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How Big Are Sunspots?
The short answer? Really big. The long answer? Really, really big. (...)Read the rest of How Big Are Sunspots? (258 words) © Jason Major for Universe Today, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Post tags: active region, CME, Earth, Jupiter, SDO, size, solar, solar max, sun, sunspots Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh
Family Guy Creator To Bring Back COSMOS
COSMOS. Seth MacFarlane. Neil deGrasse Tyson. Need we say more? (If you DO want to find out more, read Dorothy Pomerantz’s write-up for Forbes here.) “I never met Carl Sagan, but this is my way to give something back to him for all of the things he gave to me.” – Seth MacFarlane © Jason [...]
SpaceX says All Systems GO for Historic May 19 Blast Off to ISS
In less than 48 hours, SpaceX is primed to make history and launch the first ever commercial rocket and spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) early Saturday morning on May 19. Following today’s Launch Readiness Review (LRR), SpaceX was just given the official “GO” from NASA to proceed with the blastoff of the Falcon [...]
Ring of Fire! Annular Solar Eclipse on May 20
There’s a great reason to look up this weekend and hope for clear skies! On May 20-21 an annular eclipse of the Sun will be visible from a 300 kilometer-wide track that crosses eastern Asia, the northern Pacific Ocean and the western United States. An annular eclipse means the Moon will not cover the Sun [...]
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JPL Wants To FINESSE Info From Exoplanets
Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s proposed FINESSE space telescope may not hunt for exoplanets, but it will find out what they’re made of. (...)Read the rest of JPL Wants To FINESSE Info From Exoplanets (236 words) © Jason Major for Universe Today, 2012. | Permalink | 2 comments | Post tags: exoplanets, FINESSE, JPL, planets, space telescope, [...]
Watch How Life Recovers from Devastation
If a portion of Earth underwent a major cataclysm, how long would it take for life to recover? The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens is giving scientists a an unprecedented opportunity to witness a recovery from devastation, as the eruption leveled the surrounding forest, blasted away hundreds of meters of the mountain’s summit, and [...]
An Anti-Gravity User Interface
Researcher Jinha Lee at MIT has developed a remarkable way to interact with computers — via a programmable, intelligent and gravity-defying metal ball. The concept, called “ZeroN”, is demonstrated in the video above. Fascinating! (...)Read the rest of An Anti-Gravity User Interface (188 words) © Jason Major for Universe Today, 2012. | Permalink | 6 [...]
How Do The Biggest Telescopes Work?
Located high in the mountains of Chile’s Atacama Desert, the enormous telescopes of the European Southern Observatory have been providing astronomers with unprecedented views of the night sky for 50 years. ESO’s suite of telescopes take advantage of the cold, clear air over the Atacama, which is one of the driest places on Earth. But [...]
Stunning Timelapse of Planet Earth from Elektro-L
We’ve shared the images and a previous timelapse of Earth’s northern hemisphere, but now here’s a breath-taking timelapse of the entire blue (and green!) marble as seen from Russia’s Elektro-L weather-forecasting satellite, orbiting at a geostationary height of about 36,000 km (22,300 miles). This new video was created by James Drake using some of the [...]
SPACE.com
Rocket Launch Saturday Is One Giant Leap for Commercial Spaceflight
SpaceX's upcoming test flight could be a defining moment for the commercial spaceflight industry.
BATTLESHIP Director Talks Adapting Board Game to Film
Peter Berg talked about the real-world science that went into his film of nautical alien invasion.
Space Station's Robotic Cargo Ship Fleet (A Photo Guide)
Take a tour of the robot cargo ship fleet for the International Space Station in this spaceship photo tour.
Ancient Asteroid Impact on the Moon
This artist's impression illustrates how the early moon (and Earth) were reshaped by an intense period of bombardment. Asteroids appear to be the dominant impactors.
Safely See the Sun – Build a Shoebox Pinhole Camera | Video
Don’t look directly at the Sun! Life’s Little Mysteries’ Natalie Wolchover shows how you can build a simple shoebox "pinhole camera" out of household materials for safe solar viewing. It’s the harmless way to view any solar eclipse.
Monster Sunspot's Solar Flare Strong Enough to Confuse Satellites
The flare from huge sunspot complex AR 1476 triggered a moderate radiation storm.
