space-and-astronomy4.835 min read
NASA tests Mars rotors at Mach 1.08 to power next-gen SkyFall helicopters
16 days ago•Source: Yahoo Tech
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37.83 min•1 month ago
Laser-Powered Metajets Hint at 20-Year Alpha Centauri Trip
Texas A&M researchers report a lab demonstration of micron-scale metajets with metasurfaces that can be steered in three dimensions by laser light; they say the concept could be scaled to propel larger spacecraft, potentially enabling a 20-year journey to Alpha Centauri, though real-world feasibility and space testing remain to be proven.
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Artemis II Delivers Breathtaking Far-Side Moon Imagery
Engadget•1 month ago
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Webb maps the Universe's invisible scaffolding in unprecedented detail
ScienceDaily•3 months ago
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NASA to Address Hubble Telescope Issues in Rare Press Conference
NASA will hold a rare press conference to address the Hubble Space Telescope entering safe mode due to a malfunctioning gyroscope. The telescope, which requires at least three gyroscopes to operate fully, has faced multiple gyro failures since its last refurbishment in 2009. While a private mission led by Jared Isaacman has been proposed to service Hubble, it carries significant risks. The press conference will provide updates on Hubble's operational status and future plans.
First Detection of Massive Magnetic Stars Beyond the Milky Way
For the first time, astronomers have detected magnetic fields in massive stars outside the Milky Way, specifically in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. This discovery offers a unique opportunity to study star formation and evolution in environments similar to the early universe, as these stars are metal-poor like the first stars. Using the FORS2 instrument on the Very Large Telescope, researchers successfully measured magnetic fields in several massive stars, suggesting that low metallicity has little impact on magnetic field strength in these stars. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
"New Insights Challenge Previous Beliefs About Mars's Moon Phobos"
Researchers analyzing unpublished photos of Mars's moon Phobos have found that its properties resemble those of comets, suggesting it might be a bilobated or binary comet. This challenges existing theories about its origin, which include formation from a debris disk or capture of an asteroid. The upcoming JAXA Martian Moons eXploration mission aims to return samples from Phobos, potentially providing more definitive answers.
"Colossal Collision Marks Universe's Dawn: This Week in Space"
This week in space news highlights include the discovery of a colossal black hole collision in the early universe, the Negev Space Accelerator's selection of five startups for lunar projects, SpaceX's unveiling of new space suits for private astronaut spacewalks, NASA's lunar training expeditions for the Artemis program, and the identification of some of the oldest known stars on the outskirts of the Milky Way.
"New Study Unveils Mystery Behind Vanishing Stars"
Scientists have found evidence that some massive stars may collapse into black holes without a supernova explosion, as observed in the binary system VFTS 243. This challenges the traditional understanding of stellar evolution and has implications for the creation and distribution of elements in the universe.
"Upcoming Stellar Event Mirrors Medieval Manuscript Record"
A nova explosion of the binary star system T Coronae Borealis, first potentially recorded in 1217, is expected to occur soon. This rare event, caused by a thermonuclear reaction on a white dwarf star, happens approximately every 80 years. Historical observations in 1866 and 1946, along with a recent pre-eruption dip, suggest the next eruption could happen between now and September 2024.
"NASA Observes 'Death Star' Black Holes Targeting Multiple Objects"
Astronomers have observed supermassive black holes changing the direction of their powerful particle jets, akin to the Death Star in Star Wars. Using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Very Long Baseline Array, scientists found that these jets can reorient by up to 90 degrees over millions of years, potentially impacting star formation in galaxies. The research, published in The Astrophysical Journal, suggests that material falling into black holes at different angles may cause these shifts.
"Comet Tsuchinshan–ATLAS to Outshine Stars in 2024"
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) is expected to become visible to the naked eye by late summer or early autumn, potentially reaching a brightness comparable to Venus. It will make its closest approach to the Sun on September 27 and to Earth on October 12, offering a spectacular view if it brightens as predicted.
"Unveiling the Impact of Solar Eclipses on Space Exploration"
A British satellite orbiting Earth has captured stunning 4K images and videos of the total solar eclipse on April 8, showcasing the moon's shadow and the sun's corona. Sen's ETV-A1 satellite, in low-Earth orbit, plans to provide live-streaming views of Earth from the International Space Station with its 4K camera, and is expected to launch more satellites in the future. The next total solar eclipse is set for August 12, 2026, in Europe.
"Delta 4 Heavy: A Farewell to an Era in Spaceflight"
The Delta family of rockets is concluding its 60-year legacy, while a new spacecraft from a legacy space company prepares for its astronaut debut. Millions are still enjoying the recent total solar eclipse, and a new military weather satellite is set to enter service. The hour-long live show "News from the Press Site" will feature discussions on these topics, including the eclipse and the final Delta 4 Heavy launch.