Red Dragon 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXXdIAB1uDw&feature=player_embedded
Red Dragon, which started out as a small exercise in 2004, continues to grow. About 3,000 Soldiers are expected to participate in Red Dragon 2009 at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, 13-27 June. The exercise--which is designed to help improve U.S. Army Reserve defense support to civil authorities (DSCA) operations during an emergency response to a large-scale chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) disaster--encompasses the following diverse military skill sets: chemical, medical, signal, military police, engineer (firefighting), quartermaster, transportation, mortuary affairs, chaplain, and public affairs. This year's exercise will involve interactions with first responders, including ten civilian hospitals, from four metropolitan areas in Wisconsin--Milwaukee, Madison, Lacrosse, and Fort McCoy.
Consequence Management Response Force
The U.S. Army Reserve Command serves as the director, the 335th Signal Command (Theater) serves as the executive agent, and the 415th Chemical Brigade serves as the action agent for the exercise. Several military units involved are part of the homeland defense (HLD) entity known as the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives Consequence Management Response Force (CCMRF), which was established by the Department of Defense (DOD) as a force that is trained and ready to respond to requests from civil authorities. The CCMRF fielding plan calls for three separate CCMRFs, providing the capability to respond to multiple, nearly simultaneous chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) events. The primary role of the CCMRF in responding to a CBRNE event is to augment the consequence management efforts of first responders by providing unique and complementary capabilities when the effects of a CBRNE event exceed state civilian and National Guard capabilities.
Ya think Jeffery Dalmer would recieve a hereos welcome returning as a Zombie?
People will need to consider turning vegetarian if the world is to conquer climate change, according to a leading authority on global warming.
In an interview with The Times, Lord Stern of Brentford said: “Meat is a wasteful use of water and creates a lot of greenhouse gases. It puts enormous pressure on the world’s resources. A vegetarian diet is better.”
Direct emissions of methane from cows and pigs is a significant source of greenhouse gases. Methane is 23 times more powerful than carbon dioxide as a global warming gas.
Lord Stern, the author of the influential 2006 Stern Review on the cost of tackling global warming, said that a successful deal at the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December would lead to soaring costs for meat and other foods that generate large quantities of greenhouse gases.
Indiana militia
Disclaimer
"Everything presented on this website is a result of my own research into the subject of the Illuminati and the New World Order. Just because you read it here, don't see it as being the ultimate truth. This is a presentation of my own personal research and conclusions, and I encourage you to read and study it. However, while doing so, don't forget to be skeptical and make up your own mind. In no way is my intention to force my reality upon anybody else. Quite the contrary; I encourage the reader to do his/her own research on these topics, and hopefully some of the material presented here can be useful for present and future references."
"Please note that this website does not intentionally contain any material that will cause upset, insult or offense to anyone, however I am aware that certain information can be received with negative reactions, therefore I will make every attempt to place warnings if certain reports, video footage or images contain material which may cause distress"."Despite my attempts to remain sincere and integral, at the end of the day the points of views expressed on "This Email has not been sent as form of debate for what it right and wrong.
"Despite my attempts to remain sincere and integral, at the end of the day the points of views expressed on http://nevernwo.blogspot.com/ are merely my own and I reserve the right to express them, always in a non-violent yet pro-active manner."
"There are some contradictions in this material, but those are intentionally put here by me for the visitor to get more than one viewpoint on a certain event and/or information. The subjects covered on this Email are extremely huge, complicated and somehow confusing. This is not by accident, but made that way by those whom I expose, to make it harder to find the truth in a labyrinth of information and disinformation. Therefore I sometimes present more than one view on things, so the visitor more easily can make up his or her mind."
"If anyone wishes to debate any of the material on this website with me, please note that I may do so if appropriate and if I have the time, but always on a civilized level. I will not respond to threats, insults and intimidations."
"Having said that, I am always here if anyone has any queries or wishes to contribute anything. Credit will always be given if desired."