Now Boarding: The Top 10 Private Spaceships
A look at the most promising commercial space vehicles in development.
Moon Rocks Reveal Evidence of Ancient Asteroid Barrage
Scientists had wondered what caused the massive impacts 3.9 billion years ago.
4,700 Potentially Dangerous Asteroids Lurk Near Earth, NASA Says
The new asteroid census is based on WISE infrared space telescope observations.
How to Safely Photograph the Sun (A Photo Guide)
A step-by-step guide to photographing the May 20 annular eclipse, or any other solar event.
Sunday Solar Eclipse: How to Safely Photograph the 'Ring of Fire'
A step-by-step guide to photographing the May 20 annular eclipse.
Dying Star Punches Its Own Cocoon During Explosion | Video
Some supernovas are more violent than others. Studying SN2010JL mere weeks after its demise, the Chandra X-Ray telescope found a shockwave tearing through layers the star had previously puffed off.
Intense Solar Flare Radiation Surges Toward Earth | Video
This multiple filtered/wavelength view of an M5 class solar flare that occurred on May 17th, 2012 was taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. It gives researchers a better understanding of the Sun through its many colored eyes.
Annular Solar Eclipse of May 20: Complete Coverage
The eclipse will occur in the afternoon and early evening on May 20.
Space History Photo: Aerial View of Missile Row
An aerial view of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
When Aliens Attack: 'Battleship' Strategy with SETI Astronomer Seth Shostak
Seth Shostak, a senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, talks all things "Battleship."
Sunday's Solar Eclipse 'Ring of Fire': Where and How to See It
Get skywatching tips for when and where to see the annular solar eclipse of May 20 in this guide.
Space Spiders and Wine: Weird Science Launching on Private Space Capsule
Fifteen student experiments are flying aboard SpaceX's Dragon capsule.
Constellation Station: Bright Stars Sparkle in Skywatcher Photo
Skywatcher Tunc Tezel captures the Virgo constellation and more in this view from Turkey.
New US-Russian Crew Arrives at Space Station
The three spaceflyers will live aboard the station for four months.
Constellations: The Zodiac Constellation Names
There are 13 popular constellations in the zodiac. But these are just some of the star constellations astronomers use to divide the sky.
SpaceX Launching Student Experiments and Emblems on 1st Space Station Flight
Fifteen experiments and mission patches designed by students will ride SpaceX's Dragon.
How to Spot Asteroid Juno in the Night Sky
Tips for how to spot the asteroid Juno in the sky this week.
Solar Eclipse: What is a Total Solar Eclipse & When is the Next One?
Total solar eclipses are one of Nature’s grandest events. What is a total solar eclipse? How do they work? And when is the next one? We explain.
The Veil Nebula: Segment 3
The Veil Nebula, left behind by the explosion of a massive star thousands of years ago, is one of the largest and most spectacular supernova remnants in the sky.
The VLT in Action
The ESO Very Large Telescope (VLT) during observations. In this picture, taken from the VLT platform looking north-northwest at twilight, the four 8.2-metre Unit Telescopes (UTs) are visible.
Annular Solar Eclipse of May 20, 2012 (Photo Guide)
Prepare for the annular solar eclipse of May 20-21, 2012 with these handy sky maps.
How Venus Transit of Sun in June May Help Find Alien Planets
Watching Venus trek across the sun's face could help planet hunters hone their techniques.
Colossal Superflares Erupt from Sun-Like Stars
Superflares could pack the punch of 10,000 solar flares.
Photos: SpaceX Set for Historic Launch to Space Station
See photos of SpaceX's preparations to launch an unmanned capsule to the International Space Station in May 2012.
Will Inflatable Spacecraft Shield Survive Re-Entry Burn? | Video
Final preparations are underway for the launch of the Inflatable Re-Entry Vehicle Experiment (IRVE3). It will be launched aboard a sounding rocket and the materials that make up the inflated heat shield will be put to the test on re-entry.
Breathtaking View of Earth Taken by Russian Satellite
The photo was taken by Elektro-L No. 1, a Russian weather satellite.
The Angry Sun: How to Predict Space Weather
Learn about the people who watch what the sun is dishing out.
European Rocket Launches 2 New Communications Satellites
The Ariane 5 rocket blasted off from South America carrying JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2.
