I know this is the October issue of our newsletter, but can you believe we had our first snowfall on September 21^st  in Woodland Park!  Autumn officially starts September 23^rd---or so I thought.   

A lot of things to think about in October.  The Washington Monument opened this month in 1888, the first American woman walked in space in October of 1984, Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 of this month, the microwave oven first appeared in October of 1955 and the National Organization For Women was founded on October 29, 1966.  

Thomas Edison was one of the greatest inventors of all time.  Edison’s creations not only made living easier, but also changed the way people led their lives.  The light bulb made its public debut in October of 1879.  Though most people think he invented the light bulb alone, he was not the person who first came up with the idea.

Humphrey Davy came up with the “arc lamp” seventy years earlier, but it was extremely powerful and too bright for home use.  In 1875 Herman Sprengel invented the mercury vacuum pump which made a practical electric light bulb possible. Joseph Swan tried to perfect Davy’s lamp by using a quick burning carbon paper as a conductor, but that burned away too fast.  After these experiments Edison set out to make a source of electric light that everyone could use.  It is clear that he could not be credited with the invention of the light bulb, but his contribution to the perfection of it is really impressive.  By the invention of a  practical light bulb, Edison and his colleagues, opened the way for the establishment of the electrical power system.  It was this power system that became Edison’s real achievement.  It brought about a huge new industry that would radically effect everyone.  During his quest for the light bulb he was quoted as saying, “The electric light has caused me the greatest amount of study and has required the most elaborate experiments.  I was never myself discouraged, or inclined to be hopeless of success.  I cannot say the same for all my associates”.  

Thomas Alva Edison was born in 1847 in Ohio.  He loved science, and when he was ten years old, he set up his own laboratory in his parents’ basement.  His first important invention was the phonograph.  History was made on December 4, 1877 when he said the words “Mary had a little lamb” into his phonograph and played them back. 

The light bulb, which made Edison a household name, was only one of more than 1,000 patented inventions that he created.   

World Space Week is October 4th-11^th.  It is an annual observance, established by the United Nations General Assembly, to be an international celebration of science and technology and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. The start and end dates of World Space Week recognize the launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, on October 4, 1957, and the signing of the Outer Space Treaty on October 10, 1967.   The theme this year is “Space For Education”.  The World Space Week Association is a non-government , non profit organization which is supported by national coordinators in over 50 nations. It is led by an all volunteer Board of Directors including Tom Hanks, Buzz Aldrin, Bill Nye, and space leaders from around the world.  Some of the benefits from this week include: Education about the benefits received from space, it encourages greater use of space for sustainable economic development, demonstrates public support for space programs, excites students interest in space and it fosters international cooperation in space outreach and education.  Everyone is invited to participate.  Whether it’s a trip to your local Imax theater to see a space themed movie or attending a lecture on astronomy or a visit to your local museum, you can be part of this learning week.

October also marks the twelfth annual Earth Science Week. The American Geological Institute has organized this national and international event to help the public gain better understanding and appreciation for the Earth Sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth. October 11^th-17^th will celebrate this event with the theme “Understanding Climate”.  The hope is to engage students, educators, and the general public in understanding all the factors driving climate and the role climate plays in the history of the Earth.  This is a celebration of the contribution geoscience makes to society.  This week was initiated by the Association of American State Geologists and was read into the Congressional Record in July 1998 by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon. 

Why not set aside a least one day during this week to reach out to your community and promote the creation of a conscientious society committed to the responsible use of the Earth and its resources?  We invite you to come to RMDRC and join us in our celebration of Earth Week (see J.J.’s column above).   

“Be courageous!  Whatever setbacks America has encountered, it has always emerged as a stronger and more prosperous nation…Be brave as your fathers before you.  Have faith and go forward!”…………Thomas Alva Edison