The Galahad Blog

Mars Rovers Celebrate an Amazing Anniversary!

It's hard to believe, but after they were expected to last perhaps three months, the twin Mars Rovers, named Spirit and Opportunity, this month celebrate their five year anniversary. Many of us remember their spectacular touchdown in January, 2004, as they literally bounced onto the surface in giant, inflatable balls.

Since then they have covered miles and miles of Martian terrain, and sent back more than a quarter of a million images. The extremely harsh winters on the red planet have taken their toll on the little robotic explorers, but somehow they have managed to live on.

You can read the full story of their anniversary right here. And, to find out even more, just go to their official web site to see all kinds of cool stuff.

The Comet's Curse is Here!

The big day has arrived! The Comet's Curse is now available in hardcover from Tor Books. We've scheduled a big launch party for Saturday, January 31st, and you're invited!

Mark your calendar for 1/31 at 2 o'clock. The party will take place at The Tattered Cover Book Store in Highlands Ranch, CO. Here's a map to get you there.

Bring all of your friends and family members, especially those who have never before experienced a Galahad party. See you there!

Shuttle Launch: Space Station To Get Makeover

The International Space Station is celebrating its tenth anniversary, and the time has come to fix things up a bit. The space shuttle Endeavor lifted off beautifully on November 14th, on a mission that will transform the orbiting science lab from a "small apartment" to a "good-sized house."

That means adding more bathroom facilities, sleeping quarters, and an amazing water recycling unit. Two links for you to check out: This link will give you the story of the launch and many of the items heading to space.

This link will take you to NASA's shuttle pages, where you can go each day for updates. That includes launches, space walks, landings, etc. Enjoy!

Of course, all of these steps in the space program are leading us to the point where Galahad may soon become a reality.

Great Site for Teachers

I'm a big fan of Astronomy magazine, because it's loaded with terrific articles and images that help to explain some of the most mind-blowing elements of space science in very easy-to-understand language.

And they have a fantastic site that kids will love. Here's a link that will take you to that particular page. Teachers will especially find this useful when they do a unit on science/space.

A Personal Hero Dies: Michael Crichton

I know that I have credited him before, including book recommendations in the Club Galahad newsletter, so I must take a moment here on the Galahad Blog to mention the death of one of my personal writing heroes.

Michael Crichton passed away on November 4th. When I was a teenager, I picked up a copy of a book called The Andromeda Strain...and was mesmerized. Here was an author who could take science and use it as the backdrop for a nail-biting thriller. In fact, you probably have to credit Crichton with the creation of what is now known as the techno-thriller.

Of course, since then he has published more than a dozen best-selling novels. It's likely that the title you're most familiar with is Jurassic Park, but there are so many more. If I had to select three that all Galahad fans should read at least once, I would nominate:

The Andromeda Strain
Jurassic Park
Sphere

Michael Cricton was 66. The world has lost a truly visionary writer.