Science

Asteroids are a constant presence in our solar system, and while most remain at a safe distance, some come dangerously close to Earth. As space agencies like NASA track near-Earth objects (NEOs), the discovery of potentially hazardous asteroids has raised concerns about possible collisions. In fact, six asteroids have been identified as being on a potential collision course with Earth, with the first one predicted to pass by in October. Although space experts continuously reassure us that the chance of impact is low, it’s essential …

China’s space exploration program has made significant strides in recent years, culminating in the ambitious goal of constructing a moon base at the lunar south pole by 2035. This project, which will involve advanced technologies such as moon bricks made of lunar soil, 3D printing, and a Moon-Earth communication network, underscores China’s determination to establish a long-term presence on the Moon. With the Chang’e missions paving the way and international collaborations through the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), this plan represents China’s bold vision for …

The European Space Agency’s Juice mission is one of the most ambitious space exploration efforts of our time, aimed at investigating Jupiter and its icy moons. Before embarking on its long journey to Jupiter, however, Juice made a crucial stop—Earth. During its flyby of our home planet, the mission did more than just gain a gravitational boost. It also provided valuable data that reaffirms Earth’s habitability, studying our planet’s atmosphere from space and offering insights into what makes Earth such a unique place for life. …

Space exploration never ceases to amaze us, and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is at the forefront of these discoveries. Among its many observations, one stands out not just for its scientific significance, but also for its visual intrigue—a cosmic question mark discovered in deep space. This strange object, captured by the JWST, has sparked curiosity and wonder among scientists and the public alike. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the discovery of this cosmic question mark, explore its potential origins, and examine …

The development of SpaceX’s Starship Super Heavy rocket represents a monumental leap in space exploration technology. With the ambitious goal of enabling humanity to explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond, SpaceX has created a vehicle capable of lifting unprecedented payloads into space. Central to the success of this powerful rocket is the extensive testing it has undergone, including crucial wind tunnel testing at NASA Ames. This post delves into how NASA’s wind tunnel testing influenced the design and aerodynamic performance of the Starship Super Heavy, …

NASA’s telescopes have played a pivotal role in unraveling the mysteries of the universe, particularly when it comes to observing supermassive black holes. These cosmic giants, found at the centers of galaxies, are known for their immense gravitational pull, so strong that not even light can escape. Recent discoveries, such as a dancing pair of supermassive black holes emitting bright lights in various wavelengths, have shed new light on their behavior, thanks to advanced instruments like the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory. …

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of the most mesmerizing natural displays, and this September, Michigan is under a G2 Geomagnetic Storm Watch, providing residents and visitors a rare opportunity to witness these colorful lights. Due to a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the sun, auroras might extend further south, making it possible to see the Northern Lights as far south as Michigan. In this blog, we’ll explore the details of the Northern Lights forecast for September 2024, the science behind geomagnetic storms, …

NASA’s Don Pettit, known for his inventive spirit and passion for space exploration, is set to return to the International Space Station (ISS) on September 11, 2024, marking his fourth mission into space. At 69 years old, Pettit holds the distinction of being NASA’s oldest active astronaut, but that hasn’t slowed him down. From his many inventions to his love for capturing stunning images of Earth from space, Pettit is truly one of a kind. Dubbed the “Space MacGyver”, Pettit is known for his resourcefulness, …

NASA’s Starliner spacecraft has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons recently. After years of development and high expectations, the spacecraft encountered technical issues during its return, forcing NASA to make the tough call to bring it back empty. From thruster failures to guidance issues, the problems faced by the Boeing Starliner have raised important questions about its readiness for manned space missions. Yet, NASA maintains that this decision was the best option given the circumstances. In this blog, we will dive deep …

The realm of particle physics holds some of the universe’s deepest secrets, and neutrinos, often referred to as “ghost particles,” have captured the imagination of scientists for decades. These subatomic particles pass through everything — including our bodies and planets — without interacting with matter, making their detection incredibly difficult. Recently, groundbreaking work at Fermilab has opened new doors for understanding these elusive particles. The Short-Baseline Neutrino Detector (SBND) has detected its first muon neutrino, marking a major milestone in the hunt for answers about …