I actually got distracted from the stunning views by the geologic, meteorological, biologic sciency bits you dispersed throughout this post.

"This isn't the first time..." There can't be too much 'space porn' especially from the ISS. It adds an extra, hmm, intensity knowing that these images are being taken by humans sharing the same milieu.

So ref. the posting on reduction of arctic ice, does that affect the Polar Jet Stream and if so is there an impact on this pattern?

I have never heard Canadarm pronounced. I just realized that mentally I always have said Canada arm. So, maybe CAN a darm?

"weird, creepy" oooorrrrrrrrr ethereal, enticing?

Hooray! I was surprised to check-in and see this answer.

Thank you for taking the time to share! My brow has unfurrowed. The big mysteries I just stand back and admire, but the small mysteries crave info if not a total reveal.

To one degree or another Alison has from the beginning been channeling "Serial Mom."

"The Ancient Draa of Mars Are Epic Waves of Sand"

Congratulations! Earth and Space, excellent. I was afraid you were going to go nova by the end of this trial by stats. You are one tough lady. Thanks for so many interesting posts and answers, all with patience and humor.

Continuing what I started over the holiday: Rotating between Joan of Arcadia, Danger Man and Black Books.

Career...point taken >^~^<

Sideways question: If for instance an oiler started leaking as a harbor begins rapidly icing over, would any or most of the oil be incorporated into the ice. Would crude oil be more likely to float in the colder water and/or be trapped under the forming ice.

This made me smile a lot. A SF writer extrapolates the effects of water shortages in LOCUS—dog bites man; Modern Farmer interviewing a SF writer—man bites dog.

Interesting and the link is great but my heart belongs to those dancing, wispy little spider fossil tracks. can't do pics on iPad :(

It's been years since I've given more than passing attention to space photos except the odd (usually from space station) one accompanying an article.

The Eye of God

Tonight watched "Hobson's Choice" on TCM. This week (until OB Saturday) I'm rewatching a Scottish limited series "Hamish Macbeth" (1995 Robert Carlyle 20 eps.)

Forget my suggestion: I back Nocturnal Transmissions.

io9 Nightcap...just the right sensibility and suitable for any number of double-entendres.