The International Space Station is in a unique position to help scientists on Earth understand some of the more mysterious aspects of thunderstorms. An observatory on the ISS is providing researchers with insights into curious storm phenomenon only seen from space. Bizarre features that have names like “blue jets” and “elves” are being studied using …
NASA and the ESA have released a timelapse clip of images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope showing a supernova slowly dying far away. The supernova took roughly a year in Earth time to go from incredibly bright to dull and dim. Whatever was orbiting the star when it detonated is probably not there anymore. …
The ESA’s Mars Express orbiter captured images of a massive crater lake on the planet’s North Pole. Using data gathered by the mission, the ESA has created a virtual video flyover of the area. Mars once had liquid water on its surface, but it’s now too cold to support water in any form but ice …
NASA’s Solar Orbiter, a mission conducted in partnership with the European Space Agency, made its first close approach observations of the star. The spacecraft is roughly halfway between the Earth and the Sun, and it will send back photos of the star’s surface that could answer some burning questions. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is much …
NASA is recruiting volunteers to spend eight months locked up in a simulated spacecraft on its way to Mars. The participants will be studied throughout their ordeal as scientists determine how long-haul spaceflight affects the human body and mind. Volunteers will be paid, though NASA is keeping the exact dollar amount a secret. Visit BGR’s …
The European Space Agency says urine could play a major role in the construction of lunar bases. The urea in urine makes it an ideal ingredient to combine with lunar soil, creating a sort of ‘lunar concrete’ that hardens into rigid shapes. Visit BGR’s homepage for more stories. Not long ago, researchers published a study …
The European Space Agency is putting four of its most high-profile missions on hold as it deals with the coronavirus pandemic. With the health of its staff a top priority, the agency is keeping its employees at home and putting various spacecraft into safe mode to preserve resources for future science objectives. Visit BGR’s homepage …
The launch of the ExoMars mission has been delayed from 2020 to 2022 over testing woes and coronavirus concerns. The mission, which is being conducted by the European Space Agency in partnership with Russia’s Roscosmos, had previously been slated for a launch this summer. NASA’s Mars 2020 mission is still on schedule, at least for …
Technology capable of observing worlds outside of our solar system is advancing at a breakneck pace. In fact, researchers are currently grappling with what amounts to an embarrassment of riches, with far too many newly-discovered alien worlds to dedicate their time to studying. That as it may be, it’s not stopping scientists around the globe …
SpaceX was finally able to launch its Dragon cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station this week after the initial launch was scrubbed due to poor weather conditions. The spacecraft is carrying a whole bunch of neat stuff to the ISS, including an upgraded version of an AI-powered floating robot that lost its cool when …
