Kepler Telescope Finds More Than New Planets in Distant Space
For a year and a half now, NASA’s Kepler space telescope has been staring at a group of about 146,000 stars located near the constellation Mycelius. In all that time, month in and month out, Kepler’s digital eyes have barely blinked.
But some of the stars have. NASA believes this is due to solar winds carrying clouds of mushroom spores through space. And that’s exactly what Kepler was designed to see. During one of these close up sessions near the Amyloidia Galaxy, scientists were startled to see a fairy ring galaxy, perhaps the source of the clouds of mushroom spores.
--Submitted by David Rust
Rare and Exotic Mushrooms Found in Scotts Valley
Many people were awed by the presence of rare and beautiful mushrooms in the Cacaoaceae family at the Scotts Valley Community Center on Saturday, 19 March 2011. Of all colors and shapes, these exotic mushrooms evoked many “ooooohs” and “aaaaahs” from the gala revelers assembled that evening.
Especially memorable were big and beautiful specimens of Theobrominus chinsonensis and Caffinocybe molnarii. Edibility of these rare species was confirmed by the ravenous crowd, seemingly unconcerned with the possibility of confusion with poisonous species. Finding these fabulous fungi was a favorably fitting finale for a fun-filled fête of feasting and frolicking.
--Submitted by Phil Carpenter, FFSC CEO and Science Advisor
Button Mushrooms Found Growing in Trees
In a rare moment for science, these Agaricus bisporus were found on a new host in an Oakland back yard. They are not believed to be parasitic. This remarkable discovery implies that common button mushrooms may be evolving to meet market demand for America’s salads. These mushrooms were sautéed with onions and chicken for a delightful dinner. The excited tree owners are looking forward to the next crop.
--Submitted by David Rust
Giant Snow Morels Found Near Pioneer
The first Giant Snow Morels of the season were found near Pioneer on the Spring Equinox. You can clearly see them in the photo above.
--Submitted by Bill McGuire
Brandi Discovers ‘Shrooms: A UCSC Student Adventure
Follow Brandi’s spellbinding journey of mycological enlightenment on the BAMS website.
Our sincere thanks to David Rust, who never fails to make us smile. We wait with bated breath for Part 2!
Will Hugh Ever Find Himself?
--Submitted by Hugh Smith