A study by two physicists at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that, on average, clocks on Mars run about 477 microseconds faster per day than those on Earth. Although this time difference remains extremely small, it can significantly impact efforts to synchronize clocks precisely between Earth, the Moon, and Mars. […]
Researchers Determine How Much Faster Time Moves on Mars Read More »
Mars stands out as the leading candidate, with major space agencies motivated by the vision of expanding human civilization beyond Earth. Mars, with its thin atmosphere, extreme temperatures, and high radiation, requires engineering solutions far beyond simple shelters. Scientists have looked to natural Earth processes, like biomineralization, for inspiration. Turning Martian Soil into Durable Building
Bacteria are Being Explored by Scientists as a Way to Build Structures on Mars Read More »
Scientists from the Southwest Research Institute and UT San Antonio are studying how space weathering alters lunar surface materials to improve interpretation of the Moon’s far-ultraviolet maps. Revealing Lunar Evolution Through Apollo Sample Analysis In their recent work, the team examined how space weathering affects the FUV spectral response. A few Apollo-returned grains revealed how
Lunar Soils Reveal the Impact Of Space Weathering on Ultraviolet Reflectance Read More »
NASA said the outage occurred as MAVEN passed behind Mars, and unexpectedly, it failed to reconnect once back in view of Earth. The most recent telemetry showed all systems operating normally, leaving the cause of the issue unclear for now. MAVEN—short for Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution—was launched in 2013 and began orbiting Mars in
NASA has Lost Contact with the MAVEN Spacecraft after 11 years Orbiting Mars Read More »
Australian scientists have announced a potential discovery that has sparked renewed debate about the origins of life. Researchers studying a meteorite found in the country’s desert report detecting traces of organic compounds resembling human DNA in the space rock, which is estimated to be over two billion years old. The finding has prompted excitement, caution,
Human DNA Discovered in a Meteorite that is Two Billion Years old Read More »
MIT researchers found that wedge-shaped vortex generators can reduce ship drag by up to 7.5%, lowering fuel use and emissions, as presented at the 2025 SNAME Maritime Convention. The study highlights a promising path to decarbonize shipping and meet the IMO’s 2030 target of a 40% reduction in carbon intensity, requiring hull, engine, and propeller
New Hull Design Aims to Cut Fuel Use Read More »
Russia faces a major setback after its Soyuz MS-28 mission to the ISS caused serious damage to the country’s only launch pad for crewed spacecraft. Space launches have become so routine that they’re almost as mundane as a transatlantic flight taking off. Yet, accidents do occur, and some can have serious consequences. MS-28 Launches Routine
A Launch Accident Could Ground Russia’s Astronaut Missions for Years Read More »
When a meteor flashes through the sky, it’s more than a striking sight—it’s nature delivering a time capsule to Earth. Inside are clues to the solar system’s earliest days and the processes that shaped planets, including our own. In a recent Space Science Reviews paper—soon to be included as a chapter in an upcoming textbook—Lawrence
Meteorite Samples Are Time Capsules of The Early Solar System Read More »
Scientists widely agree that Mars once had flowing water and a thicker atmosphere, conditions that would have made the planet habitable. But between about 4.2 and 3.7 billion years ago, its rivers, lakes, and global ocean vanished as the solar wind gradually eroded the atmosphere. Exactly how long Mars stayed habitable remains an open question.
New Research Suggests Mars Stayed Habitable Longer than Once Thought Read More »
The microgravity encountered during spaceflight can threaten astronauts’ cardiovascular health. Finding effective ways to reduce these risks is difficult because countermeasures are typically evaluated under Earth’s gravity. But what if research could be conducted in microgravity conditions without having to leave the atmosphere? Texas A&M Researchers Test Microgravity in France Researchers from Texas A&M University
The Challenges and Triumphs of Space Research Read More »