Spiral Galaxy NGC 4689: A Jewel in the Queen’s Hair | Hubble

Spiral Galaxy NGC 4689: A Jewel in the Queen’s Hair | Hubble

This picture shows the jewel-bright spiral galaxy NGC 4689. It lies 54 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Coma Berenices. This constellation has the distinction of being the only one of the 88 constellations officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to be named after an historical figure, Queen Berenice II of Egypt. The latin word ‘coma’ references her hair, meaning that NGC 4689 can be said to be found in the hair of a queen. People of Berenice’s time would have meant this quite literally, as the story goes that her court astronomer thought that a missing lock of Berenice’s hair had been catasterized (a word meaning ‘placed amongst the stars’) by the gods: hence the name of the constellation, Coma Berenices.

NGC 4689 holds an interesting—albeit less royal—place in modern astronomy too. The Universe is so incredibly vast that at a distance of a mere 54 million light-years NGC 4689 is relatively nearby for a galaxy. This image has been made using data from two sets of observations, one made in 2019 and 2024. These were made as a part of programs that observed multiple ‘nearby’ galaxies. The 2024 observing program is an interesting example of how Hubble—a relatively old but extraordinarily productive telescope—can support the work of the technologically cutting-edge Webb telescope.

Image Description: A spiral galaxy is viewed close up and fills most of the scene. It has a bright, glowing spot at the core, broad spiral arms that are covered by many dark threads of dust, and pink glowing spots across the disc that mark areas of star formation. The disc of the galaxy is surrounded by a faint halo that bleeds into the dark background.

Observations collected by Webb stand to transform our understanding of how galaxies transform and evolve over time, by providing data of an unprecedented level of detail and clarity. However, thanks to their complementary capabilities, new observations from Hubble—such as those used to create this image—can assist the work done using Webb. In this case, the Hubble data were collected in order to get a more accurate grasp of the stellar populations of nearby galaxies. This is crucial to understanding the evolution of galaxies. 

Thus, NGC 4689 is playing an important role in developing our understanding of how all galaxies evolve. In fact, it is observed enough that it has been the subject of a Hubble Picture of the Week in 2020. 

Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, D. Thilker, J. Lee and the PHANGS-HST Team

Release Date: May 20, 2024

#NASA #ESA #Astronomy #Space #Hubble #Galaxies #Galaxy #NGC4689 #Spiral #ComaBerenices #Constellation #Cosmos #Universe #SpaceTelescope #GSFC #STScI #UnitedStates #Europe #STEM #Education

Have you ever seen a hamburger in the sky? (May 20-26) | BBC Sky at Night

Have you ever seen a hamburger in the sky? (May 20-26) | BBC Sky at Night

The Hamburger Galaxy is well placed in the sky this week, while Comet C 2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS makes an appearance amongst the stars. Find out how you can see these for yourself as well as our usual stargazing highlights in this week’s podcast guide, Star Diary, May 20 to 26, 2024, for the northern hemisphere.

Transcript: https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/podcasts/star-diary-20-may-2024

Video Credit: BBC Sky at Night Magazine

Duration: 18 minutes

Release Date: May 19, 2024

#NASA #Space #Astronomy #Science #Earth #Planets #SolarSystem #Comets #Stars #Constellations #StarClusters #MilkyWayGalaxy #Galaxies #Universe #Skywatching #BBC #UK #Britain #Europe #UnitedStates #Canada #NorthernHemisphere #STEM #Education #Podcast #HD #Video

Andromeda Galaxy's Supermassive Black Hole Examined | Spitzer Space Telescope

Andromeda Galaxy's Supermassive Black Hole Examined | Spitzer Space Telescope

Data from NASA’s retired Spitzer Space Telescope has given scientists new insights into why some supermassive black holes shine differently than others. In images from NASA’s retired Spitzer Space Telescope, streams of dust thousands of light-years long flow toward the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Andromeda galaxy. It turns out these streams can help explain how black holes billions of times the mass of our Sun satiate their big appetites but remain “quiet” eaters.

As supermassive black holes gobble up gas and dust, the material gets heated up just before it falls in, creating incredible light shows—sometimes brighter than an entire galaxy full of stars. When the material is consumed in clumps of different sizes, the brightness of the black hole fluctuates.

