Free Republic

WASHINGTON (AP) — Scientists studying earthshine — the amount of light reflected by the Earth — say the planet appeared to dim from 1984 to 2001 and then reversed its trend and brightened from 2001 to 2003. The shift appears to have resulted from changes in the amount of clouds covering the planet. More clouds reflect more light back into space, potentially cooling the planet, while a dimmer planet with fewer clouds would be warmed by the arriving sunlight. That means the changes in brightness could signal climate change, though it's too early to tell. Steven Koonin, a California Institute...

<p>Fires destroyed dozens of SUVs and a warehouse at an auto dealership Friday, and vehicles there and at three other dealerships were spray-painted with slogans such as "Fat, Lazy Americans."</p> <p>"With all the evidence ... it's highly likely it's an arson fire," said Rick Genovese, fire marshal for West Covina, a Los Angeles suburb.</p>

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 19 The Old Moon in the New Moon's Arms Credit & Copyright: Laurent Laveder Explanation: Also known as the Moon's "ashen glow" or "the old Moon in the new Moon's arms", Earthshine is Earthlight reflected from the Moon's night side. This dramatic image of Earthshine and a young crescent Moon was taken by astrophotographer and APOD translator Laurent Laveder from the remote Pic du Midi Observatory...