The California Tech Volume CXVIII Number 3 Pasadena, California tech.caltech.edu October 13, 2014 Caltech alumnus among 2014 Nobel laureates

KATHY SVITIL developing embryo, Betzig, however realized that by Prizes. Last year, alumnus Martin NEERA SHAH by using fluorescent superimposing many such images, Karplus (PhD ‘54) also received the Associate Editor/Science Writer proteins that glow he would be able to obtain a sharp Chemistry Prize. Editor-in-Chief when illuminated super-image, in which nanoscale with a weak pulse of structures are clearly visible. The The first Caltech affiliate to win a All information about Eric light. Each time the new technique was first described Nobel Prize was Robert A. Millikan Betzig is by Kathy Svitil, Associate sample is illuminated, in a 2006 paper published in the (1868-1953), who was awarded Editor and Science Writer, from a different, sparsely journal Science. the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1923 Caltech Media Relations. See distributed After Caltech, Betzig, a physics “for his work on the elementary the original article at http:// subpopulation of major from Ruddock House, charge of electricity and on the www.caltech.edu/content/ fluorescent proteins earned an MS (1985) and a PhD photoelectric effect.” alumnus-eric-betzig-wins-2014- will light up and, (1988) from Cornell University. He In 1936, Carl David Anderson nobel-prize-chemistry#sthash. because the glowing worked at AT&T Bell Laboratories (1905-1991) (BS ’27, PhD ’30) BEEqP5Qt.dpuf. molecules are spaced until 1994, when he stepped away became the first Caltech alumnus Eric Betzig Eric Betzig (BS ‘83), a group -Photo Courtesy of Huntington Hughes Medical farther apart than the from academia and science to to win a Nobel Prize. He won leader at the Howard Hughes Institute/Image by Matt Staley Abbe diffraction limit, work for his father’s machine the Nobel Prize in Physics “for Medical Institute’s Janelia Farm that, essentially, nothing smaller a standard microscope tool company. Betzig returned his discovery of the positron.” Research Campus in Ashburn, than one-half the wavelength of would be able to capture them. to research in 2002 and joined Anderson shared the prize that Virginia, has been awarded the light, or about 0.2 microns, can Still, each of the images produced Janelia in 2005. year with Victor F. Hess, who 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry be discerned by these scopes. in this way has relatively low To date, 33 Caltech alumni and discovered cosmic radiation. along with Stefan W. Hell of the Max The result of the Abbe limit is resolution—that is, they are blurry. faculty have won a total of 34 Nobel Continued on page 2 Planck Institute for Biophysical that only the larger structures Chemistry and William E. Moerner within cells—organelles like of Stanford University. The three mitochondria, for example— were honored “for the development can be resolved and studied of super-resolved fluorescence with regular microscopes but microscopy,” a method that allows not individual proteins or even for the creation of “super-images” viruses. The restriction is akin with a resolution on the order to being able to observe the of nanometers, or billionths of a buildings that make up a city but meter. In essence, the work turns not the city’s inhabitants and microscopy into “nanoscopy.” their activities. The technique developed by the Betzig, building on earlier trio overcomes the so-called Abbe work by Hell and Moerner, diffraction limit, which describes a found that it was possible to The center image shows lysosome membranes and is one of the first ones taken by Betzig using single-molecule micros- copy. To the left, the same image taken using conventional microscopy. To the right, the image of the membranes has been physical restriction on the sizes of work around the Abbe limit enlarged. Note the scale division of 0.2 micrometers, equivalent to Abbe’s diffraction limit. The resolution is many times the structures that can be resolved to create very-high-resolution improved. using optical microscopy, showing images of a sample, such as a -Photo Courtesy of Science 313:1642-1645 Sean Solomon awarded National Medal of Science CALTECH ALUMNI mission to Venus, named after him: Solomon is a member of the ASSOCIATION the Mars Global asteroid 25137 National Academy of Sciences and Surveyor mission, Seansolomon, which the American Academy of Arts Geophysicist Sean C. Solomon the GRAIL mission orbits the sun between and Sciences and has received (BS ’66) was named a recipient of to the moon, and a Mars and Jupiter. numerous other awards, among the National Medal of Science by number of ocean- “Sean Solomon them the Geological Society of President Barack Obama on Friday. bottom seismological is a pioneer in both America’s G.K. Gilbert Award and A recipient of Caltech’s explorations. Earth and Planetary the American Geophysical Union’s Distinguished Alumni Award “The four inner Sciences, and a world Harry H. Hess Medal. (2006), Solomon is the director planets of our solar leader in the discipline The National Medal of of Columbia University’s Lamont- system are nature’s of geophysics,” said Science was created in 1959 and Doherty Earth Observatory and experiments in how John Grotzinger, is administered by the National principal investigator of NASA’s a planet like Earth chair of the Division Science Foundation. Awarded mission to Mercury. became the planet it of Geological and annually, the medal honors “These scholars and innovators is today, and they had Planetary Sciences individuals who have done work have expanded our understanding four extraordinarily (GPS) and Fletcher of outstanding merit or have of the world, made invaluable different outcomes,” Jones Professor of had a major impact in the fields contributions to their fields, Solomon said Geology at Caltech. of science and engineering. and helped improve countless in an interview “Being awarded A committee of presidential lives,” President Obama said in a with Columbia the National Medal appointees recommends medal statement. “Our nation has been University in 2013. of Science is a candidates to the president based enriched by their achievements, “To understand our celebration of his on their extraordinary knowledge and by all the scientists and own planet, we must extraordinary career, in and contributions to chemistry, technologists across America understand how all which has been rich engineering, computing, dedicated to discovery, inquiry, Earth-like planets with exploration, mathematics, and the biological, and invention.” formed and evolved.” -Photo Courtesy of Caltech Alumni Association extending from the behavioral/social, and physical In a career spanning four Prior to Lamont- structure of the Earth, sciences. decades, Solomon has served on Doherty, Solomon served for Magnetism in Washington, to the Moon, Mars, Venus, and The new awardees will receive numerous projects exploring Earth nearly two decades as director D.C. When he departed in 2011, Mercury. We are very proud of our their medals in a ceremony at the and Earth-like planets in the solar of the Carnegie Institution for colleagues arranged to have a alumnus from Caltech’s Division of White House, to be held later this system, including the Magellan Science’s Department of Terrestrial previously discovered asteroid Geological and Planetary Sciences.” year.

