an ancient galaxy that shouldn't exist

Hubble has spotted an ancient galaxy that shouldn't exist

"This galaxy is so large, so fully-formed, astronomers say it shouldn't exist at all. It's called a "grand-design" spiral galaxy, and unlike most galaxies of its kind, this one is old. Like, really, really old. According to a new study conducted by researchers using NASA's Hubble Telescope, it dates back roughly 10.7-billion years — and that makes it the most ancient spiral galaxy we've ever discovered." --Robert Gonzalez

just fun

--49 quadrocopter in outdoor-formation-flight / Ars Electronica Futurelab

coming home tonight

A small flock of sparrows was playing chicken on Saginaw during "rush hour" (or what passes for rush hour in this very large small town). Fifteen minutes of heavy traffic just doesn't make it for this east coaster. But I digress.

The sparrows were flying very close to the ground, weaving in and out between cars. I assume a velociraptor in pursuit was to cause of the behavior but I may never know.

this morning

I've been watching a garden orb spider making a quite wondrous web in the Baptista near my front door. Took a quick pic as I went out the door. I said "hello" to the resident last night as I walked by -- a big female. I've highlighted the web area (a better one will hopefully happen this evening when I get home).



I also was going to attach a picture of my Fairy Rose. The one in the front almost died from the drought but has survived and is setting flowers.