Figure 1. Dark Energy Camera


Dark energy is the energy that is causing the universe to expand at an accelerating rate. If the energy were converted to mass, (using Einstein’s famous equation E = mc2) that mass would make up about 70 percent of the universe. Dark matter takes 25 percent, and everything we can see plus the stars and planets we cannot because they are too far away equals about 4 percent.
How can we learn about the universe? Astronomers and other scientists like Edward Hubble first pointed out that other galaxies exist in the billions. He also used the red shift to predict most of these galaxies were moving away from us, leading to the big bang theory. The further they were from Earth the faster they moved away from Earth. Although that is true most times, there are exceptions. For example, Andromeda is expected to collide with our Milky Way galaxy in about 4 billion years.
The answer for human survival is to move to one or more nearby solar systems that are predicted to have longer life and habitable planets. Long before that happens, the oceans will boil off and Earth will no longer be habitable.
In astronomy, the standard candle refers to a type 1a supernova, which can be about as bright as an entire galaxy but only lasts for a about week. Astronomers and other scientists now have a tool to measure distance with some accuracy because these type 1a supernovae are always the same brightness. Is the data from the Humble telescope accurate enough to solve dark energy? No scientific explanation has yet come forward from the data. It maybe the biggest mystery in physics.
Dr. Levin puts forth an interesting and original idea in his novel 30th Century: Escape through his leading lady, Jennifer. That black holes create space. If true, that idea could explain how dark energy expands the universe. The theory is not quite that simple; we need to know more about black holes. The next two space telescopes planned, James Webb and HDST, may give us more answers

Figure 2.  James Webb is set to launch in 2020 and the HDST may launch after 2030 out before 2040. 
Credit (ESA/STScl) Hubble News Release

Figure 3. “Two star clusters are becoming one in30 Doradus, 170,000 lightyears away in the Large Magellanic Cloud.”

It will not be a long wait before we get to look at planets for the signs of life and extraterrestrial biology. The James Webb will focus on the infrared and will not be a replacement in the visible and near-infrared for Hubble; we must wait until 2030s. Stay tuned for next blog about what could have caused the big bang.  NASA photo from Hubble of distant stars and nebula

 What happens in Journey?
Carl wakes up naked and confused on a deserted beach, his last memories of being abducted by aliens. As he slowly begins to explore his new surroundings, he is greeted by a strangely dressed woman who offers to lead him to her village. He agrees, hoping the village has a means for him to contact home.
But the village is not what he expected. The people live in primitive conditions, without electricity and certainly not anyway to contact the outside world. In fact, most of the people in the village were not born on Earth. The woman, Tanya, informs him she is the Witchdoctor’s daughter and that the peninsula they live on is all there is. They can never leave with an impassable desert blocking a land escape and sea monsters blocking the water.
But Carl is different than the rest of the villagers. The aliens, unlike the other abductees, left his with his memory of Earth fully intact. He is determined to journey to the mainland and find a way to return home. His second task is to win the heart of Tanya, who is forbidden to have a man in her life.

EJ Perez - ejperez1313@gmail.com


The Superhuman Race was conceived close to 3 decades ago back in 1986. It was supposed to be a comic book story. An artist was hired and panels were drafted. I procrastinated, not sure on the concept and the artist moved on. It later evolved into a book with a journalistic style, I wrote a couple of chapters this way and I loved it. But I wasn’t too sure if I wanted this format. So I stopped.
At one time I considered hiring a ghost-writer to write the book, for me getting the story out was my satisfaction. I would become a story creator, writing the outline with the ghost-writer writing the book, it didn’t pan out.
For a while, I put the book on the back burner. With priorities in life coming into play, I concentrated on working 2 full-time jobs for years. Exhausted, my creativity couldn’t come out, I was too tired to think. I only worked, slept and ate for years.
My creative juices always in the background, they came back even with the exhaustion I felt. The cause for this; there were books being published with a hint of my story. I knew I needed to put this out before my ideas became a general thought to the rest of writers.
Not satisfied with my story and where it was going, my wife suggested I put the theme of the story in the future. With my interest in all things future, it felt like a perfect fit. Thus the Superhuman Race was born into the future.
I had initially 3 stories separate from each other, created way back in 1986, fusing them together only made sense. At the time, there weren’t a lot of multiple story arcs in a novel. I thought this would be different and began writing my outline. Then came GOT (Game of Thrones) and other books and I felt I was on the right track with the book as far as multiple story arcs.
But now, it came for me writing the book. I am an impatient person and doing a book that would have taken a year to a couple of years to finish, was just too daunting a task and frustrating. So why not with my love of comics and soap operas and television serials, why not make the book into a novella, with cliff-hangers or one-shot character stories and make them all in the same world (Universe). In other words make a comic book format novella, numbered and set in a comic book form with prose.
Writing the first book took only a month, getting it ready for publication took over 6 months. My research on getting my novella out was more in how to get it published. And which was the best route to get it published? I did not want to go the traditional route; which was finding an agent, waiting to get accepted, then more time waiting to get published (years) plus, I wanted complete control of my product idea.
Which is where I am now; The Superhuman Race is the beginning of a series that will be ongoing and my hopes entertaining. I’ve enjoyed writing the characters and I hope you will enjoy reading them.
Enter the Superhuman Race is the first book in a continuing Novella series set one-step into the future. It’s a quick read with about 25k-35k words, give or take, with the next book out every 2-3 months, maybe sooner.
It deals with humanities struggle against a one world government with advancements in technology as the backdrop. Including humans chipped, cloned and enhanced on physical abilities through natural or artificial means.  This is not a dystopia story, but a story on what happens when humanity reaches the threshold of technology in the future. Does humanity change for the better? That is the question.
It’s the Superhuman Race the next evolution against the Human Race who have become oppressed in this future timeline; A very possible path that can take place if we’re not careful.

