Another Near Miss

A few weeks ago, we discussed the high probability of the Earth being hit by an asteroid before astronomers discovered it. Turns out that almost happened last Friday! The Catalina Sky Survey found an 7-meter asteroid just 15 hours before it narrowly missed Earth (read details). The Solar System Collisions site that we used in class suggests this would have created an explosion the size of Hiroshima had it hit.

Set-up Session 2 on Friday

On Friday, we will discuss Galileo's writings in detail so be sure to read the Appendices up to and including "Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina." You will also need to tell me which players are in which roles.

Vatican Discusses Extra-terrestrials

We're going to spend the next couple weeks pretending to be in the 1616 Vatican. Here in 2009, the Vatican just held a conference discussing life on other planets.

http://www.boingboing.net/2009/11/11/vatican-conference-o.html

Set-up Session 1

On Wednesday, we will be doing Set-up Session 1 for the Trial of Galileo game. Please refer to pages 43-45 to see exactly what you are expected to do for Set-up Session 1. We will be meeting in MCMI 207 for all three of the Set-up Sessions.