FEATURE | page 3 FEATURE | page 4 SPORTS | page 5 HUMOR| page 8 In this Nailen reviews SB- Casey Handmer JD Feist is Feisty Tim Sinclair Re- TRKT’s new album discusses Low Or- flects on Adminis- issue bit transport trative news News 2 October 13, 2014 THE CALIFORNIA TECH Caltech Y Column Caltech alumnus joins ranks CALTECH Y on your own. Space is limited and of Techer Nobel laureates The Caltech Y Column serves to lunch is provided, so sign up is inform students of upcoming events required. Location details will be and volunteer opportunities. The included in the confirmation. Continued from page 1 Patrick Modiano list is compiled by Neera Shah from Use this link to sign up: Linus Carl Pauling (1901- in Literature information given by the Caltech Y https://docs.google.com/forms/ 1994) (PhD ’25) is the only “for the art of and its student leaders. d/1OFe1d33Q6sL0yJ8f6QLai individual in history to win memory with Founded by students in 1916, lMXPexaw7aqv56-x7NhSE8/ two unshared Nobel Prizes in which he has the Y was organized to provide viewform?usp=send_form different categories. He won evoked the most extracurricular activities planned The Adventure 101 lunch the Nobel Prize in Chemistry ungraspable and implemented by students as series is designed to introduce in 1954 “for his research into human destinies an opportunity to learn leadership opportunities and information the nature of the chemical and uncovered skills and discover themselves. The that can help students expand their bond and its application to the the life-world of mission of today’s Y remains the adventure repertoire. The Caltech elucidation of the structure the occupation”; same—to provide opportunities Y offers many outdoor adventures, of complex substance.” His and Kailash that will prepare students to organized and led by Caltech second award was the Nobel Satyarthi become engaged, responsible students, and open to everyone Peace Prize in 1962 “for his and Malala citizens of the world. The Y seeks from the novice to the seasoned opposition to weapons of Yousafzai, who to broaden students’ worldviews, enthusiast. The Y-Outdoors mass destruction.” His stated shared the raise social, ethical, and cultural Committee is open to any student field was arms control and Nobel Peace awareness through teamwork, interested in helping to organize disarmament; he worked with Prize “for their community engagement, activism, and lead outdoor adventures. If other scientists to spread a struggle against and leadership. More information you are interested in joining the message against the nuclear the suppression about the Caltech Y and its committee, contact caltechy@ arms race. He played a key role of children and programs can be found at https:// caltech.edu. in the Pugwash movement, young people caltechy.org. The office is located at which fought to reduce the role (From top left) Leo Rainwater (BS ’39), David Baltimore, How- and for the right 505 S. Wilson Avenue. 3a. Hathaway Sycamores of nuclear arms in international ard Temin (PhD ’60), and Renato Dulbecco all won Nobel Prizes of all children to Ongoing and past programs Every Thursday | 5:30-8:30pm politics. Interestingly, the in 1975. education.” hosted by the Y: | Highland Park (BS’39) won the Nobel Prize in • Make-A-Difference Day: Volunteer at Hathaway- Physics in 1975 (with Aage Niels LA County Arboretum and Botanic Sycamores, a group that supports Bohr and Ben Roy Mottelson) “for Garden, Children’s Hospital Los local underprivileged but motivated the discovery of the connection Angeles (Coachart), Eaton Canyon, high school students. There are a between collective motion and • Explore LA: Lakers game, variety of ages and subjects being particle motion in atomic nuclei Next to Normal musical, Norton tutored. The service trip includes and the development of the theory Simon Museum trip about an hour of travel time and 2 of the structure of the atomic Upcoming Events: hours of tutoring. Transportation nucleus based on this connection.” is included. For more info and to David Baltimore, Howard M. 1. Caltech Y - Washington RSVP email Sherwood Richers at Temin (PhD ’60), and Renato DC Science Policy Trip [email protected]. Dulbecco shared the Nobel Prize December 14 - 18 (five days) 3b. Pasadena LEARNS in Physiology or Medicine “for Cost is only $585 (with round Every Friday | 3:00 - 5:00pm | their discoveries concerning the trip flight to DC and back to LA) or Madison and Jackson Elementary Linus Pauling won a Nobel Prize in interaction between tumor viruses $350 (with one way flight to DC) - School | Pasadena Chemistry in 1954 and the Nobel Peace and the genetic material of the Space is limited. Come volunteer at Madison and Prize in 1962. cell.” Applications are available now Jackson Elementary School! We Pugwash Conferences on Science The other 2014 awardees are: at www.caltechY.org and due to the are partnered with the Pasadena and World Affairs was awarded Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, Caltech Y – by Tuesday, October LEARNs program and work with its own Nobel Peace Prize in and Shuji Nakamura in Physics “for 21st. Join us for an exploration into their Science Olympiad team or 1995 for its efforts to reduce and the invention of efficient blue light- Science Policy on an exciting trip to do regular tutoring along with eliminate the role of nuclear arms emitting diodes which has enabled the Nation’s capitol. The five day occasional hands-on science in international politics. bright and energy-saving white trip includes flights, lodgings, and experiments. Transportation is Four Caltech affiliates/alumni light sources”; John O’Keefe, May- most meals; discussions with those provided. For more information were recipients of a Nobel Prize in Britt Moser and Edvard I. Moser in (From top) Robert Millikan and Carl who have played a role in setting and to RSVP, contact vkkumar@ 1975, which is currently the most Physiology or Medicine “for their Anderson won the Nobel Prize in Phys- ics in 1923 and 1936, respectively. and implementing science policy caltech.edu to be honored in the same year. discoveries of cells that constitute -Photos Courtesy of California Institute for the United States including: Leo James Rainwater (1917-1986) a positioning system in the brain”; of Technology Academics, Lobbyists, Scientists, Ongoing Volunteer Events: Politicians, and Caltech Alumni ... 