The Mystic Order of Withlings
 
The Bow of Hart Saga is set in the world of Denaria with its own history, people-groups, religions and history. Part of the back-drop for the first book of the series, The Bow of Destiny, is the history of the mystic order of Withlings. This religious order worships their deity, Eloch, by learning to spiritually abide in his presence. Their catch-phrase, "What is needed is given," best describes the outlook of Withlings; they can only serve as Eloch provides.
 
While this premise seems limiting, it isn't for Withlings who are capable of performing astounding miracles and speaking prophesies. Often, they will not speak of anything or act unless they determine from their mystic discipline that it is Eloch's will for them to do so. It is the basis of their lives that they best serve by learning total obedience. However, this does not make them infallible as they are just as apt as anyone to misunderstand the meaning of their actions and prophesies. Only the wisest of Withlings have learned to withhold their speculations regarding any action taken or events experienced.
 
At the time in which The Bow of Hart Saga is set, there are few Withlings left in Denaria so that few people have even met one in generations. Tales are remembered from past centuries of these once well-known servants of Eloch, but few know much of them anymore except for the longer-lived people-groups such as elves and dwarves who still revere Withlings.
 
One of the main characters from The Bow of Hart Saga is the Withling, Hastra. Part of Hastra's story is told in the short story, What Is Needed, which explains the events surrounding the demise of the Withlings. Interested readers are invited to read What Is Needed as well as the other prequel short story, Trading Knives.
 
The Bow of Destiny takes up the story of the Withlings amid much mystery and magic, focusing upon the young ranger of Auguron named Athson. This ranger is drawn into a quest involving a Withling prophecy about a mythic bow. Fantasy readers are welcome to join the hunt for the Bow of Hart by accompanying Athson on his adventure.
 
An Arrow Against the Wind continues the quest for Athson as he must determine the best course he should take in matters regarding his past and present, including the shared wisdom of Withlings. But Athson's distrust of Withlings and his familial past create a set of challenging choices which he determines to navigate on his own, almost heedless of consequences.
 
Once The White Arrow begins, Athson is faced with a new choice regarding Withlings, one which will seal his destiny. The march to the final confrontation leads Athson on a far different path than he anticipated and a far different answer to the questions of his past, his relationship with the Bow of Hart and the prophesied White Arrow.
 

 ‘Saving Paludis’ by Clayton Graham

Over one hundred and forty light years from Earth, Paludis sits in the Pisces constellation, on the frontier of human exploration. It is verdant and beautiful – a world to be treasured. It has also been scarred by wars of colonization.
In the year AD 3989, human invaders control the planet and have done so for hundreds of years. Paludis is the planet's Earth name; the indigenous population, reptilian in nature, call their home Musk.
The Muskans are now restricted to a remote peninsula in the north-east of the main continent. The humans have taught the aliens their language and some of their ways, but the Muskans prefer the traditions of their ancestors. Or do they?
So what can go wrong? Well, quite a lot actually.
Mankind maintains a tentative footprint on this world, surviving on the proceeds of bauxite mining, with most living a hand-to-mouth existence. But when scientists from Paludis share a technological breakthrough with the Earth authorities, peace swiftly escalates to conflict.
Stefan Lattanzis never expected Paludis to become a battlefield, nor Earth for that matter. To try and save his home world, Stefan must team with two strangers, a botanist, Clare Cavanna, and mysterious seer Serpentine. As embattled factions vie for control of the universe, the trio must trust in each other to keep the new technology from ripping time and space apart.
            ‘Saving Paludis’ is not just an interstellar war novel. It reflects human nature in all its extremes: hate, jealousy, control, love and sacrifice. And what about the aliens – do they share these traits? In some ways yes, in others no. They are, after all, alien. But retribution is high on their agenda; an overwhelming desire to regain their planet. Quite how they attempt to do that must remain a secret! 
            If you like futuristic technology, alien political intrigue, and high-octane, paranormal action, then you’ll love this electrifying interstellar adventure!
I invite you to enter deep space, use the Einstein-Rosen bridges, and touch down on Paludis. Join Stefan and his friends to help save their world. You’ll love it!
 
