Tech Net News 11-18-2017

leonid_from_space
Credit: Credit: ESA/Paolo Nespoi

There’s a popular contest going on right now. The SSB part of the ARRL November Sweepstakes is in progress; see if you can join in!

As always, don’t forget to sign up for Turkey Trot if you haven’t already—it’s almost too late, and don’t forget that the DARC officer elections for 2018 are going on now, using an email that you should find in your inbox.

Our newest amateur radio satellite, Fox-1B, is now orbiting the earth and undergoing checkout, before being declared operational and made available to amateurs around the world.

In the world of science:

The 2018 Leonid meteor shower is now in progress! There’s lots to see, even if you won’t be able to see them from above.

You’ll be surprised to know that your hair and dead skin cells can start electrical fires in subway tunnels.

A submarine-hunting P-3 Orion, transferred from military use to NASA research years ago, has returned to submarine hunting to help with an emergency.

A new, advanced weather satellite has reached its polar orbit.

Who knew that opening the pod bay doors was so risky?

Finally, please stop annoying this scientist with false prophesies of doom. Yes, debunking is his job, but he’s busy already.