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May 28, 2008 — Scientists leading NASA’s Phoenix Mars mission from the University of Arizona in Tucson sent commands to unstow its robotic arm and take more images of its landing site early today.

The Phoenix lander sent back new sharp color images from Mars late yesterday. Phoenix imaging scientists made a color mosaic of images taken by the lander’s Surface Stereo Imager on landing day, May 25, and the first two full “sols,” or Martian days, after landing.

The panorama, now about one-third complete, shows a fish-eye perspective from the camera, a view from the lander itself all the way to the horizon. Phoenix adjusts its color vision with “Caltargets,” calibrated color targets on disks mounted on the landing deck. Its color vision isn’t quite like human color vision, but close.

“These images are very exciting to the science team,” said the Surface Stereo Imager co-investigator Mark Lemmon of Texas A&M University. “We see the polygons we’re looking for, and we’re very excited to fill in the context with more site pan images that go beyond the workspace.” Images to complete the panorama are planned today and tomorrow, Sols 3 and 4, Lemmon said.

“We appear to have landed where we have access to digging down a polygon trough the long way, digging across the trough, and digging into the center of a polygon. We’ve dedicated this polygon as the first national park system on Mars — a “keep out” zone until we figure out how best to use this natural Martian resource,” Lemmon said.

Phoenix will use its robotic arm to dig first in another area seen in the panorama, an area outside the preserved polygon.

Robotic arm manager Bob Bonitz of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., explained how the arm is to be unstowed today. “It’s a series of seven moves, beginning with rotating the wrist to release the forearm from its launch restraint. Another series of moves releases the elbow from its launch restraints and moves the elbow from underneath the biobarrier.”

The robotic arm is a critical part of the Phoenix Mars mission. It is needed to trench into the icy layers of northern polar Mars and deliver samples to instruments that will analyze what Mars is made of, what its water is like, and whether it is or has ever been a possible habitat for life.

“Phoenix is in perfect health,” JPL’s Barry Goldstein, Phoenix project manager, said Wednesday morning, May 28.

The robotic arm’s first movement was delayed by one day when Tuesday’s commands from Earth did not get all the way to the Phoenix lander on Mars. The commands went to NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter as planned, but the orbiter’s Electra UHF radio system for relaying commands to Phoenix temporarily shut off. Without new commands, the lander instead carried out a set of activity commands sent Monday as a backup. Images and other information from those activities were successfully relayed back to Earth by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Tuesday evening.

Wednesday morning’s uplink to Phoenix and evening downlink from Phoenix were planned with NASA’s Mars Odyssey orbiter as the relay. “We are using Odyssey as our primary link until we have a better understanding of what happened with Electra,” Goldstein said.

images the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter’s HiRISE

The space blogosphere is rightfully abuzz over some jaw-dropping images the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter’s HiRISE camera has taken of the Phoenix Lander parachuting down to Mars (pictured) and then resting safely on the Martian surface along with its parachute and heat shield nearby (below).

As Phil “Bad Astronomer” Plait put it, the parachuting shot is “the first action shot” of a man-made machine landing on the surface of another planet. Very cool. This one’s not bad either:

The HiRISE camera has clearly been earning its money up there in Martian orbit, and has long since jumped ahead of the-great-and-powerful Google, whose Google Mars rainbow-colored elevation map of the Red Planet is a distant second to these awesome shots. I think the two should join forces for what could be a truly kick-ass mashup, with HiRISE imaging points of awesomeness like Olympus Mons, Vallis Marineris and the Viking I lander site, and GMars crunching the data and letting us users zoom in and do custom flybys.

The last Tasmanian tiger (thylacine), a female about 12 years old, which died in 1936.

The Tasmanian Tiger was wiped out decades ago, but some scientists from Australia have a mad plan to resurrect the wolf-like marsupials and reintroduce them to their original habitat. We may still be decades away from Jurassic Park, but these researchers did successfully implant Tasmanian Tiger DNA into a mouse and got some of the genes to express themselves. That’s a major first. So will we be using mice to breed a new race of Tasmanian Tigers?

A few photos and some specimens preserved in alcohol are all that remain of the Tasmanian Tiger – it was hunted to extinction early in the 20th century. Those alcohol-preserved bodies had enough DNA for the scientists to recover. They injected a few genes for cartilage development into mouse embryos, and the genes functioned, basically taking the place of the mouse genes that usually serve that function. It gave the researchers a new look into the genetics of a vanished species.

Pulling usable DNA from a fossilized bone or egg is a far cry from a preserved specimen, so species that were wiped out thousands or millions of years ago are going to be a little harder to bring back. There has been a lot of controversy regarding the Tasmanian Tiger project – is it even possible to bring back a living Tasmanian Tiger? And if it is possible, is it really something we should do? Even if the extinction was brought about by humans, I think the law of unintended consequences is going to bite us in the ass if we go too far down this road. Still, I’d be first in line to ride the automated SUV past the T-Rex enclosure.

