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Astronomers using the European Space Agency's gamma-ray observatory, Integral, have detected what appears to be the fastest spinning neutron star yet. This tiny stellar corpse is spinning 1122 times every second. If confirmed, the discovery gives astronomers the chance to glimpse the insides of the dead star. The neutron star, known by its catalogue number XTE J1739-285, was discovered during one of its active phases on 19 October 1999 by NASA's Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) satellite. In August 2005, while Integral was monitoring the bulge of the Galaxy, XTE J1739-285 started to come back to life. About a month...

The New Majority Committee burst onto the scene five years ago with a flurry of political gunfire and a manifesto calling for reform of the county Republican Party. A civil war erupted, with the millionaires of the New Majority funding a $300,000 takeover attempt and the GOP establishment turning from battles with Democrats to fend off the insurgency. Today when the former combatants meet, you can practically hear strains of "Kumbaya" wafting in the air. The New Majority's drive to bring an abortion-rights, pro-gun control, pro-minority faction into the party has lost its aggressive, strident tone - to the point...

Can someone explain to me how and why Steve Young made it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame??? Michael Irvin is so much more deserving. Irvin has three rings, Young only one. I guess drugs and hookers hurt Irvin. But then again, Lawrence Taylor got in. Aikmann will get in, so will Smith. wasn't Irvin an intrical part??? If I had a receiver like Jerry Rice, i would be in the Hall of Fame. I think Young was a good Quarterback, but he wasn't better than Jim Plunkett and he's not in.

Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. 2002 April 6 Vintage Gamma Rays Credit: ESA / IAS / CEA-SACLAY Explanation: Gamma-rays are the most energetic form of electromagnetic radiation. But these high energy photons penetrate and interact in normal materials and cannot be focused by lenses and mirrors like those in optical telescopes. So how do you make an image in gamma-ray light? One way is to use a patterned mask of material which can...