Is it possible to engineer society or the automation of a society called social engineering, i.e., the engineering of social automation systems (silent weapons) on a national or worldwide scale without implying extensive objectives of social control and destruction of human life, i.e., slavery and genocide?
Furthermore, whenever any person or group of persons in a position of great power and without full knowledge and consent of the public, uses such knowledge and methodologies for economic conquest - it must be understood that a state of domestic warfare exists between said person or group of persons and the public.
The solution of today's problems requires an approach which is ruthlessly candid, with no agonizing over religious, moral or cultural values.
Are you qualified for this project because of your ability to look at human society with cold objectivity, and yet analyze and discuss your observations and conclusions with others of similar intellectual capacity without the loss of discretion or humility. Such virtues are exercised in your own best interest. Do not deviate from them.
Here we go...just found this on liveleak and after the discussion over at the local Ft. Wayne 912 Project after repeated comments by members who kept applying guilt trips to me and others
This is one reason why I just made the desision to seperate from thier ranks, simply for a lack of understanding the complexity of our times. They want to try and keep their group locked in the box of free thought and expression. People have been telling me all my life what I should and shouldn't do.
Everytime I'm told 'Yes you Can' my Karma always seems to turn into 'No You Can't.
My whole life has been ridduled with not being allowed do what everyone else can, without being dealt some sort of guilt trip.
Every Good Act I do in return ends exactly opposite is supposed to for me...
It never Fails that no matter how much good I do...it aint never good enough for this 4ucked up world.
At least the Bad Vulgar things that I do are at least predictable, then this world and its Trumped up Guilt Trip 3 Ring Circus of World Order Ethic Regulations
I have to say Chris McCully who started the group is a valid Patriot and is a really good guy.
But I have to say many of those who have joined are completely unaware of thier posistion of thoses like me who are up to speed. Others have mentioned many times that their Glenn Beck Idol group was nothing but a wanna be Couch potato Patriots club who wouldn't allow any of the topics or discussion involve any kind of important critical fiber that could bind us together. I guess it was safe to say leaving out the Militia topic until Today, when I would lay better odds that since never touching that topic, the group would be safe from Homeland Security's Radical Right wing Assesment Report?
Yesterday Russ and I talked at his Patriot meeting and was very upset that he sent an email to share with us and the Ft. Wayne 912 Project complained about him being a traitor for sending such things. He pointed out that they completly missed the point of his email and it was all part of the everyday infowar we have been in for decades now. Whodda Thunked it ,that slaying the messenger would go on in the 21st century with a Top Class Intellectuals like themselves? Also he said that some menbers of the Ft. Wayne 912 Project were for supporting 3rd District Congressman Mark Souder in 2010. He posted an email about some info on Biden the other day and members of Ft. Wayne 912 Project attacked him like a bunch of Rabid Vipers. They aren't happy with Washington D.C. Politics but they continue to vote the same Washingtonized Corrupt Politicians back into office, WTF?
Just like what happened to me a few weeks back after posted the story of the Twitter Nazis Bust in NYC. I was accused of being a Anarchist and they didn't want to have anything to do with me. I had to waste my energy trying to defend myself after the vicious lies. Also,Rachel has requested to speak to thier group numerous times and has been tuned down in favor of the Mark Souder supporters within.
They want to become part of the Patriot Movement and I even tried to give them some wise advise what they were getting themselves into.
I told them that they are going to need to leave their stuck up in the air noses, their anal retentive Egos at home and stop this selfish self centered mind-set.
If they ever expect to have a chance at uniting as one against this beast.
Even though I pointed out they were already members of an Anti-Government Activist groups, who thinks by harrassing elected officials, to get them to flip over and support their un-defined cause.
The little squeelin piggies waving a don't tread on me flag....
The Big bad Wolf runs and hide
Woo Woo Choo Choo ....
How much longer before Amerika is a total Koatic Mad Max like World Failure?
Some us have it a little more together then to waste time with these mass porn demonstrators, who do nothing more then greese the axles of the NWO machinery.
