Pegasus Unleashed

Pegasus being released from the jet.
Credit: NASA

How Pegasus and IRIS Prepared to Launch

Recent Sun Activity

Early this morning, June 28, 2013, two sunspots erupted. AR1777 and AR1778 produced one CME and two C-class solar flares. The CME could hit the Earth's magnetic field this weekend.

IRIS Launch

This is the beginning of NASA's coverage of the IRIS launch from earlier this evening.
Credit: NASA You can watch the rest of the launch right now live at NASA TV

IRIS Launches Today

IRIS is launching today, June 27, 2013. The solar observatory will monitor the sun. IRIS stands for the Interface Region Imaging Spectograph. It will launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. IRIS will be on a Pegasus XL rocket which will be carried on a modified L-1011 airliner. The airliner will carry the rocket up to 39,000 feet over the Pacific Ocean. It will then drop the Pegasus so it can begin it's launch. All this will occur at 7:27 p.m. PDT.

Space Station News June 26, 2013

Low Chances of Solar Flares Today

The chances of solar flares occurring have drastically decreased. Yesterday, June 26, 2013, the chances of an M-class solar flare dropped to 205. Today, the NOAA forecasters believe there is a mere 10% chance of an M-class solar flare to occur today.

Space Station News June 25, 2013

Another NASA IRIS Vdeo

Here is another video detailing information about the upcoming IRIS mission.

IRIS Mission this Month

The Sun has been very active lately, especially today. NASA's next mission, IRIS, will monitor the lowest level of the sun's atmosphere. Hopefully, this will help scientists to better understand how the energy interacts with the upper atmosphere. Here is NASA's more detailed explanation of how this mission will occur.

Solar Flare Yesterday

Sunspot AR1778 produced an M2-class solar flare yesterday, June 23, 2013. It occurred at 20:56 UT. Today, there is a 40% chance of M-class flares and a 5% chance of X-class flares.NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the intense flash. Here is the image:

NASA Explains What will happen on the Spacewalk

Here is a preview of the Spacewalk.


Credit: NASA

Radiation Storm Alert!

A proton storm is currently underway around Earth. However, it is only minor. It has registered as an "S1" storm by the NOAA. It is not currently strong enough to have an effect upon air planes or satellites. The storm is gaining intensity, so check back for more updates.

The Bedrock Beneath Antarctica

Solar Wind Alert

  A stream of solar wind is hitting the Earth's magnetic field this weekend. It is moving at approximately 600 km(s). The NOAA is estimating that there is a 40 percent chance of polar geomagnetic storms today, June 22, 2013.

Chris Hadfield's interview with NASA after his return

Watch the first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station discuss his experience.



Credit: Canadian Space Agency

Watch the June 24 Space Walk Live on NASA TV

      Russian flight engineers Fyodor Yurchikhin and Alexander Misurkin of the Expedition 36 crew  aboard the International Space Station will conduct a space walk on June 24, 2013 at 9 a.m. EDT. Make sure you have plenty of snacks ready, because this walk will take 6 hours to conduct. The walk is meant to help the crew prepare the International Space Station for the addition of a Russian module, which will occur later in the year.

What They Will Be Doing
      They will replace a fluid flow control panel on the station's Zarya module and install clamps for future power cables as an early step toward swapping the Pirs airlock with a new multipurpose laboratory module. The Russian Federal Space Agency plans to launch a combination research facility, airlock and docking port on a Proton rocket.  In addition to these tasks, the engineers will retrieve science experiments which are located on the outside of the Zvezda service module.

The Numbers:

• This is the 169th spacewalk related to support of the station's assembly and upkeep. 
• It is the sixth space walk for Yurchikhin.
• It  will be Misurkin's first. 
• This is the second of six Russian spacewalks scheduled this year. 
• Two U.S. spacewalks by NASA's Chris Cassidy and Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency are scheduled in July. 

What They Will Be Wearing:

    Yurchikhin will wear an Orlan-MK spacesuit with red stripes while Misurkin will wear a suit with blue stripes. Both spacewalkers will be equipped with NASA helmet cameras to provide close-up views of their work.


