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- Written by: Dr. Tony Phillips
For nearly 35 years, NASA’s Voyager 1 probe has been hurtling toward the edge of the solar system, flying through the dark void on a mission unlike anything attempted before.
One day, mission controllers hope, Voyager 1 will leave the solar system behind and enter the realm of the stars – interstellar space.
That day may be upon us.
“The latest data from Voyager 1 indicate that we are clearly in a new region where things are changing quickly,” said Ed Stone, Voyager project scientist at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. “This is very exciting. We are approaching the solar system's final frontier.”
The “frontier” he’s referring to is the edge of the heliosphere, a great magnetic bubble that surrounds the sun and planets.
The heliosphere is the sun’s own magnetic field inflated to gargantuan proportions by the solar wind. Inside lies the solar system – “home.” Outside lies interstellar space, where no spacecraft has gone before.
A telltale sign of the frontier’s approach is the number of cosmic rays hitting Voyager 1.
Cosmic rays are high energy particles such as protons and helium nuclei accelerated to near-light speed by distant supernovas and black holes.
The heliosphere protects the solar system from these subatomic bullets, deflecting and slowing many of them before they can reach the inner planets.
As Voyager approaches the frontier, the number of cosmic rays has gone up.
“From January 2009 to January 2012, there had been a gradual increase of about 25 percent in the amount of galactic cosmic rays Voyager was encountering,” said Stone.
“More recently, however, we have seen a very rapid escalation in that part of the energy spectrum,” Stone said. “Beginning on May 7, 2012, the cosmic ray hits have increased five percent in a week and nine percent in a month.”
The sharp increase means that Voyager 1 could be on the verge of a breakthrough 18 billion kilometers from Earth.
When Voyager 1 actually exits the heliosphere, researchers expect to see other changes as well.
For one thing, energetic particles from the sun will become scarce as the spacecraft leaves the heliosphere behind.
Also, the magnetic field around Voyager 1 will change direction from that of the sun’s magnetic field to that of the new and unexplored magnetism of interstellar space.
So far, neither of these things has happened. Nevertheless, the sudden increase in cosmic rays suggests it might not be long.
Meanwhile, Voyager 2 is making its own dash for the stars, but because of its slower pace lags a few billion kilometers behind Voyager 1. Both spacecraft remain in good health.
“When the Voyagers launched in 1977, the Space Age was all of 20 years old,” said Stone. “Many of us on the team dreamed of reaching interstellar space, but we really had no way of knowing how long a journey it would be – or if these two vehicles that we invested so much time and energy in would operate long enough to reach it. “
As the Space Age nears the 55-year mark, there is little doubt: The Voyagers are going the distance.
For more news from the edge of the solar system, please visit www.voyager.jpl.nasa.gov .
Dr. Tony Phillips works for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
LAKEPORT, Calif. – A Lakeport man who escaped from police following a Friday night fight in Lakeport has been captured.
Raymond Richard Casillas, 22, was taken into custody Saturday evening by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sgt. Dale Stoebe of the Lakeport Police Department.
Stoebe said an astute citizen recognized Casillas based on information released by police, and tipped the Sonoma County Sheriff’s office to a residence in the Windsor area where Casillas was located and taken into custody without incident.
Casillas is in the process of being returned to Lake County, where Stoebe said Casillas will be booked and face charges stemming from allegations of an attempted homicide on Friday night in the area of Central Park Avenue and Shady Oak Street in Lakeport.
Casillas also is facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon, being a felon in possession of a firearm and violating parole, according to Lakeport Police.
He allegedly attempted to shoot another person during the Friday fight, with police reporting that they recovered a modified rifle that they believe Casillas used.
After the fight Casillas was detained, but he allegedly escaped from a patrol car with the help of 21-year-old Dana Rochelle Hueners of Lakeport, police said. Hueners later was arrested.
Lake County Jail booking records on Saturday night showed that Casillas was being held on a no-bail parole violation hold.
Anyone with additional information regarding the fight is encouraged to call Officer Gary Basor or Detective Robert Jordan at the Lakeport Police Department, 707-263-5491, or email
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County is home to numerous fireworks shows during the Fourth of July holiday, many of which dazzle the skies over Clear Lake, illuminating the water’s surface.