The one thing that I learned and many other the things in my head no one knwos
is that When Civilizations Fails from their Circle Jerk Politics, is that some of us already knwo wtf to do during a failed State!!!
If there were ever a litmus test for protecting essential liberty and defending the Constitution, the Ft. Wayne 912 Project failed it
Members from a few different militias in Indiana get together for some live fire training.
*note
We are not racists,extremists,terrorists or traitors.We follow in the traditions of our founding fathers and the original militia that fought for this country.
Many of us are ex-military simply doing what feels good to us in our hearts.We volunteer our time and money to be prepared if our country needs us in any event.There are thousands of militiamen that are ready to assist in search and rescue,natural disasters,foreign invasion or any event that might come our way.We love all people all wish to see harm done to nobody.
I am not against Government but against Bad Government, Bad Laws, Injustice, Corruption, Cheaters, Irresposible, Unaccountable, Liars, Murders, Thieves, etc....that has ruined Good Government's Name.
I'm against an umbrella one size fits all Social Engineered corporate usury slave state System.
I am against living in debt and being made a Debt Slave by a Government of the People and for the People!!!
I am against the Fruadulent Admiralty Court Juistice System that thrives on Convictions rates instead of technically allowing a common law jury decide what laws are just and injust that violates the true spirit of Justice.
I'm against the consolidation of Executive Powers making our country a Monopoly.
Christian Liberty Guards-Constitutional militia.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=c15_1256573969
A revolution in America — no matter how you choose to define or characterize it — is still an American Revolution
“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.” — Thomas Jefferson
What happens when the threat to American government comes from within? There is the subtle and invisible war that is taking place at home. This War is between Americans with different understandings of what it means to be “American” and what it means to be “Free”. This war will NOT take place in the trenches and won’t be won with guns or knives.
This revolutionary war is taking place among America’s elite over control of our nation’s future. The revolutionary charge from libertarians and anti-war liberals has already started to make members of the establishment a bit nervous. Radicals want change and there will be no compromise on one key idea: Defending liberty at home is essential to fighting the “war of terror” ™ and necessary to restore our Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
THINK ABOUT IT !
"Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other. War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes; and armies, and debts, and taxes are the known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few. … No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare." James Madison
"When you see that trading is done, not by consent, but by compulsion — when you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing — when you see money flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors — when you see that men get richer by graft and pull than by work, and your laws don’t protect you against them, but protect them against you — when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice — you may know that your society is doomed"
… Ayn Rand
Disobedience to tyrants is obedience to God – Thomas Jefferson
"World financial crisis is stimulating and in a way, the culmination of my life's work." -George Soros
Never let a serious crisis go to waste…it’s an opportunity to do things you couldn’t do before – Rohm Emanuel
"In defense of the world Order, U.S. soldiers would have to kill and die. ... We are not going to achieve a New World Order without paying for it in blood, as well as in words and money."
-- Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., in Back to the Womb, July/August 1993 issue of Foreign Affairs
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. Eccleasiastes10:4
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth and with my song will I praise him.
-- Psalm 28:7
"A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves...and include all men capable of bearing arms." -
Richard Henry Lee, Additional Letters from the Federal Framer
(1788) at p. 169
"An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." --Col. Jeff Cooper
My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.
Thomas Jefferson
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson
Outrage
The fight
Re: [The-Fort-Wayne-912Project] Fwd:Re: [The-Fort-Wayne-912Project] Fwd: The fight
RE: *****SPAM***** Re: [The-Fort-Wayne-912Project] Fwd: The fight
No one forced anybody to do anything…not sure what meeting you were talking about where we went from 200 to 50. We never have had 200, we had 120, this last Thursday we had 100+. And I am sorry you can not make your points with out the vulgarity, but that is your choice.
Good luck to you in your battles.
912-Project "We Surround Them"
[mailto:neverknwo]
Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 2:14 PM
To: Chris McCalley
Subject: RE: *****SPAM***** Re: [The-Fort-Wayne-912Project] Fwd: The fight
| a lot of people at your group have turn me off from day one and I tried to stick it out!!!