Credit: http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2013/jun/HQ_M13-099_Russian_EVA.html

NASA's Press Release For the Mission to Mercury

Here is a copy of NASA's press release about the results from a meeting in which NASA agreed to participate in a mission to Mercury.

"NASA and Italian Space Agency Sign Agreement on Exploration of Mercury

WASHINGTON -- At a meeting in Rome Thursday, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Italian Space Agency (ASI) President Enrico Saggese signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation on the European Space Agency- (ESA) led BepiColombo mission to Mercury, strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation between NASA and ASI in planetary exploration.

Bolden and Saggese also discussed NASA's plans for a new asteroid initiative, previously announced in President Obama's fiscal year 2014 budget proposal. Saggese expressed the strong interest of Italy for the initiative and welcomed the opportunity to discuss potential ASI participation in a long-term exploration strategy."

Credit: http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2013/jun/HQ_13-178_NASA_ASI_Agreement.html 

Space Station Live 6/21/2013

This is the Space Station live NASA news video from today, 6/21/2013. It discusses more upcoming space walks planned for the crew of the International Space Station.



Credit: NASA

Summer Solstice Flare

The sun celebrated the summer solstice today. It has already produced an M-2 class solar flare. This flare occurred at 3:15 UT. Luckily, this particular flare was not directed at the Earth. The NOAA is estimating that there is a 30% chance of more M-flares occurring and a 5% chance of X-flares today.

Here's a link to a picture of the beautiful flare this morning:
http://www.spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=21&month=06&year=2013

IRIS

NASA announces it's next mission! IRIS will begin at the end of this month, June, 2013. This mission will monitor the recently active sun. Here's a more detailed explanation of the mission.
Credit: NASA

NASA weekly news

NASA's weekly news for the week of June 16, 2003. It includes information about the next group of astronauts.

Space Station News From 6/19/13

Here is a NASA video containing news from the International Space Station. It was created on June 19, 2013.

Summer Solstice Alert

Guess what today is! It's the first day of the northern summer. At 1:04 a.m. EDT, the sun reaches the highest point in the celestial sphere. It is officially the start of summer in the north.

Coronal Hole

A coronal hole has opened up in the sun's northern hemisphere. A coronal hole allows the sun's solar wind to escape. This means that plasma is escaping into space. Said plasma is expected to reach the Earth's magnetic field sometime June 23 through 24, 2013. This also means there is a higher chance of seeing Auroras.
Credit: SpaceWeather.com
http://www.spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=20&month=06&year=2013

Low Chance of Solar Flares

There is a low chance solar flares again today. More sunspots, however, are emerging. Most of these are located on the eastern limb of the sun. This means that we ought to expect the estimated chances of solar flares to begin rising in the near future.

Chris Hadfield and Co in Kazakhstan

This video depicts the first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station, Chris Hadfield shortly after returning to Earth in Kazakhstan. (Credit: Canadian Space Agency.)

Dry Ice and Gullies on Mars

This video details a NASA experiment concerning carbon dioxide and the gullies on Mars.

Space Station Recap for the week of June 9-15, 2013

This NASA video discusses space station news from the week of June 9, 2013

Low Chance of Solar Flares Today

Today the NOAA is reporting that there is almost no chance of strong solar flares occurring. The odds of an M-class flare are at a mere 10 percent. The odds of an X-class solar flare are at less than one percent.

NASA's Microbiome Experiment

This Week at NASA

Asteriod to Pass by Moon's Orbit

Another asteroid is going to make an appearance near our planet. Asteroid 2013 LR6 is going to pass by the moon's orbit this weekend. Scientists are confident that it will pass a safe distance away from the Earth. It will be passing by at 4:59 pm EDT. You can track it live at Space.com.
http://www.space.com/19195-night-sky-planets-asteroids-webcasts.html

Space Weather Enterprise Forum

TRMM shows Tropical Storm Andrea

NASA's weekly Wrap-up

Asteroid 1998 QE2

NASA's radar footage from asteroid 1998 QE2, which passed by Earth last Friday. This asteroid was so large, it had its own moon.

