Recently, a 4,000-year-old meteorite was discovered in Argentina that could possibly be the world’s second largest meteorite ever. Discovered on September 10th (and continuing to be Weighing more than 20 tons, the meteorite is believed to have crashed into earth anywhere between 4,000-6,000 years ago. The meteorite, named Gancedo (after a nearby town) was discovered in Argentina’s Campo de Cielo region. However, Gancendo is one of many meteorites found in this area, which is only 3 km wide by 19 km long. Nearly 100 tons of meteorites have been found in this area (about 200,000 pounds), which makes Campe de Cielo the largest producer of meteorites in the area. Not only is this region the top producer of meteorite mass worldwide, the meteorites found in this area are special in their own way. “What makes the meteorites unique is that they are primarily made of iron (93%) and contain only about 7% nickel. Most space rocks are not as pure.” (Dogo News). Gancendo might be the world’s second largest meteorite ever found. The heaviest space rock ever found on the planet was discovered in Namibia, South Africa, and weighs about 66-tons. While Gancendo is not as large as the one found in Namibia, it is nearly the same size as the world’s current second-largest meteorite, El Chaco, which was also found in Argentina. El Chaco weighs 37-tons, and therefore might still be the world’s second-largest meteorite. We’ll know soon enough once Gancendo is weighed. I think it is very interesting that some of the world’s largest meteorites have been found in Argentina. Maybe we could learn more things about outer space from these extra-terrestrial rocks? Source: http://www.dogonews.com/2016/9/22/4000-year-old-meteorite-discovered-in-argentina-may-be-the-worlds-second-largest
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There are many issues in the world right now, one of which being water conservation. There is a lack of water in many parts of the world, and because all humans depend on water to live, it’s crucial to conserve it as much as possible. A big issue with water conservation is the lack of water for watering crops. Farmers in low-water environments all over the world have issues with conserving water, however a special product called Solid Rain might be able to solve the issue of water conservation. Solid Rain, a product developed by a Mexican chemical engineer name Sergio Rico Velasco. He created a special type of powder including a starch-based product called “potassium polyacrylate,” which helps retain water. When mixed with water, the powder turns into a thick clear gel, effectively creating an underground reservoir for a plant’s roots to draw upon when needed. This means that farmers don’t need to water their plants as often. The powder can last up to ten years, making it very effective. Farmers using Solid Rain have increased their crop yields by an average of 300%. Frank Torres, a Mexican green bean farmer, says that the best thing about Solid Rain is that “nutrients weren’t washed away every time we watered the plants.” Solid Rain won the 2013 “Ecology and Environment Award,” and was nominated twice for Stockholm International Water Institute’s “Global Water Award.” It is an up and coming product in the world right now, even though it was invented ten years ago. It could be the best thing to conserve water. However, there has been some speculation over whether or not Solid Rain is a legitimate product. First of all, there is no scientific proof that the product can last up to ten years. Also, many scientists believe that once the gel dries out, it could absorb all surrounding water and even drain the water from the roots of plants. These are some reasons why Solid Rain hasn’t become a household name or product. I think that Solid Rain could really help the world. California is still in a drought right now, and this product could really help bring in more crops. However, I do think it should be tested more just to make sure that it doesn’t act in reverse once the gel dries out. Source: http://www.dogonews.com/2016/9/16/can-solid-rain-help-alleviate-the-worlds-water-woes Photograph taken during a news conference at which Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the Syria crisis, and the deal between their countries. This past Friday, in Geneva Switzerland, the United States and Russia announced an agreement concerning the Syria crisis. This new deal calls a nation-wide cease-fire starting Monday September 12th, and will be followed by a new military partnership targeting Islamic State, al-Qaida, and new limits on President Bashar Assad’s forces. This new arrangement is a step towards peace in the Middle East. It will allow civilian traffic and humanitarian deliveries to the most targeted parts of the war zone (particularly Aleppo) if the cease-fire is held for a week. The deal also includes an alliance between the Russian and United States Militaries. “We are announcing an arrangement that we think has the capability of sticking, but it is dependent on people’s choices. It has the ability to stick, provided the regime and the opposition both meet their obligations, which we — and we expect other supporting countries — will strongly encourage them to do.” –Secretary of State John Kerry I believe this agreement is very important. After a five-year-long civil war, this ceasefire could be the beginning of a peace agreement in the middle east, or at least a step towards peace. It is also very good that the U.S. and Russia are working together to aid the civilians trapped by the violence in Syria. Source: http://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2016/09/10/U-S-Russia-seal-Syria-cease-fire-military-deal/stories/201609100113 |
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April 2017
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