Russian Meteor Strike That Injures Thousands Much Bigger Than Thought, According to NASA

The meteor that exploded over Russia Friday was slightly larger than previously thought and more powerful, too, NASA scientists say. The Russian meteor explosion over the city of Chelyabinsk, on Friday (Feb. 15), injured more than 1,000 people and blew out windows across the region in a massive blast captured on cameras by frightened witnesses. Friday afternoon, NASA scientists estimated the meteor was space rock about 50 feet (15 meters) and sparked a blast equivalent of a 300-kiloton explosion. The energy estimate was later increased to 470 kilotons. But late Friday, NASA revised its estimates on the size and power of the devastating meteor explosion. The meteor's size is now thought to be slightly larger — about 55 feet (17 m) wide — with the power of the blast estimate of about 500 kilotons, 30 kilotons higher than before, NASA officials said in a statement. [See video of the intense meteor explosion] The meteor was also substantially more massive than thought as well. Initial estimated pegged the space rock's mass at about 7,000 tons. Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., now say the meteor weighed about 10,000 tons and was travelling 40,000 mph (64,373 km/h) when it exploded. "These new estimates were generated using new data that had been collected by five additional infrasound stations located around the world - the first recording of the event being in Alaska, over 6,500 kilometers away from Chelyabinsk," JPL officials explained in the statement. The infrasound stations detect low-frequency sound waves that accompany exploding meteors, known as bolides. The meteor entered Earth's atmosphere and blew apart over Chelyabinsk at 10:20 p.m. EST on Feb. 14 (03:20:26 GMT on Feb. 15). The meteor briefly outshined the sun during the event, which occurred just hours before a larger space rock — the 150-foot-wide (45 meters) asteroid 2012 DA14 — zoomed by Earth in an extremely close flyby. Asteroid 2012 DA14 approached within 17,200 miles (27,000 kilometers) of Earth Friday, but never posed an impact threat to the planet. The asteroid flyby and Russian meteor explosion had significantly different trajectories, showing that they were completely unrelated events, NASA officials said. Late Friday, another fireball was spotted over the San Francisco Bay Area in California. That event, also unrelated, occurred at about 7:45 p.m. PST (10:45 p.m. EST/0345 Feb. 16 GMT) and lit up the nighttime sky. Aside from the unexpected light show, the fireball over San Francisco had little other effect. NASA scientists said the Russian meteor event, however, is a rare occurrence. Not since 1908, when a space rock exploded over Russia's Tunguska River in Siberia and flattened 825 square miles (2,137 square km) of uninhabited forest land, has a meteor event been so devastating. "We would expect an event of this magnitude to occur once every 100 years on average," Paul Chodas of NASA's Near-Earth Object Program Office at JPL said. "When you have a fireball of this size we would expect a large number of meteorites to reach the surface and in this case there were probably some large ones." According to the Associated Press, search teams have recovered small objects that might be meteorite fragments and divers are searching the bottom of a lake where a meteorite is thought to have landed.

Solar Flare; Intense and Earth is in the Path

A long-lasting solar flare erupted from the sun early Saturday (Feb. 9), triggering an intense sun eruption aimed squarely at Earth. The solar storm, however, should not endanger satellites or astronauts in space, but could amplify auroras on Earth, NASA says. The solar eruption —called a coronal mass ejection —occurred at 2:30 a.m. EST (0730 GMT) on Saturday during a minor, but long-duration, flare. It hurled a wave of charged particles at Earth at speeds of about 1.8 million miles per hour (nearly 2.9 million km/h). The sun eruption was captured in photos by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), a joint mission by NASA and the European Space Agency. Coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, are eruptions of charged solar material that fling solar particles out into space. When aimed at Earth, they can reach the planet between one and three days later, and cause geomagnetic storms when they interact with the planet's magnetic field. They can also amplify the northern and southern lights displays over the Earth's poles. "In the past, CMEs at this strength have had little effect," NASA officials said in a statement. "They may cause auroras near the poles but are unlikely to disrupt electrical systems on Earth or interfere with GPS or satellite-based communications systems." Saturday's solar flare and sun eruption apparently also caught the attention astronauts living on the International Space Station, even though the solar weather event will have little impact on their daily routine. "We live right next to a star," wrote Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who currently lives on the International Space Station, in a Twitter post. "Today it ejected a huge blob at 500 mi/sec. But not to worry - should be good aurorae." The sun is currently in an active period of its 11-year solar weather cycle, and is expected to reach its peak this year. The sun's current weather cycle is known as Solar Cycle 24. The SOHO spacecraft and several other sun-watching observatories, such as NASA's twin Stereo spacecraft and the Solar Dynamics Observatory, constantly monitor the star for changes in solar weather.

