For the second time in a week, Facebook had outage issues. The website began having issues around 3 p.m. Eastern Time, causing a flurry of angry posts on the other social media networks that were working. Facebook went down on September 24th for a brief time, much to the frustration of their one billion active users.…
NASA Confirms Evidence That Liquid Water Flows on Today’s Mars
New findings from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) provide the strongest evidence yet that liquid water flows intermittently on present-day Mars.
Using an imaging spectrometer on MRO, researchers detected signatures of hydrated minerals on slopes where mysterious streaks are seen on the Red Planet. These darkish streaks appear to ebb and flow over time. They darken and appear to flow down steep slopes during warm seasons, and then fade in cooler seasons. They appear in several locations on Mars when temperatures are above minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 23 Celsius), and disappear at colder times.
“Our quest on Mars has been to ‘follow the water,’ in our search for life in the universe, and now we have convincing science that validates what we’ve long suspected,” said John Grunsfeld, astronaut and associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. “This is a significant development, as it appears to confirm that water — albeit briny — is flowing today on the surface of Mars.”
These downhill flows, known as recurring slope lineae (RSL), often have been described as possibly related to liquid water. The new findings of hydrated salts on the slopes point to what that relationship may be to these dark features. The hydrated salts would lower the freezing point of a liquid brine, just as salt on roads here on Earth causes ice and snow to melt more rapidly. Scientists say it’s likely a shallow subsurface flow, with enough water wicking to the surface to explain the darkening.
“We found the hydrated salts only when the seasonal features were widest, which suggests that either the dark streaks themselves or a process that forms them is the source of the hydration. In either case, the detection of hydrated salts on these slopes means that water plays a vital role in the formation of these streaks,” said Lujendra Ojha of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in Atlanta, lead author of a report on these findings published Sept. 28 by Nature Geoscience.
Ojha first noticed these puzzling features as a University of Arizona undergraduate student in 2010, using images from the MRO’s High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE). HiRISE observations now have documented RSL at dozens of sites on Mars. The new study pairs HiRISE observations with mineral mapping by MRO’s Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM).
The spectrometer observations show signatures of hydrated salts at multiple RSL locations, but only when the dark features were relatively wide. When the researchers looked at the same locations and RSL weren’t as extensive, they detected no hydrated salt.
Credits: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona
Ojha and his co-authors interpret the spectral signatures as caused by hydrated minerals called perchlorates. The hydrated salts most consistent with the chemical signatures are likely a mixture of magnesium perchlorate, magnesium chlorate and sodium perchlorate. Some perchlorates have been shown to keep liquids from freezing even when conditions are as cold as minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 70 Celsius). On Earth, naturally produced perchlorates are concentrated in deserts, and some types of perchlorates can be used as rocket propellant.
Perchlorates have previously been seen on Mars. NASA’s Phoenix lander and Curiosity rover both found them in the planet’s soil, and some scientists believe that the Viking missions in the 1970s measured signatures of these salts. However, this study of RSL detected perchlorates, now in hydrated form, in different areas than those explored by the landers. This also is the first time perchlorates have been identified from orbit.
MRO has been examining Mars since 2006 with its six science instruments.
“The ability of MRO to observe for multiple Mars years with a payload able to see the fine detail of these features has enabled findings such as these: first identifying the puzzling seasonal streaks and now making a big step towards explaining what they are,” said Rich Zurek, MRO project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California.
For Ojha, the new findings are more proof that the mysterious lines he first saw darkening Martian slopes five years ago are, indeed, present-day water.
“When most people talk about water on Mars, they’re usually talking about ancient water or frozen water,” he said. “Now we know there’s more to the story. This is the first spectral detection that unambiguously supports our liquid water-formation hypotheses for RSL.”
The discovery is the latest of many breakthroughs by NASA’s Mars missions.
“It took multiple spacecraft over several years to solve this mystery, and now we know there is liquid water on the surface of this cold, desert planet,” said Michael Meyer, lead scientist for NASA’s Mars Exploration Program at the agency’s headquarters in Washington. “It seems that the more we study Mars, the more we learn how life could be supported and where there are resources to support life in the future.”
Credits: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona
There are eight co-authors of the Nature Geoscience paper, including Mary Beth Wilhelm at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California and Georgia Tech; CRISM Principal Investigator Scott Murchie of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland; and HiRISE Principal Investigator Alfred McEwen of the University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory in Tucson, Arizona. Others are at Georgia Tech, the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado, and Laboratoire de Planétologie et Géodynamique in Nantes, France.
The agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Project for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Washington. Lockheed Martin built the orbiter and collaborates with JPL to operate it.
Cloudy, warm Parsippany weather to start week, but rain on the way
It looks like we’ll squeeze in one more day of dry weather before some much needed mid-week rain in New Jersey. Forecasters are calling for mostly cloudy skies on Monday with highs in the mid to upper 70s. There’s a slight chance of rain during the overnight hours. The chance of rain increases to about 50…
Morris County Improvement Authority to Hold Special Public Session on Future Solar Projects
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Improvement Authority will hold a public session on Monday, October 5, at 6:30 p.m. in Morristown to detail its findings on the viability of unbuilt solar sites from the Morris II Solar Energy Project.
The MCIA, in concert with a Morris County Freeholder’s “Build-No Build Committee,’’ were asked by the freeholders to make recommendations regarding the financial and operational aspects of the unbuilt renewable energy sites.
The sites that have been reviewed consist of those originally scheduled for implementation of solar arrays as part of the MCIA’s Renewable Energy Program Series 2011, plus alternate sites.
Morris County in 2011 sold $33.1 million in county-guaranteed bonds to help finance the Morris II solar project to install solar panels at 30 municipal and school sites in Morris County to generate power and reduce energy costs for the participants. Of those projects, 17 have been fully built and are up and running.
However, due to a variety of factors – including a legal battle between project’s developer and contractor — the county has run into a major financial deficit on its Solar II effort. The county faces potential additional losses depending on the market value of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
The county and the MCIA are now deciding the viability of the unbuilt sites, with a primary emphasis on financial viability. These sites consist of facilities owned by Morris County, municipalities and boards of education.
“The special public session on October 5 will give county residents a chance to get a first-hand understanding of the process we are now employing, and to get all of their questions answered,’’ said Freeholder Director Kathy DeFillippo. “It’s an effort for transparency that is essential when it comes to expenditures of county tax dollars, especially on such a complicated project,’’ she added.
“While the solar program bonds were issued in 2010 and 2011 by a prior freeholder board, we have a fiduciary responsibility to Morris County taxpayers regardless of our prior misgivings,’’ said Freeholder John Krickus. “Our primary focus now is damage control, minimizing the losses the county will incur.”
The Committee’s efforts regarding the unbuilt sites, to be detailed on October 5, included:
- Site visits and inspection of roof, ground and other engineering factors;
- Analysis to determine anticipated photovoltaic production at each site;
- Financial modeling, including a preliminary ranking of sites, based on multiple factors, including installation costs, efficiency in installation, existing site conditions, energy productivity and break-even Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) values.
- Receipt of preliminary design and installation cost proposals for each site from engineering, procurement and construction contractors.
The Committee’s preliminary sites’ revenue analysis, to be discussed on October 5, will detail the following information on each location:
- PPA Revenue – The amount at each site for the potential supply of solar energy, in lieu of a similar payment to the traditional grid-energy supplier.
- SREC Revenue – The amount of revenue anticipated to be generated at each Unbuilt Site from the generation and sale of SRECs.
- Operating Costs – Includes industry-standard operation and maintenance expenses, as well as equipment upgrades in years 5, 10 and 15.
- Debt Service – The aggregate amount of principal plus interest to be incurred to finance implementation of the solar project at each site.
- Project Cash Flow – An amount equal to the excess of the aggregate of PPA Revenue plus SREC Revenue, less operating costs and debt service.
- Local Unit Energy Savings – The aggregate amount of savings realized at each site as a result of participation in the program.
- Breakeven SREC – The price of SRECs needed to produce sufficient SREC Revenue, along with PPA Revenue, to result in a Project Cash Flow of $0.
The preliminary revenue analysis was presented to the freeholders and public at the Board of Freeholders’ meeting on September 21.
On October 5, a subsequent public workshop, to be held in the Morris County Administration Building in Morristown, the MCIA will again present that analysis, plus any additional findings, and respond to questions from members of the public.
For more information and to get an initial look at the recent analysis, prior to the October 5 meeting, click here.
CCM Hosting Second Annual 5K Fundraiser to Benefit Veterans
RANDOLPH — Multiple student organizations at County College of Morris (CCM) are partnering with the Office of Counseling and Student Success to host the second annual Veterans Day 5K and 1 Mile Walk on Sunday, November 8.
The college’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Student Ambassadors Club and Student Government Association are co-hosting the event, which will be held on CCM’s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road.
