Universe Today (Page 190)

Space Jellyfish Show Types Of Pulsar Wind Nebulas

By Matthew Williams - January 27, 2017 01:07 PM UTC | Physics

A series of studies based on data obtained from Chandra X-ray observatory may held shed light on the mysteries of pulsars.

Carl Sagan's Theory Of Early Mars Warming Gets New Attention

By bob-king - January 27, 2017 12:30 PM UTC | Planetary Science

Carl Sagan hit on the idea 40 years ago. Now, a team of scientists have discovered that a trifecta of gases may have warmed Mars enough for liquid water to gush.

A Farewell to Plutoshine

By David Dickinson - January 26, 2017 09:49 AM UTC | Planetary Science

Sometimes, its not the eye candy aspect of the image, but what it represents. A recent image of Pluto's large moon Charon courtesy of New Horizons caught our eye. Looking like something from the grainy era of the early Space Age, we see a crescent Charon, hanging against a starry background...

Rogue NASA, EPA, NPS Twitter Accounts Launched to Protest Trump Directives

By bob-king - January 26, 2017 01:16 AM UTC | Space Policy

Rogue sites protesting the Trump team's new guidelines for federal agencies are popping up everywhere.

NASA Webb Telescope Resumes Rigorous Vibration Qualification Tests

By ken-kremer - January 25, 2017 11:38 PM UTC | Telescopes

Engineers have resumed a series of critical and rigorous vibration qualification tests on NASA's mammoth James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, in Greenbelt, Maryland to confirm its safety, integrity and readiness for the unforgiving environment of space flight, after pausing due to a testing 'anomaly' detected in early December 2016.

Galactic Stripping Mystery Uncovered

By Matthew Williams - January 25, 2017 06:49 PM UTC | Extragalactic

Juno Just Took One Of The Best Images Of Jupiter Ever

By Nancy Atkinson - January 25, 2017 05:38 PM UTC | Planetary Science

Japan Becomes A Military Space Player With Latest Launch

By Matthew Williams - January 25, 2017 05:12 PM UTC | Space Policy

In a potentially controversial move, Japan recently deployed an x-band communications satellite to reduce its reliance on other providers for communications with its military forces.

Could NASA Be Muzzled Under Trump Administration?

By Nancy Atkinson - January 25, 2017 11:54 AM UTC | Space Policy

Astronomy Cast Ep. 438: Destroy and Rebuild, Pt. 2: Geoengineering

By Fraser Cain - January 24, 2017 02:11 PM UTC | Planetary Science

Carnival of Space #492-493

By susie - January 24, 2017 02:10 PM UTC | Site News

New Age in Weather Forecasting Begins with Spectacular 1st Images from NASA/NOAA GOES-16 Observatory

By ken-kremer - January 23, 2017 11:37 PM UTC | Solar Astronomy

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL - A new age has begun in the nations weather forecasting capabilities with the release today (Jan. 23) of the spectacular first images gathered by the recently launched NASA/NOAA GOES-16 observatory.

Vital Air Force Missile Reconnaissance Satellite SBIRS GEO 3 Launched - Photo/Video Gallery

By ken-kremer - January 22, 2017 11:46 PM UTC | Space Exploration

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL - A vital missile reconnaissance satellite for the U.S. Force soared to space atop an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral at dinnertime Friday night, Jan. 20, 2017.

By Fraser Cain - January 21, 2017 08:48 PM UTC | Site News

Here's the Highest Resolution Map of Pluto We'll Get from New Horizons

By Matthew Williams - January 21, 2017 03:56 PM UTC | Planetary Science

Members of the New Horizons team recently conducted a live panel discussion where they talked about the spacecraft's greatest accomplishments, which included the highest resolution map of Pluto ever created.

How to See the Space Station Fly in Front of the Moon

By bob-king - January 21, 2017 02:43 PM UTC | Observing

Want to see the the space station zip across the Moon or Sun? Here are step-by-step instructions how.

