Latest news with #Sizemore
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
EXCLUSIVE: An up close look at the Green Bank Telescope
GREEN BANK, (WBOY) — In May, 12 News took a special tour of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Green Bank Telescope (GBT), the largest fully-steerable radio telescope in the world. At 485 feet tall with a 2.3-acre dish, the NSF Green Bank Telescope weighs 17 million pounds, or about 8,500 tons. But why does the GBT need to be so big in the first place and why is the fact that it's 'fully steerable' such a big deal? Green Bank Observatory software engineer Nathaniel Sizemore explained the dish on the telescope is like 'a giant bucket.' 'The bigger the dish, the more signal we can collect and the better chances we have of finding the signal we're looking for,' Sizemore said. But size isn't GBT's only advantage. The fact that it's fully steerable means that it can point to just about any target in the night sky, and can even track objects for multiple hours during extended observations. This is especially useful for observations on things like pulsars, where scientists are trying to make multiple precise time measurements during a single observation. GBT's large size, paired with its ability to track objects, is what makes the telescope so valuable to scientists. In some cases, it's the only telescope capable of making certain observations, like when the telescope was used to look for liquid oceans in Jupiter's orbit. 'The only one that can': Green Bank Telescope to search for liquid oceans in our solar system 'Between the size of the antenna and the fact that we can track that source for hours at a time, theoretically horizon to horizon if we wanted to, we can give [scientists] that data and let them get enough signal to then process that and do the science that they want to do,' Sizemore said. Former West Virginia Black Bear makes MLB debut for Pittsburgh Moving such a massive telescope requires equally massive machinery. The telescope rests on 16 wheels on a circular track, giving it 360 degrees of rotation. Further up is a large arc-like structure that acts as a hinge and counterweight, letting the telescope tilt back and forth. Although the telescope is movable, there are several safety measures to make sure no one is on top of the telescope while it is in motion. Radios are used to notify the control room when people move onto and off the telescope, and each person attaches a safety key near the entrance to the telescope to physically stop it from moving while anyone is aboard. The telescope also has a second manual lock along the arc, which has gaps scientists can use to keep the telescope in a specific orientation. Although you could take the stairs if you wanted, a pair of elevators on the telescope are used to carry people and scientific instruments up and down the GBT. The first one starts at the ground level and goes halfway up, close to the main dish of the telescope. A second elevator begins at the bottom of the telescope's arm and at the top of the GBT. The second-highest level of the telescope is the main reflector dish level. There, maintenance workers can access the underside of the dish using narrow catwalks below the reflective panels that make up the telescope. Using multiple smaller panels instead of a single reflective dish makes maintenance on the telescope cheaper and easier. For example, if a panel at the center of the dish is damaged and a spare isn't on hand, a panel from the edge of the dish can be used to replace it. Using lots of smaller panels has another benefit as well; hundreds of actuators underneath the dish can be used to make small adjustments to individual panels. This means that instead of moving the entire telescope, the panels themselves can be moved to fine-tune the telescope's orientation. North central West Virginia athletes win 26 events at State Track Meet At the very top, just below the telescope's sub-reflector, is where the telescope's instruments are kept. At the time of our visit, all the observation equipment had been removed from the telescope in preparation for an upcoming repainting project in June. Normally, the telescope can freely switch between different measuring tools, like a microscope switching between different magnifying lenses. Unsurprisingly, the top of the telescope also has some of the best views of any level on the GBT. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
06-05-2025
- General
- Axios
Nashville pushes to make city animal shelter a no-kill facility
