Where In the Universe #151
It's back by popular demand! Here's a new Where In The Universe Challenge. Name where in the Universe this image…
‘Invisible’ World Discovered Around a Distant Star
[/caption] There’s a planet out there playing a game of ‘doorbell ditch’ with astronomers. Scientists can’t see this distant world,…
45 Years Ago Today, Star Trek Beamed Into Our Lives
I've got a poster that says, "All I Needed to Know About Life, I Learned from Star Trek." Why? Because…
Winds Delay Launch For GRAIL
[/caption] High upper level winds put a damper on hopes for launching the GRAIL mission on its first attempts on…
It Turns Out Some Borders *Are* Visible from Space
[/caption] There is an oft-repeated and perhaps beautiful saying that you can't see political borders from space. Well, it turns…
Robot Works on Repairs While ISS Astronauts Sleep
If it turns out that astronauts do have to leave the International Space Station unmanned, at least Dextre, the Canadian…
Exploring Geomagnetic Substorms
[/caption] Every now and again, a sudden pulse of energy in Earth's magnetosphere just cuts loose. As a result, we…
Last Delta II Rocket to Launch Extraordinary Journey to the Center of the Moon on Sept. 8
[/caption] Another American rocket Era is about to end. The venerable Delta II rocket, steeped in history, will fly what…
Something New On the Sun: SDO Spots a Late Phase in Solar Flares
From a NASA press release: The Sun's surface dances. Giant loops of magnetized solar material burst up, twist, and fall…
Milky Way Harbors “Ticking Time Bombs”
[/caption] According to new research, the only thing that may be keeping elderly stars from exploding is their rapid spin.…