Space ‘ropes’ hang together by threads

Filaments may represent most visible effect of galaxy’s central black hole

Scientists have discovered the forces that bind together a strange network of 100-million-year-old, ropelike gas filaments that extend from an enormous elliptical galaxy.

The filaments presented a puzzle because they should normally collapse under the pressure of the hotter surrounding gas. New images from the Hubble Space Telescope showed individual gas threads bundled together within the filaments, which allowed researchers to estimate the magnetic fields necessary to hold everything together.

“When you see a piece of rope from a distance it looks solid, but when you look closely there’s a lot of threads,” said Andrew Fabian, an astrophysicist at Britain’s University of Cambridge who led the study detailed in this week’s issue of the journal Nature.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26314754/

Power-sipping Eco Ride urban transportation system to hit Japan

Japan’s not hurting for trains, but what’s the addition of another going to hurt? Senyo Kogyo and Senyo Kiko have jointly announced plans to construct a test line for an energy-saving urban transportation system this October. Dubbed Eco Ride, the “roller coaster-like” system in Chiba Prefecture will operate “using the height difference on the railway,” and furthermore, there will be drive units (complete with clanks and clangs, we bet) “installed at various points on the railway so that the Eco Ride can obtain the potential energy to run.” Reportedly, Eco Ride would likely remain just a short-distance transportation system even if expanded, but no matter how you slice it, it sure beats taking the Segway to work.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/20/power-sipping-eco-ride-urban-transportation-system-to-hit-japan/

1% of Australia’s Geothermal Power Potential = 26,000 Years of Energy

Yesterday (8/19) Google announced that it was getting into the geothermal power game, investing over $10 million into researching Enhanced Geothermal Systems. It is estimated that using this technology, just 2% of the heat below North America would easily supply all of the United States’ current energy needs.

Now, a new report shows similarly large geothermal potential in Australia: An Australian government scientist told Reuters that 1% of the nation’s untapped geothermal potential could create enough energy for 26,000 years.

Obviously that’s easier said that done. A new report from the Australian Geothermal Energy Association outlines what can be done to make geothermal a greater part of Australia’s energy future:

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/08/one-percent-australian-geothermal-potential-26000-years-energy.php

German extreme machine: to dig big

Isn’t it amazing the type and size of machines that we build.?  Just thought the beast was cool looking.

What’s amazing about this 30-story behemoth, the world’s largest digging machine, is that it’s self-propelled; hit the jump for a look at the monster treads. I guess when you have something the length of 2.5 football fields that’s nearly 50,000 tons, Vito’s Towing isn’t gonna be able to move it around for you, so you’re better off giving it its own motor. Hate to think of the mileage this thing gets.

http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/german_extreme_machine_to_dig_big_10867.asp