Earth Science

Space Shuttle Demating Time Lapse

Space Shuttle Demating Time Lapse

Way cool! This weekend several Resistor members worked together with The Last Shuttle Project and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum to install a time lapse camera near Hangar 12 at JFK to record the demating operation of the Space Shuttle Enterprise (OV101) from the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. [thanks, Trammell!]

Continue Reading
Notes on a Garage Geopolymer Prep

Notes on a Garage Geopolymer Prep

“Geopolymers” have been called “super cements.” They are commonly made in academic labs, but so far I haven’t found a good DIY prep for hands-on learners. I’ve run down a couple of sources and compiled a (still untested) procedure for making small geopolymer stone objects in the garage. Comments welcome.

Continue Reading
How Gemstones are Faceted

How Gemstones are Faceted

Ever wondered about how gems are cut and polished? Here’s a great 6-part video series that covers the basics of “meetpoint faceting,” as it’s known, from jeweler John Bailey.

Continue Reading
Romanian Teenager Puts Space Shuttle Back in Space

Romanian Teenager Puts Space Shuttle Back in Space

On January 5, 2012, Raul Oaida posted the following update to his blog: “On the 31st of December I launched the Black Sky project payload with two HD cameras. I recovered the rig ~240km awaydownrange (320km on the highway) in excellent condition from a hill in a remote area.” About a month later, he posted the embedded video to YouTube. The entry on his blog from that date kinda says it all: “This was all done by me.”

Continue Reading
Top 10: Natural Materials

Top 10: Natural Materials

When we say “natural materials,” the mind leaps immediately to wood, stone, leather, natural fibers. But there are lots of interesting and more “exotic” materials from the natural world that we don’t tend to think of, right away, and digging these up and showing them off is one of the things I’m most looking forward to in this month’s theme. To kick things off, here’s a sampler of some of my personal favorite unusual natural materials from our archives, arranged in highly unscientific how-much-does-Sean-like-it order. There’s cool stuff here made from antler, acorns, fish scales, insect parts – even shark’s teeth! Enjoy!

Continue Reading
Feel the Weather With Cryoscope

Feel the Weather With Cryoscope

The Cryoscope shows the user exactly what to expect outside by haptically exhibiting exactly how cold or warm it is to be outside. The user simply touches an aluminum cube that has been heated or cooled to the appropriate temperature. The unit fetches weather data from the internet, and translates it to the cube physically, […]

Continue Reading