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Writing a new page of aviation history with solar energy, the Solar Impulse on its maiden flight (Simulated Photo - Solar Impulse)

Solar power is not new, but all around us. Look at any roof with its solar panels providing electricity. Giant banks of voltaic panels fuel electricity grids with energy. But until recently, this power source had not been used in an attempt to circumnavigate the world. From the tiny land-locked country of Switzerland, two projects have emerged to change this. In this article, we look at the aircraft “Solar Impulse” and the boat “Türanor”.

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While the aircraft and boat featured on this page were being developed, Captain Ingo Ilshoefer had already been sailing the “Neckarsonne”, the first solar-powered commercially-licensed twin-hulled passenger boat up and down the Heidelberg waterfront since 2004.
Thousands of passengers have enjoyed this silent and emission-free experience, with none of the vibration normally associated with diesel-powered boats. The silence is eerie - you don’t feel that you are moving, except when you see the the town gliding past.
With a carrying capacity of 110 passengers, the “Neckarsonne” is ideal for group and company excursions and has been the venue for 38 weddings. The crew also double as the catering staff, providing refreshments during the trip.
Almost six years of trouble-free operation goes to prove that solar power can be commercially viable.

http://www.hdsolarschiff.com

1. If you need to blow your nose during a meal, you should:

a) ask for a tissue and then blow your nose loudly. This is perfectly normal.
b) turn away from the table and quietly blow your nose.
c) stand up, ask to be excused from the table, and then blow your nose in the bathroom or somewhere else away from the meal.

2. When making small talk with people who aren’t close relatives, you shouldn’t ask about:

a) their spouse.
b) the weather.
c) their children.

3. If you are visiting someone and say out loud how lovely you find some object of theirs, it’s possible that:

a) it will immediately be put away so as not to cause envy.
b) your host will give it to you as a present.
c) your host will buy something just like it to give to you as a present.
 

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