But would Jesus be flying the bird to make a point? You know I have |
At the time of your calling you were exceedingly ignorant, narrow-minded, superstitious, full of prejudices, misconceptions, and animosities. You have much to unlearn of what is bad, as well as much to learn of what is good, and this group is slow both to learn and to unlearn. Old beliefs already in possession of their minds made the communication of new ideas a difficult task.
This state of mind shows how utterly unfit this group is, as yet, to be an apostle of a Liberty.
With all their imperfections, which were both numerous and great, which, though it may co-exist with many defects, is the cardinal virtue of ethics, and the certain forerunner of ultimate high attainment by a devotion to Freedom and to any sacrifice. We were not idle, but hard-working. They were discontented, if for no other reason than that they had no cause for discontent.
One charge only can be brought against those men, and it can be brought with truth, and without doing their memory any harm. They were enthusiasts: their hearts were filled with fire, and, as an unbelieving world might say, for the world that they were possessed by the idea of the Freedom eludes them! For it was no fool’s errand on which they went forth, leaving their nets behind. The Freedom they sought turned out to be as real as the land of USSR, though not such altogether as they had imagined.
In a sense I was casting my net into the sea of the world and still today, and, by my own testimony to Jesus, showing him what kind of creatures I can Catch.
Believers would naturally desire to see as many of my own thoughts and hear as many of my own words as possible.
Where is there a noble man for an indefinite capacity of growth?
neverknwo
neverknwo
Re: [The-Fort-Wayne-912Project] Fwd: The fight
--- On Mon, 10/26/09, Lynette wrote:
From: Lynette
Subject: Re: [The-Fort-Wayne-912Project] Fwd: The fight
To: the-fort-wayne-912project-list@meetup.com
Date: Monday, October 26, 2009, 9:00 AM
----- Original Message -----From: Wayne W. AllenSent: Monday, October 26, 2009 10:38 AMSubject: Re: [The-Fort-Wayne-912Project] Fwd: The fightSue,That was suggested once before, but one of our group went off on the rest of us for trying to stifle his free speech. I got a rash of "You can't tell me what to do!!" messages and was generally bashed for suggesting what you just suggested. I agree with you, but be prepared for the counter attack. Folks on here can get down right testy. :-)WayneOn Oct 26, 2009, at 10:25 AM, Sue Yeager wrote:
Chris,Maybe the Ft. Wayne group needs to stop using this as a blog and have everything posted on the website. That way if they are interested they can read or comment on it. That way they will still be informed and not everyone will get 100 emails a day.Sue----- Original Message -----Sent: Monday, October 26, 2009 8:35 AMSubject: RE: [The-Fort-Wayne-912Project] Fwd: The fightIf you were at the meeting on Thursday, Tom mentioned this in his commentary. We must stop spending useless energy on these things and channel those energies in fighting for our freedom. We are all in this together, so let’s work together to save our children’s’ future.
Chris McCalley
From: The-Fort-Wayne-912Project-list@meetup.com [mailto: The-Fort-Wayne-912Project-list@meetup.com ] On Behalf OfDonna Rose
Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 10:29 PM
To: The-Fort-Wayne-912Project-list@meetup.com
Subject: Re: [The-Fort-Wayne-912Project] Fwd: The fight
Sorry this is not bashing. We can ask questions but we need to be kinder when we do.
--- On Sat, 10/24/09, R M Wright <rmdzwright@comcast.net> wrote:
From: R M Wright <rmdzwright@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [The-Fort-Wayne-912Project] Fwd: The fight
To: the-fort-wayne-912project-list@meetup.com
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009, 1:21 AMWell contrary to what some people may think. You can not defeat the opposition if you do not know what they are doing. See that has always been our problem. While they are growing they know we will never be able to stay together long enough to get anything done. See Conservatives hold their feeling's dear and take them to heart. We are willing to fight for what we believe in, no matter what the out come. I have had more people from this group complain about emails and such that its no wonder the numbers keep going up then down. We have stood beside each and everyone of you on more then one occasion. No one has ever ask anything of us that we did not follow through with. That includes stop emailing so much. We just left this group last week because with all that is going on we just can not seem to communicate as a group. I don't know and like I told Chris last week I don't have the answer. So we are going to leave now. We hope you all can try to stick together and try to get your troubles worked out. We have a much bigger fight to try to win then fighting with people that are on our side.
