This article on a conference that recently took place about the Marcellus Shale is interesting in that industry leaders are at least paying lip service to the notion that being environmentally responsible in the production of gas from shale is good business. Naturally, with business, actions speak louder than words! They also seem to recognize the ignorance of those whose lands lie atop these deposits with regard to the processes involved in drilling and fracking wells. Of course, the more education that people have, the more cautious they become in signing lease agreements. And rightly so! The industry's environmental record with respect to fracking is not exemplary, as we've seen evidenced in many places. Before it happens in Virginia, we need to be sure that as many people get educated on the process, risks, and yes, potential benefits, as possible.
In geology, we're wrapping up our chapter 9 materials. Tuesday next week, the 16th, we'll take the chapter 9 quiz.
Astronomy students may find this article on the dwarf planet Eris to be interesting. It seems that it is smaller than originally thought, just slightly more diminutive than Pluto. However, it is more massive. So, it must be more dense than Pluto. Why? This is the big puzzle now. The outer solar system is becoming more and more interesting!
But, before we get there...
Today, we talked about the formation of the solar system. Your lab is due next class. We will be in the computer lab next time, exploring Mercury and the Messenger mission in more detail. Venus is up next!
Oh, and by the way, if you are awake at 5:30-6:00 am, be sure to check out Venus AND Saturn in the pre-dawn sky.
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