Exploring Azeroth: Kalimdor: World of Warcraft By: Sean Copeland

In this second instalment of the Exploring Azeroth series, Blizzard historian Sean Copeland invites us to explore the continent of Kalimdor through the eyes of the legendary hunter Rexxar and the Horde ambassador Zekhan.

Together they embark on a perilous and revealing journey through the wilds, from the walls of Orgrimmar to the golden plains of Mulgore and Un'Goro Crater.

Along the way, the protagonists share knowledge, lore, gear, and landscapes that are at the heart of World of Warcraft history.

The book is illustrated with immersive art and offers new perspectives on iconic characters, mythical creatures, and iconic areas from the game.

Although the approach is more visual and descriptive than narrative, Copeland's style blends official documentation with Zekhan's subjective point of view, adding a personal and sometimes controversial touch.

Exploring Azeroth: The Eastern Kingdoms by Christie Golden (Book 1)

This book is a narrative journey through the Eastern Kingdoms of Azeroth, guided by two iconic characters: the master spy Mathias Shaw and the charming Captain Flynn Fairwind. Through letters, notes, illustrations, and personal commentary, the reader is immersed in an in-depth exploration of the most iconic lands in the World of Warcraft universe.

A journey through legendary zones:

Stormwind, Silvermoon, Blackrock Mountain, and Karazhan.

This entire exploration is carried out through historical tales and hidden secrets, including powerful artefacts, forgotten ruins, and curiosities that only the most attentive will recognise.

This book updates the lore following the Fourth War: the fall of the Undercity, the rebuilding of Stromgarde, the fate of Southshore, and the mystery of the tomb of Terenas Menethil. As well as Hogger's trousers preserved in the Dungeons, Khadgar's return to Karazhan, and the confirmation that the Scourge and the Blight are distinct threats.

The book blends Shaw's serious tone with Flynn's irreverent humour, creating an entertaining dynamic that brings every page to life. It's more than a guide: it's a love letter to the world millions of players have explored for decades.

Behind the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

 Honoured to receive this Certificate of Appreciation from NASA/JPL for contributing to the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse efforts.

It’s been inspiring to support a moment that connected science, sky, and curiosity across the globe.

The Doom of K'aresh by Adam Christopher

 Before the skies of Dalaran darkened, Alleria Windrunner sought the truth about a lost world—K’aresh, home of the brokers and ethereals. Through the voice of Locus-Walker, we’re taken into a haunting memory of a planet once brimming with arcane beauty. But that beauty masked a destructive force: relentless magic scorching the very souls it sought to protect.

As internal strife fractured the Ravel, and hope diminished in the shadow of Dimensius the All-Devouring, Locus-Walker faced a decision few could endure. His solution, controversial and isolating, marked the beginning of the end. This tragic tale, voiced by Ray Porter, sets the stage for the second major patch in World of Warcraft: The War Within, and reminds us of the cost of knowledge and power when worlds tremble beneath cosmic threats.

The Eagle and the Lion: Rome, Persia and an Unwinnable Conflict by Adrian Goldsworthy

 Adrian Goldsworthy, known for his meticulous attention to military history and sharp narrative voice, delivers in The Eagle and the Lion a compelling account that goes far beyond battles and dates. This is not just a chronicle of wars between two ancient superpowers—Rome and Persia—it’s a masterfully told story of shifting power, diplomacy, geography, and the deeply human flaws and strengths that shaped centuries of conflict.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is how Goldsworthy connects events that are often treated in isolation. He weaves a coherent and engaging narrative that highlights how these confrontations were influenced not just by imperial ambition but by terrain, available resources, logistical challenges, and, critically, the ability—or failure—of leaders, generals, diplomats, and armies to adapt.

The book never glorifies one side over the other. Instead, it presents a sober picture of a “conflict that couldn’t be won,” driven not just by military force, but by politics, pride, and the enduring reality that neither side was strong enough—or weak enough—to land a decisive blow.

For those seeking more than just a catalog of ancient wars—for those who want to understand the why and how, not just the what—The Eagle and the Lion offers a richly detailed and insightful perspective. It's a rare summary that is both intellectually satisfying and narratively gripping.

A New Dawn in Astronomy: The First Images from the Rubin Observatory

 In a remarkable testament to human ingenuity, collaboration, and our unyielding quest for knowledge, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory has released its first images of the cosmos. These breathtaking visuals are not just snapshots of distant celestial bodies; they represent the culmination of years of meticulous planning, overcoming challenges, and pushing technological boundaries.

Located at the summit of Cerro Pachón in Chile, the observatory stands as a beacon of hope for unravelling some of the universe's most profound mysteries, including dark matter and dark energy. Named after Vera Rubin, an astronomer whose work illuminated our understanding of these enigmatic forces, the observatory is poised to transform how we perceive the cosmos.