Severe Winter Storm Blizzard Nemo Slams Northeast

The potentially historic blizzard that marched into the Northeast Friday put parts of the region in a virtual transportation lockdown, with the Massachusetts and Connecticut governors signing state orders banning cars from the road, trains ceasing service, and airlines halting flights in and out of Boston and New York. The storm picked up in intensity during the day Friday, and was expected to dump as much as 14 inches of snow on the New York City area and as much as three feet across New England before tapering off Saturday afternoon. Forecasters were warning of winds of up to 60 miles per hour, and snow drifts as high as five feet. "It definitely looks like it has the potential to be a historic event," said Lance Franck, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Taunton, Mass. City and state officials were desperately trying to avoid the mayhem of the infamous Blizzard of 1978, which dumped three feet of snow across the Northeast, leading to dozens of deaths and scores of drivers stranded on the highways. Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick took the rare step of signing an executive order outright banning motorists from all roads as of 4 p.m. Friday. Certain exceptions were being made for public-health workers, emergency vehicles, media and critical services. Violators could receive a civil fine. Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy issued a similar but less comprehensive order. To the north in New Hampshire, Gov. Maggie Hassan didn't go as far as ordering cars off state roads, but she did urge residents to stop driving by early evening. In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg encouraged people to leave work early Friday. New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo later declared a state of emergency to give local governments more flexibility in handling the anticipated snowfall, saying New York City and Long Island would be worst hit. "This is a storm of major proportions," warned Boston Mayor Thomas Menino in a public briefing, in which city officials also asked people to look out for the homeless, by alerting authorities if a homeless person was seen on the street and not in a shelter. Meteorologists were blaming the nor'easter on the collision of two storm systems: cold air traveling south from Canada bumping into a moist low pressure system heading north from the Carolinas. As conditions deteriorated in the Northeast, transportation all but ground to a halt. Boston's public commuter rail stopped operations. Amtrak canceled service between New York and Boston for Friday afternoon, and plans limited service for Saturday. A spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said airlines canceled more than 2,000 flights at the three major New York-area airports alone on Friday. He said all operations at the airports would cease by late Friday afternoon, but that airlines could resume some flights on Saturday. At Boston Logan International Airport, officials said all operations would cease at 3 p.m. on Friday and flights may not resume until Sunday. Massachusetts General Hospital expected to have at least 200 employees sleeping on cots Friday night, and the 1,000-bed facility was making accommodations for patients who couldn't make it home because of the storm, said Paul Biddinger, medical director for the Boston hospital's emergency department. "We did try to discharge as many people who could be safely discharged, but the hospital is going to end up very, very full tonight," Dr. Biddinger said.

