Why Does the Advisory Committee Want a Smaller ISS Crew?
There are currently six astronauts on the International Space Station right now — three from the United States, two from Russia and one from Japan. You can use this website to see who they are and how many days they’ve been in space. There are even informational profiles for each astronaut, so you can learn more about them. A total of six astronauts doesn’t sound like a lot in the grand scheme of things, but that hasn’t stopped the Advisory Committee from recommending smaller ISS crews going forward. Why does the committee want smaller teams on the International Space Station, and what will this mean for the future of the…
The ESA Just Released the Most Comprehensive Image of the Milky Way
ESA's Gaia spacecraft reveals the largest image of the Milky Way with 1.7 billion stars, aiding astronomers in studying galaxy formation and evolution.
How Does Space Fever Affect an Astronaut’s Health?
We’ve been sending men and women into space since the late 1960s, and we’ve spent the better part of the last 60 years studying the effect that space travel has on the human body. Recently, we’ve discovered a new and potentially dangerous side effect of living and working in microgravity environments: space fever. What is space fever, and how can it affect the health of the astronauts who live and work on the International Space Station? What Is Space Fever? When you’re on Earth, as long as you are not ill, your normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius. When you become sick and your body…
Does Space Tourism Have Health Risks?
Space tourism poses health risks, but short trips are manageable for people in average health. Psychological impacts, like space anxiety, are crucial.
Intermediate Black Hole Could Explain Black Hole Evolution
Black holes are one of the most terrifying things in the universe. It shows the real power of gravity, which is usually a relatively weak force when it grows large enough. Eventually, it becomes sufficient to control entire galaxies. But we don’t know as much about black holes as we might like. We understand them mostly from a mathematical perspective, although we have been able to observe their behavior by watching the things around them. Black holes are a well-known and now proven phenomenon, but intermediate black holes are a whole different ball game, mostly because they’re still hypothetical. They start out as stellar black holes. These are the smallest…
NASA Will Soon Decide If Changing Juno’s Course is Best
Jupiter is named after the king of the Roman gods, and with its massive size, it definitely holds the title of king of the Solar System. NASA's Juno spacecraft entered orbit around the gas giant in July of 2016. Due to a problem with the craft's propulsion system, NASA is currently debating whether changing Juno's course is the best option. What is Juno looking for out there among the stars?
Space Technology Will Protect the Vatican’s Treasures
New space technology isn't just for traveling into the cosmos — these innovations have applications on earth, as well. Medicine, transportation, public safety, computers and agriculture are some of the industries that have made progress by applying space technology. Also on that list: The Catholic Church. The Vatican has partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA) to preserve religious and cultural manuscripts, documents and books.
Inside the Monster Rocket to Mars: How Did NASA Build and Fund the SLS?
Explore NASA's monumental Space Launch System, paving the way for Mars missions. Budget challenges, ambitious goals, and adaptability await!
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for June 2016
On June 3 Saturn will be at opposition, which means it will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. This is the best time to view and photograph Saturn and its moons because it will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long.
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for May 2016
Early this month on the night of May 5 and 6 the Eta Aquarids meteor shower will peak. It is an above average shower, capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak, however most of the activity will be seen in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the rate can reach only about 30 meteors per hour.
NASA Called College Students to Develop an Inflatable Heat Shield
Who is NASA going to hire to create a vital component for an upcoming Mars mission? None other than the bright minds of our future – college and university students. That's right! NASA's Game Changing Development Program gave college students the chance to come up with unique ideas to generate lift. Sure, that's a fairly simple request, but your ideas will be used on cutting-edge, amazing spacecraft.
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for April 2016
On the night of April 22 and 23 the Lyrids meteor shower will peak. It is an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at its peak, although some meteors may be seen any time from April 16 to 25. It originates from dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which was discovered in 1861.
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for March 2016
March 2016 brings exciting astronomical events: Jupiter at opposition, total solar eclipse, March equinox, and penumbral lunar eclipse. Explore more!
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for February 2016
On February 7 Mercury will be at greatest western elongation of 25.6 degrees from the Sun. This makes it the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the planet low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.
Monthly Stargazing Calendar for January 2016
On the night of January 3 and 4 the Quadrantids meteor shower will peak. It is an above average shower, with up to 40 meteors per hour at peak, although some meteors can be visible between January 1 and 5. The meteors originate from dust grains left behind by an extinct comet known as 2003 EH1, which was discovered in 2003.