Good Luck
Russ
----- Original Message -----
From: "C Shrock" <cshrock1@verizon.net>
To: The-Fort-Wayne-912Project-list@meetup.com
Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 12:23:56 AM GMT -05:00 US / Canada Eastern
Subject: Re: [The-Fort-Wayne-912Project] Fwd: The fight
And you sent this to me because ... why?????????????
Biden sucks.... He's sucking the life out of our country... and your pocket book. So, is this a satire?
Christine Shrock
----- Original Message -----
From: R M Wright
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 10:45 AM
Subject: [The-Fort-Wayne-912Project] Fwd: The fight
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Joe Biden" <info@barackobama.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 3:25:31 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: The fight
Friend --
We've got a fight on our hands. Powerful insurance companies are pulling out all the stops to defeat the President's plan for health reform. They're spending seven million bucks a week on lobbyists, blanketing the country with deceptive TV ads, and just funded two high-profile "reports" to distort what reform would mean for you.
I know their game. I was in the Senate the last time health reform came around, and I saw the special interests savage our efforts. Frankly, under the old rules of Washington they were nearly impossible to beat. But now, thanks to you, the rules are changing. All the lies, scare tactics and lobbyist shake-downs in the world are no match for the incredible work of Organizing for America supporters like you. That's exactly what frightens them so much -- and it's what Barack and I are counting on.
After decades of false starts, we're now just a short time from finally passing real reform. Every member of Congress will soon have to cast their vote. As real change draws near, you can bet the insurance companies will hold nothing back. That means OFA will need the extra resources to beat back whatever attack they can dream up next. Here's the bottom line: it's not time to let up -- it's time to double down.
Please donate $5 or more to power OFA's fight for change as we head into the final round.
When I talk about you changing the rules in Washington , here's what I mean: This week, crucial negotiations on Capitol Hill are shaping a comprehensive reform proposal. At the same time, the insurance companies' phony reports are grabbing headlines and their lobbyists are twisting arms. But your work is keeping them from setting us back.
On Tuesday, OFA supporters around the country organized more than 1,000 local outreach events and generated an astounding 330,000 calls to Congress from constituents telling their representatives that "it's time to deliver." From my years in Congress and my conversations with Senate colleagues this week, I can tell you with confidence that your message broke through and you helped keep us on track.
If this fight were only about guaranteeing the choice of secure, quality, affordable care for every American, it would be worth everything we could throw at it. But as Barack reminded us this week, this fight for change is now about something even bigger: a test of whether or not "we as a nation are capable of tackling our toughest challenges, if we can serve the national interest despite the unrelenting efforts of the special interests; if we can still do big things in America."
I believe we can. And Barack believes we can. But what really matters is whether you believe we can. If you do, now is the moment to make it happen. Please contribute today:
https://donate.barackobama.com/FinalRound
Thank you,
Vice President Joe Biden
Glenn Beck, enemy of the people
I was once formally forbidden to talk to any student or professor at the college I worked at after helping a few students organize a conference about the killings taking place in Bosnia. When I was seen talking briefly to a student in passing on the campus later, I was fired. This at a time when I had three children under the age of 8 and my wife, on the farm with the kids, was eight months pregnant with our fourth. I worked then as a temp doing odd jobs, including cleaning toilets at a local Sara Lee factory. When we finally sold our beautiful little farm in the hills of North Carolina we had lost $40,000 and were down to our last $25. But it remains the proudest moment of my working life. Writers like to be censored. It puts even the inconsequential in league with the greatest. So I know how Glenn Beck is feeling this week: proud and honorable. Everyone at Fox should feel the same.
