Climate change continues causing the disappearance of ice caps, scientists study penguin colonies using satellite poop-stain imagery and a NASA spacecraft hovers over asteroid Bennu. These are just some of the top photos this week from Space.com.
The investigation into why a cable mysteriously broke on the Arecibo Observatory has begun
Officials at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico still don’t know what caused a cable failure that severely damaged the facility’s iconic radio telescope this week, forcing it to shut down temporarily.
‘Space salsa’ adds spicy kick to astronaut freeze-dried food
Move over astronaut ice cream: a retired science teacher’s new recipe is ready to heat up the world of freeze-dried space food.
Criminal probe looking into misconduct allegations by former NASA official, WSJ reports
A federal criminal probe is looking into allegations of misconduct by a former NASA official who abruptly resigned from his position at the agency in May, The Wall Street Journal reports. Prosecutors are investigating if the official illegally disclosed information to Boeing about how to compete to build NASA’s new […]
Simulations show lander exhaust could cloud studies of lunar ices
A new study led by scientists at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, shows that exhaust from a mid-sized lunar lander can quickly spread around the Moon and potentially contaminate scientifically vital ices at the lunar poles.
Aurora mysteries unlocked with NASA’s THEMIS mission
A special type of aurora, draped east-west across the night sky like a glowing pearl necklace, is helping scientists better understand the science of auroras and their powerful drivers out in space. Known as auroral beads, these lights often show up just before large auroral displays, which are caused by […]
Investigation begins into damage at one of the world’s most iconic observatories
This week, the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico — an iconic facility made famous by movies like Contact and Goldeneye — had to halt observations of the Universe after a structural cable failed, punching a hole in the facility’s giant reflector dish. Operators of the observatory say the overall facility […]
25 Places You Can’t See on Google Maps or Google Street View
We take the ability to see everywhere on planet Earth using Google Maps and Street View for granted, but there are some places you cannot visit.
Perseid meteor shower 2020 brings celestial fireworks to the night sky (photos)
The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most famous annual “shooting star” displays, reached its peak activity this week, putting on a spectacular show for skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere.
SpaceX ramping up Starship prototype tests in Texas (and looking for a resort manager)
We can expect a lot more Starship action out of SpaceX in the near future.