Topic: Herschel telescope 'fingerprints' colossal star

[Simon]

The death throes of the biggest star known to science have been observed by Europe's new space telescope, Herschel.

The observatory, launched in May, has subjected VY Canis Majoris, to a detailed spectroscopic analysis.  It has allowed Herschel to identify the different types of molecules and atoms that swirl away from the star which is 30-40 times as massive as our Sun.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8382348.stm

[Clive]

The star is slightly too faint to be seen with the naked eye but can easily be seen using a pair of small binoculars.  We are lucky that it is nearly 5,000 light years away because if it were as close as Sirius (8.6 light years) it would destroy all life on Earth when it eventually explodes. 

[Simon]

That was close, then.

[GillE]

At least we'd have its fingerprints to help the galactic policemen convict the criminal.

[Rik]

Or is that DNA?

[Simon]

Talking of which, I was told today that when the police do a random breath test for drink driving, they keep the little tube you blow into, as it has your DNA on it.   

[Rik]

In the reality shows I've seen on TV, they generally give it to the person as a 'souvenir'. I'd be very wary if I saw them handle it without gloves and then keep it. Of course, if you fail the test, I think they have the right to take DNA, don't they?

[Simon]

Do they?  What's DNA got to do with a drink driving offence? 

[Rik]

I think they can take DNA for any arrestable offence, can't they?

[Simon]

I guess so, but if you weren't over the limit?

[sam]

argh... that's pretty good spectroscopy though!

[Rik]

I guess so, but if you weren't over the limit?

Then there's no offence.

[Simon]

In which case, why should they keep your DNA?

[Rik]

They don't. You can't be arrested if you pass, so they're not allowed to store any DNA. At least, officially.

[Simon]

But that's what I'm saying. How do you know they don't keep the tube you blow into, and get the DNA from that?