By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Mysterious haze on Mars puzzles scientists
3f613770c56906909e052b452469702ff9764646d0131600903e460b7df951b1
A curious plume-like feature was observed on Mars on 17 May 1997 by the Hubble Space Telescope. It is similar to the features detected by amateur astronomers in 2012, although appeared in a different location. - photo by Natalie Crofts
The discovery of an unusually large, hazy plume on Mars by amateur astronomers is now puzzling the experts.

The plumes appeared on two separate occasions during March and April of 2012 and reached altitudes of 250 km, compared to previous known highs of 100 km, according to the European Space Agency. Scientists published a report that validated the amateurs' findings but only offered theories of what could have created the plumes in the journal Nature on Monday.

"It raises more questions than answers," one of the studys authors, ESA planetary scientist Antonio Garcia Munoz, told BBC News.

The plumes are very unexpected because the division between the planets atmosphere and outer space is very thin at 250 km, according to lead researcher Agustin Sanchez-Lavega. Both times it appeared, the high-altitude plumes changed shape over 10 days before vanishing.

One of the two theories presented in the report is that the plume is caused by a reflective cloud of water-ice, carbon dioxide or dust particles. The second theory is that the plumes were created by an auroral emission similar to Earths aurora borealis.

However, Munoz told BBC News that if either of the theories presented in the report are correct, that means scientists current understanding of Mars atmosphere is wrong.

"I've heard of about four or five different possible explanations," NASA planetary scientist Bruce Jakosky, who did not participate in the research, told Popular Mechanics. "And honestly? I don't like any of them."

The plumes have not yet returned, but the ESA reported that scientists found a set of Hubble images from May 1997 that show an abnormally high plume, similar to that spotted by the amateur astronomers in 2012. The ESA is planning to launch its ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter in 2016.
Sign up for our E-Newsletters
Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
638421_Screenshot_1.png
Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
Latest Obituaries