Glenn Beck has been officially declared the Enemy of the People by Big Brother. His firm, Fox News, has been virtually banned from presidential press conferences. In an administration now well-known for its lack of perspective, this is a sizable public relations blunder. Last week Beck was just a folksy, funky and entertaining trickster on a second-tier TV station. This week he is the government’s officially sanctioned Enemy of the People. Last week he was just a chump. Now he’s a national hero.
Not since the Keystone Kops arrested screenwriter Dalton Trumbo for peeing in his neighbor’s yard in the big Hollywood Commie Crackdown of the McCarthy era have the federales staged such a public farce.
Who Hates Glenn Beck?
Email this story“Perfect Storm” For UN Gun Control Agenda
Media Matters: Glenn Beck Gets His Talking Points from Alex Jones
Medieval magic at the Texas Renaissance Festival
Musical merriment and 16th century enchantment greeted visitors who traveled from all across the nation to celebrate Oktoberfest on Saturday and Sunday at the Texas Renaissance Festival.
The annual festival recreates a 53-acre English village, and plays host to all sorts of performers, artisans and shopkeepers, making it one of the largest renaissance festivals in the nation.
Clan Tynker, a group of traveling performers who take their family-friendly act that includes juggling, tight rope walking and sword swallowing across the country, performed at the festival.
“We always heard about the Texas (Renaissance Festival), and we always wanted to come here,” Sam Tynker, a performer with the group, said.
“We’re very excited to be here just because it’s one of the biggest (renaissance festivals) in the country,” Rebekah Tynker said.
Each themed weekend brings different contests and performances, which is partially why the festival is so successful.
Oktoberfest, which took place during the festival’s opening weekend, featured three contests to help get people in the mood for the German celebration.
A polka contest allowed visitors to dance to authentic Oktoberfest music. Later, visitors yelled until they were hoarse at the yodeling contest. After screaming their lungs out, visitors attempted to bust their belts at the bratwurst eating contest.
In addition to the themed contests each weekend, the Texas Renaissance Festival features many performing artists that run the gamut from family affair to purely adult entertainment.
Clan Tynker has performed at the Arizona Renaissance Festival for six years. This is their first year at the Texas Renaissance Festival, but they hope to participate in the festivities for years to come.
“We love the interaction with different audiences,” Sam said. “Every place we go and perform, it’s always a different feel to the show and to the people.”
For a more adult-oriented show, the performance put on by Sound & Fury had audiences rolling with laughter from the crude humor and parodies of Shakespearean plays they call “Fakespearean.”
Sound & Fury is a group that has been performing worldwide for about 10 years, and it has made nine appearances at the Texas Renaissance Festival.
“Everyone recommended Texas as being the best festival because it’s the biggest,” Sound & Fury member Shelby Bond said.
“And the naughtiest,” fellow member Vinny Cardinale added.
Sound & Fury’s performance is for mature audiences, but the content did not seem to put off festival crowds, as The Odeon venue where the group performed was full.
“What we like about Texas is the enthusiasm of the audience,” Cardinale said. “They’re totally with us. They want to support us. They want to laugh. They want to have a good time. Texas audiences are totally involved. It’s really awesome.”
Sound & Fury draws inspiration from Monty Python, the Marx Brothers, British comedy and Vaudeville-types of entertainment. The show itself interacts with the audience and includes them in the jokes.
“We just like to go out there and have a good time,” Richard Maritzer, the third member of Sound & Fury, said.
With an additional seven themed weekends to come—including All Hallows Eve, where a costume contest will be held for guests—visitors to the largest renaissance festival in the nation will have dozens of shows to watch and over 340 shops to choose from.
The Texas Renaissance Festival is located in Plantersville and is open every Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 29. They will also be open the Friday after Thanksgiving. Tickets cost $23 at the gate, but discount tickets are available in select locations. For more information on prices and themed weekends, visit www.texrenfest.com.
