ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISPATCH

After decades of observations, astronomers have finally detected a pervasive background hum of gravitational waves from merging supermassive black holes. The discovery, published in the journal "Science", was made by the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves (NANOGrav), a collaboration of more than 400 scientists from 20 institutions across the United States and Canada. NANOGrav uses a network of radio telescopes to detect gravitational waves, which are ripples in the fabric of spacetime caused by massive objects accelerating. The waves from merging supermassive black holes are extremely low-frequency, meaning they have wavelengths that are billions of times longer than the visible light spectrum. This makes them difficult to detect, but NANOGrav's network is sensitive enough to pick up these faint signals. The team analyzed 15 years of data from NANOGrav's telescopes and found a persistent background signal that they believe is caus...

The James Webb Space Telescope Reveals the Orion Bar in Stunning Detail A team of astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has detected carbon molecules in a galaxy that is 13.4 billion light-years away. This means that the molecules were present just 300 million years after the Big Bang. The molecules, called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are a type of organic molecule that is thought to be a precursor to life. They are made up of carbon atoms that are bonded together in rings. The discovery of PAHs in the early universe is a significant finding. It provides new evidence that the building blocks of life may have been present very early on in the history of the universe. This could mean that life could have arisen more easily than previously thought. The PAHs were detected by the JWST's Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI). MIRI is designed to detect infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye. Infrared light can penetrate dust and gas, which...

A train derailment in Montana early Saturday morning caused a bridge across the Yellowstone River to collapse and sent multiple cars into the water below. The derailment occurred around 6 a.m. near Columbus, Montana, about 50 miles north of Billings. The train was carrying a mixture of hazardous materials, including petroleum products, molten sulfur, and hot asphalt. Multiple tanker cars were damaged in the derailment and are leaking petroleum products into the river. Yellowstone County Disaster and Emergency Services said there is no immediate threat to public health, but people are being asked to avoid the area around the bridge. The cause of the derailment has not yet been determined. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident. The derailment has caused significant damage to the bridge, which is now closed to traffic. The bridge is a vital transportation link for the region, and its closure is expected to cause major disruptions. The derailmen...

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS Children and adults alike can now bring the excitement of NASA's Mars exploration to their living rooms with new LEGO Technic models of the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter. The models were developed in cooperation with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California and are based on the real vehicles, which have been roaming through Mars' Jezero Crater since landing there in February 2021. The Perseverance rover model is a detailed replica of the real vehicle, complete with working wheels, a robotic arm, and a mast with a solar panel. The Ingenuity helicopter model is also highly detailed, with a rotating rotor and a camera that can be positioned to look in different directions. Both models are challenging but rewarding builds, and they are sure to provide hours of fun for anyone who loves space exploration. In addition to the physical models, LEGO also released a digital version of the Persever...

The Rocky Mountains are a beautiful place to visit any time of year, but spring is especially special. This is when the mountains come alive with a riot of color as wildflowers begin to bloom. There are many different types of wildflowers that can be found in the Rocky Mountains, but some of the most common include: Pasqueflower: This is one of the earliest wildflowers to bloom in the spring, and its delicate purple petals are a welcome sight after a long winter. Photo by Julia Filirovska on Pexels.com " data-medium-file="https://gettherockymountaindispatch.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/pexels-photo-7138298.jpeg?w=300" data-large-file="https://gettherockymountaindispatch.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/pexels-photo-7138298.jpeg?w=1024" src="https://gettherockymountaindispatch.files.wordpress.com/2023/06/pexels-photo-7138298.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1452" scale="0"> Photo by Julia Filirovska on  Pexels.com La...

IBM has developed a new method to manage the unreliability inherent in quantum processors, a breakthrough that could pave the way for the development of practical quantum computers that can solve problems that are currently intractable for classical computers. The new method, which is described in a study published in the journal Nature, is based on a technique called error correction. Error correction is a way of detecting and correcting errors that occur when quantum information is processed. This is essential for quantum computers, as even a single error can cause the results of a computation to be wrong. IBM's new error correction method is based on a technique called topological error correction. Topological error correction is a relatively new technique that is considered to be more robust than other methods. In topological error correction, the quantum information is encoded in a way that makes it more resistant to errors. IBM's new method was tested on a 127...

