Menu
RomanScope-900x506

NASA’s Space Science Budget: Major Cuts Loom Large

The recent draft budget from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) indicates significant cuts to NASA’s space science budget, potentially affecting major projects like the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, the DAVINCI mission to Venus, and the Mars Sample Return mission. The American Astronomical Society expressed grave concerns about a nearly 50% reduction in funding for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, warning it could severely impact the nation’s leadership in space sciences.

Read More

nasas-juno-mission-get

Juno Mission Gets Under Jupiter’s and Io’s Surface

The Juno mission has provided new insights into Jupiter’s atmospheric phenomena and Io’s volcanic activity. Recent data has improved understanding of the gas giant’s jet streams and revealed Io’s subsurface temperature profile, shedding light on its inner structure. These findings were discussed during a news briefing at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly, highlighting the extreme characteristics of Jupiter and its moon, including powerful cyclones and intense volcanic activity.

Read More

flares-from-magnetized

Flares From Magnetized Stars Can Forge Planets’ Worth of Gold

Astronomers have identified a new source of heavy elements like gold and platinum, linked to giant flares from magnetars, a type of neutron star with extremely strong magnetic fields. These flares may account for up to 10% of the galaxy’s gold and other heavy elements. A notable event in December 2004 released energy equivalent to a million years of sunlight and produced heavy metals equivalent to a third of Earth’s mass.

Read More

the-future-of-studying

The Future of Studying ExoVenuses Looks Bright

This article discusses the potential of studying Venus-like exoplanets, termed exoVenuses, to enhance our understanding of the solar system and the search for extraterrestrial life. It highlights a recent study presented at the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, which emphasizes the challenges of characterizing these planets and the role of the planned Habitable Worlds Observatory in overcoming these challenges through direct imaging. The study aims to improve methods for identifying potentially habitable exoplanets, noting the importance of distinguishing between Venus and Earth analogs in the search for life.

Read More

potw2241a-e1743012815466

100 Years Ago, Cecilia Payne Discovered What the Stars Are Made Of

For centuries, even after we knew the Sun was a star like any other, we still didn’t know what it was made of. Cecilia Payne changed that. All of that changed in dramatic fashion back in 1925, when scientist Cecilia Payne wrote what was perhaps the most brilliant PhD dissertation in the history of astronomy. Celebrate the hundredth anniversary of this achievement today.

Read More