Gas Mileage

My gas mileage has leveled out around 30-32 mpg where I was getting around 35 mpg. I am wondering if the cold weather has caused this loss.

Astronomy Audio Shows

I was reading an article on space.com and it mentioned a book called Moonrush by Dennis Wingo. I remember this name from when I was at University of Alabama Huntsville. He was involved with the student space society (SEDS) and their satellite (SEDSAT). I was involved in the IEEE so I was too busy to get involved in that group. The satellite was a neat idea but I think its optical system failed when it got up. Shortwave listeners might still be able to get data packets from it. See this page for more information about the SEDSAT http://www.seds.org/sedsat/tracking/

So I looked for the Moonrush book I found that there was show call The Space Show. You can download MP3s and listen to them later.

http://www.thespaceshow.com


I found this show from Starizona called Let's Talk Stars. The show is hosted by astronomers Dave and Wendee Levy.
http://www.letstalkstars.com

Vehicle Heater Temperature

I decided to measure the temperature of the heater in the car and truck. It has been in the teens to 30s F around Louisville so I am definitely using the heater more. The Ford Ranger truck always seemed to have a hot heater. I used a meat thermometer to measure vent temperature. The vent temperature came out to be 160 degrees F when the air flow was selected for front vents, lowest air flow rate and full heat.

The Nissan NX-1600 puts out 110 degree F air when the vent is selected for lowest air flow rate, front vents, and full heat. If the flow selector is set to front and floor vents the temperature on the front vent is 80 degrees F. If the defrost vent is selected, the front vent goes to 60 degrees F. The vent is also set to allow fresh air in so that makes the air cooler. The outside air was in the 30s when the measurements were made.