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION UPDATE 6/03/13

More news from the International Space Station was released by NASA today.

SPACE STATION RECAP FROM THE WEEK OF MAY 31

NASA's recap for last week regarding news from the International Space Station

SPACE NEWS FOR JUNE 2013

Space news for this month by NASA

William Shatner Narrates Curiosity's landing on Mars

Here's a video narrated by William Shatner about the Mars landing of the Curiosity rover, which is now making headlines.

The Curiosity Mars Rover

A photo of the curiosity Mars Rover, which has caused quite a stir. It has taken photos of possible rats, and proven that there was once water on the planet.

Mars Rat?

 Fox News is reporting that the Curiosity rover has taken photos of a possible 'Mars rat.' Some believe the image is proof of life on Mars, which as also been recently proven to have water. However, many experts believe the photo is actually that of a rock, which looks similar to a rat.

Here's a link to the full story:
http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/05/29/mars-rat-spied-by-nasa-curiosity-rover/

NASA's Weekly Recap

NASA has recapped this past week's news. This video includes information about the White House, the QE2 flyby, space radiation, and more.


Credit: NASAtelevision

Proof of Water on Mars

Curiosity has proof of water on Mars. It viewed rounded pebbles on the "Gale Crater." This crater is 150 km wide, and match those found in streams on Earth. The pebbles where first discovered in September of last year. Researchers have been studying these images since then, and will publish these results in Science Magazine.
For more information, visit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22708902

Asteroid to pass by Earth on Friday

An asteriod, dubbed 1998 QE2, is set to pass the Earth on Friday. The main rock is about 1.7 miles across and has its own moon. At 4:59 it will be closest to Earth. It is expected to pass 3.6 million miles away from Earth. You will be able to watch live telescope webcasts at space.com

Coronal Hole

The sun may have calmed down, but that doesn't necessarily mean the Earth shouldn't expect to receive storms from it. A coronal hole opened up earlier today. For those who don't know, a coronal hole is a place within the sun's magnetic field which spreads apart. This allows 'solar wind' to escape. This means that a windy stream of plasma should reach our wonderful Earth June second or third. The impact of this plasma could cause geomagnetic storms, similar to those caused by solar flares, and auroras around our poles.

The sun is no longer angry

The sun has finally calmed down after days of tremendous activity. The NOAA estimates a mere 1 percent chance of X-class solar flares today

Astronauts Arrive at International Space Station in Record Time

 Yesterday, May 28, the newest arrivals at the International Space Station made the fastest voyage yet. After launching from Kazakhstan, Fyodor Yurchikhin, Karen Nyberg, and Luca Pamitano, docked the spacecraft after a mere five hour and forty minute voyage from Earth.
You can get more information at:
http://news.yahoo.com/international-astronaut-crew-arrives-space-station-record-time-023833708.html

International Space Station Astronauts Returning to Earth

Here is a video from the Canadian Space Agency. It depicts a video from a few days ago of the return to Earth of the first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station, Chris Hadfield. He is accompanied by his crew mates, Roman Romanenko and Tom Marshburn. It looks like these guys had a rough ride.

Meteroid hits moon

NASA is reporting that a meteroid hit the surface of the moon. The result was an explosion which could be seen from our very own Earth, even without a telescope. The great blast only lasted for a second. You may be asking how the impact caused an oxygen free explosion. This is really from the molten rock landing at the site of impact.

NASA is currently monitoring the moon. This is an attempt to monitor space debris which could possible collide with our planet. Hollywood must have tipped them the off about that threat.

AR1748 Update

AR1748 has been surprisingly calm the last 48 hours, especially when compared to the activity observed earlier this week. Therefore, the NOAA has lowered the daily odds of X-class flares to 50 percent. This area still has a highly magnetic field, so there is still a pretty good chance we'll experience a flare sometime today.

