Studies Tackle the Question of the Moon's Origin

Medicine & Technology Apr 09, 2015

For years scientists have struggled to determine the origin of our Moon that lights the night sky faithfully every single night. Now, many believe that the moon may have been formed by a collision between the Earth and another object that happened to be strikingly similar in composition to our own planet.

NASA's Chief Scientist Predicts We Will Find Signs of Alien Life Within 10 Years

Apr 09, 2015

The question of whether life outside of this Earth actually exists has been a debate for the record books. However, many today believe that there is, in fact, life outside of the Earth but we just haven't found it yet. NASA's top scientist now predicts that we will find signs of alien life by 2025, with even stronger evidence to come in the years that follow.

Can Life Form in Another Solar System? Scientists Find Building Blocks for Life Around Million-Year-Old Star

Apr 09, 2015

While researchers have long believed that the circumstances and the molecular structures involved in the creation of our Sun and of our Earth were unique, it appears that far off in space there may be another solar system brimming with potential for life someday. Utilizing the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) researchers with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory have detected for the first time ever the complex organic molecules necessary to create life in a protoplanetary disk surrounding an infant star only a million years into its formation.

Sun Experiences Seasons Just Like the Earth

Apr 09, 2015

A new study has found that just like the Earth, our Sun experiences seasonal changes which scientists believe can now help them better predict solar storms.

NASA and IBM Join Forces to Make...Apps

Apr 09, 2015

During the fourth annual space apps hackathon, NASA announced a new partnership with IBM to build some of the most useful applications that can be used to benefit the NASA space program in the United States.

With the Help of ALMA Astronomers Find Complex Organic Molecules in Infant Solar System

Apr 08, 2015

While researchers have long believed that the circumstances and the molecular structures involved in the creation of our Sun and of our Earth were unique, it appears that far off in space there may be another solar system brimming with potential for life someday. Utilizing the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) researchers with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory have detected for the first time ever the complex organic molecules necessary to create life in a protoplanetary disk surrounding an infant star only a million years into its formation.

Lava Tubes Could Be Shelter for Expedition to Moon

Apr 06, 2015

Lava tubes that are large enough to contain entire cities are now believed to exist on the moon, and scientists believe that they could one day provide shelter from the cosmic radiation associated with space exploration.

Astronomers Witness Star Formation Over 18 Years

Apr 04, 2015

Over the last 18 years, astronomers have observed the formation of a massive new star, dubbed W75N(B)-VLA 2. A pair of images of a young star, taken 18 years apart, has revealed dramatic differences providing astronomers with a one of a kind “real time” look at how massive stars develop during the earliest stages of their formation.

Curiosity Rover Curious About Ice Cream Sandwich Rock Formations

Apr 03, 2015

NASA's Curiosity rover has analyzed numerous rock samples from three different locations in the lower regions of Mount Sharp that reveal unique mineral compositions. Along with the discovery of the different minerals, there were also prominent veins that show the mountains layers, revealing different stages of weathering. These two toned minerals were found in ridges along a site called "Garden City" where bedrock has eroded and exposed these veins.

NASA Aims to Put Astronauts on Mars by 2039

Apr 03, 2015

The idea of putting a man on Mars has become very popular in recent years, due to many of the plans put forth by NASA. And in a new statement, NASA reports that they could get astronauts in orbit of the red planet by 2033, and they will land on the surface on 2039.

Can Science and Culture Coexist on Mauna Kea? Dozen ‘Protector’ Protestors Arrested This Week for Obstruction

Apr 03, 2015

With the construction of the $1.4 billion dollar endeavor of the Thirty Meter Telescope beginning this week, news arrives from the Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii, as a dozen protestors were arrested for obstructing construction crews on their way to the summit. Astronomers anticipating the Thirty Meter Telescope believe that the largest telescope ever built will give us new insights never-before-seen into space, however, locals in Hawaii are not convinced that the $1.4 billion investment is worth compromising their lands.

Ghosts of Quasars Past—Hubble Telescope Reveals Phantom of Eight Galaxies

Apr 03, 2015

In a new series of images captured by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, researchers with the US space agency discovered an eery green hue spiraling and braiding shapes around eight active galaxies. And while the wisps of glowing structures “don’t fit a single pattern”, lead researcher of the study, Bill Keel believes that the bright green lights may reveal the high energy at the core of these eight galaxies.

How to Catch a Glimpse of the Blood Moon This Easter Weekend

Apr 02, 2015

Easter weekend this year will bring the second eclipse of the year on Saturday, April 4, with a total lunar eclipse that will be visible from most of North America and around the Pacific Rim.

NASA's Exploration Vehicle of Choice for Saturn Moon–A Submarine

Apr 02, 2015

Saturn is the second largest planet in our solar system and has developed quite a reputation because of its impressive ring system, but it also has 62 moons. The largest moon, Titan, is the only one that actually has its very own atmosphere. NASA now has plans to take a closer look at what is going on down on Titan, but not by using a spacecraft. Instead it will use a submarine.

The Hunt is On for Exomoons That May Harbor Life

Apr 02, 2015

The search for life doesn't end at our solar system and it is not limited to just planets. Scientists are now searching for moons orbiting alien planets in other systems that could harbor extraterrestrial life.