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) announced today that it has reached new agreements with private landowners that will open more than a million acres of land to the public for elk hunting. The agreements, which were finalized over the past year, will provide hunters with new opportunities to pursue elk in some of the most productive elk hunting areas in the state. "These agreements are a major win for hunters and for the state of Montana," said FWP Director Hank Worsech. "They will open up millions of acres of prime elk habitat to public hunting, and they will help to ensure that Montana remains a world-class elk hunting destination." The new agreements include a variety of different arrangements, including leases, conservation easements, and outright purchases of land. In some cases, FWP has agreed to pay landowners to allow public access to their land for hunting. In other cases, landowners have agreed to donate their land to F...

In a major breakthrough for astrobiology, scientists have discovered phosphorus in Enceladus' ocean, a key chemical element for life. The discovery was made using data collected by NASA's Cassini mission, which flew close to Enceladus on numerous occasions between 2004 and 2017. Phosphorus is essential for life as we know it. It is a component of DNA, RNA, and ATP, all of which are essential for cell function. Phosphorus is also found in the membranes that surround cells, and it is involved in many other important biological processes. The discovery of phosphorus in Enceladus' ocean is a major step forward in the search for life beyond Earth. Enceladus is a small moon of Saturn, and it is thought to have a subsurface ocean that is salty and warm. The ocean is thought to be home to a variety of organic compounds, including the building blocks of life. The discovery of phosphorus suggests that Enceladus' ocean may be even more hospitable to life than previousl...

Montana is known for its stunning scenery and wide-open spaces. But what many people don't know is that the state is also home to a number of charming small towns that come alive in the summer. These towns offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from hiking and fishing to biking and boating. There are also plenty of opportunities to learn about the area's history and culture. Here are a few of the best small towns in Montana to visit in the summer: Glacier National Park: This world-renowned park is home to stunning mountain scenery, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. There are a variety of hiking trails, scenic drives, and boat tours available in the park. [Image of Glacier National Park in Montana] Yellowstone National Park: This massive park is home to geysers, hot springs, and mudpots. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping in the park. [Image of Yellowstone National Park in Montana] Big Sky Country: This region is home ...

The meaning of life is a question that has been pondered by humans for centuries. There is no one answer that will satisfy everyone, but it is a question that is worth asking. Humans and owls are two very different creatures, and their meaning of life is also different. Humans are social creatures who are driven by a need to connect with others. We find meaning in our relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. We also find meaning in our work, our hobbies, and our passions. Owls, on the other hand, are solitary creatures who are driven by a need for survival. They find meaning in their ability to hunt and provide for themselves. They also find meaning in their connection to nature and the night sky. So, what is the meaning of life? It is different for everyone, but it is ultimately up to each individual to find their own meaning. For humans, it may be found in relationships, work, hobbies, or passions. For owls, it may be found in hunting, survival, or connection t...

A Montana hunter shot and killed a grizzly bear in self-defense on Saturday, according to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department. The hunter, who has not been identified, was elk hunting in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex when he encountered the bear. The bear charged the hunter, who fired several shots, killing the bear.  The hunter was not injured in the incident. The FWP is investigating the incident. The shooting comes at a time when grizzly bears are facing increasing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human-bear conflict. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile cases of grizzly bears being killed by hunters or by wildlife officials. The FWP has taken steps to protect grizzly bears, including designating critical habitat and implementing a management plan that limits hunting and trapping. However, the agency has also acknowledged that the bear population is declining and that more needs to be done to protect them. The shoo...

A team of astronomers has discovered a white dwarf star that is in the process of crystallizing, turning into a cosmic diamond. The star, located just 104 light-years from Earth, is composed primarily of carbon and metallic oxygen. As it cools, the carbon atoms in the star's core are rearranging themselves into a crystalline lattice. This process is expected to take billions of years, but once it is complete, the star will be a dense, hard diamond. The discovery was made by astronomers using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope. The team was studying a system of four stars, one of which is the white dwarf. They found that the white dwarf's temperature and mass were inconsistent with a star that was still burning fuel. Instead, the data suggested that the star had already exhausted its fuel and was in the process of cooling and crystallizing. This is the first time that astronomers have observed a white dwarf star in the process of crystalliza...