1. Pasadena Unified School and of course the opportunity to District Tutors Needed see Washington, DC landmarks like Pasadena High Schools have News briefs from around the globe the White House, the Memorials; started after-school tutoring Smithsonian Museums; the programs coordinated by teachers. Need to know <100 words about the world this week National Archives; and the Capitol. Tutors are needed at each school to Don’t miss this opportunity! help out with the tutoring. This is Youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner named The Washington, DC Science a great way to work directly with 17-year old Malala Yousafzai shared the honor with Kailash Satyarthi [BBC] Policy Trip is coordinated by the teachers and students. Tutors may Caltech Y with generous volunteer on any days for which Money donated to Gaza support from the George they are available. High School 5.4 billion dollars pledged by international donors; half is for reconstruction [ABC] Housner Fund. Questions and tutoring/homework help hours are applications may be directed to as follows: Voter ID laws rejected [email protected] − Blair High School M-F 3:20- 2 US courts struck down voter ID laws in Texas and Wisconsin [BBC] 4:30 (Math) contact Ronaldo 2. Adventure 101 - Great Hunter at (626) 720-2578 Hikes in the Greater LA Area − Marshall High School M-F Russian troops pulled back 17.6k soldiers stationed near Ukrainian border ordered to return to bases [BBC] Tuesday | October 14th | 12:00 3:05-4:30 (All Subjects) contact noon Cati Acevedo at (626) 720-2587 Los Angeles has a vast array of − Muir High School M-Th 3:20- Arrests made during protests great hiking - from the immediate 6:00 (All Subjects) contact Nicole 17 arrested during St. Louis protests of recent police shootings [ABC] San Gabriel Mountains or Griffith Stephens (626) 720-2567 Park areas to the Santa Monica − Pasadena High School 3:20- Venezuela ordered to pay Exxon Mountains near the beach - there 6:00 (All Subjects) contact Arman 1.6 billion dollars demanded in compensation for expropriated assets [BBC] is a seemingly unending supply of Ter-Grigoryan at (626) 720-2589 hiking options. Come learn from If you have any questions feel Cyclone Hudhud prompts evacuations student hikers some of the great free to contact the Caltech Y at 350k on east Indian coast evacuated due to severe storm,winds up to 130 mph [BBC] venues you might want to explore [email protected]. Feature THE CALIFORNIA TECH October 13, 2014 3 SBTRKT’s new album features big names, lands short NAILEN MATSCHKE building on the tested construction of its and it’s not like distorted, droning bass notes Unlike other tracks featuring guests, “Look Contributing Writer predecessor, it offers more variety and more are anything new (see Shlohmo, Salem, Away” feels as though SBTRKT is the driving features of some of the brightest stars across Burial, etc.), so I’m not sure what the goal of force behind the composition, demonstrating The release of a sophomore album is the spectrum of popular music from Ezra a track like this is. his production skills with tightly-arranged usually an event packed with anticipation, Koenig to A$AP Ferg, and given that three Thankfully, the next couple of songs make and unusual samples that mix well with a as all of the questions raised by an even years is generally a fair amount of time to up for the relatively slow start with some song whose underlying beat is continually marginally successful debut get the sort of produce an album, SBTRKT seems to have really cool moments. The first, “Lantern,” is changing. Many of the other collaborations, long-form, self-aware answers that the EPs all of the necessary equipment for producing a short two-minute piece centered around on the other hand, feel as though SBTRKT and live work that often occupy the interim a worthy follow-up to his self-titled LP. a repeated energetic chorus of arpeggiated might as well just be producing music for the cannot fully deliver. After the universal However, as many artists have done before, synths, building up through a distant- featured artist, rather than using them to aid acclaim of SBTRKT’s 2011 self-titled release SBTRKT seems to fall for the old trap of sounding rendition of the theme that in realizing what is largely his own artistic and with little to tide over listeners besides trying to do too much and not doing much of undergoes a cacophonous transition to a vision. an underwhelming EP and a live album, it particularly well, and although it is in many hard-hitting beat, which eventually gives way This is amplified by somewhat the question of whether the producer’s ways an iterative improvement, Wonder to a harp interlude that brings the synths back disappointing performances by the featured collaboration-dependent formula of mixing Where We Land feels as though SBTRKT with some unexpected cello backing before artists, such as the vanilla and unremarkable the range of styles that have accumulated in has placed emphasis on evolving the wrong finishing off with a chopped-up rendition of vocals of Denai Moore on “The Light,” or the wake of dubstep can continue to result in aspects of his style. the song’s main “melody.” Next is “Higher,” A$AP Ferg’s verses on “Voices In My Head,” interesting yet accessible music has been ripe The first song on the album, after the which has cool instrumentals but is held back which despite Ferg’s best efforts have a hard for an answer. 30-second intro track, is “Wonder Where by an uninteresting rap performance from time getting over the reality that he’s simply Wonder Where We Land, released Oct. We Land,” a slow-burning mix of a subdued Raury, whose monotone and rapid-fire verses not that great a rapper, especially when 7, has at face value quite a bit of potential; and sparse beat, some sluggish sustained give the sound a nice subdued texture but removed from his element as he is here with bass notes, and end up making most of the song forgettable, SBTRKT’s production. On the other hand, it then mostly except the hook with its escalating vocals and often seems like SBTRKT does not put much vocal samples tremolo synths. effort into giving each track much to support from stalwart Songs like “Higher” would make great the vocals, content to stick to a single pattern Sampha. singles, as their catchy hooks manage to for the instrumentals on songs such as “Gon Already, it’s overcome their general repetitiveness. In Stay” or “Temporary View” (both featuring illustrative fact, the album’s problem is not that it lacks Sampha) or even on “Everybody Knows,” of one of my single-quality material, but that its several which barely has any vocal samples. Despite biggest issues memorable songs are notably incoherent, some interesting choices of who to work with the album: and are separated by what feels like quite a with for this album, the tracks they appear while nothing bit of filler. on (which compose most of the album) are on its own is It’s interesting that the first single released pretty weak for what they could be. poorly made or from the album was “New Dorp. New York,” Sophomore albums are always a gamble, a bad idea from one of the most unusual tracks on the album and even though Wonder Where We Land the outset, for for its Ezra Koenig feature, eclectic, rock- is certainly enjoyable to listen to with some the most part influenced