Latvian experts say meteorite crater was hoax
Experts cast doubt on Latvian meteorite
Splatvia! Falling Meteor Blamed For Crater
A meteorite?
Meteorite-like object falls in Latvia
'Meteor' blasts 50ft hole in field
Iron Meteorite Falls Down on Latvian Town in Broad Daylight
Fall of meteorite in Latvia sounding like strange story
MESSENGER Solves Solar Flare Mystery
Written by Nancy Atkinson
In a case of being in the right place at the right time, the MESSENGER spacecraft was able to capture a average-sized solar flare, allowing astronomers to study high-energy solar neutrons at less than 1 astronomical unit (AU) from the sun for the first time. When the flare erupted on Dec. 31, 2007, MESSENGER – on course for entering orbit around Mercury — was flying at about half an AU, said William C. Feldman, a scientist at the Planetary Science Institute. Previously, only the neutron bursts from the most powerful solar flares have been recorded on neutron spectrometers on Earth or in near-Earth orbit. The MESSENGER results help solve a mystery of why some coronal mass ejections produce almost no energetic protons that reach the Earth, while others produce huge amounts.
Solar flares spew high-energy neutrons into interplanetary space. Typically, these bursts last about 50 to 60 seconds at the sun. But MESSENGER's Neutron Spectrometer was able to record neutrons from this flare over a period of six to ten hours. "What that's telling us is that at least some moderate-sized flares continuously produce high-energy neutrons in the solar corona." Said Feldman. "From this fact, we inferred the continuous production of protons in the 30-to-100-MeV (million electron volt) range due to the flare."
About 90 percent of all ions produced by a solar flare remain locked to the sun on closed magnetic lines, but another population results from the decay of the neutrons near the sun. This second population of decayed neutrons forms an extended seed population in interplanetary space that can be further accelerated by the massive shock waves produced by the flares, Feldman said.
"So the important results are that perhaps after many flare events two things may occur: continuous production of neutrons over an extended period of time and creation of seed populations of neutrons near the sun that have decayed into protons," Feldman said. "When coronal mass ejections (nuclear explosions in the corona) send shock waves into space, these feedstock protons are accelerated into interplanetary space."
"There has always been the question of why some coronal mass ejections produce almost no energetic protons that reach the Earth, while others produce huge amounts," he added. "It appears that these seed populations of energetic protons near the sun could provide the answer, because it's easier to accelerate a proton that already has an energy of 1 MeV than a proton that is at 1 keV (the solar wind)."
The seed populations are not evenly distributed, Feldman said. Sometimes they're in the right place for the shock waves to send them toward Earth, while at other times they're in locations where the protons are accelerated in directions that don't take them near Earth.
The radiation produced by solar flares is of more than academic interest to NASA, Feldman added. Energetic protons from solar flares can damage Earth-orbiting satellites and endanger astronauts on the International Space Station or on missions to the Moon and Mars.
"People in the manned spaceflight program are very interested in being able to predict when a coronal mass ejection is going to be effective in generating dangerous levels of high-energy protons that produce a radiation hazard for astronauts," he said.
To do this, scientists need to know a lot more about the mechanisms that produce flares and which flare events are likely to be dangerous. At some point they hope to be able to predict space weather — where precipitation is in the form of radiation — with the same accuracy that forecasters predict rain or snow on Earth.
MESSENGER could provide significant data toward this goal, Feldman observed. "What we saw and published is what we hope will be the first of many flares we'll be able to follow through 2012," he said. "The beauty of MESSENGER is that it's going to be active from the minimum to the maximum solar activity during Solar Cycle 24, allowing us to observe the rise of a solar cycle much closer to the sun than ever before."
MESSENGER is currently orbiting the sun between 0.3 and 0.6 AU — (an AU is the average distance between the Earth and the sun, or about 150,000 km) — on its way to orbit insertion around Mercury in March 2011. At Mercury, it will be within 0.45 AU of the sun for one Earth year.
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