Registration for the 5K and 1 mile walk begins at 7:45 a.m. and the event starts at 9:00 a.m. Runners can register before October 30 to pay the discounted pre-registration fee of $20.00. On October 30, the fee is $25.00 through same-day registration. Children 10 and younger pay $10.00. The fee covers the cost of a T-shirt, race bib, gifts and food.
All proceeds will go to the new CCM Fund for Veterans and Families. The fund provides non-academic financial assistance to cover such costs as housing, wellness support and daycare expenses for veteran students and/or their dependents.
Awards will be presented to the top three male and female runners. To register online, click here.
For more information, click here to email.
Watch the Super Blood Moon Live
PARSIPPANY— It’s too cloudy to see in Parsippany, but you can watch the lunar eclipse live on NASA TV or by watching here on Parsippany Focus
High School Quarterback Evan Murray’s funeral set for this week
The funeral and visitation for Evan Murray, the Warren Hills Regional High School quarterback who died Friday, are set for later this week. Evan Murray (lehighvalleylive.com file photo) Visitation will be held from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Faith Discovery Church, 33 Brass Castle Road in Washington Township, Warren County. The funeral will be at…
PBA 298 Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections holds clam bake
MORRIS PLAINS — The PBA 298 Morris County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections held a successful clam bake on Sunday, September 27 at the Morris Plains VFW 3401.
The menu was completed with all you can eat clams, hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta, beans, macroni salad, chicken wings, ribs, salad and beverages.
PHS Marching Band won Second Place in Yamaha Cup Competition
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Marching Band won Second Place with a score of 82.725 at MetLife Stadium Yamaha Cup Competition on Saturday, September 26.
John Fox, 18 Year Sheriff of Morris County, dies at 73; Funeral Services Set
PARSIPPANY — Former Morris County Sheriff John M. Fox, Sr., 73, passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, September 26, surrounded by his loving family.
John was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and moved to East Orange as a young child. He lived in Livingston before settling in Parsippany in 1955.
John began his career in public service as a police officer in 1965 with the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, later rising to the rank of detective. In 1975, he was elected Sheriff of Morris County and spent the next 18 years turning the office into a support center for local enforcement. His accomplishments include creating the Crimestoppers program, Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (S.L.A.P ), K-9 unit, Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.) and the criminal investigation division.
After his retirement in 1992, John continued his life of public service by serving as a Morris County Freeholder, a Parsippany-Troy Hills councilman, and most recently as a commissioner of the Morris County Board of Elections.
John has been the recipient of numerous awards, including mostly recently the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award from the State Troopers Coalition.
While his professional accomplishments are many, his greatest joy was his family.
“As a young Sheriff, John Fox had the vision to start Crimestoppers, SLAP, a K-9 Unit, a Bomb Squad and our Criminal investigative Services Unit. His vision laid the foundation for what the Morris County Sheriff’s Office has become today; an award-winning, nationally recognized law enforcement agency. All of our officers and employees have Sheriff Fox’s family in our thoughts and prayers. May they find comfort knowing he has left such a wonderful legacy in the county he loved so very much,” said Sheriff Ed Rochford.
Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen said “John Fox was an old friend who I first met when I got out of the Army back in 1971. He was a great Morris County sheriff and freeholder and left a positive mark on law enforcement in our community , especially his work to establish the Morris County Police and Fire Academy.”
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., said “I had the honor and the privilege to work for John Fox while he was Morris County Sheriff. Not only was he a visionary but a true leader. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office would not be what it is today if it were not for John Fox. He may be gone but never forgotten.”
Morris County Administrator John Bonanni stated “The entire Morris County family mourns the loss of Sheriff Fox and extends our sincerest condolences to his Family. Sheriff Fox was a natural born leader whose many contributions will remain with Morris County forever to both protect its citizens and symbolize his legacy. He had a unique and instinctive manner that simply and naturally commanded respect. He fostered, maintained and developed a culture of “dedicated creativity” that resulted in the continual development and implementation of so many programs and services designed to keep Morris County safe. Whether serving as Sheriff or Freeholder, John Fox assumed each position with a deep understanding of critical issues and a determined committment to always make improvements were needed. All of his wonderful qualities were topped off with nothing less than a great sense of humor, which kept all of us who worked with him coming back for more. May God Bless Sheriff Fox and his family.”