instrumentals, and pounding unforgettable moments, I ultimately feel the music lacks bass. While it might be a little predictable, it’s that it is nowhere near as memorable as any real focus still amongst the tracks that have most stuck SBTRKT. Luckily, there is still plenty of time or novel ideas. with me. Overall, though, I think my favorite for SBTRKT to redeem himself. I hope that I’ve already might be “Look Away,” the second-longest this album serves as an even more valuable heard plenty track on the album, with its unconventional learning experience than its predecessor. of Sampha’s and off-kilter percussion, glissando-happy With a firmer approach to the music’s vocals thanks synths, and a chilling vocal delivery by direction and focus, and some songwriting to SBTRKT’s Caroline Polachek, aided by tastefully-used practice, I feel SBTRKT has the potential to http://theyoungturks.co.uk/ previous work, Auto-tune to wispily float over the chorus. make something special out of his sound. Some books shouldn’t be adapted for the big screen MONICA ENLOW the airport, and we know Nick Cage is a pilot certainly provide you with more. Did you say his religious devotion, he was not saved. A Editor-in-Chief and Chad Michael Murray is an investigative you wanted a cartoonish scene where the movie in 2014 that actively displays distaste journalist, we know that a plane is taking off plane crashes out of the air and comes inches for other religions is not okay. It’s just not. WARNING: This article contains spoilers. and that there will be snakes on this plane. away from hitting a strategically placed If you want a really good movie to make I was told when I went to see this movie It’s one of the oldest setups in the book. flammable gas container? Well, you got it! fun of one day, go and watch this movie. My that it was an adaptation of a book series. Then there’s the aesthetic of the movie. The camera work also might make you advice is to wait until it starts playing at the I was also told that the book series was The number of pointless scenes built into nauseated. It is very evident that camera Academy on Colorado, because it was not reasonably okay. This film should have been this movie is too many. A full 45 seconds of stabilizers were not in the budget of this worth a $10 movie ticket. The way the movie left behind, but was not. That’s the TL;DR of Extra Number 1 struggling with his luggage? high quality production. You can very ended also gives strong hints to a sequel. this movie. Thirty seconds of Random Family 1 trying obviously tell which shots were filmed from Don’t provide this production crew with Left Behind starts out by introducing us to to herd their children? Countless scenes of a helicopter, and which shots were filmed by sufficient funding for it. I give this movie a all the characters. First, we meet the angsty miscellaneous extras running around like the guy on a ladder. 0.7/10 blonde girl. She’s in college and she just wishes chickens with their heads chopped off? I Lastly, there’s the aggressively her family would get their stuff together. Then don’t think the editors of this movie grasped Christian element of this movie. I am there’s Chad Michael Murray’s character. His that you don’t have to include all of the B roll Catholic. I completely support people on beautiful face doesn’t go unnoticed by our footage in the final product. whatever their religious beliefs happen blonde; neither does his scripted fame as an Past those gems, there’s the stereotypical to be or not be. Left Behind made me investigative journalist. The writers of this suspense-building music. Viewers will also feel inadequate in my religious zeal. movie don’t forget to remind you that he is a have their stereotypical suspense-building The premise of the movie is that all famous investigative journalist. But the most music come to a shocking conclusion when the non-believers who don’t have god important character introduced in the first a phone rings. This will more than likely be a in their hearts and don’t abide by the five minutes is a womanizing Nicholas Cage. call from Chad Michael Murray, investigative words of the Bible are left behind while Viewers will get to see Nick Cage as a pilot journalist, or Nick Cage, womanizing pilot. the children and believers are taken seduce a flight attendant. She is also blonde Nothing legitimately exciting happens to to heaven. In general, I can’t promote and looks about as old as the first blonde girl, break the suspense building music. In the one this movie purely because of its view who is actually Nick Cage’s daughter. scene where the angsty blonde encounters a on religion. The scene that I dislike the As I mentioned before, Nick Cage is a pilot. burglar being shot out of a jewelry store, that most is when a passenger in first class This movie starts in an airport where the would have been an appropriate instance to (who looks Middle Eastern) suggests to angsty blonde meets Chad Michael Murray break the music. Instead the music selection the first class passengers that they should and confronts an evangelical Christian is overwhelmingly orchestral. I was focused all pray about the weird occurrence that woman. The fun at the airport doesn’t end on how soothing the music was because took place. He said that the passengers there, though. She also confronts Nick Cage, it seemed so out of place. Another scene should pray to any God they believe in. In her womanizing father, and drags Chad viewers will appreciate is the scene with the my humble opinion, he appeared to be a Michael Murray into her family’s craziness gas tank explosion. If a very cheesy scene of stout believer of a God of his choice. This using her feminine wiles. In case that wasn’t a girl running away from an exploding gas god, however, was not the god that enough of an exciting plot, because we are at tank isn’t your style, though, this movie can Christians believe in, so despite http://www.impawards.com/2014/left_behind_ver3.html Feature 4 October 13, 2014 THE CALIFORNIA TECH NASA Commercial Crew Transport Capability narrows choice CASEY HANDMER spaceplane, as well as the new but had experience and resources. impressive) RD-180 rocket on its When a really good rocket can get Contributing Writer Virgin Galactic rocket motor. The SpaceX had asked the least to first stage. ULA has admitted that 3% of its launch mass into orbit, the they have a limited supply last thing you want is a spacecraft Starting in 2009, of engines and uncertain which comes with substantial NASA began a process capability to build copies weight penalties for features of of selecting private themselves. Recently they limited utility. While the shuttle companies to provide contracted Blue Origin, could land on a runway, there were astronaut transport Jeff Bezos’s private rocket only a few runways long enough in capabilities to low Earth