The Nearest Isolated Member of the TW Hydrae Association is a Giant Planet Analog

In a recent search for unusually red L and T dwarfs, we identified 2MASS J11193254-1137466 as a likely young L7 dwarf and potential member of the TW Hydrae association. We present spectra that confirm the youth of this object. We also measure a radial velocity of 8.5 +/- 3.3 km/s that, together with the sky position, proper motion and photometric distance, results in a 92% probability of membership in the TW Hydrae association, with a calibrated field contamination probability of 0.0005% using the BANYAN II tool. Using the age of TW Hydrae and the luminosity of 2MASS J11193254-1137466, we estimate its mass to be 4.3--7.6 MJup. It is the lowest-mass and nearest isolated member of TW Hydrae at a kinematic distance of 28.9 +/- 3.6 pc, and the second-brightest isolated <10 MJup object discovered to date.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, Accepted for publication in ApJ Letter

Photometric brown-dwarf classification. II. A homogeneous sample of 1361 L and T dwarfs brighter than J = 17.5 with accurate spectral types

We present a homogeneous sample of 1361 L and T dwarfs brighter than J = 17.5 (of which 998 are new), from an effective area of 3070 deg2, classified by the photo-type method to an accuracy of one spectral sub-type using izYJHKW1W2 photometry from SDSS+UKIDSS+WISE. Other than a small bias in the early L types, the sample is shown to be effectively complete to the magnitude limit, for all spectral types L0 to T8. The nature of the bias is an incompleteness estimated at 3% because peculiar blue L dwarfs of type L4 and earlier are classified late M. There is a corresponding overcompleteness because peculiar red (likely young) late M dwarfs are classified early L. Contamination of the sample is confirmed to be small: so far spectroscopy has been obtained for 19 sources in the catalogue and all are confirmed to be ultracool dwarfs. We provide coordinates and izYJHKW1W2 photometry of all sources. We identify an apparent discontinuity, $\Delta$m $\sim$ 0.4 mag., in the Y-K colour between spectral types L7 and L8. We present near-infrared spectra of nine sources identified by photo-type as peculiar, including a new low-gravity source ULAS J005505.68+013436.0, with spectroscopic classification L2{$\gamma$}. We provide revised izYJHKW1W2 template colours for late M dwarfs, types M7 to M9.Comment: Accepted for publication in A & A, 17 pages, 14 figures, catalogue of L and T dwarfs supplied here in source files (anc/ directory), and available on CD

Writing The History Of Spaceport Kennedy

Writing the history of Apollo so close to the conclusion of the program has advantages and disadvantages. The advantages lie in the opportunities for interviews with the participants in this tremendous enterprise, the availability of multitudinous documentation, and the opportunity of weighing interview with documentation. The disadvantages are those of all contemporary history: the lack of perspective that only time can give; the inability to see ultimate results; and the necessity of causing hurt to some individuals. Even if the passage of time will force a change of some analysis, still the assembling of the story at this time will preserve factual materials for historians of future generations. But some aspects of the program will never undergo reevaluation--especially the tremendous cooperative effort of government, industry, military and university in sending men to the moon and bringing them back safely

The Effects Of Mobile Computing on Teleworking

This paper examines Mobile Computing Technology with a particular focus on the effect Mobile Computing is having on teleworking. Mobile computing as it is defined for this paper is described. The enablers of this technology as well as the inhibitors to this technology are discussed. Future possible trends in the area of mobile computing are also explored. Teleworking is reviewed in terms of the advantages and disadvantages it offers to the organization. Also outlined is the use Information Technology (IT) in teleworking. This examination of teleworking leads the paper into the next step up from teleworking i.e. The virtual organization. The issues around this type of structure are outlined including, Strategic Change Issues, Virtual teams, Integration of Virtual teams, Trust Issues and Cultural Issues. The paper then examines the implications involved in managing a virtual organization. Having explored the issues and possible complications surrounding a virtual organization it is important to highlight any strategic advantage that a move to this type of organizational set up would give and organization

Beauty and Intrigue of the Overlooked: a photographic investigation of surfaces

Art/Architecture (The Ohio State University Spring Undergraduate Research Expo)I will compare and contrast living and inert surfaces at the macro level through a photographic investigation. Complexity of structure, intensity of color and presence of texture are among the merits for which these surfaces will be studied. The exploration of these planes at a magnified level of detail will reveal the visual similarities and differences between them. It is easier now, thanks to advancements in the biological sciences, to factually determine if something is living or nonliving. The visual distinctions between these two categories of existence, however, may not be as obvious, especially with an intensified view of their surfaces. For example, a macro photograph of rust, a nonliving surface, looks eerily similar to one of lichen, a living surface; the main difference between the two being color. The line between these categorical labels “living” and “nonliving” may not be as finite and obvious as the general public would assume. This research aims to show how quickly and blindly the average individual moves through the world. As the researcher, I urge individuals to become more aware of their surroundings and to dismiss a popular misconception that the nonliving is inherently ugly. This research will manifest as sets of photographic diptychs, their side-by-side presentation further emphasizing the similarities and differences between living and nonliving surfaces. By presenting these diptychs as artwork, I am asserting that it is worth your time to look at them; I am asserting that the nonliving is worth your curiosity. By viewing these diptychs, I hope that individuals will realize their involuntary blindness and begin to question the beauty of their surroundings, both living and inert.The Ohio State UniversityAcademic Major: Ar

The Hetu'u Global Network: Measuring the Distance to the Sun Using the June 5th/6th Transit of Venus

In the spirit of historic astronomical endeavors, we invited school groups across the globe to collaborate in a solar distance measurement using the rare June 5/6th transit of Venus. In total, we recruited 19 school groups spread over 6 continents and 10 countries to participate in our Hetu'u Global Network. Applying the methods of French astronomer Joseph-Nicolas Delisle, we used individual second and third Venus-Sun contact times to calculate the distance to the Sun. Ten of the sites in our network had amiable weather; 8 of which measured second contact and 5 of which measured third contact leading to consistent solar distance measurements of 152+/-30 million km and 163+/-30 million km respectively. The distance to the Sun at the time of the transit was 152.25 million km; therefore, our measurements are also consistent within 1sigma of the known value. The goal of our international school group network was to inspire the next generation of scientists using the excitement and accessibility of a rare astronomical event. In the process, we connected hundreds of participating students representing a diverse, multi-cultural group with differing political, economic, and racial backgrounds.Comment: 19 pages; 7 Figures; 1 Table; Accepted for publication in Astronomy Education Review (AER) For more information see http://www.das.uchile.cl/~drodrigu/easter/index_en.htm