All articles tagged with #space news
Space.com reports that interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, discovered in 2025, is on an escape trajectory out of the solar system. A free livestream on Jan. 16 (5 p.m. EST) from the Virtual Telescope Project will present real-time views from a 14-inch telescope in Manciano, Italy, marking its final public observation before the comet heads into interstellar space.
A small asteroid named 2025 TF safely passed within approximately 250 miles of Earth, near the altitude of the International Space Station, marking a close but not record-breaking flyby, with observations confirming its trajectory and size around 2 meters.
This Week In Space episode 170 features Dr. Robert O'Brien discussing atomic space batteries, specifically radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), which have powered many historic space missions by converting heat from nuclear elements into electricity, especially useful in the dark outer solar system. The episode also covers recent space news, including the universe's projected lifespan, upcoming celestial events, and a model Falcon 9 rocket for enthusiasts.
A rare interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, is passing through the solar system and can be watched live online, offering a unique opportunity to observe a visitor from beyond our solar neighborhood before it reappears in December.
MethaneSAT, a privately funded satellite launched in March 2024 to measure methane emissions, failed in orbit after just over a year, marking a setback for space-based environmental monitoring efforts.
The sun has emitted its second powerful X-class solar flare this week from sunspot AR3738, causing shortwave radio blackouts over the Atlantic Ocean, Africa, Europe, and parts of the Americas. The flare, which occurred on July 16, 2024, may have also triggered a coronal mass ejection, though it is not expected to impact Earth directly. The sunspot is nearing a "danger zone" that could potentially send more charged particles toward Earth.
On June 3, the Sun experienced an M-class solar flare that resulted in a "failed eruption," where a large plasma plume was pulled back into the Sun instead of escaping. Captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, the event was described by solar astrophysicist Ryan French and space weather forecaster Sara Housseal, noting that nearly all the plasma was reabsorbed, leading to minimal impact on Earth and no significant aurora displays.
Florida's Space Coast is set for a busy year with a projected 100 rocket launches, including multiple SpaceX Starlink missions, NASA's Boeing Starliner crewed flight test, and significant launches like the NOAA's GOES-U and NASA's Europa Clipper. Stay updated with live coverage and schedule changes at floridatoday.com/space.
The Russian military satellite Luch-2 was detected closely approaching a geostationary satellite in April 2024, raising concerns about potential espionage. This follows a pattern of similar maneuvers by its predecessor, Luch-1, which had previously sparked international alarm. The incident was tracked by Aldoria, a French startup, and comes amid broader accusations from the U.S. that Russia is militarizing space.
Newly released audio from the Apollo 1 disaster reveals the final moments of the astronauts as a fire broke out in the cockpit during a rehearsal on January 27, 1967, killing all three crew members. The fire was caused by an electrical issue and exacerbated by combustible materials and a high-pressure oxygen atmosphere. The tragedy led to significant safety changes in NASA's spacecraft design.
The hyperactive sunspot region AR3664 has unleashed two powerful X-class solar flares within 12 hours, causing radio blackouts across parts of the Earth. These flares, categorized as X1.18 and X1.43, resulted from magnetic reconnection in the sunspot's complex core. The flares impacted the Western U.S., Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Asia, disrupting shortwave radio communications.
Sunspot region AR3697, responsible for May's powerful auroras, has unleashed another major X-class solar flare, causing shortwave radio blackouts in Western Europe and the Eastern U.S. This sunspot, previously known as AR3664, is expected to continue its activity, potentially leading to more geomagnetic storms and auroras as it moves across the sun's disk and faces Earth in early June.
A new "eclipse simulator" on SkySafari allows users to anticipate the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, featuring a shadow tracker and deep discounts on related apps. The app also offers safety guidance, audio prompts, and a countdown clock for the eclipse, as well as the ability to recycle solar glasses through a partnership with Astronomers Without Borders. SkySafari 7, known for its stargazing features, is now equipped with new functionality for the 2024 solar eclipse, making it a valuable tool for eclipse enthusiasts.
A space reporter reflects on his decision to stay in Bloomington, Indiana, for the upcoming April 8 solar eclipse, despite the potential for cloudy skies. The town is preparing for an influx of visitors, with events featuring notable figures like William Shatner and Janelle Monáe. The reporter emphasizes the rarity of this celestial event and encourages others to witness it, as the next total solar eclipse over Indiana won't occur for another 100 years.
SpaceX aims to continue its high launch cadence with upcoming missions including Starlink flights, a mystery-shrouded launch from China, and the first of a new mid-inclination rideshare missions. The much-anticipated second launch attempt of the final Delta IV Heavy carrying NROL-70 is now scheduled for the end of the week after ground equipment issues delayed the first attempt. The high cadence of SpaceX missions makes them susceptible to schedule changes when a flight encounters a delay. SpaceX's next missions include Starlink Group 7-18, Starlink Group 8-1, Starlink Group 6-47, and the Bandwagon-1 mission, while the Delta IV Heavy is set to launch NROL-70.