company, to build a the whole world, requiring precise orbit. Coinciding with the replacement engine (the BE- targeting and good weather. In retirement of the space 4) powered by methane and contrast, the Russian workhorse shuttle, the program is oxygen. Soyuz capsule can land anywhere intended to maintain US On Sept. 16, NASA (it had once famously landed on a crewed space capability, announced that SpaceX frozen lake). reduce dependence on and Boeing would proceed, On Saturday, Aviation Week the Russian space agency, while Sierra Nevada obtained and published a copy cut costs, promote would not receive further of NASA’s report on the decision. innovation, and allow funding. In response, Sierra This report states, in part, “[We] NASA to focus on crewed Nevada pledged to continue consider SNC’s design to be the deep space exploration, development with internal lowest level of maturity, with should they ever receive a funds, cooked up a version significantly more technical work mandate to do so. of the Dream Chaser which and critical design decisions to Despite a substantial could launch from the accomplish. The proposal did under-provision of Stratolaunch plane, and filed not thoroughly address these funds from Congress, develop a futuristic a formal protest, citing similar design challenges and trades. the program has capsule design, progress to Boeing but a lower [The proposal] has more schedule proceeded, with yearly to be launched cost. The result of the protest will uncertainty. For example, some of reviews (designed in on their own be determined by January, but the the testing planned after the crewed collaboration with the Falcon 9 rocket. result was anticipated fairly widely. flight could be required before the key players), to assess Sierra Nevada had NASA is leery about space crewed flight, and the impact of ongoing performance also proposed a plane designs, after the experience this movement will greatly stress and keep the program relatively cheap with the shuttle. The promise of a the schedule.” focused. The biggest prize development for cheaper, reusable rocket was belied The Dream Chaser looks great by far in this program is the Dream Chaser, by the reality. The shuttle, for all its and promises a lot, but it is clear the development of the but would have benefits, was also a technological from this quotation that large spacecraft, and by the to launch it with nightmare, extremely expensive, aspects of the design are still to be beginning of 2014, three ULA (and hence not particularly safe, and spent a hashed out. Given that uncertainty, main contenders were Boeing’s) Atlas V very large proportion of its overall it is not surprising that NASA chose still in play. rocket. power lifting wings, wheels, to exclude them from the final stage Boeing, the giant of Adding to the brakes, and empty space into orbit. of the program. US aerospace, has a long history of building rockets and space systems, including the Atlas V launch vehicle with United Launch Alliance. With tens of thousands ofNASA spare Commercial engineers Crewand Transport Capability: Winners and Loser a Caseydeep Handmer understanding of the bid process, they proposedStarting inthe 2009, CST-100, NASA abegan a process of selecting private companies to provide astronaut verytransport conservative capabilities capsule to low Earth orbit. Coinciding with the retirement of the space shuttle, the designprogram based is intended on proven to maintain US crewed space capability, reduce dependence on the technology.Russian space agency, cut costs, promote innovation, and allow NASA to focus on crewed deepSpaceX, space theexploration, startup should they ever receive a mandate to do so. space company based in Hawthorne,Despite a substantial has managed under -provision of funds from congress, the program has proceeded, with yearly reviews, designed in collaboration with the key players, to assess ongoing performance (From top) The Dragon V2, CST-100, and Dream Chaser designs were submitted for review. via ‘Milestone goals’ and keep the program focused. ThePhotos biggest Courtesy prize ofby Wikimedia far in this Commonsprogram is the development of the spacecraft, and by the beginning of 2014, three main contenders were tostill bend in play. the CCtCap process Dream Chaser is designed to launch complexity, around their own development of atop the Atlas V, then re-enter and the Atlas V is Boeing, the giant of US aerospace, has a long history of building rockets and space systems, the Dragon V2 capsule, a design land on a regular runway, whereas not presently including the Atlas V launch vehicle with United Launch Alliance. With tens of thousands of with significantly more capability SpaceX and Boeing’s capsules are rated for human spare engineers and a deep understanding of the bid process, they proposed the CST-100, a than called for during the process. designed to land with parachutes flight. Rating very conservative capsule design based on proven technology. With incredible design and and/or rockets on land. All are the Atlas V is a manufacturing innovation, SpaceX designed to carry up to 7 people complex program SpaceX, the startup space company based in Hawthorne, has managed to bend the CCtCap isprocess making aroundwaves in their every own part developm of the andent ofto the be reusable.Dragon V2 capsule, a design withthat significantly Boeing launchmore capabilitybusiness, than including called for their during theThe process. latest decisionWith incredible on capsule design andunderstandably manufacturing high-profileinnovation, SpaceX argument is making with waves ULA development in every part ofwas the launchexpected business, by includingwould betheir charging high- overprofile sharing argument the withmilitary ULA satelliteover sharing September the military 2014. satellite NASA launch was widely business. contractor rates launch business. expected to pick two of the three for if its CST-100 SierraSierra Nevada Nevada Corporation, Corporation, a smaller designs and private to proceed,aerospace basedelectronics on and capsulesystems companywas not a hadsmaller branched and outprivate into the aerospace launch business progress with and the assessments development of futureof the Dream selected. Chaser liftingIf that electronicsbody spaceplane, and systems as well company, as the new risk. Virgin Galactic rocket motor. The Dreamwasn’t Chaser isenough, haddesigned branched to launch out into atop the the launch Atlas V, thenAt rethis-enter point and it land was on anybody’s a regular runway,the whereasAtlas V uses businessSpaceX andwith Boeing’s the development capsules are race.designed Boeing to land had withasked parachutes the most and/orto therockets Russian on land. built All ofare the designed Dream toChaser carry uplifting to 7 bodypeople develop and to bethe reusable. least capable capsule, (and thoroughly