Five High-Pay Careers, No Grad School Required

Career #1 - Accountant and Auditor If you have a mind for math and distaste for graduate school, accountant or auditor could be a good career fit. While you won't need an advanced degree, most accountants and auditors do need a bachelor's degree in accounting or a business-related field, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The other good news? Not only are employers always hiring accountants and auditors, says Shapiro, but "pay is pretty high right off the bat." U.S. Department of Labor Salary Estimates*: •Median salary: $62,850 •Top ten percent: $109,870 •Bottom ten percent: $39,640 Life on the Job: As for what the job looks like on the ground level, an accountant might put together financial records and check to make sure they're accurate, according to the Department of Labor. They also may calculate taxes - so their mathematically impaired clients don't have to - and help people file their returns each April. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Career #2 - Computer Programmer If you've answered to the unofficial nickname "computer whiz" since you were in grade school, a job as a programmer might be your calling. The best part? You won't be in school forever, so you can focus on pursuing a real career with a title that sounds a little more official. The U.S. Department of Labor specifies that most computer programmers have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related subject, and says that some employers even hire workers with an associate's degree. However, Shapiro notes that although a master's isn't needed for the profession, "many computer programmers do have rigorous bachelor's degrees that may take more than four years to complete, because of the course load and complexity of the learning." While you may work hard studying the field, there is one big silver lining: "The pay is relatively strong just starting out if you're a skilled programmer," says Shapiro. U.S. Department of Labor Salary Estimates*: •Median salary: $72,630 •Top ten percent: $115,610 •Bottom ten percent: $41,710 Life on the Job: Computer programmers write code (in, for example, C++ or Java) to create software programs, according to the Department of Labor. They also might update and debug programs (like games and your favorite apps) that have already been created. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Career #3 - Art Director If you've always had a mind for design (and know your way around a computer), a job as an art director might be the right fit. That's especially true if you don't want to go back to get a master's or graduate degree and still want a potentially high paying job. Art directors typically need only a bachelor's degree in an art or design subject, says the U.S Department of Labor. But it is also important that they have managerial skills (considering they're running the "art show," so to speak). To gain them, many candidates cut their teeth in feeder jobs like graphic designer, illustrator, copy editor, or photographer, says the Department of Labor. So while it may take a few years to develop the skill set, Shapiro notes that "art directors may be well-paid without more than a bachelor's degree." U.S. Department of Labor Salary Estimates*: •Median salary: $81,260 •Top ten percent: $166,620 •Bottom ten percent: $44,120 Life on the Job: Now that those dollar signs have your attention, here's a little about the career. Art directors might be responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, or movie and television productions, according to the Department. An art director typically acts as the "visual mastermind," creating the overall design while directing staffers who develop artwork or layouts. As far as day-to-day responsibilities, they might determine which photos, art, and other elements work best in the layout or production, the Department notes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Career #4 - Registered Nurse Want to help people in the medical field, but not really jumping for joy at the prospect of grad school? If so, a job as a registered nurse might be a win-win. There are typically two paths to get into nursing - but neither of them require an advanced degree. An associate's degree in nursing or a diploma from an approved nursing program could help you pursue a career as a registered nurse. But you're not out of the woods yet. In all states (and the District of Columbia), registered nurses must have a nursing license, says the U.S. Department of Labor, which can be obtained by attending an approved nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination. Although pay may vary across regions, notes Shapiro, nurses do make a great starting salary. U.S. Department of Labor Salary Estimates*: •Median salary: $65,950 •Top ten percent: $96,630 •Bottom ten percent: $44,970 Life on the Job: And now for the nuts and bolts of the job. Typically, registered nurses may provide and coordinate patient care, help patients learn about their conditions, and offer advice, according to the Department. Daily duties include recording patients' medical histories (we've all seen those clipboards at the doctor's office!), administering medicine, and performing diagnostic tests, according to the Department. And what exactly are the tests? They could be anything from taking blood pressure to testing for strep throat. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Career #5 - Personal Financial Advisor Always giving your friends unsolicited financial advice like this: "Do you really want to open up another credit card - you're trying to save up for a house!" If you have a knack for finance, but a healthy fear of graduate school, you'll be relieved to learn that preparing to pursue a potentially high-paying career as personal financial advisor may be less involved than you think. Got a bachelor's degree? Good. Because that's what a personal financial advisor typically needs, says the U.S Department of Labor. If you don't have a degree yet, keep in mind that although employers usually do not require a specific field of study to be qualified for this career, a degree in finance, economics, accounting, business, mathematics, or law wouldn't hurt. While personal financial advisors typically have the potential to make good money, like anything, it doesn't come without hard work. "The starting salary doesn't always compensate for the job's late hours," Shapiro cautions, "but the curve does move up sharply to a good compensation level if you prove to be good at it." U.S. Department of Labor Salary Estimates*: •Median salary: $66,580 •Top ten percent: $111,880 •Bottom ten percent: $32,810 Life on the Job: So just what kind of advice do personal financial advisors give during those long hours at the office? They counsel people on how they can reach their financial goals and plan for retirement, according to the Department of Labor. On any given day, they might help with investments, taxes, and insurance decisions. Sound like a lot of work? Shapiro understands your concern. "The job can be demanding because you're advising someone on their financial future, but the salary may reward for this," she says. *All salary figures for careers per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2011.

Strong earthquake hits japan

A strong earthquake has struck Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, but authorities say there is no danger of a tsunami and there are no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Japan's Meteorological Agency says the quake had a magnitude of 6.4 and hit at 11:17 p.m. (1417 GMT) Saturday in the Tokachi region in southern Hokkaido, at a depth of 120 kilometre (75 miles). The agency says there is no danger of a tsunami from the quake. The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake's magnitude was 6.9. Japanese public broadcaster NHK says nearby nuclear power plants, including Tomari and Higashidori, which are currently idled for safety inspections, have reported no abnormalities.

