Tag Archives: NASA
Martian Rover Continues Search For Methane Gas
NASA’s Martian rover, Curiosity, has taken samples from the Red Planet and initial analysis does not reveal any trace of methane. Scientists are stumped because previous samples from the year 2003 detected the gas. The presence of methane on Mars raises the possibility that life could have existed on our closest planetary neighbor because it is produced by living organisms. … [ Read more ]
Rare Storm On Saturn Leaves NASA Perplexed
NASA scientists recently observed a huge storm on the the planet of Saturn, through their Cassini spacecraft. The massive and unusual storm left obvious changes in the atmosphere after it was over. In addition to raising the temperature on Saturn a whopping 150 degrees Fahrenheit above normal, the storm also produced huge amounts of an odorless and colorless gas called … [ Read more ]
Artic Ice Shrinks, Antarctica Grows
NASA has been closely monitoring the decline of Arctic sea ice cover over the last thirty years. But, another recent phenomenon has them stumped. It seems that while the Arctic ice is melting, the sea ice around Antarctica is actually increasing! Scientists claim that the ice in at the southern most point of the Earth has grown by approximately 6,600 … [ Read more ]
Glacial Melting In Patagonia
Scientists from Cornell University and the Center for Scientific Studies in Chile report that glaciers in Patagonia are melting at an unprecedented rate. With the help of NASA, the team used satellite data to map the changes in the Southern Patagonia Icefields. They discovered that the melting is occuring at much higher elevations, where the ice is typically the coldest. … [ Read more ]
Mars Rover Explores Planet Further After Initial Driving Test
The Curiosity Rover on Mars passed it’s initial driving test. This first drive was short and sweet, covering only fifteen feet before turning and coming back to its starting place. The NASA scientists that are managing the mission were ecstatic that the rover maintained mobility after a gutsy landing on the Red Planet. Now, Curiosity will begin its trek around … [ Read more ]
Fascinating Labs and Science Relics Worth Visiting
For all the lovers of science and invention, here are some laboratories and houses of mad science that are worth a visit: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, Calif. JPL is a federally funded research and development center and NASA field center managed by Caltech. The lab builds planetary spacecraft and operates astronomical missions such as Curiosity from onsite; a … [ Read more ]
New ‘Phoenix’ Galaxy Produces Huge Number Of New Stars
Scientists have recently found a new galaxy that births more stars in one day than does our galaxy in a whole year! Now, that is productive! NASA has termed this phenomenon as a “cosmic supermom.” Using a high-powered telescope to view this distant galaxy, they discovered that this busy mom gives birth to roughly 740 stars per day! This birth … [ Read more ]
Scientists Learn Secret Of Sun’s Perfectly Round Shape
Scientists have long questioned how the Sun is able to maintain an almost perfectly round shape since it’s surface is not solid. It seems that it should have a slight degree of flattening. A research team analyzed the shape of the sun and determined that forces below its surface must have a huge impact in maintaining the perfect symmetry that … [ Read more ]
Curiosity’s Rover Gives Insight Into Maritan Weather
Not only is the NASA rover on Mars able to take samples and send images of the landscape, but it is also able to give us new insight in to the planet’s weather patterns. Recent photos and NASA’s Manuel de la Torre, an interstellar weatherman, are able to tell us that the skies are clear and pink but the changing … [ Read more ]
Perseids Meteor Shower
The Perseids meteor shower occurred this weekend from Saturday night until dawn on Sunday. Observers claim to have seen 75 fireballs blaze across the sky in the wake of the comet, Swift-Tuttle. The Perseids meteor takes place every year when our planet crosses through the path of the comet’s trails. The meteor shower is actually cosmic debris that is shed … [ Read more ]
