Science News Bits for Thursday, August 27, 2009

Coel Hellier of Keele University discovered a very hot and doomed bigger-than-Jupiter-planet. Astronomers anticipate that this planet, WASP-18b, will destroy itself by crashing into its star in the next one million years. The planet, which swiftly revolves around its star in a very close orbit (and in less than one day's time) is kicking up severe reactions from the star. WASP-18b is one of 370 discovered planets existing outside of the solar system.

Dutch Museum Discovers Artifact is Fake

A Dutch museum received news that one of its prized artifacts is not genuine. Once believed to be a moon rock gotten by United States Apollo 11 astronauts, the artifact has been identified as petrified wood. United States' former ambassador William Middendorf gave the fake artifact to the Prime Minister William Drees. After Drees' death, the museum took possession of it. Middendorf claims to have been unaware that the moon rock gift was a fake. The museum remains in good spirits over this revelation and will hold on to the piece of wood out.

After Several Delays, Shuttle Discovery Set to Launch Friday Night

After several delays, space shuttle Discovery will be launched Friday night at 11:59 PM. Poor weather conditions and a problematic sensor on the shuttle caused NASA to delay the launch. Friday's launch will send Discovery on a 13 day voyage to the space station, cargo in tow. On board the shuttle are new supplies and a new treadmill, which is named after Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert. It is vital that the shuttle launch by Sunday. Japan and Russia have missions coming up that would delay the Discovery launch for two months.

Treatment Facility for Internet Addicts Opens in Washington State

Addictions of all kinds abound. Now, internet addicts are able to find treatment for their addiction. The first ever treatment center, Heavensfield Retreat Center in Washington State, is an in-patient facility. Treatment programs are geared toward a variety of technological addictions including video game and cell phone texting addictions. Emphasis will be on behavioral therapy which will consist of talk therapy, teaching patients how to function in social situations, and how to effectively utilize their time and energy by completing a variety of household tasks.

Tropical Storm off North Carolina Coast

Storm Danny is strengthening to hurricane status as it makes its way across the Atlantic Ocean. Its winds moving at approximately 60 miles per hour, this tropical storm will develop into a hurricane when its winds move at 74 or more miles per hour. Forecasters are keeping a close eye on Danny and many believe that the storm is headed for Nova Scotia and Canadian Maritimes. The National Hurricane Center is also watching a tropical wave near Cape Verde Islands, which has a small potential for developing into a cyclone.

Resources

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090826/ap_on_sc/us_sci_suicidal_planet

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090827/ap_on_re_eu/eu_netherlands_not_moon_rock

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090827/ap_on_sc/us_space_shuttle;_ylt=AtyzWC8lPpS5MXpQC0wskH0PLBIF;_ylu=X3oDMTJoa211NTBpBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkwODI3L3VzX3NwYWNlX3NodXR0bGUEY3BvcwMyBHBvcwM1BHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcnkEc2xrA25hc2F0YXJnZXRpbg--

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20090827/sc_livescience/internetaddictsgetfirstustreatmentclinic;_ylt=AiWRKG4k11M.ggV2_bM6BAkPLBIF;_ylu=X3oDMTNtcTBzMG4wBGFzc2V0A2xpdmVzY2llbmNlLzIwMDkwODI3L2ludGVybmV0YWRkaWN0c2dldGZpcnN0dXN0cmVhdG1lbnRjbGluaWMEY3BvcwM0BHBvcwMxBHNlYwN5bl9oZWFkbGluZV9saXN0BHNsawNpbnRlcm5ldGFkZGk-

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090827/us_nm/us_danny_position_nhc;_ylt=AmYkjskACicInYWw4poRr94PLBIF;_ylu=X3oDMTJoOWF1MGVxBGFzc2V0A25tLzIwMDkwODI3L3VzX2Rhbm55X3Bvc2l0aW9uX25oYwRwb3MDMwRzZWMDeW5fc3ViY2F0X2xpc3QEc2xrA3Ryb3BpY2Fsc3Rvcg--