“Sheriff Fox will be truly missed I had the honor and privilege to work for him for approximately five years. He was a mentor to me and a role model for the Law Enforcement community. Sheriff Fox was an exceptional leader who’s vision had made the Morris County Sheriffs Department what it is today,” said Councilman Louis Valori, Jr.
“John Fox played an important and successful role as a Police Officer/Detective and as the Sheriff of Morris County. One of his goals was to start and grow Crime Stoppers here in Morris County and to this day it is a successful and interactive instrument in fighting crime and allows individuals to be involved and inform law enforcement of any information they may have without the worry of being exposed. I worked with Sheriff Fox at the Morris County Sherriff’s department during his tenure as Sheriff of Morris County. Years later I was his Campaign Chair for his Council seat here in Parsippany. Knowing John and his family has been a long time friendship. Congressman Dean Gallo and my late husband Republican Leader Alex DeCroce were close confidants and John played a large roll in their political careers as well as they did in his. My first thought was sadness for his family and knowing how proud he was to be a grandfather and how unfair it is that he will not be able to see his grandchildren growing up. I know Maryann and the family will make sure they know how important their grandfather was to Morris County and the State of New Jersey. May God Bless him and his family,” said Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce.
Mr. Fox is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Mary Ann (nee-Japko), his loving children: John and his wife, Deanna, Michelle Theobald and her husband, Darren, and Karie Golenda and her husband, Michael, and his dear brother and sisters: Vincent and his wife, Cora, Barbara Bullwinkel and husband, Bill and Susan Turner; he is also survived by his five adoring grandchildren: Sienna, Michael, Matthew, Natalie and Ryan.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Liturgy of Christian Burial to be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30 at St. Christopher R.C. Church, 1050 Littleton Road. Interment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.
Visiting hours are on Tuesday Evening from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the 200 Club of Morris County. P.O. Box 1743, Morristown, NJ 07962-1743.
Clear skies, warm temperatures on tap for rest of day
The first weekend of fall is nearly over in the Garden State, but locals can expect another day of cool air and clear skies. The National Weather Service predicts temperatures will peak at 71 in Newark, 73 in Trenton and 74 in Cape May, with slight breezes throughout the day. Clouds are expected to move in…
Fifth grade students at Littleton School holds car wash
PARSIPPANY — The fifth grade class at Littleton Elementary School held a car wash to raise fund for end of year activities.
The students had fun washing and drying all the cars that came to the event.
Parsippany Councilman slated to be appointed to County Park’s Commission
MORRISTOWN — The Morris County Freeholders are expected to vote in a new County Parks Commissioner at their next meeting scheduled meeting set for October 14. At a prior meeting of the Freeholders, a majority including Hank Lyon, David Scapicchio, John Krickus and Thomas Mastrangelo indicated that they would be in favor of appointing Parsippany Councilman Dr. Louis Valori to the post.
Former commissioner Judith Schleicher vacated her position in July and Valori’s appointment will fill her unexpired term which ends December 31, 2017.
“I feel honored to be considered,” Valori told Parsippany Focus.
The Morris County Parks Commission was established in 1956 by voter referendum. Lewis Morris County Park in Morris Township was the first park dedicated in March 1958 with 350 acres. The second park acquired was 75 acres and is now known as James Andrews Memorial Park in Randolph.
Morris County is the largest county park system in New Jersey based on acreage and is steward to over 18,730 acres of parkland. It includes 38 facilities: historic sites, golf courses, outdoor educational and recreational facilities, arboreta, conservation areas, 150 miles of trails, ice skating arena, and an artificial turf field complex with two inline hockey rinks. More than 3.5 million visit the parks each year.
The Morris County Parks System staff includes 156 full-time and 149 seasonal and part-time employees. Hundreds of volunteers contribute more than 13,000 hours each year.
There are 9 volunteer Park Commissioners serving 5-year terms selected by the Board of Chosen Freeholders. Each Commissioner serves on several committees to oversee the Park System’s activities. The Commission has public meetings monthly, except for August.
PHHS Project Graduation has fundraiser at Applebee’s
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills High School Project Graduation committee held an Applebee’s fundraiser on Sunday, September 27.
Seniors served breakfast to the guests. The breakfast included pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and beverages.
Project Graduation is a program offered to Parsippany High School students, in which organized, adult-supervised and alcohol-free activities are offered as part of a post-graduation party, as an alternative to student-run events involving alcoholic beverages or other drugs. The event last through the night and is held at MetLife.
Say Hi to Felix!
