The Kepler Space Telescope Could Yet Be Revived
In an interesting twist to the story of NASA’s ace planet-hunting telescope Kepler, mission managers have announced their intention to bring the mission back online despite…
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A Quintet of Saturn’s Moons
Five moons pose for the international Cassini spacecraft to create this beautiful portrait with Saturn’s rings. This view, from 29 July 2011, looks toward the northern,…
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There Was a Spectacular Hybrid Solar Eclipse Yesterday Morning
Yesterday morning’s hybrid solar eclipse was stunning. But depending on where you are in the world you may not have been able to see it at…
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Space Can Make Music … if You Know How to Listen
Scifi movies are sometimes criticized when explosions in the void make noise. As the old saying goes, “in space, no one can hear you scream.” Without…
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ATV Albert Einstein Comes to a Fiery End
ESA’s fourth Automated Transfer Vehicle cargo ferry, Albert Einstein, completed its five-month mission to the International Space Station by reentering the atmosphere today and burning up…
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Lessons Learned From the Chelyabinsk Meteor
Nine months after the incredible air blast of a meteor over Chelyabinsk, Russia, scientists at the Geological Society of America meeting are reporting that the frequency…
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Showcasing Mars
From the highest volcano to the deepest canyon, from impact craters to ancient river beds and lava flows, this showcase of images from ESA’s Mars Express…
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How Space Weather Affects Aviation
The next time you step onto an airplane, consider the following: In any given year, the pilot of your aircraft probably absorbs as much radiation as…
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Planets Rich in Carbon May Lack Oceans
Planets rich in carbon, including so-called diamond planets, may lack oceans, according to NASA-funded theoretical research. Our sun is a carbon-poor star, and as result, our…
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Why the Kepler-56 Star Is Misaligned With Its Planets
A long-standing puzzle in the study of exoplanets is the formation of hot Jupiters – gas giant planets that snuggly orbit their host star. To explain…
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