The images reveal stunning details of the Trifid and Lagoon Nebulae—vast clouds of gas and dust where new stars are born, showcasing the intricate beauty of our universe. Beyond these mesmerising nebulas, the observatory has captured parts of the Virgo Cluster, a collection of thousands of galaxies interacting in a cosmic dance billions of light-years away.

This achievement is not just about advanced technology or scientific discovery; it's a testament to human perseverance and collaboration across nations and disciplines. The challenges faced by the team—ranging from technical malfunctions to the unpredictability of weather on high mountain peaks—underscore our collective determination to explore the unknown.

As we stand on the brink of what promises to be a decade-long journey into the depths of space, let us celebrate not just the images themselves but what they represent: hope, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to expanding the horizons of human knowledge. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory's first look is indeed a leap forward in our quest to understand the universe and our place within it.

Virgo Supercluster

An image showing 10 million galaxies, if you were to look at one galaxy per second, it would take 115 days, 17 hours, 46 minutes and 40 seconds to look at them all.

 

Portion of the Virgo cluster

The Trifid Nebula

Faith & Flame by L. L. McKINNEY

Faerin Lothar, a Lamplighter of Hallowfall, stands at a personal crossroads as she reflects on her legacy, faith, and destiny. Inspired by the ancestral legend of Queen Craishae a warrior who wielded the First Flame to save her people, Faerin recalls her orphanage upbringing, the heroic stories told to her, and the moment she first connected with the Sacred Flame.

Through vivid memories, battles, and heartfelt farewells, Faerin chooses to leave the safety of Hallowfall and embark on a journey to the old world, driven by a burning sense of calling and a hope to find her purpose. Her story weaves courage, loss, and an unshakable belief in the light that burns even in the darkest times.

Exploring the Cosmos from Red Rock, NV with the Seestar 50

Location: Camping in Red Rock, Nevada

Instrument: Seestar 50

Sky Conditions: Cloudless and windless, but with a not-so-transparent roof

Capturing the Wonders of Space

I recently had the opportunity to photograph some of the most fascinating objects in the night sky with my Seestar 50 telescope. The night in Red Rock, NV, was promising: clear skies and a stable atmosphere, although with a not-so-transparent roof, which somewhat affected the sharpness of the images.

The objects I observed include:

M42 (Orion Nebula): A spectacle of gas and forming stars.

M51 (Whirlpool Galaxy): Its spiral structure never ceases to amaze me.

M101 (Pinwheel Galaxy): A galaxy with defined arms and a bright center.

M44 (Benger Cluster): A swarm of young stars.

M81 (Bode's Galaxy): A sharp view of this stunning spiral.

NGC 2175 & IC 417: Two little-known but surprising objects.

M97 (Owl Nebula): A faint object with intriguing details.

NGC 2237 (Rosette Nebula): A rapidly evolving star garden.

M106 & M67: Two galactic gems with unique characteristics.

M4: A globular cluster that stands out among the stars.

Reflections on Observing

Despite the less-than-ideal sky conditions, every image I captured reflects the majesty of the universe. Astronomical observing isn't just about image quality, but also about timing, patience, and connection with the cosmos.

If you're interested in astrophotography, feel free to try darker skies and experiment with different filters to improve your capture. Do you have any tips or similar experiences? Let me know in the comments!

World of Warcraft: The Evolution of Character and Warband Menus

With the introduction of Warbands, the character menus in World of Warcraft have undergone a major overhaul. From a new selection screen to expanded customization options, players now have more freedom to organize their characters. Inspired by the manga/anime style, I've categorized my characters into tiers or "classes" of importance based on their progression and usefulness. Here's how my system works:

S-Class: The Star Protagonists

My elite characters, all level 80, represent the pinnacle of power and dedication. They are the pillars of my adventures:

- Nashiraagie (Human Paladin): Noble and resilient, capable of protecting and healing their party while delivering powerful blows.

- Luminosum (Iron Dwarf Warlock): Master of the dark arts and summoning, always a step ahead in strategy.

- Brikenhead (Undead, Death Knight): A sinister warrior, relentless in close combat, he doesn't hesitate to exploit diseases, as well as summoned undead, to inflict high-level damage.

- Zhugang (Pandaren Monk in the Horde): A skilled fighter with a perfect balance between offense and healing.

Class A: The Mighty Sidekicks

These characters, level 70+, are my featured warriors with great potential in battle:

- Dadihalgiedi (Kul Tiras Warrior): Specialist in physical combat and military tactics.

- Ferrumpungu (Wargen Hunter): Cunning and precise, always accompanied by fierce allies.

- Zeelzy (Goblin Rogue): Swift and stealthy, ideal for ambushes and sabotage.

- Zhelrer (Dracthyr Evoker in the Horde): An ancient connection to dragons, master of devastating powers.

Class B: The Brave Ones in Training

Level 70 characters who continue to grow in strength and skill:

- Thanlandgrie (Void Elf Priest): Channeler of dark energy, spiritual protector of the group.

- Alainndaga (Night Elf Mage): Intellect and magic at their finest, with the ability to destroy and control.