Company Boeing SpaceX Sierra Nevada Corp.

Spacecraft CST-100 Dragon V2 Dream Chaser

Bid $4.2b $2.6b $3.3b

Gross mass to LEO 20,000 lbs 16,600 lbs 25,000 lbs Milestone goals 17/20 13/17 8/13

Sports THE CALIFORNIA TECH October 13, 2014 5 JD is Feisty in goal, awarded SCIAC Weekly Honor

GOCALTECH.COM Chapman this past Saturday, JD staff in general has been Actual Sports Content Editor came up big when he stopped a really good as well. I have penalty kick, a save that eventually been extremely motivated PASADENA, Calif. – Caltech allowed Caltech to earn its first this entire season by how sophomore goalkeeper, John point in conference with a 1-1 tie. well the team is playing and David Feist, has been named the “JD has been terrific all season extra motivation is the fight SCIAC Male Co-Athlete of the long,” said head coach Rolo Uribe, in our team and will to play Week. The weekly award is voted “and the recent games prove how 90 minutes of good soccer.” on by each of the conferences nine much better we are as a team from As Coach Uribe athletic departments. last year.” continued to praise JD for Feist has been instrumental Feist’s performances have his leadership on and off in Caltech’s competitiveness all been remarkable considering the the field, he mentioned his season long. His 66 saves lead number of shots the Beavers have versatility: “If we had more the SCIAC, and he helped the defended. His 13 saves at CMS are depth, he could play in the Beavers earn three straight first a season-high, and heading into field as a striker.” half shutouts against conference Monday’s game, Caltech had given It’s a particularly special foes (La Verne: 5 SOG, 3 saves; up 17 fewer goals in comparison to occasion considering nobody Pomona-Pitzer: 7 SOG, 6 saves; this time last year. from Caltech soccer has been Chapman 10 SOG, 9 saves). Feist was active and noteworthy named athlete of the week “It’s a great honor to be selected against Cal Lutheran and Redlands in six years. The last Beaver as athlete of the week,” Feist said, earlier in the season. On a weekly to earn the weekly award “and I am very happy to perform basis, save after save, he continues was Tyler Volkoff in 2008. for my team.” to keep the Beavers in games. “It’s cool to be recognized,” There are lots of good things about this particular article: 1) a student athlete is doing The matches with the Leopards “Coach Nick has been a said Feist. “Our success has really well and SCIAC appreciates that; 2) the article came with this title; 3) the file name for this picture is feisty.png. and Sagehens were narrow losses, tremendous help as our goalkeeper been the backline and JD in -gocaltech.com 2-1 and 1-0, respectively. At coach,” Feist added. “The coaching goal,” added Uribe. Always struggling for Scoreboard Upcoming Games Women’s Volleyball Women’s Volleyball original content Tues. Oct. 7 vs. Occidental - L, 3-0 Tues. Oct. 14 @ 7:30p - CMS Sat. Oct. 11 vs. Fri. Oct. 17 @ 7:30p - Redlands Mills College - L, 3-1 Sat. Oct. 18 @ 7:30p - Chapman Men’s Water Polo Sat. Oct. 11 vs. Wed. Oct. 22 @ 5p - La Verne Mills College - W, 3-2 Wed. Oct. 22 @ 7p - Chaffey College Men’s Soccer Men’s Soccer Wed. Oct. 15 @ 4p - Redlands Mon. Oct. 6 vs. Whittier - L, 6-0 Sat. Oct 18 @ 7p - Cal Lutheran Sat. Oct. 11 vs. Occidental - L, 1-0 Wed. Oct. 22 @ 4p - Chapman

The file name for this picture is hulk.png. I, myself, would have named it for_sparta.png. I believe this picture is funnier if you cut out the most important part of soccer. -gocaltech.com -gocaltech.com

It’s the third week of school and I’m already running out of wit for these captions. Get excited for Amarise Little jumps up for a little “NOT IN MY HOUSE.” third term. -gocaltech.com -gocaltech.com Announcements 6 October 13, 2014 THE CALIFORNIA TECH NOMINATE YOUR Presidential ASCIT Minutes FAVORITE PROFESSOR Inauguration ASCIT Board of Directors Meeting FOR THE FEYNMAN On October 24th, the Pro-

Minutes for 5 October 2014. Taken by Sean McKenna TEACHING PRIZE!!! vost has declared an insti- Officers Present: Catherine Jamshidi, Connie Hsueh, Patrick Nikong, tute holiday to celebrate the Annie Chen, Sean McKenna Here’s your chance to nominate inauguration of Caltech’s 9th President Dr. Thomas F. Guests: Margaret Lee, Elliot Simon your favorite professor for the 2014-15 Richard P. Feynman Prize for Excel- Rosenbaum. The inaugura-

Call to Order: 9:11 pm lence in Teaching! You have from now tion ceremony will begin President’s Report (Cat): until January 5, 2015 to submit your streaming at 2 pm and there will be an all-campus recep- ● ASCIT’s End of Rotation Party / Movie Night went very well. nomination package to the Provost’s tion to follow. ● All-Campus Barbeque / Sports Recognition Day is being planned Office to honor a professor who dem- by Tom Mannion and the SAAc to recognize student athletes. onstrates, in the broadest sense, unusu- Tentative date is November 15th. al ability, creativity, and innovation in Officer’s Reports: undergraduate and graduate classroom ● V.P. of Academic Affairs (ARC Chair: Nima): or laboratory teaching. o (Nima sent this information to the BoD in absentia) o ARC Frosh Representative signups are posted in the RF The Feynman Prize is made pos- Arches and will be taken down on Monday, October 13th. sible through the generosity of Ione Arc reps will be giving talks to the frosh in their houses about and Robert E. Paradise, with additional the ARC and its many academic resources contributions from an anonymous lo- o The Student-Faculty Conference is scheduled for February cal couple. Nominations for the Feyn- 13, 2015. Most of the committee chairs have been selected. man Teaching Prize are welcome from o Nima is in contact with the new Vice Provost cindy faculty, students, postdoctoral scholars, Weinstein to discuss relevant collaboration between the ARC staff, and alumni. and the Vice Provost’s office. ● V.P. of Non-Academic Affairs (IHC Chair: Connor): All professorial faculty of the Insti- o (Margaret spoke on behalf of Connor) tute are eligible. The prize consists of o Department of Student Affairs wants to be able to audit house Dr. Rosenbaum and his wife, Dr. Kath- dues money, so all houses may have their budget reporting a cash award of $3,500, matched by an erine Faber, Simon Ramo Professor equivalent raise in the annual salary of Materials Science, have joined the requirements changed slightly this year. Caltech Family and we wish them all ● Director of Operations (Connie): of the awardee. A letter of nomina- the best! o Club Fair is happening on Thursday, October 9th. Club tion and detailed supporting material, Funding is happening on Sunday, October 26th. Applications including, but not limited to, a curricu- The California Tech will be due on Monday, October 20th. lum vitae, course syllabus or descrip- Editors-in-Chief ● Treasurer (Patrick): tion, and supporting recommendation Monica Enlow o Patrick is working through reimbursements, as usual, and will Liz Lawler letters Neera Shah be working with Cat soon to set the ASCIT budget for 2014- should be emailed to kkerbs@ Nehaly Shah 2015, including club funding. caltech.edu or directed to the Feynman ● Social Director (Annie): Advisor Prize Selection Committee, Office of the Richard Kipling o Annie is working on setting up her Executive Social Provost, Mail Code 206-31, at the Cali- Committee, setting up a timeline for Big I, and doing fornia Institute of Technology, Pasa- Contributing Writers preliminary planning for ASCIT Formal. Brad Chattergoon dena, California, 91125. Nomination Lori Dajose o Annie is looking for signups for her ASCIT Social Team Casey Handmer packages are due by January 5, 2015. Nailen Matschke ● Secretary (Sean): Tim Sinclair o Sean will be scheduling club pitches for Club Funding on the Additional information including 26th after clubs submit the appropriate application information by the 20th. guidelines for the prize and FAQ may be found at http://provost.caltech.edu/ If anyone has any questions or concerns about a section of the minutes FeynmanTeachingPrize. Further in- please email the appropriate officer. We are happy to answer any questions. formation can also be obtained from The next BoD meeting will take place on October 12th at 9pm in SAC 15. Karen Kerbs (626-395-6039; kkerbs@ caltech.edu) in the Provost’s Office. Meeting Adjourned: 9:58 pm Caltech 40-58, Pasadena, CA 91125 Contact [email protected]