A new study using data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revealed how galaxies transformed the early universe. The study, published in the journal Nature, found that galaxies played a key role in reionizing the universe, a process that turned the once-opaque universe transparent. The study was led by Daichi Kashino of Nagoya University in Japan. Kashino and his colleagues used JWST to study a region of space that is about 13 billion light-years away. This region of space is filled with galaxies that were formed just a few hundred million years after the Big Bang. The researchers found that the galaxies in this region of space are surrounded by large bubbles of transparent gas. These bubbles are caused by the galaxies' ultraviolet radiation, which ionizes the hydrogen gas in the surrounding space. Ionized hydrogen gas is transparent to light, so the bubbles of ionized gas allow light to pass through them, making the universe appear transparent. The re...

Crawford State Park will offer free admission to visitors on Saturday, June 10, as part of the annual Crawford Pioneer Days festivities. The day-long event will feature a 5K run, a fireworks show, and other activities. The 5K run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Crawford State Park Peninsula Day Use Area. There is no fee to participate, but donations are welcome. Runners can register online at www.crawfordpioneerdays.com. The fireworks show will begin at dusk and will be held at the Crawford State Park boat ramp. The show is free to attend, but parking is limited. Visitors are encouraged to carpool or take public transportation. In addition to the 5K run and fireworks show, Crawford Pioneer Days will also feature a variety of other activities, including: A parade A craft fair A food truck rally Live music The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. For more information, visit www.crawfordpioneerdays.com. Park Manager Reminds Visitors to Be Patie...

Photo by Mau00ebl BALLAND on  Pexels.com On Saturday, June 10, 2023, Idahoans of all ages can enjoy a day of fishing without a license. Idaho Free Fishing Day is a great opportunity to introduce new anglers to the sport, or to simply get out and enjoy the great outdoors. There are many different places to fish in Idaho, from small streams to large lakes. No matter where you live, there is sure to be a fishing spot that is close by. If you are new to fishing, there are many resources available to help you get started. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) offers a variety of free fishing classes and workshops. You can also find helpful information on the IDFG website. On Free Fishing Day, IDFG will be waiving all fishing license fees. This means that anyone can fish in Idaho, regardless of age or residency. There are a few exceptions to the free fishing rule. For example, you will still need a license to fish for salmon or steelhead. You will also need a license i...

A team of planetary scientists has found new evidence that suggests the moon's inner core is solid, like Earth's. The study, published in the journal Nature, was led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. The researchers used data from several space missions and from several lunar-based ranging experiments to study the moon's core. They found that the inner core has a radius of approximately 258 kilometers and a density of approximately 7,822 kilograms per cubic meter. This is consistent with the findings of previous studies, which suggested that the inner core is solid. The researchers also found that the outer core is a fluid layer covering the inner core with a radius of 362 kilometers. This is also consistent with previous findings. The new study provides further evidence that the moon's core is similar to Earth's. This suggests that the moon may have formed in a similar way to Earth, from a cloud of dust and gas that collapsed und...

Wildfires have been raging in Quebec for the past week, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes. The fires have been fueled by dry weather and high winds, and they have quickly spread to cover hundreds of square kilometers. The fires have caused significant damage to property and infrastructure. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed, and several businesses have been forced to close. The fires have also disrupted transportation, and several roads and highways have been closed. The Quebec government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas. The military has been deployed to help with the firefighting effort, and the government has also called on residents to stay safe and to follow the instructions of local officials. The cause of the fires is still under investigation. However, officials believe that they may have been started by lightning strikes. The wildfires in Quebec are a reminder of the dangers of climate change. The province has...

Credit: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio California's water supply has received a significant boost after a record-breaking winter. Two NASA satellites, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) and the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), have been tracking the state's water levels, and they have found that the snowpack is at its highest level in over a decade. The GRACE-FO satellites measure changes in Earth's gravity field, which can be used to track changes in water mass. The satellites have found that California's snowpack has increased by 150% since the start of the winter. This is the largest increase in snowpack since GRACE began monitoring California in 2002. The increased snowpack is good news for California, which has been in a drought for the past several years. The state's water supply is used for drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. The increased snowpack will help to replenish the st...

