They Say It's Your Birthday

Last night, Dinovember continued with the Dinos having a bit of target practice. It is unknown why they were shooting darts at this apparently happy-go-lucky cousin. The large purple subject was seemingly an object of derision.

BIRTHDAYS ABOUND: Today, much of our energy was devoted to prepping for Christian's birthday. He's in good company, birthday wise. It's also Vice President Joe Biden's birthday. And Nov. 20 is also Edwin Hubble and Bobby Kennedy's birthday. Oh, and let's not forget Rodger Bumpass, the voice of Squidward on SpongeBob Squarepants.

Also sharing this special birthday is the International Space Station!

On this day in 1998, a Russian rocket lifted the first piece of what is now the largest man-made structure ever built in space.

Zarya ("Sunrise" in Russian) was the name of that first module of the space station representing 15 nations. Zarya is also known as Functional Cargo Block (FGB). It's mostly used for storage now.
                       

Just two weeks after Zayra was launched, NASA's shuttle Endeavour launched, with Unity (a/k/a Node 1) on board.  The two modules were linked together. 

           

                                 
The space station has continued to grow over the past 15 years. Today, it's about the size of a football field and ranks second only to the moon among bright objects in the night sky.

On the ISS's 15th birthday, NASA released this great graphic
                                                  
you can see the graphic lots bigger and better here: http://www.nasa.gov/content/infographic-15-years-of-the-international-space-station/#.Uoziu8RnFWg

How well do you know the ISS? Find out with this fun test:  [Cosmic Quiz: Do You really Know the International Space Station?]

And just for fun, here are some NASA nerds singing the ISS's praises