Say Hi to Felix! Felix is about 12-14 weeks old his name should be Freckles! This is because Felix has a really beautiful unique coat, it’s white with brown spots and lot of brown freckles!
Felix was rescued along with his sister Felicia, from a high kill shelter in North Carolina and they are now living in a wonderful foster homes in New Jersey.
Felix foster mom says….” Felix is very loving and loves to be with people. He is so cute when he climbs on our laps to snuggle. And, he will lay on our daughter’s bed when she is doing her homework. Felix is a curious puppy who enjoys exploring in the yard. He is having fun playing with our dog, he likes to follow her around and run with her in the yard. Felix also enjoys playing with toys, especially kong and nylabones. He is a smart fellow who is learning his name, knows the commands “no” and “leave it”. Felix walks on the leash nicely and he is doing very well with house training. Felix is very sweet, playful, yet calm puppy and he is not a barker. Just a perfect little puppy!”
We are sure when Felix looks at you with those sad puppy dog eyes, you will fall in love! If you have a furever home for this pet, please e-mail FHDR@att.net and request an adoption application. To see more photos & a video clip of the pup and to see our other adoptable rescue pups, please go to www.fhdr.petdinder.com
Atlantis Sports Club renews membership in Parsippany Chamber
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board members Ildiko Peluso and Robert Greulich, CPA with Atlantis Sports Clubs and Spa manager Diana Gil (left). The three are holding Atlantis’ renewal plaque.
Each member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce receives a plaque each year they renew the membership in the organization.
Atlantis Sports Clubs and Spa is located inside Parsippany Sheraton Hotel, 199 Smith Road.
For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.
Kiwanis Club volunteers feed dinner to over 40 homeless individuals
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany cooks dinner once a month for the clients of Homeless Solutions, 540 West Hanover Avenue, Morris Township.
This month, Kiwanis Volunteers Joyce Garrow, Frank Cahill and Nicolas Limanov was joined by Aktion Club members Kevin Curtis White, Matt Rodaman and Kevin Luecht.
The menu consisted of Baked Ziti, delicious Meatballs, Tossed Salad, rolls, fruit salad and chocolcate cake.
They served dinner to over 40 homeless individuals, which included females, males and young children.
Homeless Solutions provides shelter for 25 homeless men, 10 homeless women, 10 families and 20 Safe Haven guests. Their guests receive services including case management, transportation to work and necessary appointments, money management and employment assistance, housing search assistance and daily living skills training. Referral services for counseling, substance abuse intervention, and prevention are also provided.
Homeless Solutions, Inc. employs 49 staff, 36 full-time and 13 part-time. Homeless Solutions, Inc. is governed by a Board of Trustees and is incorporated as a non-profit organization in the State of New Jersey.
Aktion Club is the only service club for adults with disabilities, with more than 12,000 members worldwide.
Aktion Clubs draw members from various organizations that support individuals with disabilities, as well as other community programs. Aktion clubs can also be established at churches, libraries, YMCAs, lodges or similar facilities. A Kiwanis club, composed of like-minded, service-oriented people from the community, serves as the club’s sponsor.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany chooses service projects that we feel need attention. They are all local people who volunteer their time and talents to make our community a better place to live. Members, like you, are busy with making a living, church, family, and many other activities. However, they have found that Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany gives not only a chance to give back to our community in a meaningful way, but enjoy the fellowship, networking, and fun aspects as well.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets weekly on Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46.
For more information click here.
PHS hold service night; Students decorated pillow cases for Valerie Fund Children’s Center
PARSIPPANY — The students at Parsippany High School participated in a service night and decorated pillow cases for the children at Valerie Fund Children’s Center at Morristown Medical Center. The first service night of the new school year brought nearly 100 students to the cafeteria to participate in decorating pillow cases.
Fundraiser for Brian Bramley was held
PARSIPPANY — A fundraiser for Brian “Mouse” Bramley, 49 was held at Mount Holleran Town Tavern to help pay for his recovery from open heart surgery, on Saturday, September 26.
Bramley had open heart surgery on July 31. He’s doing well and will continue to be out of work for several months as he recovers.
The event had a suggested donation of $25.00 for adults and $10.00 for children between 15 and eight years old. Children under seven years old are free.
The “Have a Heart for Mouse” event featured free food and 50/50 and basket raffles. Joe Jannarone, President Sons of Italy 2561, was present and made a donation on behalf of the organization. Also supporting the event was Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Councilman Brian Stanton.
Additional monetary donations for Bramley can be sent through PayPal to xmas2567@verizon.net.