Image by: Universal Pictures.

The Starfish

Once upon a time there was a wise man
who used to go to the ocean
to do his writing.
He had a habit of walking
on the beach
before he began his work.
One day he was walking along
the shore.
As he looked down the beach,
he saw a human
figure moving like a dancer.
He smiled to himself to think
of someone who would
dance to the day.
So he began to walk faster
to catch up. As he got closer, he saw
that it was a young boy
and the young boy wasn’t dancing,
but instead he was reaching
down to the shore,
picking up something
and very gently throwing it
into the ocean.
As he got closer he called out,
“Good morning! What are you doing?”
The young boy paused,
looked up and replied,
“Throwing starfish in the ocean.”
“I guess I should have asked,
why are you throwing starfish
in the ocean?”
“The sun is up and the tide is going out.
And if I don’t throw them in they’ll die.”
“But, young boy, don’t you realize that
there are miles and miles of beach
and starfish all along it.
You can’t possibly make a difference!”
The young boy listened politely.
Then bent down, picked up another starfish
and threw it into the sea,
past the breaking waves and said-
“It made a difference for that one.”

There is something very special in each and every one of us.
We have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference.
And if we can become aware of that gift,
we gain through the strength of our visions
the power to shape the future.
We must each find our starfish.
And if we throw our stars wisely and well,
the world will be blessed.

It took to the final week of the EPL season for MU to claim the title and it took two rounds of penalty kicks to settle the issue in Moscow. But when the last wet ball dropped onto the soaked pitch beneath the goal posts, once again, MU denied Chelsea a cup.

The match started a 10:45 pm Moscow time on a new pitch that had been laid down over the existing pitch. Controversy reared its head at the assigning of Referee Michel. He had presided over a Liverpool-Chelsea match in ‘05 that featured a disputed goal awarded to LIV.

From the start it was apparent that these two sides had no love lost, as in the first 20 minutes they twice gathered together in anger over hard hits. The second came as a result of some head banging that resulted in a bloodied MU’s Scholes and left him and CHL’s Makelele receipients of yellow cards.

MU’s Ronaldo is held to higher standards than most footballers; somewhere around Beckham standards to be exact. He deflected some of the criticism he often hears when he headed a pass from Brown past GK Cech for a 1-0 MU score. For the next 20 minutes MU stamped down on the throttle and looked like champions. But, in minute 45, they experienced a brain lock. Ferdinand took a nap while on defense and Lampard tip toed around him and a sprawling GK Van der Ser for the equalizer.

Referee Michel must have thought that yellow looked good with red and blue as he liberally carded the sides. For their part, both teams were engaged in a slug fest as they attempted to hammer in the winning goal.

Prior to the beginning of the 2nd Half, Sir Alex ambushed Michel in the tunnel to protest the cards and calls against MU. After his protestations, MU opened the half determined to draw fouls against CHL. Either that, or their legs gave out since they were sprawled all over the damp pitch. When not falling they were willingly exchanging blows with CHL and, as play grew more physical, the rugby blood bin would have been a welcome addition.

CHL realized they had to push in order to win, so they set the pace. Ronaldo was forced to wear Joe Cole like a second jersey.

The match went to Extra Time and the worsening rain was causing players who were not being knocked down to fall on the wet pitch.

For what it’s worth, many of the Russian soldiers assigned as stadium security were sporting MU jerseys. They’re obviously drawn to red. On the pitch, the match was as even as the score indicated.

A hot match turned sizzling in the 2nd Extra Time when, after another near brawl, Drogba drew a red card for slapping Vidic. This dropped CHL to 10 men and removed a certain pk choice.

With emotions still high, the Penalty Kicks began. Ronaldo was the 3rd kicker for MU and during his approach came to a stop; constituting a illegal kick. It didn’t matter since he missed the goal; opening the door for CHL. CHL Captain Terry slipped on the wet pitch for the next miss and more kickers were summoned. It took 6 pk’s for MU, then a miss by CHL’s Anelka, but in the Moscow rain, MU secured the UEFA Championship.

They say fortune favors the bold–but it also favors the fictional. The characters that make up this year’s edition of the Wealthy Fictional 15, The annual listing of fiction’s richest, boast an aggregate net worth of $137 billion. That’s enough to give $20 to every (real) person on the planet.

