Some Parts Need More Protecting from Radiation
One of the hazards of human spaceflight is the radiation damage of solar storms and cosmic rays. But it turns…
Launcher Caused Cryosat Failure
A preliminary investigation by the Russian Failure Investigation State Commission has determined that a flight control system in the Rockot's…
When Did the Earth’s Core Separate from its Shell?
Geologists have come up with two measurements of radioactive decay to calculate when the Earth's core separated from its crust,…
Student-Built Satellite Launches
A Russian Kosmos 3M launcher blasted off from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome this morning carrying a satellite designed and built by…
Prometheus’ Ripples in the Rings
This image is a mosaic of 15 photographs of Saturn's rings taken by Cassini. The strange ripples are caused by…
Binocular Telescope Sees First Light
The massive Large Binocular Telescope, mounted atop Mount Graham in Arizona achieved a major milestone on October 12 with its…
No Winner at the Elevator Competition
Eleven teams competed in two competitions over the weekend to test technologies for space elevators: beam-powered climbers and new ribbon…
Venus Express Nearly Ready to Launch
Venus Express was all set to launch, but ESA engineers discovered that small particles were contaminating the spacecraft, so the…
What’s Up This Week – October 24 – October 30, 2005
Greetings, fellow SkyWatchers... I'd once again like to express my thanks to the hundreds who took the time to write.…
Book Review: Year of the Comets
Everyone has their own personal reason for taking up astronomy. Some want to make it a career. Others need to…