13 January 2011
Posted in Our Planet, Our Universe

NASA’s Kepler Mission is a space observatory built to discover Earth like-planets. The Kepler Mission is to explore the structure and diversity of planetary systems beyond our Galaxy, the Milky Way.

On January 10^th, NASA confirmed the discovery of its first rocky planet, named Kepler-10b. Not only was it the first rocky planet, but also the smallest planet ever found outside of our solar system. Data collected on the “exoplanet” was collected from May 2009 through January 2010. This discovery has provided evidence of a rocky planet orbiting a star, besides our sun. Although this planet is not in a habitable zone, it is still an exciting discovery for NASA’s Kepler Mission, which results in a promising outcome for more discoveries to come. In the quest to find a planet similar to Earth that enables life form, NASA is on the right path.

To find out more information about the Kepler Mission or their new discovery, click here.

Written by Jim White | 12 January 2011
Posted in Scanning Electron Microscope

Hello from “SEM Jim”. I will be giving demonstrations using the Scanning Electron Microscope on Monday, January 17. This time we will be looking at the capability of the SEM to determine the elemental composition of samples (what things are made of). The SEM uses a technique called energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy to do this.

Come see me on January 17 for a cool demonstration. Check your program guide for demonstration times or come by the SEM lab on Level 4 at the back of DinoDigs anytime between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Written by Tim Walsh | 11 January 2011
Posted in NatureWorks

NatureWorks staff and the exhibits department are in the process of renovating a portion of the former Trading Center. The new theme for the room will be - Adaptation Station. Animals housed in this exhibit will be chosen for their interesting adaptations such as camouflage, defense mechanisms, types of reproduction, and ways for finding and consuming food. The first phase of this renovation will be constructed soon and the following species are planned for exhibit.

Tentacled snake, Erpeton tentaculatum

This snake is found in Thailand, Cambodia and South Vietnam. It inhabits ponds and sluggish bodies of water with heavy vegetation and cover. They are fully aquatic and are so camouflaged they look like a submerged stick. They are unique among snakes in they have two scaly, projections on the tip of their nose. These are thought to be sensory in nature and allow them to sense the position of their fish prey in murky water. Their entire feeding mechanism is fascinating and more information will be coming soon.

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08 January 2011
Posted in Press and Media

Explore the Science of the Senses from 7:00 p.m. to Midnight

Saturday, January 15 During Otronicon at the Orlando Science Center

Food, drinks, artwork, live music plus the sensory overload of Otronicon's interactive technology expo

Orlando, FL - January 7, 2011 - On January 15 during Otronicon, the Orlando Science Center invites you to Downtown Orlando’s most scientifically unique and socially inclined experience. From 7:00 p.m. - Midnight., Cocktails and Cosmos will be dazzling patrons with a variety of activities to entice their senses. This "event within an event" kicks off with “Happy Hour” specials from Ember Bar and an assortment of delicious offerings from a variety of Orlando's best eateries. Sample cuisine from Catina Laredo for those who love Mexican food, O’Charley’s classic American cuisine, excellent award winning smokehouse selections from 4River Smokehouse and to satisfy any sweet tooth Sprinkles Custom Cakes of Winter Park.  Cocktails & Cosmos is sponsored by Magners Irish Cider and will be providing samples of their intoxicating beverage for event guests.

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Written by J.J. Leissing | 03 January 2011
Posted in Dr. Dare's Lab

The periodic table contains the 118 unique elements that are currently known to exist on the planet. You can find it proudly displayed in most high school chemistry classes and it is a tool that teachers encourage their students to use on tests. In his book, The Disappearing Spoon, Sam Kean examines each individual element that makes up the periodic table by revealing their unique stories and origins. Here are just a few elements that are pretty awesome:

• Hydrogen (H) is one of the main elements that make up stars (and because it is highly reactive, we use it in balloons for KaBoom shows).
• “Self-sterilizing” Copper (Cu) tubing is used in air-conditioning ducts because copper will disrupt the metabolism of certain bacteria and fungi.
• Gallium (Ga) has a melting point of 84°F, which makes it one of the few metals that can melt in the palm of one’s hand. A popular practical joke among scientists was to take a Gallium spoon and give it to a colleague with a hot cup of tea, only to have it disappear.

Visit this link for additional information about The Disappearing Spoon.

If you love chemistry and want to experience some hands-on experiments, stop by Dr. Dare’s Laboratory on your next visit to the science center.

02 January 2011
Posted in Exhibits - Science Park

Florida is on track to open America’s first High Speed Rail service in 2015. The trains first route will connect the Orlando International Airport to Downtown Tampa. “Trains are projected to reach speeds of at least 168 mph.”

The rail lines are planned to run along I-4, between the east and west bound traffic. Future lines to Miami include one to run along Florida’s Turnpike, and the other to connect Brevard Counties Shores.

Along with the Orlando Sunrail, expected to open in 2013, this will change the way Central Floridians get around. As Mayor Buddy Dyer put it, “No where in America has any area gone from basically no rail, to such a great system.”

For More information on Florida High Speed Rail, or the Orlando Sun Rail visit there websites listed below. Also visit the My Fox Orlando site for a video.

http://www.floridahighspeedrail.org/

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/planning/economicstimulus/hsr/

http://www.sunrail.com/

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/traffic/092310bullet-train-plans-in-motion?CMP=201010_emailshare