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#ionthrusters
The Best Sub-Light Propulsion System This Side of Luyten 726-8B
Today, we use ion thrusters to correct satellite orbits and visit asteroids. In 100 years, we might be using them to propel massive generation ships that send colonists to a different part of the galaxy. More » -
#publishing
The Best Way To Break Into Science Fiction Writing Is Online Publishing
The only way forward for new writers is digital publishing, says game and novel writer Michael Stackpole. If you want to write for a living, learn to love this post-paper age. More » -
#gaming
Mechwarriors, Starships, Martians and More at the Origins Game Fair
The Origins Game Fair, devoted to tabletop gaming, was held in Columbus, OH this past weekend. Along with all the dragons and elves, there were a lot of sci-fi themed games. I've got the lowdown for you. More » -
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#militarytech
We All Live in a Flying Submarine
For some military operations, you need a submarine. For others, you need a plane. But what if you need both? DARPA has a plan for that - a submarine that flies. Or a plane that submerges, depending on your point of view. More » -
#spaceporn
Mysterious Infrared Aurora Glows at Saturn's North Pole
This stunning infrared image of Saturn's northern region shows a luminous aurora with the planet's mottled rings below. The aurora appeared in an area that the Hubble Space Telescope can't see, so no one knew it was there until Cassini spotted it recently. What's really weird is that astronomers aren't really sure what's causing it, since this aurora doesn't conform to known models of aurora formation. More » -
#madscience
Giant, Deep Sea Sponges Evolved Fiber Optic Exoskeletons
This gigantic sea sponge has an exoskeleton made of glass rods, and each rod can grow up to a meter in length. In the deep sea, these massive sponges contain a menagerie of other tiny lifeforms, all dependent on their sea sponge hosts for something in short supply far under the water. They need light - and some sponges have a evolved a way to provide it using fiber optics. More »