However, the black holes at the center of the Milky Way (Earth’s home galaxy) and Andromeda (one of our nearest galactic neighbors) are among the quietest eaters in the universe. What little light they emit does not vary significantly in brightness, suggesting they are consuming a small but steady flow of food, rather than large clumps. The streams approach the black hole little by little, and in a spiral, similar to the way the water swirls down a drain.

Hunting for Andromeda’s Food Source

A study published earlier this year took the hypothesis that a quiet supermassive black hole feeds on a steady stream of gas and applied it to the Andromeda galaxy. Using computer models, the authors simulated how gas and dust in proximity to Andromeda’s supermassive black hole might behave over time. The simulation demonstrated that a small disk of hot gas could form close to the supermassive black hole and feed it continuously. The disk could be replenished and maintained by numerous streams of gas and dust.

However, the researchers also found that those streams have to stay within a particular size and flow rate; otherwise, the matter would fall into the black hole in irregular clumps, causing more light fluctuation.

When the authors compared their findings to data from Spitzer and NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, they found spirals of dust previously identified by Spitzer that fit within these constraints. From this, the authors concluded that the spirals are feeding Andromeda’s supermassive black hole.

“This is a great example of scientists reexamining archival data to reveal more about galaxy dynamics by comparing it to the latest computer simulations,” said Almudena Prieto, an astrophysicist at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands and the University Observatory Munich, and a co-author on the study published this year. “We have 20-year-old data telling us things we didn’t recognize in it when we first collected it.”

A Deeper Look at Andromeda

Launched in 2003 and managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Spitzer studied the universe in infrared light, which is invisible to human eyes. Different wavelengths reveal different features of Andromeda, including hotter sources of light, like stars, and cooler sources, like dust.

By separating these wavelengths and looking at the dust alone, astronomers can see the galaxy’s “skeleton”—places where gas has coalesced and cooled, sometimes forming dust, creating conditions for stars to form. This view of Andromeda revealed a few surprises. For instance, although it is a spiral galaxy like the Milky Way, Andromeda is dominated by a large dust ring rather than distinct arms circling its center. The images also revealed a secondary hole in one portion of the ring where a dwarf galaxy passed through.

Andromeda’s proximity to the Milky Way means it looks larger than other galaxies from Earth: Seen with the naked eye, Andromeda would be about six times the width of the Moon (about 3 degrees). Even with a field of view wider than Hubble’s, Spitzer had to take 11,000 snapshots to create this comprehensive picture of Andromeda.

More About the Mission

JPL managed the Spitzer Space Telescope mission for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington until the mission was retired in January 2020. Science operations were conducted at the Spitzer Science Center at Caltech. Spacecraft operations were based at Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado. Data are archived at the Infrared Science Archive operated by IPAC at Caltech. Caltech manages JPL for NASA.

For more information about Spitzer, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/spitzer

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Release Date: May 9, 2024

#NASA #Hubble #Astronomy #Space #Science #Galaxies #AndromedaGalaxy #M31 #Messier31 #Spiral #Andromeda #Constellation #Cosmos #Universe #NASASpitzer #SST #Infrared #SpaceTelescopes #JPL #Caltech #UnitedStates #STEM #Education

Zebrafish in Good Condition after 20 Days at China’s Space Station

Zebrafish in Good Condition after 20 Days at China’s Space Station

The four zebrafish brought into orbit by the Shenzhou-18 crew spacecraft on April 26, 2024, are in good condition after staying 20 days at China’s Tiangong space station, according to researchers.

The four fish are living in a small "aquarium" in the station's Wentian laboratory module. They were sent to the space station for a life science and ecological experiment. It required the three Shenzhou-18 astronauts, Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, to create a simplified version of an aquatic ecosystem using zebrafish and hornwort to study how the space environment affects their growth and system balance.

So far, the astronauts have successfully carried out two water sampling measurements and a fish food container replacement. They have found abnormal directional behaviors of the zebrafish in microgravity, such as making rotational movements, going in circles, and even swimming upside-down.

The water samples, fish eggs, and video recordings of zebrafish spatial movement behaviors will be sent back to Earth for scientists to study the influence of the space environment on the growth and behavior of vertebrates. This will provide reference for research on material circulation of contained ecosystems in space.

If the experiment succeeds, it will be a significant breakthrough for cultivating vertebrates in China's space program. Not only will the astronauts find joy in the space "aquarium," but it may also pave the way for their future counterparts to enjoy nutritious fish from their own in-orbit harvests.

