Southwest Research Institute explains significance of new images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope
NASA’s newly released high-resolution color images from the James Webb Space Telescope are a snapshot of our universe millions of years ago and the result of 120 hours of observation or about five days’ worth of data.
NASA researchers want to send nude human images into space to start a conversation with aliens
The group of researchers crafted a scientific proposal, “A Beacon in the Galaxy,” to communicate with aliens through radio-transmitted messages that include scientific notions that introduce characteristics of humanity to outer space.
The last supermoon of 2021 -- aka the Strawberry Moon -- is happening this week
If you’ve missed any of the celestial events that have happened this year already -- the Pink Moon in April or the recent solar eclipse, to name a couple -- you’ve got one more chance to witness a rare supermoon this year, and it’s happening this week.
San Antonio company partners with NASA to help create space technology
There are many projects around the world that are focused on the future of space technology and one local company, Astroport Space Technologies, has a new partnership with NASA that will have them at the forefront in creating out-of-this-world space ventures.
Spidernauts and space dogs: What happens to the creatures of spaceflight
Animal spaceflights paved the way for the first human astronauts, and today, creatures big and small continue to space travel, advancing our knowledge of how the zero-gravity environment impacts all beings and aiding research down on Earth.
Ever wonder what the Texas Gulf looks like from space? NASA’s got you covered.
An astronaut onboard the International Space Station (ISS) took this photo of the Texas Gulf Coast. (CREDIT: NASA)Have you ever wondered what the Texas Gulf looks like from afar... or more specifically, from space? A NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station took this photo of the Texas Gulf Coast and shared it to social media on March 24. Check out this NASA photograph of the gulf coast and Austin/San Antonio area taken from aboard the International Space Station! If you’re from Texas, or are just a big fan, you can see the Texas coast along with narrow barrier islands that create protective bays between the Gulf of Mexico and the mainland.
Rare, spectacular triple conjunction to grace the skies this weekend
In case you missed the great conjunction last month, when the two biggest planets in our solar system -- Jupiter and Saturn -- appeared to come within 1/10 of a degree from each other, there’s another spectacular sight to catch this weekend: The triple conjunction. It will come into the same 2 degrees of sky with the two other planets this weekend, Forbes reports. Jupiter (L) and Saturn appear about one-tenth of a degree apart during an astronomical event known as a Great Conjunction on Dec. 21, 2020. (2020 Getty Images)Though not quite as spectacular as the other nights, the triple conjuncture will also be visible Friday and Monday. But because our solar system is such an amazing thing, by Feb. 13, the planets will emerge from behind the sun to form yet another triple conjunction, but at that time, just before sunrise.
Astronomers studying mysterious radio waves, search for life in universe
A group of astronomers are studying if we are really alone in the universe after puzzling radio waves were detected in Australia. The narrow beam of radio waves was picked up by the Parkes telescope in April and May of last year, according to The Guardian. The report says that scientists believe those radio emissions came from the direction of Proxima Centauri, a red dwarf star 4.2 light years from earth, also known as the nearest star to the sun. Pete Worden, the former director of NASA’s Ames Research Center, says it’s important to wait and see what the project’s scientist conclude. Worden says these signals are likely interference that we cannot yet fully explain.
These basic functions prove challenging on International Space Station -- here’s how astronauts cope
As astronauts work on the International Space Station, it’s easy to wonder what their lives are like up there. How do astronauts do basic life activities on a floating space ship? How are their needs met?
A major event happening in the sky right now won’t be matched until 2080, experts say
A major event is happening in the sky this month, and it’s one that won’t be matched again until 2080, according to experts. The two largest planets in our solar system — Jupiter and Saturn — will engage in what is called a great conjunction. The two massive planets will be at their closest on Dec. 21, when they will be only 0.1 degrees apart. The last time there was a great conjunction was in 2000, but the planets were near the sun and difficult to observe. The great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn happens every 20 years, but because of the way the two planets orbit, astronomers predict the view of this year’s won’t be matched until 2080.
Companies are cashing in on moon rocks
And with a different form of space race heating up, some companies are trying to cash in. NASA pledged in September to buy moon rocks from companies that can get robotic rovers to the lunar surface and scoop up samples of the dusty terrain, and the space agency asked for bids from companies all over the world. The goal is not to gather new information about lunar soil composition or study how various lunar resources can be used. NASA may be the only organization that’s currently in the market for buying moon rocks from private companies, but the space agency allowed the companies to name their price. The economic incentive for the four companies signed up for NASA’s new lunar resource program is not exactly clear, but all of the companies are already well underway developing various lunar exploration technologies.
What’s that thing orbiting the Earth in 90 minutes? A guide to what the International Space Station is, does
This year, the International Space Station celebrated 20 years of having a continuous human presence on it. But what exactly is the International Space Station and what does it do? Over a 13-year period from 1998-2011, different modules were launched into space and attached to each other in orbit by astronauts. That mission was successful to create an initial base, and in subsequent years, other modules were launched into orbit and connected. The ISS is aging -- and if it’s not eventually destroyed or taken down by humans, space obstacles might arise, according to space.com.
WATCH LIVE: Cosmonauts conduct spacewalk outside of the International Space Station
Two Russian cosmonauts will conduct a six-hour spacewalk outside of the International Space Station on Wednesday morning. This will be the first spacewalk for cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov as they will prepare the space station for a new module, according to CNN. The ISS Expedition 64 Russian Spacewalk #47 is slated to begin at 8:30 a.m. and will last for six hours. You can view a livestream of the spacewalk in the video player above.
Your best bet for catching a breathtaking glimpse of the Leonid meteor shower this month
Have you heard of the Leonid meteor shower? It comes around every November, but the chances of seeing it this year are much higher than last year. The shower happens at the same time every year, when Earth’s orbit crosses the orbit of Comet Tempel-Tuttle, according to Space.com. A trail of dust is left behind the comet, and when Earth’s orbit crosses that trail, pieces of the comet fall toward our planet’s surface. Luckily for us, meteors are visible to the naked eye, and the shower will peak overnight Monday into Tuesday (Nov. 16-17) around 3 a.m.