A push to save more shelter animals and make Nashville the largest no-kill community in Tennessee got a turbocharge this week. Why it matters: Mayor Freddie O'Connell signed a declaration Tuesday making May "No-Kill Shelter Month." Advocates say that kind of buy-in from the government is pivotal to cementing long-term change. Zoom in: The declaration, crafted with the national nonprofit Best Friends Animal Society, publicly commits Metro government to a goal of reaching a 90% live-release rate for dogs and cats that enter the city shelter. That is when a shelter is designated a no-kill facility. Best Friends has worked with Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) and other area shelters to improve live-release rates "for many years," chief mission officer Holly Sizemore tells Axios. The declaration reinforces that partnership. Stunning stat: Nashville hasn't reached the 90% no-kill benchmark, but the city has made major strides over the last decade. In 2013, MACC euthanized about 70% of its cats and dogs. The "save rate" sat at about 27%. Last year, the save rate reached 83%. More than 4,250 cats and dogs at the shelter were saved. Between the lines: There are many reasons for the shift. In 2013, Metro ended a policy that required the shelter to euthanize unclaimed pit bulls. MACC also deepened its ties with rescues and animal welfare organizations like Best Friends. The shelter added a foster program and rolled out a safety net program that helps residents who are struggling to pay for pet-related expenses. A shelter spokesperson tells Axios animals are never euthanized for space — only for medical or behavioral reasons. What they're saying: Sizemore says a boost from the mayoral proclamation may increase that momentum and help tip the scales. O'Connell said he was optimistic that Nashville will reach 90%. "I support Nashville working to become a no-kill city and know this is something the great city of Nashville can achieve this year," the mayor said in a statement announcing the declaration. "Our residents love their pets, and when they come together for a cause they support, anything is possible." Reality check: Defining "no-kill" as a 90% save rate acknowledges that euthanasia issometimes the best option, like when a pet has serious health issues, grave injuries or violent behavioral problems. What's next: O'Connell's latest budget proposal would add two more full-time MACC employees, with a goal of shortening response times for service calls and growing kennel staff. The big picture: The national no-kill movement has bipartisan momentum. Leaders in Arkansas, Louisiana and Utah recently signed similar proclamations. "The only thing that keeps me from languishing in the sadness of the polarization of our country is that the work I do in animal welfare is one of the truest nonpartisan issues ever," Sizemore says. How to help Achieving no-kill status "is within our reach," Sizemore says. There are many ways Nashville residents can help push the city over the top. 🤝 Volunteer: You can help the shelter by walking dogs, assisting with group playtime, and socializing with adoptable kittens. Volunteers can also help promote MACC's passel of pets. (Some of them have gone viral on TikTok.) 🐶 Adopt or foster: When it's time to add a furry friend to the family, don't go to a breeder or a pet store. Information about adopting from MACC is available on its website. You can apply to foster pets temporarily. 💰 Donate: The volunteer-based nonprofit Friends of MACC has much more information on how to help, including multiple ways to donate money.
USA Today
05-05-2025
- USA Today
As Yellowstone roads open, bison are again regulating traffic
As Yellowstone roads open, bison are again regulating traffic The speed limit in most of Yellowstone National Park is 45 mph. But if bison are utilizing the roads, obviously, the speed limit is dictated by the iconic beasts. Trent Sizemore, a photographer and guide based in West Yellowstone, on Saturday shared footage of a lone bison strolling down a highway as traffic slowly increased behind the animal. 'Yellowstone bison keeping the traffic in check,' Sizemore described via Instagram. ALSO: Large snake emerging from ocean causes stir at Maryland beach This snapshot of a few moments in Yellowstone is a sign of things to come as park crowds increase over the next few months. Visitors might encounter bison herds commuting on highways as if they own the place (which, in a sense, they do). Or tourists might simply have to wait a few minutes (or longer) for bison to cross a highway, one after another, often simply to graze on the opposite side. This being spring, "red dog" calves will also be present, and calves can also cause bison jams. Last May, during one of my visits, a single red dog bison held up traffic for three minutes. These are experiences most tourists enjoy, especially if they're nearest the colossal critters and can hear their grunts, and hooves clomping on pavement. Those planning to visit Yellowstone for the first time this spring and summer will almost certainly encounter bison, as roughly 5,000 bison reside in the park. They should plan to obey posted speed limits, of course, for their safety and that of the animals. But they should also obey speed limits dictated by bison and possibly elk or bears.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Beauty supply drive helping survivors of domestic violence