Iran's newest fighter jet can evade radar

Iran on Saturday unveiled its newest combat jet, a domestically manufactured fighter-bomber that military officials claim can evade radar. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in a ceremony broadcast on state TV that building the Qaher F-313, or Dominant F-313, shows Iran's will to "conquer scientific peaks." The Qaher is one of several aircraft designs the Iranian military has rolled out since 2007. Tehran has repeatedly claimed to have developed advanced military technologies in recent years, but its claims cannot be independently verified because the country does not release technical details of its arsenals. The Islamic republic launched a self-sufficient military program in the 1980s to compensate for a Western weapons embargo that banned export of military technology and equipment to Iran. Since 1992, Iran has produced its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles, torpedoes, drones and fighter planes. "Qaher is a fully indigenous aircraft designed and built by our aerospace experts. This is a radar-evading plane that can fly at low altitude, carry weapons, engage enemy aircrafts and land at short airstrips," Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said. Vahidi said advanced materials were used to manufacture the body of the aircraft, making it Iran's best stealth plane. However, some reports suggest that Iran's program relies on equipment supplied by major international defense contractors and that it incorporates parts made abroad or uses outside engineered technologies in its domestic designs. Still photos of the Qaher released by the official IRNA news agency and pictures on state TV showed a single-seat jet. They described it as a fighter-bomber that can combat other aircraft and ground targets. Iran's English-language state Press TV said Qaher was similar to the American-made F/A-18, an advanced fighter capable of dogfighting as well as penetrating enemy air defenses to strike ground targets. But Hasan Parvaneh, an official in charge of the project, said the physical design of the Iranian plane was unique and bore no resemblance to any foreign fighter jet. "Development depends on our will. If we don't have a will, no one can take us there," Ahmadinejad told the inauguration ceremony in Tehran. "Once we imported cars and assembled them here. Now, we are at a point where we can design, build and get planes in the air." Ahmadinejad said Qaher was built for deterrence. "It's not for expansionism. It's for deterrence," he said, claiming the aircraft was among the most advanced fighter jets in the world. In 2007, Iran unveiled what it said was its first domestically manufactured fighter jet, called Azarakhsh or Lightning. In the same year, it claimed that Azarakhsh had reached industrial production stage. Saeqeh, or Thunder, was a follow-up aircraft derived from Azarakhsh. Iran unveiled its first squadron of Saeqeh fighter bombers in an air show in September 2010.

Misssing NYC mom found dead

A New York City woman who went missing while vacationing alone in Istanbul was found dead on Saturday, and police were questioning 11 people in connection with the case, Turkey's state-run news agency said. Sarai Sierra, a 33-year-old mother of two, was last heard from on Jan. 21, the day she was to fly home. Her disappearance attracted a lot of interest in Turkey, where the disappearance of tourists is rare, and Istanbul police had set up a special unit to find her. The state-run Anadolu Agency said the body of a woman was discovered Saturday evening near the remnants of ancient city walls and that police later identified it as Sierra's. The agency said she was found with a head wound and a blanket near her body. She was wearing jeans, a jumper and a jacket, and still had her earrings and a bracelet. Police reached by The Associated Press refused to comment on the case. Sierra, whose children are 9 and 11, had left for Istanbul on Jan. 7 to explore her photography hobby and made a side trip to Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Munich, Germany. She had originally planned to travel with a friend, but ended up traveling alone when her friend canceled. She was in regular contact with friends and relatives, and was last in touch with her family on Jan. 21, the day she was due back in New York. She told them she would visit Galata Bridge, which spans Istanbul's Golden Horn waterway, to take photos. The body was found not far from the bridge and near a major road that runs alongside the sea of Marmara. Here tourists often photograph dozens of tankers waiting to access the Bosporus strait. On Saturday, police stopped traffic there as forensic police inspected the area. Anadolu suggested Sierra may have been killed at another location and that her body may have been brought to the site to be hidden there. At least 11 people were being questioned in Istanbul, Anadolu said, and a police official at the site told journalists that two of them were women. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters about the case. Earlier, Anadolu had said nine people were detained. It was not clear if a Turkish man Sierra had exchanged emails with during her stay in Istanbul was among those being questioned. He was detained for questioning Friday, then released. Turkish news reports said Sierra had arranged to meet the man on Galata Bridge, but he reportedly told police the meeting never took place. Shortly after her body was discovered, a woman came forward and told police she had seen a white car parked near the city walls as she was driving there the night of Jan. 29, Anadolu reported. She said a man was trying to remove "something" from the car. "At that moment, I noticed a woman's hand," Anadolu quoted the woman as telling reporters after talking with police. The agency said she declined to give her name. Sierra's husband, Steven, and her brother, David Jimenez, traveled to Istanbul to help search for her. Sierra's mother, Betzaida Jimenez, said Saturday that she couldn't talk about the case when reached in New York. Shortly after Sierra was reported missing, Turkey set up a special police unit which scanned hours of security camera footage in downtown Istanbul in search of clues. A Turkish missing persons association joined the search, handing out flyers with photos of Sierra and urging anyone with information to call police. While break-ins and petty thievery are common in Istanbul, the vast and crowded city is considered relatively safe compared to other major urban centers. Sierra's death was unlikely to have a significant impact on tourism, a large component of the Turkish economy. In 2008, an Italian artist, Pippa Bacca, was raped and killed while hitchhiking to Israel wearing a wedding dress to plead for peace. Her naked body was found in a forest in northwest Turkey. A Turkish man was sentenced to life in prison for the attack.