WideWorld BULLETIN 11

News in Brief

Kenya to have tourist police

Kenya is to introduce a tourism police unit, following security concerns prompted by the recent murder of a British couple in the country. Pensioners Tony and Rita Joel were murdered as they holidayed in Mombasa last month. At a World Travel Market conference this week, Kenyan minister of tourism Najib Balala admitted that safety is still a problem for tourists in the country. The British Foreign Office warns those travelling to Kenya that muggings and attacks by armed gangs can occur at any time, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa. The new tourism police are expected to be implemented within the next six months.

Moon bombing a success

Scientists have announced that the NASA lunar experiment last month was a major success. Many watching the NASA rocket ‘bomb’ the moon were disappointed. It was predicted that a 10km flume of debris would be visible from earth – but the actual cloud was only about 1.6km. However, after study of the data – taken from the lunar south pole - researchers have announced that the results reveal a significant amount of water. Mike Wargo, NASA’s chief lunar scientist, spoke of the implications for astronauts. He said the water-ice and vapour found could be used as drinking water, broken down into breathable air or used to make rocket fuel.

Larsen on way to 'save the Poles'

This week marked the beginning of explorer Eric Larsen’s Save the Poles expedition. Larsen arrived in Antarctica yesterday, ready to start his 365-day trek. Over the following year, he will travel to the North Pole and South Pole – and also summit Everest. As well as the personal challenge of the expedition, Larsen is hoping that his journey will help to draw attention to the unique and incredible worlds at these extremes of the earth, and hope to promote solutions to the problem of climate change.

For more info: www.ericlarsenexplore.com