Head's up, the sky is falling

U.S. Spy Satellite, Power Gone, May Hit Earth

The main concern is that the satellite, which was launched pnly a year ago but quickly lost contact with the ground, still should have plenty of fuel that could be hazardous should it reach earth. Granted, the greater likelihoood is that it will either burn up in orbit or hit somewhere that isn't inhabited. But it should happen within a few weeks, and if the fuel does go up once it hits the atmosphere, it should be seen with the naked eye.

You can't hide everything

An Eye in the Sky on Burma

In light of the protests led by thousands of monks in recent days, Burma's military junta is shutting the country off from the rest of the world--bringing down communication lines, websites, blocking access to reporters, all while moving into the streets and shooting any civilians who do not comply.

So scientists are scrutinising satellite images to show things such as fires from orbit. Using data from the past, they have been able to confirm many reports of forced relocations and similar tactics. They hope keeping an eye in the sky will help convince China and Russia from blocking the United Nations Security Council from taking action against the junta.

It's a technique that has worked well in Darfur, but Burma has dense vegetation which hampers the efforts. Still, I hope it will help.