NASA's next Mars challenge? Farming

NASA is planning a mission to Mars in 2030. The goal of the mission will not necessarily be aimed at an extended stay on the planet. However, if NASA does decide to send astronauts to Mars for an extended period of time, it may be necessary for the inhabitants to learn how to farm in space. Since Mars has reduced gravity, it is unknown exactly how difficult this monumental task would be. The lack of an atmosphere, like the one surrounding Earth, may also be an obstacle.

For more information, Fox News has posted an article:
 http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/05/15/farming-on-mars-nasa/

Kepler Space Telescope

Fox news is reporting that the Kepler space telescope has run into another problem. Every three months, the telescope, needs to be turned 90 degrees in order to ensure the solar panels are facing the sun. Unfortunately for NASA, one of the wheels is malfunctioning. Will this mean the end of the $600 million dollar tool?

Sunspot AR1748

The active region of the sun, sunspot AR1748 is quickly moving towards Earth. This sunspot has already unleashed four X-class solar flares, yet it continues to grow. The NOAA predicts that the odds of another flare occurring today is 60 percent. The AR1748 has already produced more solar flares than every other sunspot combined this year.
http://www.spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=16&month=05&year=2013

Water Recycling on the International Space Station

This video is from the Canadian Space Agency. It is about water recycling on the International Space Station. About 93 percent of the water on the ISS is recycled.

Coronal Mass Ejection May hit Earth's Magnetic Field

A Coronal Mass Ejection from an X-1 flare from May 15, 2013 may be approaching Earth. Spaceweather.com is reporting that is possible the CME it will hit the Earth's magnetic field on May 17, 2013. There is an estimated 40 percent chance of geomagnetic storms when and if it hits.

May 13: Strongest Solar Flare of the Year

On May 13, 2013, the strongest solar flare thus far this year occurred at 02:17 Universal Time. Once again, it was located behind the sun's northeastern limb. NASA classified the flash as a X1.7-class eruption. In a few days, this side of the sun will be facing Earth.

International Space Station Crew Space Walk

Here is a link to watch the Space Walk currently happening on the International Space Station.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/6540154

NASA Communicating With International Space Station

Here is a video from NASA.gov which shows the crew discussing the ammonia leak with the astronauts aboard the International Space Space Station.

Video of the Solar Eclipse From Australia on May 10, 2013

This is a youtube video of views of the solar eclipse from Cape York in Australia. They are from the webcast provided by Columbus State University's Coca-Cola Space Science Center and were put together by Videofromspace.

Crew of the International Space Station Will do a Spacewalk Tomorrow

The crew of the International Space Station has officially decided to conduct a spacewalk tomorrow, May 11, 2013 in order to address the ammonia leak we reported earlier. The cooling system was losing about 5 pounds of ammonia a day. The 6 person crew aboard the station is reportedly optimistic. Chris Cassidy and Tom Marshburn, two spacewalking veterans from 2009, will perform a visual inspection of the damage.







photo courtesy of nationalgeographic.com.

An Oldie But A Goodie

Here is a youtube video depicting the first Saturn V test. This occurred on April 23, 1966. Thank you for sharing this valuable footage with us all.

Sunspot number 5/10

The sun spot number today is 154

Possible space walk

Members of the international space station are preparing for a possible space walk tomorrow. The ammonia leak is reported as being in the cooling system. The crew is still determining whether or not it will be necessary. A decision should be made sometime late today.

Another Solar Flare Ocurred this Morning

Another solar flare erupted early this morning. A sunspot behind the northeastern limb of the sun erupted creating an M3-class solar flare. This region will be facing the Earth in mere days.

The International Space Station is Leaking

The International Space Station reported leaking from a radiator. The radio, unfortunately, is located in the power system. The crew discovered this leak because they noticed ammonia leaking out of the station as reported by NASA. The crew is currently rerouting electronics in case they need to shut the radiator down. They, however do not consider this particular situation to be dangerous or life threatening in any way as they have backups.

A View from a Rocket During Lift Off

This youtube view of a launch is from 2010. It features a MER-A being launched on a Boeing Delta II rocket.