NASA’s Psyche mission is set to launch in October 2023, and it will be the first mission to explore a metal-rich asteroid. The asteroid, named Psyche, is located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is about 140 miles (226 kilometers) in diameter, and it is thought to be the exposed nickel-iron core of an early planet. Credit: NASA The Psyche mission will use a solar-electric propulsion system to travel to the asteroid. The spacecraft will also carry a variety of scientific instruments, including a multispectral imager, a gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer, a magnetometer, and a gravity science instrument. The mission’s primary goal is to study the composition and structure of Psyche. Scientists hope to learn more about the formation of the solar system and the early history of planets. They also hope to learn more about the composition of Earth’s core. The Psyche mission is a high-risk, high-reward mission. If successful, it will provide valuable insights into the fo...

Some soaps can reduce mosquito attraction to people, according to a study in Scientific Reports. Citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus essential oils were found to be the most effective mosquito repellents by researchers at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Matthew Curtis, the lead author of the study, said that the findings could have important implications for public health. “Mosquitoes are a major vector for diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika,” he said. In order to reduce the spread of these diseases, we must find ways to make people less attractive to mosquitoes. There were 50 participants in the study who were exposed to mosquitoes under controlled conditions. Volunteers were divided into two groups: one used soap containing essential oils, and the other used regular soap. Compared to volunteers who used regular soap, volunteers who used soap containing essential oils were significantly less likely to be bitten. Apparently, the essential oils in t...

Recently, edible insects have gained popularity as potential food sources. Several factors contribute to this, including their nutritional value, low environmental impact, and potential to address food insecurity. There are many nutrients and vitamins in edible insects. A good source of omega-3 fatty acids, they are also heart healthy. Furthermore, insects are relatively inexpensive. Compared to traditional livestock farming, insect farming has a much lower environmental impact. Animals require more land, water, and feed. Insects produce less greenhouse gases. Food insecurity can be addressed with insect farming. A variety of climates and conditions allow insects to be grown as a sustainable and nutritious food source. For people with allergies to milk, eggs, or soy, they are a good source of protein. Several challenges need to be overcome before edible insects become mainstream food sources. It’s hard to get consumer acceptance. There are many people in Western countries who are reluc...

NASA is inviting the public to sign their names to a poem that will fly aboard the Europa Clipper spacecraft. The poem, written by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, is titled “In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa.” The poem will be etched onto a microchip and placed on the spacecraft, which is scheduled to launch in October 2024. Europa is a moon of Jupiter that is thought to have a vast ocean of liquid water beneath its icy surface. Scientists believe that this ocean could potentially harbor life, making Europa one of the most important targets for future exploration. The Europa Clipper mission will conduct 34 flybys of Europa, during which it will use its instruments to study the moon’s surface, atmosphere, and ocean. The mission is expected to launch in October 2024 and arrive at Jupiter in 2027. The “Message in a Bottle” campaign is a way for the public to participate in the Europa Clipper mission and to show their support for space exploration. To sign the poem, visit t...

NASA released a video on Wednesday of an unidentified object flying through the sky. The video was taken by a military pilot in 2021, and it shows a spherical object moving at high speed and changing direction erratically. Military officials have been unable to identify the object, and NASA has said that it is not a known aircraft or spacecraft. The release of the video has reignited the debate about the existence of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Some people believe that the object in the video is evidence of extraterrestrial life, while others believe that it is a more prosaic explanation, such as a weather balloon or a drone. NASA has said that it is committed to investigating all reports of UFOs, and that it will release more information about the object in the video if it is able to identify it. ©️ Rocky Mountain Dispatch 2023

After decades of development, the aerospike engine is finally nearing its commercial debut. This revolutionary new type of rocket engine could revolutionize spaceflight by making it more efficient, affordable, and accessible. Aerospike engines work differently than traditional rocket engines. Instead of having a bell-shaped nozzle, aerospike engines have a spike-shaped nozzle that extends into the atmosphere. This allows the engine to adapt to changes in atmospheric pressure, which can improve efficiency and reduce thrust loss. Aerospike engines have several advantages over traditional rocket engines. They are more efficient at high altitudes, which is where most of the fuel is burned during a rocket launch. They are also lighter and simpler to manufacture, which can reduce costs. In addition, aerospike engines can be throttled more smoothly than traditional rocket engines, which makes them ideal for reusable launch vehicles. This is because reusable launch vehicles need to be able to ...