- Armuscap (Highmountain Tauren Druid): Guardian of nature with versatile talents in combat and healing.

- Dorzlak (Zandalari Troll Shaman): Shamanic spirit who masters the elements to attack and heal.

Class C: The Promising Aspirants

These characters are just beginning their journey, preparing for future battles:

- Orwatodon (Tauren Druid): Deep connection with nature, balanced and adaptable.

- Pelithagaux (Nightborne Warlock): Explorer of arcane and dark energies.

- Grondaran (Demon Hunter): A bold warrior who faces chaos with determination.

- Eldrel (Dracthyr Evoker in the Alliance): Another dragon in training, promising to dazzle in the future.

Red Moon

Last night's Lunar eclipse was a reminder of nature's wonders. 

Despite the stormy weather and rain, the skies eventually cleared in time, allowing us to witness the Moon's incredible transformation. It's a beautiful lesson in patience and acceptance sometimes the most breathtaking moments come after the storms.

It gets dark enough to see Star around the Moon.

The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity by David Graeber and David Wengrow

It is a bold and exhilarating reimagining of human origins. Drawing from cutting-edge anthropology and archaeology, the book dismantles long-held assumptions about our ancestors, power structures, and the roots of inequality.

What makes this book truly compelling is how it challenges the linear, deterministic view of history popularized by Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. While Sapiens presents a sweeping narrative with a somewhat fatalistic tone—suggesting that agriculture and civilization inevitably led to domination and inequality—Graeber and Wengrow counter this with a more open-ended, hopeful vision. They propose that humanity has always had choices, that social systems were diverse and imaginative, and that we are not locked into a singular path of progress.

This isn't just history—it’s a manifesto for curiosity and intellectual freedom. It invites us to think differently about freedom, society, and the future. By tracing how Enlightenment thinkers were influenced by Indigenous critique, the book also serves as a powerful reminder of the global roots of political thought.

A fascinating, paradigm-shifting read. 

Up next on my list: Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman. I'll let you know how that one resonates.

Spain Launches Its First Military Satellite: A Leap Forward in Space Technolog

On January 30th, Spain marked a historic milestone with the successful launch of its first military satellite, SPAINSAT NG 1. The satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and is now positioned in geostationary orbit, approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth—nearly three times the planet's diameter.

Operated by the Spanish company Hisdesat, SPAINSAT NG 1 is hailed as the most advanced satellite in Spain and the first in Europe equipped with cutting-edge technology antennas. This innovation includes X-band antennas and beam-hopping technology, enabling the satellite to redirect electronic signals without physical movement. Additionally, it boasts the ability to detect and neutralize interference on Earth, ensuring secure communications for Spanish military forces and NATO.

The satellite is expected to remain operational until 2037, providing reliable and secure communication capabilities. Looking ahead, its twin satellite, SPAINSAT NG II, is scheduled for launch around September or October 2025. Together, these satellites will cover two-thirds of the planet, securing communications from Denmark to Singapore.

This achievement underscores Spain's growing presence in the space sector and its commitment to advancing technological innovation.

Honored and Grateful: A Journey Through the Cosmos

Today marks an extraordinary milestone in my journey as a STEAM educator and an advocate for scientific literacy. I am deeply honoured to be recognized by the Clark County Board of Commissioners for my dedication to sharing the wonders of the universe with our community.

My journey began in the vibrant city of Madrid, Spain, where my fascination with the cosmos was sparked at a young age. Inspired by my mother's love for the stars and my sisters' enthusiastic encouragement of stargazing, I developed a deep passion for astronomy and the sciences. This passion has been the driving force behind my life's work.

When I moved to Las Vegas, I found a community that shared my curiosity and excitement for space exploration. Over the past eleven years, I have had the privilege of working with numerous organizations to promote scientific literacy, including the Scouts of America, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Civil Air Patrol, Native Tribal Organizations, UNLV, and many more. My contributions to citizen science projects for NASA, JPL, The Planetary Society, and others have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

In 2013, I joined the Las Vegas Astronomical Society, and since 2018, I have served as the Vice President of the Society’s Education Outreach Program. This role has allowed me to conduct over 100 STEAM events annually, sharing my passion and knowledge with thousands of community members. In 2022, I was selected for NASA’s Solar System Ambassador’s Program, further fueling my commitment to space exploration and public education.

Today's recognition is a testament to the support and encouragement I have received from so many incredible individuals and organizations. I am especially grateful to Commissioner Gibson and Commission District Liaison Blanca Vazquez for their unwavering support and belief in my mission. Their enthusiasm and dedication have been instrumental in my journey.

I am humbled by this honour and remain committed to inspiring curiosity and promoting scientific literacy. The universe is vast and full of wonders, and together, we can explore it, learn from it, and be inspired by it.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Your support means the world to me. Let's continue to look up and explore the cosmos together!

With gratitude and humility,

Francisco Silva