Sunday Solar Eclipse Visible from National Parks
Still looking for a good place to observe the solar eclipse this weekend? Try a national park.
Space History Photo: ITOS Weather Satellite Atop a Delta Rocket
The satellite never achieved usable orbit.
The 6 Most Likely Places to Find Alien Life
From Enceladus and Titan to Europa and Mars, here are the likeliest spots to find extraterrestrials.
Solar Showdown: How Well Do You Know Our Sun?
Test your knowledge of Earth's closest star.
Weird Galaxy Glows Bright in Amazing Telescope Photo
The elliptical Centaurus A galaxy is located about 12 million light-years away.
Private Rocket Launch Saturday May Herald New Commercial Spaceflight Era
An upcoming rocket launch could be a watershed moment for private spaceflight.
Private Space Taxi Builders Ponder Future Beyond NASA
Several companies are competing for funding under the next round of NASA's commercial crew program.
Strange Galaxy - Heart of the Centaur Revealed | Video
The odd elliptical galaxy, Centaurus A (NGC 5128) has an active supermassive black hole at its core. Europe's MPG/ESO 2.2-meter telescope in Chile captured these images.
Gallery: Aliens Invade Earth in 'Battleship' Film
See images from the new amazing science-fiction movie Battleship.
Solar Eclipses: An Observer's Guide (Infographic)
How Solar Eclipses Work: When the moon covers up the sun, skywatchers delight in the opportunity to see a rare spectacle.
Star Factory Blazes Bright in Stunning New Photo
The image shows the star-forming region Cygnus-X.
Omega Centauri Shines Over Dark Forest in Skywatcher Photo
Omega Centauri, also known as NGC 5139, is the brightest and largest known globular cluster in the Milky Way.
Smokey & Fire: Astronaut Launches Into Space with Forest Service's Smokey Bear
Smokey the Bear has made it into space.
Gallery: SpaceX's 1st Mission to Space Station - How It Works
A step-by-step guide to the upcoming Dragon flight to the space station.
Celestron NexStar 130SLT Review | What is the Best Beginner Telescope?
See what makes the Celestron NexStar 130SLT a great telescope for beginners.
Celestron NexStar 4SE Review | Beginner Telescopes for Amateur Astronomers
See our review of the CelestronNexStar 4SE to find out what makes it a great beginner telescope.
Space News From SpaceDaily.Com
World expert outlines the future for air space travel
Glasgow UK (SPX) May 17, 2012
One of the world's leading figures in future air space travel, Dr Mark J Lewis, will visit the University of Strathclyde to highlight the progress in technology that could see round-the-world flights taking a fraction of the time that they do currently.
Dr Lewis's public lecture, Progress in Hypersonic Flight: Pushing the Envelope Higher and Faster, is closely linked to the work of the Uni
Japan in first commercial satellite launch
Tokyo (AFP) May 17, 2012
Japan successfully put a South Korean satellite into space Friday, in its first foray into the European- and Russian-dominated world of commercial launches.
The H-IIA rocket took off from the southern island of Tanegashima on schedule at 1:39 am (1639 GMT Thursday), according to live images relayed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The separation of the KOMPSAT-3 satellit
NASA says competition is key to private space race
Washington (AFP) May 17, 2012
Competition is vital to the race among private companies to replace the space shuttle, NASA said Thursday, after Congress called for the US space agency to fund a single company.
"We believe that competition is key to accelerating this program," said NASA deputy administrator Lori Garver in a conference call with reporters.
"We are ushering in a new era that embraces the innovation of th
DARPA's SeeMe Program Has Arrived
Bethesda MD (SPX) May 17, 2012
On May 9, 2012, DARPA released its latest Broad Agency Announcement (DARPA-BAA-12-35) for a program called, "SeeMe," which is an acronym for Space Enabled Effects for Military Engagements. Bidders will be competing for a total of roughly $45M to be distributed via multiple awards.
The goal of this program is to provide needed on-demand imagery directly to the warfighter in the field from a
China's space women wait for blast-off
London, UK (SPX) May 18, 2012
China will definitely launch a female air force pilot into space, onboard the ambitious Shenzhou 9 rendezvous and docking mission, likely to launch in mid-June, according to a senior space programme official.
