
| tap on picture for update on the discoveries with the Planck telescope on the cosmic microwave background (CMB) | ![]() |
15th February 2013:
Just before Asteroid 2012 DA14 swooped past and off again, a big meteor landed in Chelyabinsk on 15th February 2013. Causing damage and about 500 people were injured by flying glass from broken windows etc. Chelyabinsk was already famous for the 1957 nuclear disaster.
The Chelyabinsk meterorite's orbit has now been traced to its origin in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It looks like it could have been knocked off course by a collision.
25th February, 2013: Indian rocket launches satellites including a Canadian orbiter to scan for threatening asteroids. Looks like it will be useful.
What happened in 775 AD (or just before) as revealed by tree rings.
Perhaps reported in the entry for that year in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (translated): "This year also appeared in the heavens a red cross, after sunset. The Mercians and the men of Kent fought at Otford. And wonderful serpents were seen in the land of the South-Saxons."
Speculations include a supernova.
Another idea is the collision of two black holes into each other.
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| Voyager 1 & 2 - still heading for outer space. Found magnetic stream. |
New techniques show that the main Bronze-Age pillars at Stonehenge were covered in carvings of axe heads and daggers. Picture shows part of one of the images obtained.

Inside the Hampton Court Clock.
Link to Amazon
ISBN: 978-1-871443-14-1
By Heather Hobden.
By the author of the official guides to the astronomical clock at Hampton Court Palace, this book contains the full information and latest discoveries on the history of this famous clock. Including those involved in the design, construction and maintenance, and the discovery of the hidden Tudor loo.
About the picture: The back of the astronomical dial taken by Heather Hobden before recent restoration. Little of this dates back to the 16th century. More information in book.
More information:
The Hampton Court Clock. - with links to other information and updates.
More Tudor History - still in progress - and a possible murder mystery.
Tudor Bastard: Henry VIII's son, Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond and Somerset, and his mother Elizabeth Blount.
ISBN: 978-1-871443-30-1 by Heather Hobden.
Now out of print. And in the process of being replaced by a new book, ISBN: 9781871443400, with much more information on Henry VIII's other son, his life and times, family, friends, the political and economic background, and the mystery of his sudden death just as an act had been passed through Parliament to enable Henry VIII to name his son as his successor.
The original booklet has been used by other historians as a source. It had been expanded from an article, extended as more and additional information was requested. It could be seen that it was time the full story was published, so this new material is collected together in the Cosmicelk Website with all the additional material originally researched from primary sources, plus some fresh material recently found. The website also contains useful links to relevant websites for more information. And useful feedback is always welcome.
Most of the information has already been published in the past in articles, papers, websites, the two former versions of the book etc. and is therefore copyright. But enquiries are always welcome and can help where can with information.

John Harrison and the Problem of Longitude
Link to Amazon
ISBN 978-1-871443-25-7
By Heather and Mervyn Hobden.
First published in 1988, and considerably expanded and updated since then - with details of Harrison's scientific work, his home and work in Barrow-on-Humber, and the longitude problem. Based on orginal research and material by Mervyn Hobden, with Heather Hobden, their work has been much used as reference by writers, film and tv producers and others. Those needing more detailed information after purchasing the book, are welcome to contact Mervyn Hobden (details in book).
The illustration is of a teatowel we had printed by Impsport, and is currently sold out.
Additional information from:

by Heather Hobden, ISBN 978-1-871443-16-5
The history of this ancient and forgotten land, its great mineral wealth and rich cultural heritage. One of the oldest and the longest inhabited countries in the world, and possibly the source of modern civilization. Will be a book eventually. The story is on the website so it can be improved and updated before it becomes a printed book. Helpful feedback, links, information, etc. is always welcome. Have been interviewed for Sakha Diaspora site, and have had some useful and interesting feedback. Most of the information has already been published in articles and booklets, courses and talks, and other websites etc. and is therefore copyright. But enquiries are always welcome and can help with information.
by Heather Hobden | ![]() |
Copyright Heather Hobden and the Cosmic Elk