The Tech is published weekly except dur- ing vacation and examination periods by Announcement from the Counseling Center: the Associated Students of the California Institute of Technology, Inc. The opinions expressed herein are strictly those of the MEDITATION MOB STARTS TUES. OCT. 14 authors and advertisers. Letters and submissions are welcome; e- mail submissions to [email protected] as Do you have trouble paying attention to what you’re doing because you’re already thinking about plain-text attachments, including the au- thor’s name, by Friday of the week before what’s coming next? Want to feel less overwhelmed when you have strong emotions? Want to improve publication. The Tech does accept anony- mous contributions under special circum- your concentration? Come learn some more about mindfulness meditation – it’s just about being fully stances. The editors reserve the right to edit and abridge all submissions for any present in the moment and being aware of your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without getting reason. All written work remains property of its author. caught up in them. The advertising deadline is 5 PM Friday; all advertising should be submitted elec- tronically or as camera-ready art, but The Tech can also do simple typesetting and The Meditation Mob is a weekly drop-in mindfulness meditation group facilitated by Lee Coleman arrangement. All advertising inquiries should be directed to the business man- from the Counseling Center. In the group, we’ll talk about mindfulness meditation from a secular, evi- ager at [email protected]. For subscription dence-based perspective, and will practice the tools you need to get to know yourself better. We’ll meet information, please send mail to “Sub- scriptions.” from 12:00 until 12:50 on Tuesdays, starting on October 14th. We’ll meet on the bottom floor of Win- nett in the side room where the Wired computer store used to be. Come as you are, and we’ll be done in time for you to get to your 1:00 class. All grads and undergrads are welcome. For more information, you can mail the facilitator at [email protected]. See you there! Feature THE CALIFORNIA TECH October 13, 2014 7 Get Fit with Crossword Brad/Chad

BRAD CHATTERGOON which does not equate to strength. Contributing Writer The leg muscles, quadriceps and hamstrings are the two largest Fitness Myths Part 2 muscle groups on your body. Not only do they add considerably to Hey Techers. Add day is this your metabolism but they also week, so if you’ve been deciding form a big part of your functional between taking that quantum strength. In my opinion the most physics course and Intro to Basket functional strength exercise that Weaving… take the Basket Weaving one can do is a deadlift (pictured), class. Trust me, you’ll be happier. an exercise that makes use of the Also a big shout out to fellow legs and lower back. These muscles Pageboy Nico Salzetta who put up deserve special strength attention a heroic fight as the last standing and give rise to the infamous “leg Pageboy in the Page-Ruddock day.” dodge ball game. Let’s continue 4.) “More gym time is with Fitness Myths! better,” or “Exercising every day is the best way to lose fat.” Your

-puzzlechoice.com Across 44. Depart 2. Comply 32. Distant in manner 1. Percussion instrument 46. Furnace 3. Short letter 33. Benefactor 5. Mariner 47. Disasterous destiny 4. Invitee 34. Foe 8. Retail outlet 48. Short trip to perform 5. Story 36. Molten volcanic rock 12. Approximately a task 6. Mature 38. Hardy cabbage 14. In the past 50. Ring recurrently 7. Exhibition of cowboy 42. Jack in a deck of 15. Ambit 52. Cook on a surface skills cards 16. Measuring using fat 8. Make a wide sweeping 45. Machine instrument 53. Caprine animal search 49. Female deer 17. Guided 55. Large tub 9. Make perfect or 51. Immature form 18. Jury 57. Specific kind of complete before metamorphosis 19. Something very ugly something 10. Overt 54. Useful or valuable and 61. Frighten greatly 11. Animal hide quality offensive 65. Broaden 13. Cavalry unit 56. Warble 21. Distinguished 66. Secret agent 15. Supernatural being 57. Exchange 23. Digit 68. Stringed instrument 20. Used to control a 58. Languish 24. Bellow 69. Slant horse 59. Slight competitive 25. Part of a circle 70. Make a mistake 22. Floor covering advantage 28. Heap 71. Part of a church 24. Acknowledgement of 60. Cubicle 30. Violent denunciation 72. Rind payment 61. Novice 35. Reflect deeply on a 73. Also 25. Copious 62. 9th letter of the subject 74. Area of cultivated 26. Measuring stick Greek alphabet 37. A small cut grass 27. Accurately stated or 63. Defect 39. Claw described 64. Thread Photo Courtesy of Brad Chattergoon 40. Supplication Down 29. Part of a chain 67. In favor of 41. Creep 1. Amusement or 31. South African body is not a machine. It needs 43. Not any pastime currency 1.) “Carbs are the enemy.” time to recover from training, Carbs are an important macro especially after tough sessions. Sudoku nutrient group, the other two being Additionally, a tough session is fats and proteins. Carbs often get a measured not by the number of bad rap because they are associated hours that you spent at the gym with sugar and spice and everything but rather by the intensity of your nice… much like the Power Puff workouts. For example, taking rest girls. The truth about carbs though periods of 10 minutes between sets is that they are the body’s preferred to chat with all of your friends is energy source, so carbs are about probably not going to lead to any when you eat them. Without them kind of intensity. Intensity can be you can find yourself lethargic. increased by decreasing rest times, 2.) “Running will make you and incorporating certain training fit.” According to Charles Poliquin, strategies like super setting (the “Humans are meant to either sprint practice of doing two exercises or walk long distances.” Running back to back before a rest period). is a sport but as a general fitness activity it can be damaging to the There you have it, a total of 8 joints, especially if proper form is fitness myths spread across two not maintained. In the words of articles. You should be ready to Diane Lee, “You don’t run to get fit, get into training core now. As one you need to be fit to run.” of my friends once told me, “six 3.) Relatedly, “I run for packs are made in the kitchen, not legs.” A common misconception the gym.” So for next week we’ll be is that running is a substitute for looking at nutrition basics! dedicated leg strength training. Running is an endurance activity, Brad/Chad -puzzlechoice.com Humor THE CALIFORNIA TECH October 13, 2014 8

