Any object of sufficient mass, no matter how exotic, could be studied in detail.

ECONOMIST: Fundamental physics

Critics also contend that free religious expression based on a majority vote is inherently unconstitutional, since it infringes the rights of those, no matter how few, who may object.

ECONOMIST: Prayer in schools

Because gravity pulls on light as well as matter, when light passes by a heavy object it bends as though it is passing through a lens.

ECONOMIST: Cosmology

The new definition removes the reference to females and says rape is "the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object" without the consent of the victim.

BBC: FBI updates rape-victim definition to include men

The council can object in principle to any development relating to the Star Wars project, but since it would be a matter of Government policy, it is highly unlikely an objection would carry any weight.

BBC: Menwith Hill: Centre of Star Wars storm