
www.pickatrail.com

Nature & Science News

No safe haven for rarest antelope - Hopes are dashed that some of the few remaining hirola antelope have managed to colonise new, safer territory.

New dinosaurs found in Australia - Three new dinosaur species are found in Queensland, Australia, and named after the Outback song Waltzing Matilda.

Climate change is shrinking sheep - Climate change is causing a breed of wild sheep in Scotland to shrink, according to research in the journal Science.

Planck achieves ultra-cold state - Europe's Planck telescope reaches its operating temperature, making it the coldest object in space.

Amur tigers on 'genetic brink' - The world's largest cat is down to an effective wild population of fewer than 35 individuals, new research has found.

World 'still losing biodiversity' - Species around the world are still being lost despite governments pledging action to reverse the trend, a report warns.

GPS FAQ

What is the Global Positioning System?

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a constellation of U.S. Government Satellites providing the most advanced and accurate positioning and navigation service in the world. Equipped with atomic clocks, twenty-four GPS satellites orbit 12,000 miles above the earth transmitting the exact time and their position in space.

What is a GPS receiver?

A GPS receiver is an electronic device that listens to satellite signals and uses the information to determine and display the receiver's location, speed, altitude and heading.

What is a GPS waypoint?

A GPS waypoint is a navigational fix on a point of reference. The GPS waypoint is oftentimes provided as a set of longitude and latitude coordinates in the "degree, minute, second" format.

What is a WGS 84?

WGS 84 is the acronym that represents the words, "World Geodetic Survey 1984". WGS 84 is one of the most widely accepted datums.

Index:
Placenames Around the World / U.S.A. / Britain