Thursday, March 28

NASA

NASA — Sharpening Our View of Climate Change with the…
NASA

NASA — Sharpening Our View of Climate Change with the…

When it comes to climate change, we play a unique role in observing and understanding changes to the planet. Thanks to NASA’s Earth observations and related research, we know our planet and its climate are changing profoundly. We also know human activities, like releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, are driving this change.Not only do we make these observations, we help people and groups use this knowledge to benefit society. The work we do at NASA is critical to helping us understand the ways our planet is responding to increased temperatures. Here are 6 ways that we are involved in climate science and informing decisions:1. Monitoring Earth’s vital signsJust like a doctor checks your vitals when you go in for a visit, here at NASA we are constantly monitoring Earth’s ...
National Guard, Air Force, working to resolve impasse over space units
NASA

National Guard, Air Force, working to resolve impasse over space units

WASHINGTON — The chief of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Daniel Hokanson, is in discussions with Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall to examine potential options concerning the future of approximately 1,000 members of the Air National Guard who support Space Force operations  in seven states. Hokanson told reporters Feb. 8 that these options will inform the next round of congressional debate over whether the Space Force should have its own force of part-time troops to back up the new service, akin to the structure of the Air and Army National Guard. The 2024 defense authorization bill directs Hokanson and Kendall to submit a study to congressional committees in March laying out options. The Biden administration opposes the establishment of a Space National Guard due to the ...
Conrad Challenge to the Moon on Peregrine Mission One
NASA

Conrad Challenge to the Moon on Peregrine Mission One

The Conrad Challenge, a global youth innovation competition at Space Center Houston, heads to the moon on Astrobotic’s Peregrine Lunar Lander on Monday, Jan. 8, via a partnership with PHOOZY, maker of thermal protective cases for tech.  A “MoonDrive” containing historical submissions from past Conrad Challenge participants is included in the Peregrine’s payload, among other cargo from NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative and other customers.   The Conrad Challenge honors the legacy of astronaut Pete Conrad, the commander of Apollo 12 and the third man to walk on the Moon. The Challenge invites a global community of students to combine education, innovation and entrepreneurship. The MoonDrive’s inclusion in the Peregrine’s payload marks a full-circle moment as ...
Meteor Showers to Bookend Overnight Skywatching Opportunities in May – NASA Blogs
NASA

Meteor Showers to Bookend Overnight Skywatching Opportunities in May – NASA Blogs

As the spring season continues, May could prove to be of great interest for stargazers and space enthusiasts – with a pair of potentially active meteor showers opening and closing the month. “Meteors aren’t uncommon,” Bill Cooke said, who leads NASA’s Meteoroid Environment Office at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. “Earth is bombarded every day by millions of bits of interplanetary detritus speeding through our solar system.” A meteor mosaic comprised of 99 images, using a blue filter, of the Eta Aquariids observed during the early morning hours from April 30 to May 8, 2013.Credits: NASA All Sky Fireball Network Most particles are no bigger than dust and sand. Hitting the upper atmosphere at speeds up to 45 miles per second, they flare and burn up. On any give...