Saturday, September 10, 2011
A 182-page report issued September 1 by the United States National Research Council warns that the amount of debris in space is reaching “a tipping point”, and could cause damage to satellites or spacecraft. The report calls for regulations to reduce the amount of debris, and suggests that scientists increase research into methods to remove some of the debris from orbit, though it makes no recommendations about how to do so.
NASA sponsored the study.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Parts of Texas have been scorched by sweeping wildfires this week. Officials state that a wildfire which swept much of central Texas this week destroyed at least 1,400 homes and forced about 5,000 people to evacuate to safety. An official with the Texas Forestry Services told news sources on Thursday that much of that fire has been contained.
Officials have speculated that this fire alone has destroyed more homes than any other wildfire on record in the state. Officials are welcoming dropping temperatures, stating this will increase their ability to fight the fires effectively. A converted DC-10 aircraft was recently made available to fire authorities, but cannot be used until Friday as workers still need to time to prepare on-board equipment.
UK banks should ring fence their retail banking divisions to protect them from riskier investment banking arms, a government-backed commission says.
Global stock markets fall as fresh concerns over a default by Greece send the euro to a 10-year-low against the yen.
China’s imports hit a record monthly high in August indicating strong domestic demand despite concerns of a global slowdown.
Yukio Edano has been appointed Japan’s trade minister, reports say, after the abrupt resignation of the previous incumbent.
Following a year of strong car sales, the industry gathers at the Frankfurt motor show amidst fears about the future.
Relations between Volkswagen and Suzuki are dealt a blow after the German carmaker accused Suzuki of breaching contracts.
G8 nations pledge billions in aid to reforming Arab countries as the IMF decides to recognise Libya’s post-Gaddafi leadership.
European Central Bank’s chief economist, Juergen Stark, resigns amid reports about disagreements over its bond buying policy.