Friday, July 27, 2012

EIFEX:Dumping iron in oceans

  • A ship dumping iron into the Southern Ocean has shown a technique that could be used as a “cure” for climate change.
  • The iron stimulates plankton growth, which “binds” carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, getting rid of one of the gases which warms Earth’s atmosphere.
  • A trial, called Eifex, has been hailed a success, after a bloom of plankton sank 1,000 metres below the ocean, taking with it carbon dioxide.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Gliese 581g

  • May be capable of supporting human life, 22 light years away.
  • Twice the size of earth.
‘Super Earth’
  •  It is known as a ‘Super Earth’ due to its ability to hold on to its gassy atmosphere, which increases its chances of retaining liquid.
  • Lead researcher Professor Vogt of the University of California said he named it ‘Zarmina’s World’ after his wife, and the planet has “churchly weather.”
‘Goldilocks Zone’

  • The planet exists in a band of perpetual twilight near its orbiting star known as the ‘Goldilocks Zone,’ an area near earth that is not too hot or cold, but is just right for sustaining life.
  • This is not the first time Professor Vogt has claimed the existence of a habitable planet known as ‘HARPS’ (High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet)

Kulandei Francis’ visionary zeal fetches him the Magsaysay

Kulandei Francis

Mr. Francis, Director of the Krishnagiri-based NGO Integrated Village Development Programme (IVD).
Founded 22 years ago, the IVDP was responsible for the formation of more than 7,000 self-help groups in the three districts. So far, the value of transactions through the SHGs was over Rs.2,500 crore and nearly Rs.250 crore lay with the accounts of the SHG members.