How far away are the stars? Well, we don't know, exactly . . .

[unixronin]

Once again, our measurements of astronomical distances are in doubt.  One has to wonder what impact it has on the dark-matter/dark-energy and MOND theories when we have as much as 15% uncertainty in how far away -- and therefore, how far apart -- astronomical objects really are.

In related news, the Space Telescope Science Institute, which operates the Hubble Space Telescope, is considering private investment and Russian assistance in keeping Hubble alive after NASA's decision to let it die.  Possible discussions with ESA have also been suggested.  The two new instruments slated to be installed on Hubble by the cancelled Servicing Mission 4, along with new pointing gyros, would make Hubble "ten times more capable of examining the early universe," and represent $167 million already spent; they are already almost ready to install (one completed, one almost completed).   No existing or currently-planned instrument can replace Hubble's ability to examine the universe in visible light; the new Spitzer Space Telescope and the planned James Webb Space Telescope see the universe only in infrared.

This whole situation almost seems to be shaping up to a grudge match between NASA and STScI, with STScI trying to find a way to save Hubble before NASA can de-orbit it, and NASA making plans to de-orbit it before STScI can save it.

One final astronomical tidbit:  the European Space Agency's Mars Express mission has confirmed the presence of water ice in the Martian south polar icecap.  There's water in them thar hills, boy.  Mars Express's High Resolution Stereo Camera has also returned full-color images clear enough to see dust spilling over the rim of a caldera on the Albor Tholus volcano.  Frankly, Mars Express is looking to be a tremendous success.