure I would reconsider my plans; and if I didn't I should have my head examined!

One of the pieces I liked best is still available on-line. It's a Nova segment "Back From the Dead" that does a great job of 'then & now'. It covers the remarkable learning that's taken place as studies have continued. It also includes the eruptions that have taken place since then--which are almost as dramatic & unbelievable.

Local coverage has tailed onto the Mt. St. Helen's focus with special highlight of Mt. Ranier--also a sleeping potential. The outcome from a similar event in that location would be so much more devastating due to it's proximity to urban areas. May she continue to slumber for a few more centuries!

A Tour into Science Land

We had a wonderful--if not whirlwind visit to Berkeley. Devin was a worthy tour guide of both the area & also his work world. In keeping with our norm of public transit only, the Bay area is an easy accomplishment. Aside from aging (therefore noisier) trains, BART is great--and our feet got a great springtime workout as well! Good food, good sights, great company--thanks, Devin!

I don't pretend to understand more than just the basic ideas that Devin is addressing in his internship--but I can attest to the complexity, challenge & specialization of the world he's immersed in for this five months. Wow--in the light-spectrum laser world, he is working on--and measuring with--concepts that had hardly been guessed at when I was a science student are just business as usual. I know that in the world of time frames Devin deals with, decades ago is ancient history, but from here it seems like giant strides in a brief time!

The other thing that struck me was that his 'lab world' has gone from cavernous rooms and mechanisms (at the linear accelerator) to miniature fields of complex optics & lens--yet both dealing with particles, waves, and spans of time that are smaller than one can hardly conceive of. There does seem to be a certain level of faith involved, but also a great deal of certainty & confidence as to the road ahead. Through it all, Devin is quite unassuming and patient & with a grin and a shrug lets you know 'it's no big deal'--to him, that is! What an experience! And what a great place to be right now. (More about the tourista stuff next post.)

One of the experimental set-ups in the lab

The insert box that comes with parts ordered by hardworking interns!

(Know your customer!)

Devin in his office (there's a commanding view out that window!)

Hats Off Towards Switzerland

Today was the big day--and it was over in milliseconds!
The Large Hadron Collider had it's official start up test run today deemed successful by all.
For more info, check it out. Or just check in with Devin--a physics fan following closely... 8-)

The Cutting Edge

Today is the anniversary of the 'birth' of the laser--May 16, 1960. As stated by one: " it was a solution looking for a problem". Here's an article (one of many) saluting this change that has become such a part of our lives. Everything from Devin's star-gazing, eye procedures that have become so commonplace (and so valuable), the financial officer's laser pointer for those tedious overheads with too many numbers, and annoying additions to fireworks displays & concerts.

Here's to all the scientists past & present! (We love our physicists!)