The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-01-13

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Stardust to Land in Two Days' Time Dust From the Edge of Time

By Vagelis Theodorou

A space flyby will enter Earths atmosphere and land in the Utah desert on January 15. Worry not! It is not a comet, nor an unidentified flying object from other galaxies. It is a sample capsule from the Stardust mission, which is expected to return back to Earth in two days time carrying comet dust, or cosmic booty, thus putting an end to its seven-year mission. The dust is viewed as an invaluable scientific piece of evidence, since it contains molecules thought to be leftovers from the early planet-forming days of the solar system. The capsule is expected to strike Earths atmosphere in a pretty fanciful fashion, like a flaming meteorite.

Successful Return to Earth

Stardust blasted off in 1999 to travel for 2.88 billion miles in a mission of pivotal significance.

On January 2, 2004, the spacecraft darted about 24km of the comet Wild-2, and collected thousands of molecules from the comets wake with the use of a tennis racket-like contraption.

At the same time, Stardust snapped more than 70 best -close-up-view images of the comet.

Like all "icy dirtballs," the term scientists use to refer to comets, Wild-2 is made up of rocks, dust and several icy pieces, which were integrated in the early planet-forming days of the solar system. Upon reaching the Sun, it is turned into vapour due to the Sun radiation, leaving a line of steam and dust in its wake.

Studying the cosmic dust collected is expected to give new insights into the construction of comets and the earliest history of Earth and the rest of the planets.

It is noted that up until now, the only unmanned spacecraft to have returned to Earth carrying extraterrestrial material was Luna 24, which visited the Moon in 1976.

Read the story on other sources:

USA Today: Stardust brings home 'cosmic booty'

Astrobiology Magazine: Sampling Stardust on Sunday

Related Links:

Stardust

[02] Karamanlis-Alogoskoufis Meeting

By Annita Paschalinou

Greek Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis briefed Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis on the results of his trip to Vienna and Brussels, as well as the priorities set by the Austrian Presidency. Upon exiting the meeting, the Economy Minister declared that Greeces stability and growth plan will be assessed in March, while the relevant report will be released in February. The indications we (Greek Economy Ministry) have, he added, following our contacts with the Austrian Presidency and the Eurogroup President Mr Juncker are quite promising. Earlier, the Prime Minister met with Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos. In his statements, Mr Pavlopoulos said that they discussed his Ministrys current issues.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] PASOK Keeps Aloof Drive to Intervene in Justice's Work

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: อลิ

The interpellation submitted by six PASOK MPs regarding the alleged involvement in the extrajudicial ring of lawyer Christina Valinaki, wife to Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, was described by the government as a drive to intervene in Justices work. Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Giannis Valinakis declared that it is nothing but show-off displayed by a small, yet specific group of PASOK MPs, and at the same time a drive to intervene in Justices work. "Any drive to intervene in Justices work is unacceptable," underlined the Deputy Minister. The government and the Justice have cemented a close relationship, argued today government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos and further added that they are independent authorities and that the government fully respects the institutions. In the meantime, PASOK officials noted that there had not been any exchange of views on the matter between the MPs, which submitted the interpellation, and the partys leadership. Asked on the issue, secretary of PASOKs Parliamentary Group Dimitris Reppas claimed that it is the parliamentarians right to submit interpellations and there is no need for prior exchange of views.

At Justice's Disposal

In the meantime, Foreign Affairs Minister Petros Molyviatis offered yesterday his full support to the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister. Mr Molyviatis expressed his appreciation to Giannis Valinakis and called him a close and invaluable aide.

At the same time, the Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister reiterated that his wife is willing to answer to Giosakis allegations regarding her involvement in the extrajudicial ring. The investigation into the case commenced last June.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Briefing over Purgation

[04] Imported From China Dangerous Radiator Recalled

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET

A DAVOLINE OR 9.20-2000W9 radiator imported from China is to be recalled. At least three radiators presented a dangerous oil leak while operating. Since the appliances in question operate indoors, such a leak may even lead to ignition and suffocation, read an announcement issued by the General Secretariat for Consumer Affairs. Furthermore, the appliance did not bear the CE marking, as it should have. A sample was sent to a EU authorised lab to be further checked. Those who have purchased the appliance in question, are urged not to use it and return it to the store they bought it.

[05] Critical, But Stable Sharon to Undergo New Tests

By Vagelis Theodorou

The doctors at Hadassah hospital keep vying to bring Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon out of a medically-induced coma. It is reminded that Sharon has being treated since January 4 after suffering a cerebral haemorrhage. As per a hospital spokesman, Sharon is to undergo today yet another neurological test, while his attendant physicians described his condition as critical, but stable. In the meantime, citing medical sources, the Israeli military radio broadcast that the 77-year-old Prime Minister has shown no signs of regaining consciousness despite the reduction of the anaesthetic drugs, thus raising concern among the doctors. However, hospitals chief neurosurgeon and head of Sharons medical team Felix Umansky said that his condition "is getting better day after day, despite his being sedated," adding that he has shown slight improvement, but no one should await a quick recuperation period.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

Jerusalem Post: Sharon undergoes minor surgery

[06] Olympiacos vs Panathinaikos In Karaiskakis "Arena"

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The premier of the second round of the A Division Championship and of course the classic derby is stealing the limelight from the rest of the games. On Sunday at 19:00, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos will face each other in the 16th round of the Championship, in a game that is always open for predictions and bets. There are some particularities. The "reds" will welcome the "greens," having a great point difference (9 pts as opposed to 30) and their aim is to earn the win and outnumber their eternal opponents by a great percentage, apart from fighting for the Championship. On the other hand, Panathinaikos wants the win from Olympiacos in order to decrease the difference to six points and enter the qualifying race. On the team rosters, Olympiacos is waiting for Rivaldo, who seems ready to play and Panathinaikos will be playing without Nilsson, who is still injured. In the remainder of games, AEK, ranking third in standings, will play against Atromitos and hoping for a probable tie in the derby or a win by the "greens," in order to decrease the difference between Olympiacos, or even approaching the Piraeus team.

Eyes Turned to Piraeus

The two teams have played 26 times against each other, with Olympiacos being the home team, the former winning 10 games and the "greens" four. Twelve games ended in a tie. It is noted that Panathinaikos has not won away for a number of years. However, this happened only on 2/12/1005 by 2-1.

The referee will be 36-year-old Dimitris Kalopoulos from Thessaloniki, who will whistle the start of the game between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos for the first time in his career. Up to now, he has refereed two of Olympiacos games and the same number for Panathinaikos.

The Other Games

Apart from AEK vs Atromitos, Iraklis will be playing against Akratitos on Saturday. Ionikos and Levadiakos will play against each other, OFI with Apollon Kalamaria and PAOK with Xanthi. On Monday, Larissa will play against Panionios, while next Sunday Egaleo will face off Kallithea.

The Programme

SATURDAY

17:45 (Kaftatzogleio) Iraklis vs Akratitos Alpha

19:30 (ฯมสม) มลส vs Atromitos Athens Supersport

SUNDAY

14:45 (Neapolis) Ionikos vs Levadiakos

14:45 (Heraklion) OFI vs Apollon Kalamaria

19:00 (Karaiskakis) Olympiacos vs Panathinaikos Alpha

19:45 (Touba) PAOK vs Xanthi Supersport

MONDAY

21:00 (Alkazar) Larissa vs Panionios Alpha

SUNDAY 22/01/06

17:45 (Egaleo) Egaleo Athens vs Kallithea Supersport

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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