Find ‘Saving Paludis’ at: https://amzn.to/2KU029b
 
For more on Clayton Graham and his books, visit his website https://claytongraham.com.au/ and follow him on Facebook and Twitter. You can also join him on Goodreads.
https://www.facebook.com/claytongrahamauthor/
https://twitter.com/CGrahamSciFi
https://www.facebook.com/groups/381070669015354/

Political Dirty Trick, A Crystal Moore Suspense, Book #3
James R. Callan
 
Crystal’s good friend, Ron Drake, is a shoo-in to win the gubernatorial race in Texas. Two volunteers in the opposition camp (George and Ginnie) believe  their candidate’s only chance is a political dirty trick that will sink his numbers in the  polls.  They construct an elaborate hoax and with a source in the D.A.’s office, leak fake news to the media.
The dirty trick is successful and Drake’s numbers plummet. But things go wrong, and a man is killed. Ginnie is determined not to get caught for the man’s death, and to cover it up, another man is killed.
Crystal sets out to find who is leaking the unfair information. She has no idea the murders are connected to the fake news. But as she begins to gather clues, Ginnie decided no one is looking for her or George - except Crystal. To Ginnie, Crystal must be eliminated  and she makes several attempts on Crystal’s life.
Drake’s once invincible lead evaporates and on election day, he comes in second.  But the election isn’t over. The attempts on Crystal’s life aren’t either. Drake may lose the election.  And Crystal may lose her life.
Political Dirty Trick is the third of the Crystal Moore Suspense Series, but it can be a standalone read.  Nothing from the previous books in the series is needed to fully enjoy this book.
Senior Reviewer D. Donovan of Midwest Book Reviews said, “Powerful in its characterization, plot, and narrative interactions, Political Dirty Trick is the item of choice for thriller readers who like their stories steeped in realistic scenarios and possibilities.”
 
Thriller writer William Doonan said, “It’s tight, it moves along at a nice clip, the characters are engaging, and the tension is real.  It reads like a fast-paced James Patterson cliffhanger.”
 
It is available in digital, paperback, and hardcover formats from Amazon at https://amzn.to/2pIHMqs or from Ingram Spark.    

 The Dim Zone
 
How far is too far?
 
Mercenary Yul Vrean is hired by billionaire CEO Mathias of Cybercore to bring back alien samples from a remote planet in the Dim Zone. It’s a region rife with murderous space pirates and slavers, the warlike Zikri and Mentera.
 
This alien technothriller is full of deadly space battles, extreme action, bio-mechanical fusion, killer aliens, a touch of the bizarre and fantastic… it will certainly intrigue fans of Alien, Predator and The Matrix.
 
In a race for mechnobot technology, genius Sigmund Hresh has engineered a prototype for what may be the holy grail of AI. The uses of such technology vary from the sinister to the saintly. Yul and his space thugs may be the only link preventing the next galactic war and saving the human colonies from hostile aliens.
 
The Making of The Dim Zone...
 
The booktrack audio component was based on many space classics with similar textures to Alien Covenant and Life. I created composite alien effects from mixes of digital samples and animals, using pitch effects and warping. All in all, an eerie backdrop to the alien planet Xeses, and later, the corridors inside the starship Orb of the Zikri hunters.
 
Enjoy The Dim Zone, the next book in The Timelost series:
 
Booktrack (free): https://bit.ly/2wtIf5B
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CZ2KLG1

 A GRAVEYARD VISIBLE
 
by Steve Conoboy
 
There's a graveyard visible from Caleb's bedroom window, and it grows a little bigger every day. He sees funerals there each evening, but nobody's dying. He investigates, he measures. Misha, the strange girl who lives there with her grandfather, takes an unwanted interest in Caleb, and he can't shake her off. But he's sure those peculiar mourners, the same ones at each graveside every time, are forcing her into rituals against her will. He finds himself deep in a world of the dead, and it may be too late to climb back out.
 
This is a shivery story that takes a fresh look at a very familiar location - the graveyard. No mere zombies or vampires here. These revenants are being ripped from their final resting place, and all will be punished.
 
