Wednesday News Rundown (11-12-2014)

By Nestor Vazquez
News Web Editor

CNN reports that the Philae probe has separated from orbiter Rosetta and successfully landed on Comet 67P. Philae will begin to send pictures and surface analysis to the rosetta orbiter. The Philae probe weighs 220 pounds and is equipped with seven cameras, harpoons and an 8-inch drill which will drill into the comet to collect materials for study. This marks the first time a human spacecraft has landed on a comet, marking a historic day in the study of space. Philae will analyze density and thermal properties on the surface and the interaction between the comet and solar wind.

Sunday officially marked the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall that occurred on November 9th, 1989. The tearing down of the wall led to the monumental outcome of the reunification of Germany and a symbolic end to the Cold War. To celebrate the 25th anniversary, many travelers and fellow Germans visited the area where the wall once stood. More than 8,000 white helium balloons stood in place of the wall, side by side, to give people a chance to understand the length of the wall.

The Wittliff Collections will be hosting award-winning author Phillip Lopate at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow.

The University Bookstore will sell Lopate’s work after the reading and he will be available for questions and book signing then.

With freezing weather in the forecast, Austin Water is reminding residents to protect their property to prevent damage and water loss due to frozen or broken water pipes. Tips include wrapping exposed pipes located outside, covering vents around the foundation of homes, removing garden hoses from outside faucets and shutting off water to washing machines when not in use.