Ron Lebar. Defining events of 2005.

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Starburst 2005 a diary.

Defining events of 2005, a journal.

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

12th of August, at 7:43 AM Eastern Daylight Time the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Carrying a number of instruments, including a high resolution camera, the Orbiter's job is to examine the red planet in more detail than all previous missions. This paragraph links to NASA's home page for the project.

14th of January. Saturn's moon, Titan, has now been successfully photographed by the Huygens probe, launched from the Cassini spacecraft. A major achievement of European - American co-operation. Pictures are clear and detailed. The probe landed safely on the surface & sent back 90 minutes of data.

The Huygens probe, built by the European Space Agency (ESA), also took many photos during its descent, these were relayed to Earth via the Cassini mother ship.

Cassini is intended to orbit Saturn for 4 years, sending back detailed information.

This link to the NASA site will show pictures, details & further links.

This links to an ESA page, giving background information & pictures. Go to the home page for latest info.

The Italian Space Agency (ASI) site, in Italian, an English version is still under construction.

Sounds of Titan, on the ESA site. Requires MP3 decoder.

Saturday the second of April: Pope John Paul the Second has died. Probably the first truly missionary Pope and the first from a communist country. The most travelled man on Earth and one of the best known. His ministry since 1978 has made more difference to the World than any other religious leader in a very long time. His influence has crossed religious and political boundaries.

Friday the eighth of April: Pope John Paul's funeral. Attended by the largest international gathering Rome has seen in living memory. Huge numbers of mourners from Poland, and more World leaders in one place than ever before.

Tuesday the 19th of April: We now have a new Pope, Benedict the Sixteenth. Only time will tell how his ministry works out, we wish him all the best. Hopefully he will build on the work of his predecessor.

He is on record as saying that rock-n-roll is evil. This was a common cry amongst certain American churchmen in the late 'fifties, modern music has evolved from rock. It seems it is wrong for young people to enjoy themselves. Let's hope his attitude has matured now or the gap between youth & the Church will widen.

On a more positive note, whilst still a Cardinal he has spoken out for the rights & care of animals. This was also part of Pope John Paul II's teaching. We can only pray that Pope Benedict XVI has moved on from his previous role as Head of the Inquisition.