#1 Scrooge McDuck

Net Worth: $28.8 billion

Soaring gold prices vault penny-pinching poultry to top slot; first non-mammal to rank as fiction’s richest character. Keeps majority of fortune in bullion, stored in giant “money bin” atop hill in Duckburg; also invests in pearls, gems, other “hoardables.” Literally swims in gold coins for exercise: “It keeps me young.” Moved to American West from native Glasgow as an adolescent, made first fortune in mining; still keeps first coin he ever earned. Never gives to charity. Spent year combating “vicious rumors” that he once gave a penny to sick orphan. Publicly disinherited Donald Duck, his “ne’er-do-well” “hothead” nephew; Donald joined Navy, left behind Scrooge’s mischievous grand-nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie. Troublesome trio now presumed heirs. Member since 1947.

#2 Ming The Merciless

Net Worth: $20.9 billion

Existence of planet Mongo confirmed by U.S. government only this year; discovered by ultra-secretive NASA program code-named “retro-rocket.” Mongo ruled by mysterious dictator named Ming; difficulty separating planetary wealth from personal fortune keeps net worth in low 11 figures; Ming possibly much richer. Variously described as “control freak,” “micro-manager,” “vile despot,” “a kinder Steve Ballmer”; press reports have settled on “merciless.” Reportedly lonely after executing wife; now fixated on Dale Arden, NASA public relations specialist, girlfriend of astronaut Flash Gordon. Arden allegedly kidnapped, brainwashed by Ming minions earlier this year; Gordon now among the regime’s most vocal critics. New member.

#3 Richie Rich

Net Worth: $16.1 billion

Self-proclaimed “poor little rich boy” now Silicon Valley power player, majority stockholder in Cisco Systems, primary investor in Facebook. With help from mentor Professor Keenbean invented robot maid, solid gold cellphone, e-mail spam engine. Often criticized for extravagant lifestyle, remains unrepentant; flew iceberg from the North Pole to Richville so friends could go skating. Rich’s personal life hit front pages after he dumped longtime sweetheart Gloria Glad for local siren Mayda Munny; took another hit after best pals Freckles and Pee-Wee were arrested on fraud charges related to Rich Industries insider-trading scandal. Member since 1953.

#4 Mom

Net Worth: $15.7 billion

The future’s wealthiest woman, Mom is known to her adoring public as the matronly CEO of MomCorp, a far-flung conglomerate with divisions ranging from Mom’s Friendly Robot Co. to Mom’s Friendly Advanced Weapon & Munition Co. But insiders know her as a dangerous, ruthless competitor who will stop at nothing in her pursuit of wealth and power. Once attempted global coup by programming the world’s robots to rebel and overthrow humanity. Had a business partner’s dental fillings pried out and his body fed to jackals. Maintains matriarchal public image through the use of a “fat suit” and attendance at numerous philanthropic fund-raisers, including one she described in private as “some charity BS for knocked-up teenaged sluts.” New member.

#5 Jed Clampett

Net Worth: $11.0 billion

Clampett’s fortune continues to soar alongside the price of oil. Milton Drysdale, new CFO, former family banker, struggling to bring company management up to international standards. Some successes: Jed no longer quoted in annual report as being “happier than a cat at a fish fry” about stock price; shotguns, rifles banned from executive suites. Room for improvement: Saudi Aramco delegation reportedly offended after being served lunch of “possum-fried critter” by provocatively attired Ellie May; one Harvard-trained management consultant dismissed as “green enough to stick in the ground and grow.” Jed increasingly devoted to philanthropic endeavors, recently endowed “Cousins Consanguinity Center” outside of Tahlequah, Okla. Member since 1962.

#6 C. Montgomery Burns

Net Worth: $8.4 billion

Fortune of longtime owner and operator of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant hit hard after U.S. Environmental Protection Agency attempted to contain pollution by enclosing Springfield in a giant glass dome. Rioters subsequently ransacked city, looted Burns Manor, made off with priceless treasures, including suit Charlie Chaplin was buried in, first draft of the Constitution with the word “suckers” in it, robotic Richard Simmons. Despondent, Burns reportedly told assistant Smithers, “I don’t believe in suicide, but if you’d like to try it, it might cheer me up to watch.” Still, stands to profit greatly from reconstruction contracts in now dome-less Springfield. Critics call him an ogre, but Burns is unbowed: “I ought to club them and eat their bones!” Member since 1989.

#7 Carter Pewterschmidt

Net Worth: $7.2 billion

Longtime poker partner of Bill Gates and Michael Eisner recently discharged from Betty Ford Center following treatment for sleeping pill addiction. Long-term prognosis unclear; overheard saying, “Sleeping with the pills is better than sleeping with my wife.” Reportedly won CNN in game of Texas Hold ‘Em, only to have Ted Turner sheepishly admit that he doesn’t own the network anymore; violently dismissed counteroffer of Time Warner stock as “worthless.” Tumultuous personal life; son-in-law placed restraining order on him following alleged assault with ancient statuette; loveless marriage; said to love money above all else. New member.

