Free Republic

Super-high-energy galactic gamma rays have trillions of times more energy than visible light, and they disappear in the atmosphere before they hit the Earth’s surface. So if you want to detect these mysterious phenomena, a regular telescope isn’t much help. To learn about the highest-energy gamma rays, scientists build elaborate observatories, and one of the most advanced is the new High-Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) Gamma-Ray Observatory, high in the mountains about six hours from Mexico City. When it’s completed, it will be the only facility in the world that can detect the highest-energy gamma rays, with energies of up to...

HOUGHTON - The city of Hancock may want to put additional dollars aside as a defense budget against rival neighbor Houghton. The Houghton City Council approved a resolution Wednesday to pursue funding for the purchase of two M101 Howitzer cannon to be placed at Veterans' Park. "We'll point them at Hancock," quipped Mayor Tom Merz. City Manager Scott MacInnes said a subcommittee comprised of city representatives and members of the Copper Country Veterans' Association, the group working on improvements to the park, desired to showcase the pieces as display items in the park located just north of the Portage Lake...

CAMP HABBANIYAH, Iraq (Dec. 14, 2005) -- The majority of professional armed forces worldwide receive some form of standardized training in the operation and handling of the weapons they will use in combat. The fledgling Iraqi military and police forces didn’t receive this type of training until May 10, when instructors like Sgt. Michael Magallanez created the Iraqi Small Arms Weapons Instructor Course (ISAWIC) at the newly formed 2nd Marine Division Training Center (DTC) here. The 13-day course is the primary focus of the DTC and teaches Iraqi soldiers and American service members the fundamentals of marksmanship and the AK-series...

The fragmented European defense industry is on the verge of large-scale restructuring, and a small Bremen-based submarine equipment manufacturer is playing a key role in the process. As recently as last spring, it looked as though Michel Josserand, 48, was on the fast track to the top at European aviation and defense group EADS. The French senior executive had been chosen for his position from among several candidates, and had been on the job only four months when he put together his first major deal for the company, a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler, the acquisition of Finnish mobile phone producer Nokia's...