Speaking at a ceremony, to mark the departure of the Long March 2F booster to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, Chinese Academy of Launch Technology, Commander in Chief, Liu Yu, co
Paralysed woman's thoughts control a DLR robot
Bonn, Germany (SPX) May 18, 2012
Almost 15 years after being paralysed by a stroke, a 58-year-old US-American woman was once again able to serve herself a drink of coffee. This was possible thanks to a state-of-the-art DLR robot arm and hand that she controlled with neural signals sent directly from her brain.
It took just a few moments for her to grasp the drinking bottle with the robot hand, bring it up to her mouth and
Mercury's Magnetic Field Measured by MESSENGER Orbiter
Laurel MD (SPX) May 18, 2012
Researchers working with NASA's Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft report the frequent detections of Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) waves at the edge of the innermost planet's magnetosphere.
In six different sets of magnetic field measurements made by the orbiter as it passed through Mercury's magnetopause, the boundary that separates the planet's m
ISS Research and Development Conference June 26-28 Denver
Springfield, VA (SPX) May 18, 2012
The first annual ISS Research and Development Conference will be held June 26- 28 in Denver, Colorado. Organized by the American Astronautical Society with the cooperation of the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space Inc. (CASIS) and NASA, the conference will focus on research results from the ISS and future opportunities in physical sciences, life sciences, Earth and space sciences, an
The numbers add up in Arianespace's latest commercial launch success with Ariane 5
Kourou, French Guiana (ESA) May 18, 2012
Arianespace provided another on-time Ariane 5 launch tonight by orbiting a pair of telecommunications spacecraft at the service of Asian region operators, on a mission that included multiple numerical milestones for the company and its customers.
Lifting off from the Spaceport in French Guiana, Arianespace's heavy-lift workhorse delivered the JCSAT-13 and VINASAT-2 relay platforms into geo
Thuraya and GTNT Say in One Voice 'Hello Russia'
Moscow, Russia (SPX) May 18, 2012
A mere 200 meters away from the Kremlin, Thuraya Telecommunications Company, the leading international mobile satellite operator has announced the launch of its mobile satellite services in Russia in partnership with GTNT.
The announcement was made at a press conference at the Congress Centre of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation in Moscow, attended by Thuraya's
A Supernova Cocoon Breakthrough
Huntsville, AL (SPX) May 18, 2012
Observations with NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory have provided the first X-ray evidence of a supernova shock wave breaking through a cocoon of gas surrounding the star that exploded. This discovery may help astronomers understand why some supernovas are much more powerful than others.
On Nov. 3, 2010, a supernova was discovered in the galaxy UGC 5189A, located about 160 million light yea
Space Station - Here We Come!
Houston TX (SPX) May 18, 2012
When SpaceX's Dragon capsule launches in spring 2012, a very special payload will be on board: 15 student experiments from the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program. The big deal is that those experiments from "SSEP Mission 1 to ISS" will be part of space history. Dragon will become the first commercial vehicle to dock to the International Space Station, and these student experiments have the
Russia delivers three astronauts to ISS: official
Moscow (AFP) May 17, 2012
A Soyuz capsule carrying two Russians and an American on Thursday successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), two days after their launch from Earth, officials said.
The Soyuz TMA-04M capsule with Russians Gennady Padalka and Sergei Revin and American Joseph Acaba on board automatically docked with the ISS at 0436 GMT, Russian mission control said.
The trio blasted of
Astronomers discovered ancient Egyptian observations of a variable star
Helsinki, Finland (SPX) May 18, 2012
The study of the "Demon star", Algol, made by a research group of the University of Helsinki, Finland, has received both scientific and public attention. The period of the brightness variation of this eclipsing binary star has been connected to good prognoses three millennia ago. This result has raised a lot of discussion and the news has spread widely in the Internet.
The Egyptian papyrus
Endeavour Powered Down 20 Years after First Launch
Kennedy Space Center FL (SPX) May 17, 2012
Space shuttle Discovery was powered up hundreds of times during prelaunch processing over the course of 26 years of spaceflight. But Dec. 16, 2011 was different. That morning, technicians inside NASA Kennedy Space Center's orbiter processing facility powered the ship up - and then down - for the final time. Less than a week later, on Dec. 22, Atlantis followed.
"After working so many years