archive link: http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap131226.html

Explanation: Gorgeous spiral galaxy M33 seems to have more than its fair share of glowing hydrogen gas. A prominent member of the local group of galaxies, M33 is also known as the Triangulum Galaxy and lies about 3 million light-years distant. Its inner 30,000 light-years are shown in this telescopic galaxy portrait that enhances the reddish ionized hydrogen clouds or HII regions. Sprawling along loose spiral arms that wind toward the core, M33's giant HII regions are some of the largest known stellar nurseries, sites of the formation of short-lived but very massive stars. Intense ultraviolet radiation from the luminous, massive stars ionizes the surrounding hydrogen gas and ultimately produces the characteristic red glow. To enhance this image, broadband data was used to produce a color view of the galaxy and combined with narrowband data recorded through a hydrogen-alpha filter, transmitting the light of the strongest hydrogen emission line. To see the monochromatic narrowband data alone, move your cursor over the image, or take this video tour of the hydrogen clouds of M33.

Just going back a few messages as I quoted, but here's what's making news in Antarctica as we speak...


http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-2...k-ship/5176938
Antarctic rescue mission stalls as Chinese icebreaker unable to reach stuck ship

Just posting as I thought you'd be interested.

Thank you, Lara.

Mari

Thank you Waves. That's a cool picture. There is so much high definition in this picture.

Lara Yes. I heard about a ship that is stuck in the Ice,and the rescue ship cannot go through the deep ice to get to it. There are two other ships headed down to the bottom of the world to help.

They may need helicopters,and a ship with a large platform like a Aircraft carrier.
They are probably going to wait to see if other ships can help first. BF

The people on the ship that is about to be rescued have a sense of humor. They said that they are mainly worried about running out of coffee. BF

Hi, Steve,

I found the link to that.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/26/world/...uck/index.html
Here is an update from 10:46 pm Sat:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/28/world/...ca-ship-stuck/
Another ship -- this one Austrailian -- is expected to arrive late Sunday:

The researchers on the ground and the people on the ships working the rescue are a hardy bunch. They live in a world different from many of the rest of us.

Mari

Aurora Australis had to turn back.

They're now contemplating a helicopter rescue of most of the stranded people when the weather clears a little. The Chinese icebreaker Ice Dragon has one onboard and they've stayed in the area.

Either way it's New Year's Eve here in the Southern Hemisphere, so they'll be needing that coffee to see in the New Year tonight. lol brrrrrrrrrr, glad it's not me.

ABC news Australia

Edited later to add this absolutely amazing photograph.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-3...rctica/5178926

You bet we are moving! It is so hard to think of it because we don't feel it. Earth is precious, and so far, the only one like it. That's food for thought. Looked Up another theory (all speculative) called the Drake Equation. It states probability of other life forms. We are all moving away from each other. My guess any higher forms of life would have to conquer the speed of light right?
All so huge to think about. Event he Pope included possible life forms in one of his new addresses. That is quite an admission. Love hearing about all of space, and all theories floating about. Loved that bubble shown. ginnie

Happy New Year, Lara!

The photo is amazing and, well, cool.

Mari

update: they're all rescued.