Science Spin March 2008

Included in this issue: Tom Kennedy reports that Ireland is well suited to extract heat from hot springs located underground. Tony McGennis, a maths teacher from Dublin, gives his perspective on the 2008 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition; biologist Paul Whelan describes the science of phenology, which seeks to develop a calender based on fluctuating natural cycles, rather than our current rigid definitions of seasons; and John Moore describes the growing problem of 'light pollution' above our towns an and cities, where the overuse of artificial outdoor light is causing a faint yellow glow in the night sky.

Features in this issue

• Hot water below ground can be tapped [Alternative Energy ]
• Tracking Nature's Calendar [Phenology ]
• Meteorite evidence challenges view of birth of Solar System [Solar System ]
• Best research in ITs compares well to universities [Research ]
• Blinding lights [Environment ]
• The Mystery of the Missing Mass [Cosmology ]
• Rising Standards at 2008 BT Young Scientist Show [Science Education ]