# 408….

Kepler telescope studies star superflares

17 May 2012 Last updated at 09:37 ET

“Nasa’s Kepler space telescope has provided fresh insight on the colossal explosions that can afflict some stars.

These enormous releases of magnetic energy - known as superflares - could damage the atmosphere of a nearby orbiting planet, putting at risk any lifeforms that might reside there.”

# 407….

Mid-May Bloom - 2012

Photo Copywritten by Wayne Moody 5/16/12

# 406….

Mayan art and calendar at Xultun stun archaeologists

10 May 2012 Last updated at 14:02 ET

“Archaeologists working at the Xultun ruins of the Mayan civilisation have reported striking finds, including the oldest-known Mayan astronomical tables.

The site, in Guatemala, includes the first known instance of Mayan art painted on the walls of a dwelling.”

“(Reuters) - On the wall of a tiny structure buried under forest debris in Guatemala, archaeologists have discovered a scribe’s notes about the Maya lunar calendar, which they say could be the first known records by an official chronicler of this ancient civilization.”

# 404….

Pride of the Garden

Photo Copywritten by Wayne Moody 4/28/12

# 403….

Iceland Poppy after rainfall

Photo Copywritten by Wayne Moody 4/28/12

# 402….

At about 4 p.m., 2012, my Argentine Cactus began to bloom, reaching this extent by 5 p.m.

Photos Copywritten by Wayne Moody 4/24/12

# 401….

Changes from previous day.

Photos Copywritten by Wayne Moody 4/20/12

# 400….

Argentine Cactus WATCH!  Tremendous development every 24 hours.

Photos Copywritten by Wayne Moody 4/18/12

“The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates at least 1 million metric tonnes of rare earth element resources within the Khanneshin carbonatite in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. This estimate comes from a 2009-2011 USGS study funded by the Department of Defense’s Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO). 

The Khanneshin carbonatite contains a major potential source of light rare earth elements (LREE), such as lanthanum, cerium, and neodymium.  The LREE prospects in the Khanneshin carbonatite are comparable in grade to world-class deposits like Mountain Pass, CA, and Bayan Obo in China, both of which primarily contain LREE. 

“The USGS has a long and storied history in Afghanistan,” said Marcia McNutt, Director of the USGS. “We hope our neutral and unbiased analysis of the location, supply, and flow of these strategic minerals will help the Afghans understand the true extent of their mineral wealth.”

“This is just one more piece of evidence that Afghanistan’s mineral sector has a bright future,” said TFBSO Acting Director Regina Dubey. “The international mining community is beginning to realize Afghanistan’s extraordinary mineral potential. The USGS’s groundbreaking work provides a foundation for the kind of future investment that could help create a vibrant Afghan economy.”