Back from Beyond

EXCUSED ABSENCE: Apologies for the loss of signal. Last week my computer underwent a major 'upgrade.' That made it largely inoperable, of course. Sigh.

I'm fighting my way back. I had a blog post all ready to go, but now it's dated, and the formatting's all wonky. I'll try to resurrect it as best I can. ...

REALLY BIG DEAL: 

It's the freakiest show ... 
Tomorrow (2/6) 10:30 a.m. Seattle time, SpaceX is set to launch their Falcon Heavy. 
It's such a BIG deal, literally. The biggest deal since the good ol' Saturn V days.
Falcon Heavy is today's most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of two. 
The payload? Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster, with "Life on Mars?" blasting at 11. 
Destination? "Mars orbit. Will be in deep space for a billion years or so if it doesn't blow up on ascent," Musk Tweeted.
Watch it live: http://www.spacex.com/webcast

WEBINAR FROM AFAR: Last week, we tuned in to the annual Space Exploration Educators Conference from afar, thanks to their live Internet coverage.

On Feb. 1, we watched a  live keynote kick off address that brought together astronauts from across the globe and on the International Space Station.

Held at Space Center Houston, the conference is not just for science teachers. It strives to use space to teach across the curriculum. The activities presented can be used for science, language arts, mathematics, history, and more.

The opening remarks we heard were hosted by Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, who served as a mission specialist on STS-131 to resupply the ISS. She interviewed astronaut Joe Acaba. The former public school teacher is currently on aboard the International Space Station. 

This past weekend there was a pretty big football game. Whether you were rooting for the Eagles, Patriots or just good commercials or a halftime show, think about the International Space Station sitting on the field. That's how long it is (back of endzone to back of endzone). Pretty incredible!