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — Shelters for survivors of domestic violence usually receive donations of clothes but there are some other helpful items that people may not consider. 'Our shelter goes off donations. So, a lot of times people aren't thinking about all the survivors we provide service to,' said Rachel Sizemore, program manager for the Countering Domestic Violence Program from Mid-Central Community Action. The Neville House is a shelter for those escaping domestic violence. It's part of the countering domestic violence program which is an umbrella to Mid-Central Community Action. 'Our agency, all our services through the countering domestic violence program are free and confidential,' Sizemore said. 'So, that's specific to survivors in McLean County that have experienced domestic violence.' The Neville House provides services for clients from different demographics. But the donations the shelter receives may not always match the need of the clientele. 'A lot of times our African-American clients, they are forgotten about when it comes to shelter and hair care needs,' said Sizemore. 'It wasn't too long ago that we had somebody in shelter that they didn't realize during an incident part of their hair got ripped out. So, we were searching for braids and hair care and treatment to try to assist them with masking those bald spots. And it was very limited.' The Bloomington-Normal Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has worked with the shelter to provide Christmas boxes for survivors. But when the chapter learned of the need for beauty supplies it was decided to host a drive beginning in March just in time for Women's History Month. 'As a sorority, one of our strategic priorities is to promote the economic empowerment of women and girls,' said Meta Mickens-Baker, President of the Bloomington-Normal Alumnae Chapter. 'So, supporting Neville House as women try to reestablish their safety and their independence after domestic violence really falls as a program that's close to us in our ability to support the community.' This is the second year the organization has hosted the drive. In addition to supporting the economic empowerment of domestic violence survivors, the drive empowers a local black woman small business owner. The service organization teamed up with C&N Beauty Supply to collect items.'It helps your self-esteem. You know what I'm saying. Make you feel a little better. If you look good you feel good,' said co-owner Nate Caldwell. 'Being that they're going into these shelters with nothing, so being able to supply those personal needs and beauty needs to them I think it most definitely makes a difference to those in the shelter,' said co-owner Chiquita Caldwell. You can shop at the store and leave products in a donation box. C&N Beauty Supply is located at 1305 Morrissey Drive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Middle Tennessee emergency crews prepare for severe weather, flooding
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Emergency management agencies across Middle Tennessee are gearing up for potential flooding and severe weather this weekend. Fifteen years ago, people were devastated by Mother Nature's impact when Middle Tennessee saw historic flooding in Middle Tennessee. The Harpeth River was one of the hardest hit areas, and it continues to be an area of concern during weather events. 'Flooding is the most common natural disaster, especially in our area, as anyone who was here during the flooding of 2010 recalls. Those typical areas around the Harpeth River are ones to watch,' Jill Burgin, external affairs officer with Williamson County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), said. Major heavy rain threat & severe storms expected Saturday Wilson County EMA Meteorologist Melissa Sizemore said another 2 to 3 inches are expected by Sunday, Feb. 16. 'That's going to be quite impactful because it's already on saturated grounds, so we are currently planning to be able to deal with some of our flooded creeks and streams, as well as to be able to handle any flash flooding issues across the Wilson County area,' Sizemore said. According to Sizemore, Wilson County EMA is keeping an eye on creeks, rivers, and other areas that are prone to flooding, like the Lebanon Square. 'Much like other emergency managers and police chiefs, fire chiefs, public safety [officials] across the area, we're all watching this,' Ken Weidner, director of Sumner County EMA, said. Army Corps of Engineers monitoring lake levels ahead of anticipated heavy rain Weidner said Sumner County EMA's equipment is ready to go ahead of potential flash flooding. 'Some situations, you may have to take action. Some situations, a swift water technician may need to come get you, and understand this, too: swift water rescue is highly technical, so there's a lot of training and specialized equipment that goes into affecting a swift water rescue,' Weidner said. As they continue to monitor this weekend's forecast, local emergency officials told News 2 they're coordinating with local law enforcement and encouraging the community to stay connected. 'They can sign up for text alerts at our website, which is only send out true emergency alerts, so they won't get inundated there,' Burgin said. FORECAST: Middle Tennessee & Southern Kentucky Weather Meanwhile, in Wilson County, people can download the Wilson County EMA app for alerts. 'Also remember that our tornado sirens, they're outdoor warning sirens, so you're only really supposed to hear them if you're outside, so don't rely on those tools as a first means and first stop of notification on severe weather like that,' Sizemore said. Don't forget to take the power and reliability of the WKRN Weather Authority with you at all times by downloading the News 2 Storm Tracker app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