We meet Caleb, thirteen and still reeling from the death of his mother. He deals with this grief alone - his father is shut off in a world of work, and his grandfather is sinking rapidly into dementia. Misha, outcast by the other kids, could be his last chance at a friend - how far will he go for a shot at friendship? She is not easy for him to deal with. Misha has no love for a world that has labelled her as victim. Caleb, then, is in for a big shock when he expects her help in saving the town. These kids, already struggling to find their place in the world, will be tested to their limits as the horrors escalate...

PRAISE FOR A GRAVEYARD VISIBLE
 
OUT NOW on Amazon, and any online book store you can think of :)
myBook.to/AGraveyardVisible
 

#BlogTours #BGSAuthors
Raquel Byrnes @raquelbyrnes
Sci-fi & fantasy author of the TREMBLERS, WIND REAPERS, and CHASM WALKERS.
 
 
Weapons of Light & Power
"A soldier leaned out the window, taking aim at Charlotte. A frisson of energy pulsed from the weapon, barely missing her. She screamed, flailing.
Ashton flipped the rocket ignition on the power cycle and the force of the thrust slammed him against the seat as he shot skyward toward the roof. Pulling his tracer gun, he fired blindly at the building. The soldier dove for the floor." ~Ashton Wells, The Tremblers
Creating the weapons for my YA Steampunk novel, The Tremblers took me on a fascinating path. The invention of destructive devices was vexing and addicting all at once.
Weapons of light -- Tracer Guns are the weapon of choice for the soldiers of the Peaceful Union. Powerful blasters that syphon the glowing purple energy from the massive Tesla Domes caging the city-states are feared by the average citizen. Constantly recalibrating to the dome's pulse, they are outlawed to everyone but the soldiers of the government.
Charlotte is a tinkerer and inventor. The daughter of a renowned soldier and chemist, her weapons needed finesse. I designed the metal spheres of her Shrieking Violet grenade to cluster together like a flower. Its shrill screech disables her enemies while a curtain of magenta gas shields her escape.
The outlaws and Lawmen of Outer City favor guns and pistols of the old world. Sheriff Sebastian Riley's revolver helped him to rise to power among the pirates and pioneers of the sky settlement.
Another daunting tool as the Lightning Stick. Capable of lashing whips of energy. Used by the ruthless Lawmen of the floating ports, Charlotte learns of its devastating effects while trying to flee with Ashton.
However, it is the power and might of the Peaceful Union Aero Squad that strikes fear into the heart of every citizen. Their searing lamps and concussion bombs send rioters scrambling. Creating airship battles and designing the infamous rebel ship, The Stygian, was great fun! Myself the daughter of a military man, I grew up visiting airshows and sitting at the controls of massive machines of war.  I wanted to bring that fascination and awe to the Blackburn Chronicles.
If you love mechanica, mayhem, and monsters, then check out The Tremblers and Wind Reapers available now wherever books are sold.

 The Battle is O’er, Book Five of The Blue Bells Chronicles, by Laura Vosika
 
Shawn means self and Kleiner means centered, one of Shawn’s (many) ex-girlfriends proclaimed.  So begin The Blue Bells Chronicles, a tale of time travel, mysteries and miracles, romance and redemption, in an epic adventure ranging across modern and medieval Scotland against the backdrop of Scotland’s Wars of Independence in the 1300s.
Shawn has it all—wealth, fame, women—until the night Amy, his girlfriend, has enough and abandons him in an ancient tower.  He wakes up in the wrong century. 
Two years in medieval times, two years of fighting beside Robert the Bruce and James Douglas, two years of living with and as his medieval twin, the devout and upright Highlander Niall Campbell, working to protect those he has come to love, and perhaps mostly, his growing friendship with Niall, whom he initially despised, all work changes in Shawn.
Throughout their adventures, he and Niall seek a way to get Shawn back across time, to fulfill his desire to ask Amy’s forgiveness and finally be the man she always saw in him—succeeding at last in the middle of a fierce battle for Niall’s home, Glenmirril, against their old enemy, the MacDougalls.
Safely back in his own time, Shawn is steadily regaining all he lost—his career as a world-traveling musician, the son he feared he would never know, and finally, maybe—even Amy’s heart. 
He can’t let go of the past, however, or stop agonizing over what happened to Niall and all his beloved friends, left behind in a fight for their lives. In his search for answers, hoping to find that all ended well, he learns instead of the dangers still lurking in fourteenth century Scotland: to Niall who will pay a horrible price for Shawn’s last deed, committed in Glenmirril’s tower just moments before escaping to the safety of his own time; to his own infant son, the subject of prophecy and an ancient letter predicting a fateful battle; even danger to the whole world as Simon Beaumont, known to history as the Butcher of Berwick, seeks to use his knowledge of the future to destroy it.
In this gripping conclusion to The Blue Bells Chronicles, Shawn faces the ultimate test.  His selfishness once cost him everything.  His newfound selflessness may do the same.