USAF Missile Defense SBIRS Observatory Streaks to Orbit during Spectacular Evening Blastoff

By ken-kremer - January 21, 2017 01:33 AM UTC | Space Exploration

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL - A U.S. Air Force missile defense reconnaissance observatory that will track the telltale infrared signatures of incoming enemy missiles and is vital to America's national security blasted off in spectacular fashion off this evening, Jan. 20, 2017, as it streaked to orbit from the Florida Space Coast.

The Carina Constellation

By tammy-plotner - January 20, 2017 05:00 PM UTC | Stars

Located in the southern sky is the constellation Carina, which has several impressive stars and associated Deep Sky Objects.

Gene Cernan, Last Man on the Moon, Honored at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

By ken-kremer - January 20, 2017 04:21 PM UTC | Space Exploration

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX, FL - Gene Cernan, the last man to walk on the Moon, and one of America's most famous and renowned astronauts, was honored in a ceremony held at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Florida, on Jan. 18. [Story/photos expanded]

Weekly Space Hangout - January 20, 2017: Dan Dixon - Project Lead & Creator of Universe Sandbox

By Fraser Cain - January 20, 2017 12:54 PM UTC | Site News

What is the Alcubierre "Warp" Drive?

By Matthew Williams - January 19, 2017 04:38 PM UTC | Physics

In 1994, Mexican physicist Miguel Alcubierre proposed a way to travel faster than light without violating the laws of relativity, and attempts to make it work are ongoing.

Bullseye: Amazing SpaceX Images Highlight Perfect Falcon 9 Landing

By Nancy Atkinson - January 19, 2017 01:00 PM UTC | Space Exploration

NASA: 2016 Was the Warmest Year on Record... Again!

By Matthew Williams - January 19, 2017 12:37 PM UTC | Planetary Science

According to independent analyses by NASA and the NOAA, 2016 was the warmest year on record, making it the 16th warmest year in a row since 2001.

Adventures With "Copyscope"

By David Dickinson - January 19, 2017 11:52 AM UTC | Observing

Every telescope has a story to tell. We returned back to the U S of A recently, and one of our first tasks upon re-establishing our lives back in Florida was to dig through the archaeological strata that is our storage unit. Headlamp on and Leatherman in hand, we worked our way through layers put in place over years of storage unit drop-off runs.

Air Force Missile Warning SBIRS GEO 3 Satellite Set for Spectacular Night Liftoff Jan. 19; 1st 2017 Cape Launch-Watch Live

By ken-kremer - January 18, 2017 09:47 PM UTC | Space Exploration

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL - A U.S. Air Force satellite that will provide vital early warnings on incoming enemy missiles that are critical to the defense of our homeland is set for a spectacular nighttime blastoff on Thursday Jan. 19 from the Florida Space Coast. Update: Launch reset to Jan 20 at 7:42 pm EST

New NASA-themed TV Pilot by 'The Martian' Author Andy Weir

By Nancy Atkinson - January 18, 2017 06:57 PM UTC | Space Policy

What Was the Carrington Event?

By Fraser Cain - January 17, 2017 10:44 PM UTC | Solar Astronomy

In 1859, the Sun gave off the most powerful solar flare on record. A blast of radiation and particles so strong it fried electrical wires and set telegraph towers on fire. What would happen if a solar storm of this magnitude happened today? It would be a very bad day indeed.

Who was Max Planck?

By Matthew Williams - January 17, 2017 05:00 PM UTC | Physics

Max Planck was one of the most renowned physicists of his time, and is considered one of the greatest minds in the history of science.

Some Earth Life is Ready to Live on Mars, Right Now

By Matthew Williams - January 17, 2017 04:13 PM UTC | Astrobiology

A new study from a team of researchers from the University of Arkansas shows that certain types of microorganisms could survive on Mars, helping to narrow the search for life there.

