Real-life Meteor Freaks? The coolest extrasolar planets? Mutants bred by space radiation?
Here’s a round-up of recent stories that hint at hoary sf clichés of yore.
Space is big. Really big. And those other worlds out there may be stranger than we imagine. Lately, we’ve had lists of the Ten Most Interesting Extrasolar Planets and some hypothetical extrasolars as well.
A recent study shows that microbes can become more virulent in space, while a meteor strike in Peru may have had some unusual effects on the locals, as reported here and here.
Finally, here’s a recent reflection on Robert Heinlein, who helped invent modern SF.
No Mutant Superheros in Peru
Nothing extraterrestrial about the effects on the locals: The meteorite heated up a water supply contaminated with arsenic; the fumes were breathed in by many people in the area at the time.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/09/070921-meteor-peru.html
Nothing
Ok folks. Move along. Nothing to see here. Just keep on moving. ALL YOUR CATS ARE BELONG TO US!
Keep on moving… Nothing here.