Anniversary of America's First Space Station Coming Up

   It may seem as though it was only yesterday that we decided to engage in a space race with the Soviets. However, on May 13, 2013, America will be commemorating forty years since their first international space station. How does NASA plan on celebrating this time over the hill? With a round table featuring astronauts and scientists discussing present and future missions. It will begin at 2:30 PM EDT and will air on NASA television!

Solar Impulse Update

The next stop on the Solar Impulse's (the first solar airplane) journey is going to be Dallas, Texas. The data has not yet been confirmed. It is doubtful it will occur before May 13, 2013. This plane is entirely solar powered, yet weighs the same as an average sized car. It has already completed the first leg of it's journey from San Fransisco, California to Phoenix, Arizona.

Solar Flare TONIGHT!!

Beginning at 5 PM E.D.T. TONIGHT. The solar flare will occur in Australia. Webcasts will be available on Space.com and from the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. More than ninety-five percent of the sun's surface will be covered.

Solar Flare on May Third

 

This was the second solar flare within three days. This storm happened in the same region as the previous storm. It occurred on the eastern limb of the sun on the third of May at 1730 Universal Time. 

Another Glass video

Corning Glass Concept Video

This video displays how Corning envisions their glass technology being implemented in daily life

Australians to View Solar Eclipse on May Tenth

Annular Eclipse







Australians will be able to view a solar eclipse on May 10. This will not be a total eclipse, but an annular eclipse. This type of eclipse shows a ring, as the moon is smaller than the sun and is near the point at which it is furthest away from the earth. Therefore, even though the moon is closer to the Earth than the sun, it will still appear smaller during this eclipse.

Spock Audi Commercial

An Image of the Hubble

The Hubble Space Telescope Slated to study Venus

The Hubble telescope will be using the moon to view Venus on June fifth and sixth. During this time, Venus will be traveling across the sun’s face. The Hubble will face the opposite side towards the moon, to view the reflection of Venus in a way that is similar to the one in which we view the moon at night. This infamous telescope will attempt to view the light that passes through the atmosphere of Venus. This will be done in an attempt to uncover the makings of the planet’s atmosphere.

Solar Impulse Lands in Phoenix, Arizona

Cinco de Mayo Tomorrow

Happy early Cinco de Mayo! We hope everyone stays safe!

Solar Impulse

Solar Impulse flight

The Solar Impulse took off early yesterday from San Francisco.  It will hopefully take the plane two months to make it all the way across the United States during its flight across the country. Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg will take turns flying the tiny plane.

The plane utilizes energy which is collected in 12,000 solar cells. In turn, these cells charge batteries, which are equivalent to those found in small cars. This allows the aircraft to fly both during the day, and at night. This plane is certainly the first of its kind.

Solar Powered Plane

A solar powered plane made in Switzerland is scheduled to take off today (Friday). More to come.

Space Shuttles: A little bit of NASA history, A little bit of William Shatner

Sun Storm

A huge sun storm occurred yesterday. It may sound small to those of us who are used to storms that last for days. However, the sun doesn’t play. This two-and-a-half hour storm was capable of spitting billions of tons of fun at more than a million miles per hour. Not to worry, none of it was aimed at our lovely planet.

This is a good time to remind everyone: Wear sun screen.

A Rover named Grover

NASA has a new Rover.

It’s named Grover.

Grover, or Goddard Remotely Operated Vehicle for Exploration and Research, is solar powered. Not only is this machine Earth friendly, it’s going to be used to study Greenland’s ice sheets. The goal of this study is to discern how the ice sheets form, and also how quickly they may be melting. That’s right, we stayed politically correct for those who deny global warming, and said MAY. Hopefully this study will help everyone agree (When you wish upon a star…).

The mission will run from May 3 through June 8. Weighing in at a whopping 800 pounds, Grover may have to join Cookie Monster at fat camp. Hopefully none of the ice sheets are too melty, Right?

The machine will use a radar to send waves to bounce through the ice and off of anything buried to create pictures of the layers. This seems similar to geophysical archaeological surveys.