Acquired Taste Dr. Z Answers to previous Sudoku Answers to previous crossword

-puzzlechoice.com

Gigi Anotello They’re all fine majors: A guide for the undeclared

LORI DAJOSE Contributing Writer

So, you’ve decided to come to the prestigious STEM university, Cal Poly— I mean, Caltech. One of the inevitable questions you’ll get when you proudly announce to someone that you’re attending Caltech — other than, “Pomona or San Luis Obispo?” — is, “What are you studying?” There are probably many of you who have no idea what you want to do, and there are others who are probably mega excited about their plans to triple major in ChemE, Astrophysics, and English. Another Caltech administrator Regardless of which category you fall into, at some point you realize that, outside of Caltech, the rest of the world may be (at best) lukewarmly informed about announces his departure your passions for measuring gravitational waves from the sound of a first order phase transition.* In order TIM SINCLAIR remaining 1% of respondents neighed heart-broken animal lover putting down to alleviate any potential surprises, I’ve helpfully Contributing Writer back at the interviewer). “Maybe that’s the reins, there is a disturbing trend compiled a short list of common misconceptions I’ve why the textbook I ordered arrived a of Caltech administrators leaving for run into regarding some areas of study. Undergraduate Dean John O. Dabiri little chewed-up,” a student we polled other institutions. Not two years earlier, has been getting all the attention recently, commented. Once a major point of previous Caltech President Jean-Lou Physics: “Oh my god, that must be just like in The especially after his Saturday morning interest for tour groups on campus, the Chameau moved from Caltech to King Big Bang Theory!” email announcing his upcoming move to Caltech Pony Express has been shrinking Abdullah University of Science and Computer Science: “Hey, can you fix my Stanford after just becoming the newest nearly every year since 1995, the year Technology in Saudi Arabia, a country computer?” Dean on campus this past June. Another Dorsey first got a job at Caltech. That in which adult women must have a male Math: “Wow. What’s 2394802 divided by 53?” Caltech administrator has announced year, after numerous concerns that PETA relative as their legal guardian, and a Astronomy / Cosmology: “That’s so cool — you can they are leaving their post here for might try to cause problems for anyone single male witness is counted the same read my palm and do my makeup simultaneously!” greener pastures this week as well, but using animal test subjects in labs on as two female witnesses in a court of law. (this actually happened) you won’t hear their name around the campus, the Pony Express was cut back as Will Caltech figure out what is making ESE: “So.. do you believe in global warming?” undergraduate houses. Caltech’s Head well to avoid possible issues. Specifically, their leaders jump ship to known humans Biology: “So.. do you believe in evolution?” Stablemaster, Jim Dorsey, is leaving for that was the last year that a Caltech horse rights violators, like Saudi Arabia, not to BEM: Dolla dolla bill y’all!! MIT at the end of this academic year. gave birth on campus. Ginger, 18, was the mention MIT? This is the question facing And finally, from infinite personal experiences, For the last 18 years, Dorsey has product of that birth and now she, along our Institution as it moves to become the gem that is Planetary Science: “..What’s that?” worked with the Caltech Pony Express, with her 19-year-old brother, Biscuit, are a more recognizable name in the 21st the heart of the Caltech Mail Distribution the last remaining horses in Caltech’s century. As for now, administrators are But, disregard my sweeping generalizations about System. “I started because of my love for stables. Ginger and Biscuit’s mother, just slipping away, one horse-handler at the general public, and major in whatever gets you animals,” Dorsey wrote in an email he sent Sweet-Tart, died tragically in a Ditch- a time. most excited. only to Caltech administrators, staff, and Day related accident last year, when a The Iterated Manifold is a weekly the members of Horseplay, a relatively group of mechanical engineers competed column by Timothy Sinclair, who thanks *Yes, I just used the first result for “gravitational unknown Caltech club. “Unfortunately, to out-tie each other in a competition of Andrew Montequin for first informing waves” on Google Scholar to write that. No, I do not Caltech students just don’t share the knotting the best lasso as part of Wild him of Dorsey’s announcement. know what it means. passion for horses that burns within West: The Stack. Unfortunately one me.” While Dorsey chose not to give us of the participating students had any details about his offer from MIT, taken Ma9: Knot Theory, and their The California Tech he says it’s not about the money. “The misunderstanding of a key lemma Caltech 40-58 Caltech community does not realize that resulted in Sweet-Tart’s passing. Pasadena, CA 91125 they have a piece of history here,” Dorsey “Sweet-Tart was my pride and told us in his first full interview after the joy,” wrote Dorsey in his email. announcement, referencing the Caltech “She was the most faithful and Pony Express. best mount I’ve had the pleasure of In fact, a recent campus poll found knowing. She was so experienced, that while 23% of undergraduate even a student who’d never thought students hold a positive opinion on of spending time with an animal Caltech’s unique mail system compared like her could ride her without it to 11% who held a negative opinion, 65% getting awkward.” While this may of undergrads didn’t even know how cause many people around Caltech their mail is delivered every day (the to chalk up Dorsey’s departure as a