The view from the ISS as it orbits over the termination line known as the twilight zoneNASAA daily photo taken from September 2023 to September 2024 offers an intriguing view of the twilight zone transition caused by the Earth's 23.5-degree axial tilt during its orbit around the Sun.Without the Earth's axial tilt, we wouldn't...
The Super Magdrive gives us ACME vibesMagdriveThe most prevalent metal known to humanity is iron. It can be found everywhere, not just on Earth but also in space. Astro engineers have recently discovered how to utilize iron—and nearly any metal, for that matter—as plasma rocket fuel.It's well-established that certain metals can ignite explosively. Lithium...
China's new space suit takes to the stageXinhua/Wang QuanchaoChina aims to send astronauts to the Moon by around 2030 and recently showcased the new spacesuits they’ll be using. During a media event, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) demonstrated the suits with two astronauts testing them out for the cameras.Based on current plans, the...
Credit: PixabayFortunately, NASA is advancing plans to implement a standardized time zone on the Moon. The proposed Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) would help schedule missions and explorations, making future efforts to establish a permanent base on the lunar surface somewhat easier.While the concept has been previously discussed, NASA has announced plans to collaborate with...
Credit: PixabayThe most probable method for detecting life on a distant exoplanet is by identifying a biosignature. This involves analyzing the atmospheric spectra of the planet to find the distinctive spectral pattern of a molecule that can only be produced through biological activity.Although it seems straightforward, detecting life on exoplanets is far from simple....
Credit: DepositphotosNuclear Explosions as a Defense Against AsteroidsPrecisely detonating a nuclear bomb above an approaching asteroid could be our best chance of avoiding a catastrophic impact.Precisely detonating a nuclear bomb above an approaching asteroid could be our best chance of avoiding a catastrophic impact.A laboratory experiment conducted by an international team of researchers showed...
A new study demonstrates a possible way to deflect an Earthbound asteroidDepositphotosAsteroids pose a serious threat to Earth, as history has shown – just ask the dinosaurs. Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories have now demonstrated a potential method for diverting a dangerous asteroid using X-rays.NASA's Current Defense MeasuresNASA has already taken proactive steps to...
Credit: PixabayStep aside, Moon—Earth is about to gain a new natural satellite. This "mini-moon" will stay with us for the next two months, though it’s not its first visit, and it won’t be the last.This temporary mini-moon is actually a small asteroid, about 10 meters (33 feet) wide, officially named 2024 PT₅. Discovered just...
An artist's impression of Earth with a ring – a phase suggested by new evidenceOliver HullNew Evidence of Earth's Potential Ring SystemSaturn's rings are famous, but new evidence suggests that Earth might have also had a ring at some point in its history. This ring would have caused significant impacts on the surface.We...
View from the orbiting Polaris Dawn spacecraftSpaceXAfter completing its first day in orbit, the Polaris Dawn mission is set to conduct the first-ever private spacewalk. Two astronauts are scheduled to exit the Dragon spacecraft Resilience at 2:23 am EDT. Here's how to watch.Launched at 5:23 am EDT on September 10, 2024, from Complex 39A...
