Science@NASA Headline News
You may have noticed that the "look and feel" of Science@NASA stories has changed. There's no cause for alarm. Our core product, simply- and clearly-told stories about NASA science, remains the same. The changes are a sign of progress. Recently, the Science@NASA team joined forces with the Science Mission Directorate at NASA headquarters. Working together, we'll be able to cover a broader range of NASA discoveries and develop "citizen science" opportunities for our readers, while still producing old favorites such as Apollo Chronicles and "looking up" stories about backyard astronomy events. The sky's the limit.
Feedback is welcomed. Submit your suggestions and comments online or send them directly to me at dr.tony.phillips
Kepler Discovers Earth-size Exoplanets
Dec. 20, 2011
Science@NASA Headline News — 2011
NASA's Kepler spacecraft has found two Earth-sized planets orbiting a distant sun-like star. These alien worlds are intermingled in their star system with other much larger planets, an arrangement which challenges orthodox ideas of how planets are formed.
Comet Lovejoy Plunges into the Sun and Survives
Dec. 16, 2011
Science@NASA Headline News — 2011
Sungrazing Comet Lovejoy has shocked astronomers by surviving its "death plunge" into the sun. Must-see movies of the comet's passage through the sun's atmosphere are featured in today's story from Science@NASA.
Curiosity and the Solar Storm
Dec. 14, 2011
Science@NASA Headline News — 2011
Curiosity wasn't the only thing that blasted off for Mars on Nov. 26th. On the same day, a solar storm launched itself toward the Red Planet. The coincidence heralds a new job for the multi-talented rover: Curiosity will spend much of the next nine months studying space weather.
New App Helps NASA Keep Track of Meteoroids
Dec. 13, 2011
Science@NASA Headline News — 2011
A new app for iPhones and iPads harnesses the power of citizen scientists to help NASA track meteoroids hitting Earth.
The 2011 Geminid Meteor Shower
Dec. 12, 2011
Science@NASA Headline News — 2011
The Geminid meteor shower peaks on Dec. 13th and 14th. The nearly full Moon will interfere with the display, but not obliterate it. Forecasters expect observers with clear skies to see as many as 40 meteors per hour.
Is Vesta the "Smallest Terrestrial Planet?"
Dec. 9, 2011
Science@NASA Headline News — 2011
NASA's Dawn probe, now orbiting Vesta in the asteroid belt, has found some surprising things on the giant asteroid--things that have prompted one researcher to declare Vesta "the smallest terrestrial planet."
"Slam Dunk" Sign of Ancient Water on Mars
Dec. 8, 2011
Science@NASA Headline News — 2011
As NASA's newest Mars rover Curiosity heads for the Red Planet, veteran rover Opportunity is still busy making discoveries. Opportunity's latest find, an apparent vein of gypsum, is a "slam dunk" sign of ancient water on Mars, say researchers.
Kepler Confirms First Planet in Habitable Zone of Sun-like Star
Dec. 5, 2011
Science@NASA Headline News — 2011
In a significant milestone on the road to finding Earth's "twin" elsewhere in the galaxy, NASA's Kepler mission has confirmed its first planet in the habitable zone of a distant Sun-like star.
New Horizons Becomes Closest Spacecraft to Approach Pluto
Dec. 3, 2011
Science@NASA Headline News — 2011
NASA’s New Horizons mission has reached a special milestone on its way to reconnoiter the Pluto system, coming closer to the dwarf planet than any other spacecraft.
Total Eclipse of the Moon
Dec. 2, 2011
Science@NASA Headline News — 2011
On Saturday, Dec. 10th, sky watchers in the western United States will witness a total lunar eclipse swollen to super-sized proportions by the Moon illusion.