Mirrors of Gold- The James Webb Telescope

Gold in space is a particular topic that fascinates the mind. The most precious metal on our planet also happens to be one of the most important in outside of it, and gold is prominent in man-made objects in space. The Cash 4 Gold blog has addressed The Golden Record, and The Hubble Telescope, twice chronicling the special role gold plays in outer space.

Today, we look at the James Webb Space Telescope, successor to the Hubble that contains golden observatory mirrors almost twice the size of a human being.

The James Webb Space telescope is planned for takeoff in 2018, and it features 18 hexagonal mirrors that will be used to help the telescope’s imaging processes. The 18 mirrors are covered in “a 6.5 meter diameter gold-coated beryllium reflector”. Like the Hubble Telescope before it, and other in-space instruments, Gold was the primary choice for the sensitive instruments because of the strength of the precious metal. Gold is considered the most malleable and ductile metal on earth, as well as highly resistant to acidic attacks. But just how special is Gold for it to be chosen year after year in space-based scientific endeavors?

This article on Physorg describes how powerful gold is in its use on the James Webb Telescope:

“During cryogenic testing, the mirrors are subjected to extreme temperatures dipping to -415 degrees Fahrenheit, which permits NASA contractor engineers to measure in extreme detail how the shape of the mirror changes as it cools -- just as each mirror will change shape over a range of operational temperatures in space.”

With the advancement of the James Webb Telescope, NASA is proving yet again that even in space…gold is king.

Photos and Sources: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/home/index.html

Price of Gold rises again; China becomes World’s Newest Largest Gold Consumer

It was only a few weeks ago that the Cash 4 Gold blog published two posts on the consumption of gold in India. A blog post was published on India’s Gold consumption and its holdings in gold investments which made it the largest consuming country of gold in the world. The Cash4Gold blog also covered the Akshaya Trihiya Gold Festival in India and one of its top priced items, the Shree Yantra. But now, a new country has recently taken the crown, becoming the new largest consumer of gold…

China has become the top consumer of gold, surpassing India in gold reserves and investments. The World Gold Council (WGC) reports that China’s total purchase of gold in the first quarter of the year comes to a total of 90.9 tons. India’s top gold holdings are now at 85.6 tons, falling for the first time into the number 2 spot behind china at a 2% decrease.

Though China has surpassed India in the being the largest consumer of gold, India still plays a vital role in gold consumption. Together, China and India accounted for almost half of all gold demand worldwide (estimated at 41%).

The surge of Chinese interest in gold has also played yet another role. The Price of gold has raised yet again thanks directly to new Chinese gold investments. Passing the $1,500 mark for the second time this year the price of gold rose to $1,501.50 per ounce.

Old Gold Bookmark Discovered - Stolen, But Worth Cash

Reuters announced this week that a historical gold bookmark used by Hitler was recovered after being stolen.

The bookmark, made of 18 karat gold, was given to Hitler by Eva Braun, his mistress. It is estimated that the gold piece was a present from Braun after Hitler lost the Battle of Stalingrad in 1943. The gold bookmark is believed to have belonged to an executed armed forces chief prior to being acquired by Braun. The bookmark has a message from Braun to Hitler that is translated as “My Adolf, don’t worry…only an inconvenience that will not break your certainty of victory. My love for you will be eternal”

The gold bookmark was recovered in a sting operation by the US Justice Department after receiving information that someone was trying to sell the bookmark. The bookmark was stolen from a Spanish auction house in 2002 before it was to be sold. The thief faces up to 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

We accept old or broken gold as well as fine jewelry pieces and other items of value! Visit our site at Cash4Gold to learn more about our company, the items that we buy and how to receive cash for your gold today!

Cash4Gold.com: Gold News Update

Quinton Hennigh, President of Evolving Gold Corporation (EVG) announced today the status of its mining activities is on schedule and meeting expectations. The company currently mines in areas that have historically produced gold in the southwestern U.S. The have mining operations currently set up in:

Rattlesnake Hills Diatreme Complex, Wyoming
North Carlin District Properties, Nevada
Fisher Canyon, Nevada
Malone Silver Gold Project, New Mexico

Evolving Gold holds over $21 million in gold in its treasury. It has ownership in nine separate mines, and owns 100% of the Rattlesnake Hills mine.

In other gold news, Goldcorp Inc. has consolidated operations in Ontario, by acquiring a smaller gold company, Gold Eagle Mines Ltd, for $1.5 billion in stock and cash.

The value of gold is increasing worldwide, as it is an international hedge against inflation. At Cash4Gold.com, we are here to buy your old scrap gold and jewelry. Visit our website at www.cash4gold.com for more information about the prices we pay!