Astronomy Cast Ep. 436: Common Misconceptions in Probability

By Fraser Cain - January 17, 2017 01:46 PM UTC | Physics

Last Man on the Moon, Gene Cernan, Has Died

By Nancy Atkinson - January 16, 2017 06:34 PM UTC | Space Exploration

Messier 32 - the "Le Gentil" Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy

By tammy-plotner - January 16, 2017 03:00 PM UTC | Milky Way

Located in the direction of the Andromeda Constellation is the dwarf elliptical galaxy known as "Le Gentil" (or Messier 32), which is a satellite galaxy of the Andromeda Galaxy.

Mars Curiosity Rolls Up to Potential New Meteorite

By bob-king - January 15, 2017 03:01 PM UTC | Planetary Science

NASA's Curiosity Rover is turning into an able meteorite hunter with a shiny new find just this past week.

Chilean Government Releases Declassified UFO Video

By Matthew Williams - January 14, 2017 04:24 PM UTC | Site News

Recently declassified footage shows a possible UFO that was spotted in the skies above Chile two years ago. However, a possible explanation has since been given for this strange event.

The Incredible Story of How the Huygens Mission to Titan Succeeded When It Could Have Failed

By Nancy Atkinson - January 14, 2017 11:35 AM UTC | Planetary Science

SpaceX Set for High Stakes Falcon 9 Blastoff Resumption with Iridium Satellite Fleet on Jan. 14 - Watch Live

By ken-kremer - January 13, 2017 10:02 PM UTC | Space Exploration

The stakes could almost not be higher for SpaceX as the firm readies their twice failed Falcon 9 rocket for a blastoff resumption on Saturday morning, Jan. 14 carrying the vanguard of the commercial Iridium NEXT satellite fleet to orbit from their California rocket base.

The Constellation Capricornus

By tammy-plotner - January 13, 2017 05:30 PM UTC | Stars

Located in the ecliptic plane of the galaxy, where it is bordered by other "watery" asterisms, is the ancient constellation Capricornus, the "Sea Goat".

The Moon is Older than We Thought, says New Study

By Matthew Williams - January 13, 2017 02:37 PM UTC | Planetary Science

According to a new study from UCLA which conducted uranium-lead dating on Moon rocks, the Moon is older than previously thought.

Weekly Space Hangout - January 13, 2017: News Roundup Plus Update on Tabby's Star!

By Fraser Cain - January 13, 2017 02:12 PM UTC | Site News

What Will the Voyager Spacecraft Encounter Next? Hubble Helps Provide a Roadmap

By Nancy Atkinson - January 13, 2017 12:51 PM UTC | Missions

Stars at the Edge of our Galaxy May Have Been Stolen

By Matthew Williams - January 12, 2017 05:36 PM UTC | Milky Way

A new study produced by astronomers from Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics shows how some of the most distant stars in the Milky Way were actually stolen from a neighboring galaxy.

Land On Titan With Huygens in Beautiful New Video

By Nancy Atkinson - January 12, 2017 05:29 PM UTC | Planetary Science

A "Breakthrough" to Search for Planets in Closest Star System to Earth

By Matthew Williams - January 11, 2017 09:59 PM UTC | Exoplanets

The European Southern Observatory and Breakthrough Initiatives have come together for purpose of finding habitable planets beyond Earth.

Finally, An Explanation for the Alien Megastructure?

By Matthew Williams - January 11, 2017 03:01 PM UTC | Astrobiology

A new study by a team of researchers from Columbia University and Berkeley proposes the most plausible explanation yet for Tabby's Star.

What is the International Space Station?

By Matthew Williams - January 11, 2017 03:00 PM UTC | Space Exploration

In orbit of Earth, at an altitude of between 330 and 435 km (205 and 270 mi), is the International Space Station, the largest artificial satellite and space laboratory in existence.

Venus Rules the Dusk Skies at Greatest Elongation

By David Dickinson - January 11, 2017 02:32 PM UTC | Observing

"What's that bright light in the sky?" The planet Venus never fails to impress, and indeed make even seasoned observers look twice at its unexpected brilliance. The third brightest natural object in the sky, Venus now rules the dusk, a fine sight for wintertime evening commuters. Venus reaches greatest elongation tomorrow, a fine time to admire the dazzling world.