Shenzhou-18 Crew:

Ye Guangfu (叶光富, commander)

Li Cong (李聪, mission specialist)

Li Guangsu (李广苏, mission specialist)

Video Credit: China National Space Administration (CNSA)/China Global Television Network (CGTN)

Duration: 2 minutes, 53 seconds

Release Date: May 17, 2024

#NASA #Space #Science #China #中国 #Shenzhou18 #神舟十八 #FishExperiment #Zebrafish #LifeScience #SpaceEcology #Taikonauts #Astronauts #YeGuangfu #LiCong #LiGuangsu #CSS #ChinaSpaceStation #中国空间站 #TiangongSpaceStation #SpaceLaboratory #CMSA #国家航天局 #HumanSpaceflight #STEM #Education #HD #Video

It’s Time to Change Hubble’s Clock | NASA Goddard

It’s Time to Change Hubble’s Clock | NASA Goddard

Remember that Y2K thing a few years ago?  Everyone was afraid the world was going to end because computer programmers saved space by putting dates as . . . 77 for 1977, 85 for 1985, Or 90 for 1990? However, then it became clear that when the year 2000 finally rolled around all of the computers would think it was actually 00. Or the year 1900.

Well, it turns out Hubble has something similar, only Hubble’s clock restarts every 6,213 days, 18 hours, 48 minutes, and 31.875 seconds. Or roughly every 17 years for those of you who like counting.

This is because Hubble’s computers have a different way of tracking time than we have here on the ground. You would think it would be as simple as synching our ground clocks with Hubble’s personal timepiece, but you would be surprised!

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)

Paul Morris: Lead Producer 

Video Credit:

2000 Millennium Celebrations On A 80S 90S Retro Television by Vulk via POND5

2000 To 2024 Year Countdown Spiral Time Tunnel Animation Video by Shurshart via POND5

Flip Calendar - 365 Days Video by BeauPhoto via POND5

Calendar Month Red Video by EnchantedStudios via POND5

Time-Lapse Of Milky Way Stars Over Mountain Tops by BlackBoxGuild via POND5

Green Digital Code On Monitor Seamless Loop Video by gonin via POND5

Paper Animation Texture by vistoff via MotionArray

Retro Computer Hacking by RelativeMedia via MotionArray

Duration: 4 minutes, 44 seconds

Release Date: May 3, 2024

#NASA #ESA #Hubble #Astronomy #Space #Science #ComputerClocks #SpaceTechnology #Stars #Nebulae #Galaxies #Cosmos #Universe #Astrophysics #HST #HubbleSpaceTelescope #GSFC #STScI #UnitedStates #Europe #STEM #Education #HD #Video

NASA Astronaut Answers Arizona Student Questions | International Space Station

NASA Astronaut Answers Arizona Student Questions | International Space Station

Aboard the International Space Station, Expedition 71 Flight Engineer Jeanette Epps of NASA discussed life and work aboard the orbital outpost during an in-flight interview May 14, 2024, with students participating in the TRiO Upward Bound program at the Desert Vista campus of the Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona. 

Epps is in the midst of a long-duration mission aboard the microgravity laboratory to advance scientific knowledge and demonstrate new technologies for future human and robotic exploration flights as part of NASA’s Moon and Mars exploration approach, including lunar missions through NASA’s Artemis program.  

NASA Astronaut Jeanette Epps Official Biography:

https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/jeanette-j-epps/biography

Follow Expedition 70 Updates: 

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/

Expedition 70 Crew

Station Commander: Oleg Kononenko (Russia)

Roscosmos (Russia): Nikolai Chub, Alexander Grebenkin (Russia)

NASA: Tracy Dyson, Matthew Dominick, Mike Barrett, Jeanette Epps

An international partnership of space agencies provides and operates the elements of the International Space Station (ISS). The principals are the space agencies of the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada. The ISS has been the most politically complex space exploration program ever undertaken.

