[Chaos-l] Blast from my past: Singing Science

[Jon Stewart-Taylorj]

When i was in 3rd grade, we had "science class" once a week.  For 3 weeks in a row, the teacher pulled out these records.  I guess it was easier than actually teaching.  Regardless, i blush to say that several off them got stuck in my head and i remember them clearly 35 years later.  It's disturbingly possible my interest in astronomy may have been due it part to these songs.

So what?

I'd used a line from one of them in my unaided-eye observing article when i first published it in the NOVAC newsletter in 1993.  When i updated the article for the CHAOS web page (http://rtpnet.org/chaos/RA/unaidedEye.html), i realized not everybody would recognize the line, nor why i was using it.  So, i did a Google search, and this link popped up:

   http://www.acme.com/jef/singing_science/

Somebody who not only remembers these things, but actually found the original LPs and transcribed them into MP3s!  Unfortunately, they're as maddeningly "worm-in-the-ear" as they were 35 years ago.  If you're interested, the one i reference in RA is:

   http://www.acme.com/jef/singing_science/constellation-32.mp3

Note that it is an MP3, and will take some time to download.

In honor of the Perseids, i should also mention:

   http://www.acme.com/jef/singing_science/shooting_star-32.mp3

I take no responsibility for mental damage inflicted by listening to these.

J.

PS: I believe i've mentioned them before, but the modern-day equivalent is The Chromatics: 
http://www.astrocappella.com/

J.