Upcoming Lecture
Tickets are running out fast for our upcoming lecture on the 9th of August 2010. The subject of the talk will be Gamma Ray astronomy. More info can be found at our website.
I have a good few questions lined up for John on night. Wired have a nice article outlining the affects of a large Gamma bursts on photosynthesis. The first in the firing line seem to be the phytoplanktons that support most of the ocean due to their position as one of the primary producers in the oceans. Gamma rays being the strongest form of radiation, cause mutations within the DNA structure of organisms, preventing potentially photosynthesis. This is apparently linked to the Ordovacian mass extinction 400 million years ago.
Anyway, have a read of it and have your thinking caps ready for Monday week!