Learn more about the important research being operated on Station:

https://www.nasa.gov/iss-science 

For more information about STEM on Station:

https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)

Video Credit: NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC)

Duration: 17 minutes

Release Date: May 14, 2024

#NASA #Space #Earth #ISS #Students #Arizona #ArtemisGeneration #Astronauts #JeanetteEpps #HumanSpaceflight #Science #SpaceTechnology #Engineering #SpaceLaboratory #UnitedStates #Cosmonauts #Russia #Россия #Roscosmos #Роскосмос #STEM #Education #HD #Video

Shenzhou-18 Crew Update: First Mission Milestones Achieved | China Space Station

Shenzhou-18 Crew Update: First Mission Milestones Achieved | China Space Station

Shenzhou-18 astronaut update: Experimental materials exposed outside the station have been tested and retrieved. Medical rescue training in orbit has been performed and quality control measurements have been made. 

The three Chinese astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu were sent to the orbiting Tiangong space station for a six-month mission on April 25, 2024.

During their stay in space, the Shenzhou-18 astronauts will carry out more than 90 experiments, two to three extravehicular activities (EVAs), and implement six cargo outbound deliveries via the station's cargo airlock module. 

The trio will witness the arrival of the Tianzhou-8 cargo craft and later welcome the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship to the space station.

Shenzhou-18 Crew:

Ye Guangfu (叶光富, commander)

Li Cong (李聪, mission specialist)

Li Guangsu (李广苏, mission specialist)

Video Credit: China National Space Administration (CNSA)

Duration: 2 minutes, 53 seconds

Release Date: May 17, 2024

#NASA #Space #Science #China #中国 #Shenzhou18 #神舟十八 #CrewSpacecraft #Taikonauts #Astronauts #YeGuangfu #LiCong #LiGuangsu #CSS #ChinaSpaceStation #中国空间站 #TiangongSpaceStation #SpaceLaboratory #CMSA #国家航天局 #HumanSpaceflight #STEM #Education #HD #Video

Expedition 70 Crew Photos: April-May 2024 | International Space Station

Expedition 70 Crew Photos: April-May 2024 | International Space Station

Expedition 71 crew members (from left) Alexander Grebenkin from Roscosmos (Russia) and Mike Barratt from NASA view laptop computer operations aboard the International Space Station's Unity module.

Flight Engineer Jeanette Epps practices cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or chest compressions, on Flight Engineer Mike Barratt, both NASA astronauts, as Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin monitors. The trio reviewed medical procedures, hardware configurations, and commnication protocols in the unlikely event of an emergency aboard the International Space Station.

NASA astronaut and Expedition 71 Flight Engineer Jeanette Epps extracts DNA samples from bacteria colonies for genomic analysis aboard the International Space Station's Harmony module. The research work may help researchers understand how bacteria adapts to weightlessness and develop ways to protect space crews and humans on Earth.

NASA astronaut and Expedition 71 Flight Engineer Tracy C. Dyson performs a Zero Robotics tech demonstration with Astrobee. Zero Robotics allows students on Earth to write software to control one of three free-flying Astrobee robots aboard the International Space Station. As part of an ongoing educational activity, students can then observe the performance of the robot without directly interacting with it.

    NASA astronaut and Expedition 71 Flight Engineer Tracy C. Dyson monitors a free-flying Astrobee robotic assistant inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module. The Astrobee was being tested ahead of the Astrobee-Zero Robotics competition for students on Earth to write software that controls the cube-shaped, toaster-sized device on the orbital lab.

Expedition 71 Flight Engineer and NASA astronaut Mike Barratt smiles for a portrait aboard the International Space Station's Destiny laboratory module.

   Expedition 71 Flight Engineer and NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps is pictured during a video crew conference aboard the International Space Station's Destiny laboratory module.

NASA astronaut and Expedition 71 Flight Engineer Mike Barratt reads maintenance procedures on a computer tablet as he works on a pair of spacesuits inside the International Space Station's Quest airlock.

Follow Expedition 70 Updates: 

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/

Expedition 70 Crew

Station Commander: Oleg Kononenko (Russia)

Roscosmos (Russia): Nikolai Chub, Alexander Grebenkin (Russia)

NASA: Tracy Dyson, Matthew Dominick, Mike Barrett, Jeanette Epps

An international partnership of space agencies provides and operates the elements of the International Space Station (ISS). The principals are the space agencies of the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada. The ISS has been the most politically complex space exploration program ever undertaken.

