Mysterious Cosmic Objects Erupting in X-rays
Space Ref – Oct. 20
Astronomers have found a pair of extraordinary cosmic objects that dramatically burst in X-rays. This discovery, obtained with NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and ESA’s XMM-Newton observatory, may represent a new class of explosive events found in space. The mysterious X-ray sources flare up and become about a hundred times brighter in less than a minute, before returning to original X-ray levels after about an hour. At their peak, these objects qualify as ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) that give off hundreds to thousands of times more X-rays than typical binary systems where a star is orbiting a black hole or neutron star. “We’ve never seen anything like this,” said Jimmy Irwin of the University of Alabama, who led the study that appears in the latest issue of the journal Nature [http://www.nature.com]. “Astronomers have seen many different objects that flare up, but these may be examples of an entirely new phenomenon.”
Space.com – Oct. 20
Chronicle Council – Oct. 20
Science World Report – Oct. 20
Canada Journal – Oct. 20
SciTechDaily – Oct. 20
MyInforms.com – Oct. 21
University of Alabama Sorority Row to host trick-or-treaters
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 20
The Alabama Panhellenic Association will host its annual trick-or-treat on at houses on the University of Alabama’s Sorority Row from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. The event is for children 12 and younger. Children visit the lawns of sorority houses on Magnolia and Colonial drives for candy and other activities. Costumes are encouraged. Masks, however, are not allowed for this family friendly event. Organizers are encouraging guests to select attire other than clown costumes. UA sorority members from the Alabama Panhellenic Association, National Pan-Hellenic Council and the United Greek Council will provide candy to area children.
Panel says reforms needed in criminal justice system
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 20
Researchers and local and federal officials offered a wide-ranging discussion of the issues surrounding incarceration in the U.S. criminal justice system during a paneled discussion at the University of Alabama on Wednesday.The panel was presented by the UA department of criminal justice. The panelist, addressing pre-selected questions and ones from the audience, touched on topics ranging from mass incarceration, alternatives to incarceration, drug policy, policing and other topics.
Crimson White – Oct. 20
UA climatologist fears drought could last for months
Fox 6 (Birmingham) – Oct. 20
University of Alabama climatologist Jason Senkbeil gave a blunt description of Alabama’s current weather conditions: “We’re absolutely in a drought.” The associate professor of geography at the University also believes this is worst drought Alabama has faced since 2007. “We’re in a severe drought. They’re in extreme drought up in Northeastern corner of Alabama. And that drought is also forecast to develop as the winter goes on towards the Gulf Coast,” he went on to say. The drought has now moved into areas including Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.
NBC 12 (Montgomery) – Oct. 20
UA Political Science professor discusses last debate
WVUA 23 (Tuscaloosa) – Oct. 20
Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton took the stage together for the last time Wednesday night. According to a CNN-ORC poll of debate watchers, Clinton won the debate, 52% to 39%. Today we spoke with a University of Alabama political science professor and got his thoughts on the final face-off.
Jemison student receives Kids’ Chance Scholarship
The Clanton Advertiser – Oct. 20
Jemison graduate Kelsie Knowles received a $2,000 Kids’ Chance scholarship. The scholarship helps students whose parent or parents have been killed or permanently disabled in a work related injury. The money is to help the student attend college of technical school. Knowles lost her father to a work related accident. She received the scholarship to help fund her studies at the University of Alabama, where she is studying political science and criminal justice.
UA takes part in college fair in Dothan
WRGX-NBC (Dothan) – Oct. 20
About a thousand wiregrass juniors and seniors got a head start on their education after graduation today. The annual college fair was held at Northview High School. About 40 representatives from colleges and universities and military institutions were there to talk with the students. Schools from across Alabama big and small were there, including Huntingdon College, The University of Alabama, Troy, Stillman and the University of Montevallo.
WTVY-CBS (Dothan) – Oct. 20