#8 Bruce Wayne

Net Worth: $7.0 billion

Wayne Industry profits up significantly due to sale of “Brother Eye” spy-satellite technology to U.S. government. Meanwhile, Wayne himself subject of ongoing FBI investigation after top-secret military prototypes are “lost” from company storage. Renowned playboy, fixture of the Gotham social scene, Wayne recently spotted canoodling with Silver St. Cloud, Drew Barrymore, Lindsay Lohan. Professional life occasionally intrudes on personal; annual all-black-attire party at Hamptons estate disrupted by swarm of razor-beaked robot penguins. Tongues continue to wag concerning Wayne’s longtime habit of keeping teenage boys as “wards,” rumored rubber suit fetish. Member since 1939.

#9 Thurston Howell III

Net Worth: $6.3 billion

Value of Howell Industries skyrocketing after New York state attorney general’s office abruptly dropped investigation into tax evasion, money-laundering charges following rambling, bumbling grand jury appearance by whistle-blower known only as “Gilligan.” Despite legal clean slate, Howell remains firmly ensconced on remote Pacific Island with skeleton staff of trusted associates. Now becoming major private-equity player; recently took largest remaining U.S. maker of ascots, bamboo radios, martini glasses private; distrusts technology, particularly GPS navigation systems. Member since 1964.

#10 Tony Stark

Net Worth: $6.0 billion

Stark Industries dominates headlines following alleged misdeeds of security personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. Regardless, family controlled company saw sales surge thanks to contacts forged after Stark appointed head of global law-enforcement unit S.H.I.E.L.D. New line of “Hulkbuster” armored suits won $6.2 billion Department of Defense contract. Legendary playboy Stark reportedly toning down wild ways following death of friend Captain America; rumored to have taken up knitting, mah-jongg. Sold rights to life story to Hollywood interests; biopic due out next spring. Member since 1963.

#11 Fake Steve Jobs

Net Worth: $5.7 billion

Alter-ego of Apple chief had much better year than real-life counterpart. Real Steve: Options back-dating scandal, iPhone apology, digital rights management troubles. Fake Steve: Outed by The New York Times as Forbes editor, published book, invented words like “frigtard” and wrote posts like “Dell Polishes a Turd” for a living; other Forbes hacks jealous.

#12 Gomez Addams

Net Worth: $2.0 billion

Descendant of Castilian royalty and British aristocrats owes fortune to quirky–and lucky–investment style: bought a swamp for “scenic value,” subsequently discovered massive oil deposit underneath; purchased mummified hand at flea market, later determined to be priceless remains of Egyptian pharaoh. Extensive holdings include insurance company, salt mine, tombstone factory, buzzard farm. Known for eccentric behavior, including affinity for sword fighting, Halloween tradition of bobbing for live crabs. Doesn’t like to write checks for odd amounts; always rounds up. Passionate collector of toy trains: once bought a railroad simply so he could crash real steam engines. Reportedly spends a thousand dollars a week on cigars. New member.

#13 Willy Wonka

Net Worth: $1.9 billion

Eccentric, reclusive candy maker continues to struggle. Heir apparent Charlie Bucket, now 15, becoming more interested in girls and less in Oopma-Loompas, while Bucket’s aged grandparents remain drain on management’s time, attention. Loompas growing more financially sophisticated; recently insisted on being paid in cash rather than in cocoa beans; Wonka bottom line, net worth adversely affected. Despite strained labor relations, immature management, Wonka still turns out finest candies on planet; company looking to fast-developing China and India for future growth. Member since 1964.

#14 Lucius Malfoy

Net Worth: $1.6 billion

Patriarch of ancient wizarding family still standing after defeat of Dark Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Malfoy, himself a convicted criminal and Azkaban prison escapee, miraculously managed to avoid being sent back to jail thanks to well-timed “donations” to charities supported by influential Ministry of Magic employees. Now reunited with family and unfettered by criminal charges, Malfoy is aggressively pursuing new business enterprises. In June, attempted to corner the global cauldron market. In August, sold short more than $1 billion worth of Galleons, forcing Gringotts Bank to devalue and withdraw the currency from the Wizardly Exchange Rate Mechanism. Member since 2005.

#15 Princess Peach

Net Worth: $1.3 billion

Heiress to the Mushroom Kingdom nearly doubled personal net worth after terms of divorce from hero plumber Mario awarded her a fortune in gold coins. Said to enjoy tennis and go-kart racing, owns over 600 outfits in the same pink color. But life has not always been easy for Peach, who has been kidnapped repeatedly since childhood by Bowser, king of the turtle-like Koopa race. Trauma evident, say friends; Peach fantasizes that she has ability to float in the air for several seconds; mutters about “Goombas,” “Cheep Cheeps,” “Bob-ombs.” New member.

List compiled by Forbes.