The following is a sampling of fireworks shows and festivals.
For a complete listing, call the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743.
City of Clearlake Independence Day Festivities, Clearlake
Saturday, June 30
A lively parade (from Redbud Park to Austin Park), street fair, musicians, a car show, arts and crafts, food, a worm race competition, and children’s activities all beginning at 11 a.m. complement the evening fireworks show over Clear Lake at dusk. Admission is free. Information: 707-994-9752.
Maxine Sherman Memorial Fireworks Show, Clearlake Oaks
Wednesday, July 4
For a spectacular show, the best viewing area for the Maxine Sherman Memorial Fireworks display is on the water, anchored east of Rattlesnake Island, where the fireworks twinkle overhead and reflect off the waters of Clear Lake. From the shore, Clearlake Oaks Beach on Island Drive is a great spot. Show begins at dusk. Admission is free. Information: 707-998-9563, www.clearlakeoaks.org .
Lakeport Independence Day Festivities, Lakeport
Wednesday, July 4
An all-day street fair with music, arts and crafts, food, and beverages. The day begins with a cardboard/duct tape boat race and ends with fireworks over Clear Lake. Sponsored by the Lakeport Main Street Association and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Library Park, between First and Third Streets. Festivities begin at 7:00 a.m. Admission is free. Information: 707-263-5092, www.lakecochamber.com .
Lakeport Speedway Auto Races & Fireworks Show, Lakeport
Saturday, July 7
A colorful fireworks show, sponsored by Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino follows a fun filled evening of auto racing. Admission ranges from $5 (students) to $12 (adults 18 and over) per person. Gates open at 4 p.m., racing begins at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks to follow conclusion of racing. 401 Martin St., Lakeport. Information: 707-279-9577, www.lakeportspeedway.com .
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- Written by: Faith Lykken
The following is the first in a series of articles on Hospice Services of Lake County and what the organization offers community members.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Hospice Services of Lake County provides service to any person with a life-limiting illness.
Many patients feel like their world is shattered, they feel hopeless, overwhelmed, frightened and alone.
Hospice care helps terminally ill patients and their families cope with the final months of life by providing appropriate medical care and social services.
Comprehensive care provided by hospice gives comfort and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Hospice Services of Lake County is a team of specialized staff that helps patients and families obtain the best quality of life possible at the end stage of the disease process.
Hospice is committed to provide symptom management with dignity, meaning and peace during the last months, weeks and days of a life-limiting illness.
Hospice services can be provided to any person referred to hospice. Although most patients are referred by their physician, patients can refer themselves. Hospice staff will follow up with the physician for required orders and prognosis.
The physician certifies that the patient is eligible for hospice care with a prognosis of six months or less. Hospice services can continue indefinitely dependent on disease progression.
Hospice care is not limited by age or disease. Many life-limiting illnesses and conditions such as heart disease; end-stage lung, kidney, or liver disease; cancer; Alzheimer’s/dementia; ALS; or any disease in a terminal phase are managed by hospice.
Hospice Services of Lake County provides care in whatever setting the patient calls home, including private residences, assisted living facilities or nursing homes.
Hospice services include assessment, treatment and management of symptoms related to the illness which may include pain, nausea, anxiety, fatigue and shortness of breath; assistance with the complex end of life decisions, emotional and spiritual support, with ongoing bereavement services.
Hospice Services of Lake County staff include a team of highly trained individuals such as physicians specializing in hospice and palliative care, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, hospice aides, medical social workers, spiritual care coordinators, bereavement counselors and trained volunteers.
Special hospice coverage, under Medicare and MediCal, pays for expenses related to the terminal illness.
Hospice Services of Lake County provides care regardless of the ability to pay and will work with the patient and family to resolve financial concerns.
Most patients and family members say that the only regret about hospice services is that they did not make contact sooner.
Good quality of life at the end of life is not an elusive concept at hospice. Hospice Services of Lake County is here to support you and your loved ones.
For more information about Hospice Services of Lake County, visit www.lakecountyhospice.org or call 707-263-6222.
Faith Lykken, RN, is director of patient care for Hospice Services of Lake County, based in Lakeport, Calif.