Science Friday > Archives > 2004 > July
> July 9,
2004:
Hour Two: Mount Graham Observatory Fire / Smoke and Germination / Lynx Ecology
Wildfires have been raging through Arizona this week, threatening to engulf the Mount Graham International Observatory. Join Joe Palca and guests in this hour of Science Friday for an update on the fires, and the telescopes at Mount Graham.
Plus, scientists know that wildfires, though devastating, can play an important role in an ecosystem. We'll find out how smoke helps seeds germinate.
Finally, we'll find out why scientists have been tracking the Canadian lynx. It's a complex tale that involves fluffy snow, fleeing hares, and even global warming. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern), and share your opinions online in our Listeners' Lounge (registration required).
Guests:
Peter Strittmatter
Regents Professor
Director, Steward Observatory
Head, Department of Astronomy
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
------------------------------------------------------
Kingsley Dixon
Director of Science, Kings Park and
Botanic Garden
Adjunct Professor in Plant Biology
The University of Western Australia
Perth, Australia.
-------------------------------------------------
Stanley Boutin
Professor, Department of Biological
Sciences
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
This segment produced by Erica Altman
Archived Audio:
Mt Graham
listen
in RealAudio format
listen
in Windows Media format
smoke and germination
listen
in RealAudio format
listen
in Windows Media format
lynx ecology
listen
in RealAudio format
listen
in Windows Media format
streaming audio help from NPR
Related Links:
Mt.
Graham International Observatory
The
Large Binocular Telescope Observatory
Southwest
Area - Wildland Fire Operations Website
Arizona
wildfires rage toward observatory
Mount
Graham Observatory once again at risk from blazing wildfire
National
Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)
Secret
of seed growth all smoke and molecules
ADW: Lynx canadensis: Information
Climate
May Play Role in Lynx's Hunting Ability
Books/Articles Discussed:
Copyright 2004 ScienceFriday Inc. All Rights Reserved.