Universe Why We Might Be Close to Observing the Universe’s First Stars editor1, August 4, 2024 The first generation of stars played a crucial role in shaping the early universe. With the help of the James Webb Space Telescope, we now have a promising opportunity to observe these ancient stars. The birth of the first stars marks a pivotal moment in cosmic history. These stars emerged… Continue Reading
Earth Europe is preparing for the initial launch of the Ariane 6 rocket. editor1, August 4, 2024 HELSINKI — Europe is approaching a pivotal moment with the upcoming inaugural flight of the Ariane 6 launch vehicle on Tuesday. The Ariane 6 is scheduled to lift off from the Kourou launch site in French Guiana between 2:00–6:00 p.m. Eastern (1800–2200 UTC) on July 9. The European Space Agency… Continue Reading
Universe NASA’s cancellation of the moon rover project raises concerns about the feasibility of the 2026 crewed lunar landing. editor1, August 4, 2024 NASA has cancelled the VIPER moon rover mission, which was scheduled to launch in 2025, citing budgetary issues. This decision comes despite the rover being fully constructed. NASA has announced the cancellation of the VIPER moon rover mission, which was scheduled for launch in September 2025. The rover, which is… Continue Reading
Universe A deep pit on the Moon might lead to a cave that could potentially serve as a lunar base. editor1, August 2, 2024 We may have identified a potential entry point to caves beneath the Moon’s surface, which could offer protection from harmful radiation for future astronauts. There is probably a network of caves hidden just below the surface of the moon, and researchers may have finally found an access point. These caves… Continue Reading
Earth One of Saturn’s moons has features similar to freshwater rivers and salty oceans. editor1, August 2, 2024 The liquid hydrocarbon seas, lakes, and rivers on Titan have varying compositions, and there is evidence suggesting the presence of active tides or currents. Our most detailed observations of the lakes on Saturn’s moon Titan have uncovered a diverse landscape, with features resembling both freshwater rivers and salty oceans on… Continue Reading
Biology Moss that can endure extreme cold and radiation might be able to survive on Mars. editor1, August 2, 2024 Syntrichia caninervis is known for its ability to survive in some of the harshest environments on Earth, such as deserts and arctic regions. Its resilience to extreme conditions suggests it could be a candidate for studying potential survival on Mars. A resilient moss, Syntrichia caninervis, found in some of Earth’s… Continue Reading
Universe Why our location in the Milky Way is perfect for finding alien life editor1, August 1, 2024 Our arm of the Milky Way contains many older, metal-rich stars, which recent research suggests might offer favorable conditions for life on their planets. All known life in the universe exists on Earth, a small planet in a minor arm of the Milky Way galaxy. Despite the billions of other… Continue Reading
Earth This mind-blowing map shows Earth’s position within the vast universe editor1, August 1, 2024 This story is part of our Cosmic Perspective series, where we explore the vastness of the universe and our position within it. You can find the entire series here. Subscribers can view a larger version of the map at the bottom of the page. This map illustrates the region of… Continue Reading
Earth Why you should feel comforted, not scared, by the vastness of space editor1, August 1, 2024 Some people find the vastness of the universe intimidating, but there’s also a way to find solace in it. This article is part of our Cosmic Perspective series, where we explore the immense scale of the cosmos and our place within it. You can read more in the series here…. Continue Reading