Dec 22, 2021 | Asteroids, Daily Space, ESA, Guest Interview, JAXA, JWST, Kepler, Milky Way, Neutron Stars / Pulsars, Physics
Dr. Pamela takes a deep dive into her feelings about the JWST, its pending launch, and just what the telescope means to the astronomical community. Plus, general relativity is still true, a huge filament of gas in the Milky Way, and we interview Hamed Valizadegan, project lead for ExoMiner.
Sep 8, 2021 | Asteroids, Astrobiology, Climate Change, Daily Space, Earth, Exoplanets, Galaxies, Mars, Neutron Stars / Pulsars, Our Solar System, Perseverance, Supermassive Black Holes, Supernovae, Very Large Array
Hycean worlds have hydrogen-rich atmospheres and are covered in oceans, making them prime candidates for the search for life outside our own solar system. These worlds are also more numerous and easier to find than Earth-like exoplanets. Plus, an update on the search for Planet 9 and how volcanoes may provide a climate safety valve.
Aug 9, 2021 | Climate Change, Daily Space, Earth, Exoplanets, Neutron Stars / Pulsars, Planetary Nebulae, Stars, Supernovae
NASA’s TESS spacecraft, which is primarily used to search for exoplanets, has now observed a veritable symphony of pulsating red giant stars, each with its own internal vibrations. This work was presented at this week’s TESS Science Conference. Plus, some more climate change news (bad) and superflares may be less harmful to exoplanets than thought (good).
Jun 30, 2021 | Asteroids, Daily Space, Earth, Exoplanets, Mars, Neutron Stars / Pulsars, Supermassive Black Holes, Supernovae
About 900 million miles away in two different galaxies, a black hole and a neutron star merged, and their gravitational waves have been detected here on Earth. These detections add another type of merger to the collection so far discovered. Plus, new composition data on Mars’ south polar cap and a look back at the Tunguska Event. #AsteroidDay
May 21, 2021 | Climate Change, Comets, Daily Space, Earth, Mars, Moon, Neutron Stars / Pulsars, Rovers, Sky Watching, Space China, Zhurong
After a successful touchdown on Mars last week, the Zhurong lander has sent back both black and white and color images. Plus, pulsars, ocean depths, heavy metal vapor, radioactive elements, and this week’s What’s Up which includes a total lunar eclipse!
May 10, 2021 | Book Club, Cassini, Earth, Neutron Stars / Pulsars, Physics, Saturn
Two new studies used data from Cassini’s Grand Finale observations of Saturn and found that the magnetic fields and a wave in the rings provide insight into the core structure and composition of the gas giant. Plus, cosmic rays, how Mayans shaped the Earth, and a review of books by Charles C. Mann.