Tsunami seismic waves recorded on IU instruments\nOn Sunday, Dec. 26, 2004, a 9.0-magnitude earthquake shook the ground beneath the Indian Ocean causing a tsunami that devastated the surrounding countries. On that same day, halfway around the world, IU's scientific instruments began recording the seismic waves that consequently caused the deaths of more than 140,000 people.\nMichael Hamburger, seismologist and IU professor of geological sciences, recorded the high amplitude readings. He said the earthquake was "comparable with the largest earthquakes that have been recorded by seismologic instruments."\nThe instruments that recorded its effect measured seismic waves in the Earth's interior as well as others on the surfaces caused by the earthquake, Hamburger said.\nThe devices measured the movements in thousandths of a millimeter, far less than a human could feel or observe without the help of instruments. \nHamburger said the readings will be compared to others in the region and around the world for further analysis. \nFor a more in-depth look at the geology department's coverage of the tsunami, see page 6.
IUPUI to hold public forum on stem cell research\nINDIANAPOLIS -- The debate regarding stem cell research comes to Indiana today. IU-Purdue University Indianapolis is playing co-host to a forum featuring speakers who will address the subject from the perspectives of public policy, science and morality.\n"A Primer on Stem Cell Research: Science, Ethics and Public Policy" will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. today in the Lilly Auditorium of University Library, 755 W. Michigan St. in Indianapolis. The event is free and open to the general public.\nSpeakers include David Stocum, Ph.D., founder of the IU Center of Regenerative Biology and Medicine; Eric M. Meslin, Ph.D., director of the IU Center of Bioethics and Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D., director of education for the National Catholic Bioethics Center.\nThe forum will include 15-minute presentations by each speaker, followed by a question-and-answer session allowing audience participation.
Saturn reaches its closest point to Earth\nGet out those telescopes.\nSaturn will reach the point on its orbit closest to earth Thursday. The planet will appear opposite the sun, rising in the east at dusk and shining all night. \nAs it crosses the southern sky, Saturn will appear its brightest with its rings highly visible on a clear night. During the entire month of January, Saturn will dominate the bright stars of the constellations Gemini and Orion.
