Tags: Astronomy

"Spin, Spin, Spinning Around": A New Method On How We Measure Stars

SPACE Stars litter our skies with celestial light, continually cementing the fact that our planet, no matter how large it may seem, is just a grain of sand on the beach that is our shared universe. And, for years, astronomers have gauged a star's age by how brightly it shined. While this is moderately effective, another method has been tested-and-proven to be more accurate. Published in the newest issue of the journal Nature, astronomer's note that how quickly a star spins is the ideal metric to determining its age.

Can SpaceX Deliver on Its Ambitious 2015 Goals?

SpaceX has an ambitious year of goals ahead of it, as it tries to demonstrate how commercial space flight can be faster and more efficient compared to government run agencies. But many international space agencies are left wondering: can they make it?

Light Signals Discovered by NASA Reveal The Merging of Two Black Holes

For the first time ever, scientists have seen an unusual light signal that appears to be repeating itself from a distant quasar. And no, before the thought crosses your mind, this is not a sign of extraterrestrial life, but rather a signal from two black holes. These signals are an indication of two supermassive black holes that are in the last stages of merging together.

Mystery of Constellation Carina's Massive Explosions Revealed in 3D Models

Within 10,000 light-years lies the constellation Carina, which contains one of the most impressive and mysterious star systems we know. Two massive stars, known as Eta Carinae have erupted twice in the 19th century for reasons astronomers still do not understand. And now, astronomers from the 225th meetings of the American Astronomical Society weighed in on the system with new findings, which include 3D printed models that show never-before-seen features of the interactions between the two stars.

NASA Researchers Resolve Every Star in New Panoramic View of Andromeda

While a new view of the the “Pillars of Creation” from the Eagle Nebula (Messier 16) was revealed this last Monday, Jan. 5 for the 225th meeting of the American Astronomical Society, researchers at NASA have revealed an even brighter sight from a bird’s-eye view. Publishing their latest images from the Hubble Space Telescope, researchers at NASA are proudly displaying the largest Hubble image ever assembled in a stunning wide-angle view of the Andromeda galaxy next door.

Curiosity Rover Uncovers Potential Fossils on Mars

The Curiosity Rover has uncovered what appears to be rock forms very similar to those that were responsible for the formation of life on Earth. Located in the Gale Crater, the Curiosity continues its search for signs that Mars once supported life.

Passing Stars May Send Comets Smashing Into Earth – Eventually

Stars passing close to our solar system could send comets hurdling toward Earth increasing the risk of impact altering life as we know it. Scientists still say there is not much for us to worry about as these collisions won't happen for hundreds of thousands of years.

‘Houston, We Have a Problem’—SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Called Off

After weeks of anticipation for private spaceflight company SpaceX’s innovative new launch scheduled for departure earlier this morning, Jan. 6, NASA officials reported that the launch was called off due to technical difficulties, only minutes before liftoff.

Hubble’s New View of the ‘Pillars of Creation’

It’s not a new sight, in fact it’s estimated to be 2 million years old, but with the help of the Hubble Space Telescope astronomers are taking a glimpse at a new view of the “Pillars of Creation” sitting deep within the iconic Eagle Nebula 7,000 light years away.

Newly Found Comet Dazzles Observers

A newly discovered comet is dazzling observers and amateur astronomers across the world, with its unique green color and blue tail. The new comet, found in August and named for its founder, Terry Lovejoy, will soon fade from viewing and won't return to our solar neighborhood for 10,000 years.

NASA Says Tropical Rainforests May Hold a Key To the Climate Change Issue

While tropical rainforests may be vanishing, a new study led by NASA researchers reveals yet another reason why trees in the tropical rainforest may in fact be man’s best friend. With greenhouse gas emissions on a constant rise since the dawning of the industrial revolution and the subsequent population growth that followed, researchers in recent years have tried to estimate exactly how much carbon dioxide is actually absorbed by plants to better assess a serious global issue. And in a new NASA-led study, researchers from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory were able to combine three different divisions of science to reveal that tropical rainforests may be absorbing far more CO2 than many researchers previously thought, in response to rising atmospheric levels of the greenhouse gas.

SpaceX’s Tuesday Mission May Change Space Exploration, And Our Taxes Forever

Knowing the waste associated with space exploration, the millions of dollars invested in early flight stages merely shelled off into space, private-sector rocket company SpaceX has decided to rework how the space exploration game is played. Developing reusable pieces, that if brought back with a spacecraft could be used on yet another mission, the company not only intends to change their role in the rocket industry, but the way our tax dollars are spent as well.

Quadrantid Meteor Shower Set to Put on a Show This Weekend

Turn your gazes to the sky overnight to catch a glimpse of the Quandrantid meteor shower. The annual meteor shower radiating from the constellation Boötes, may be difficult for some to see due to a very bright moon or cloud cover this year.

NASA’s Dawn Spacecraft Makes Approach to Ceres

NASA's Dawn Spacecraft, launched in 2007, is beginning to make its approach to Ceres, a dwarf planet located in the asteroid belt. Dawn's mission will make it the first craft to orbit two bodies in the solar system after spending 14 months studying the protoplanet Vesta.

How Many Times Did the International Space Station Crew Ring in the New Year? Can You Guess?

While their families and colleagues must undoubtedly think about them 24 hours a day, it seems that most residents of Earth never find themselves pondering what life must be like for the elite six astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) just outside our atmosphere. Orbiting the Earth in a giant space-bound laboratory, life can get pretty interesting. And something even as innocuous as the ball drop of a new year can turn into something entirely note-worthy.
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