Image & Caption Credit: NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC)

Image Dates: April 15-May 15, 2024

#NASA #Space #ISS #Science #Astronauts #MikeBarratt #JeanetteEpps #TracyDyson #JSC #UnitedStates #Cosmonauts #AlexanderGrebenkin #Russia #Россия #Roscosmos #Роскосмос #Expedition70 #HumanSpaceflight #SpaceLaboratory #InternationalCooperation #STEM #Education

X-Class Solar Flares Dominate Sun in May 2024 | NASA Goddard

X-Class Solar Flares Dominate Sun in May 2024 | NASA Goddard

During the week of May 10 to May 16, 2024, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) observed nine X-class solar flares erupting from the Sun, including the largest in this solar cycle to date on May 14 that peaked at X8.7. 

This video shows these flares using SDO observations in two wavelengths of extreme ultraviolet light, 131 angstroms (colorized as teal) and 171 angstroms (colorized as gold).

These flares originated primarily from an active region on the Sun called AR 13664. This region, along with another called AR 13663, was responsible for the majority of strong solar flares from May 3 through May 9.  

A solar flare is an intense burst of radiation, or light, on the Sun. Flares are our solar system’s most powerful explosive events. Light only takes about eight minutes to travel from the Sun to Earth, so that’s how long it would take the energy from a flare to reach our planet. 

Solar flares are rated into different classes based on their strength, or energy output, and the effect a flare will have on Earth depends on what class it is (B, C, M, and X classes, with X being the most intense). Earth’s atmosphere absorbs most of the Sun’s intense radiation, so flares are not directly harmful to humans on the ground. However, energetic particles associated with flares can create a harmful radiation environment for astronauts, especially for human exploration activities beyond Earth’s protective magnetic field.

Stronger solar flares—those rated class M5 or above—can have impacts on technology that depends on Earth’s ionosphere (our electrically charged upper atmosphere), like high-frequency radio used for navigation and GPS. 

To see how such space weather may affect Earth,visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center https://spaceweather.gov/, the U.S. government’s official source for space weather forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts. 

NASA works as a research arm of the nation’s space weather effort. NASA observes the Sun and our space environment constantly with a fleet of spacecraft that study everything from the Sun’s activity to the solar atmosphere, and to the particles and magnetic fields in the space surrounding Earth.

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)/Scientific Visualization Studio

Producer: Lacey Young (MORI Associates)

Writer: Mara Johnson-Groh (Telophase)

Data Visualizers: Tom Bridgman (Global Science and Technology, Inc.)

Duration: 2 minutes

Release Date: May 17, 2024

#NASA #Astronomy #Space #Science #Earth #Moon #SpaceWeather #Sun #Star #Solar #SolarFlares #XClassFlares #Ultraviolet #Plasma #MagneticField #Heliophysics #Physics #Spacecraft #Satellites #ElectricalGrids #SDO #SolarSystem #NASAGoddard #GSFC #UnitedStates #STEM #Education #HD #Video

Practicing Artemis Moonwalks in the Desert | This Week @NASA

Practicing Artemis Moonwalks in the Desert | This Week @NASA

Week of May 17, 2024 | Practicing Artemis Moonwalks in the desert, a developmental milestone for our lunar-roving robot, and previewing our new polar climate mission . . . a few of the stories to tell you about—This Week at NASA!

Credit: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Video Producer & Editor: Andre Valentine

Narrator: Emanuel Cooper

Duration: 2 minutes, 47 seconds

Release Date: May 17, 2024

#NASA #Space #Astronomy #Moon #ArtemisProgram #ViperRover #ArtemisIII #Astronauts #HumanSpaceflight #JETT5 #Moonwalks #MoonwalkSimulation #Training #MoonToMars #Science #Engineering #SpaceTechnology #SpaceExploration #SolarSystem #GSFC #JSC #Arizona #UnitedStates #STEM #Education #HD #Video

A Science Mission to Better Understand Earth’s Polar Regions | NASA/JPL

A Science Mission to Better Understand Earth’s Polar Regions | NASA/JPL

NASA’s PREFIRE mission aims to improve global climate change predictions by expanding our understanding of heat loss at the polar regions. The Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment (PREFIRE) will send two shoebox-size satellites into space to study the Arctic and Antarctic. They will be the first to systematically measure heat in the form of far-infrared radiation emitted from those regions. 

Earth absorbs much of the Sun’s energy at the tropics. Weather and ocean currents then move that heat toward the poles, which help regulate Earth’s climate by radiating that heat back into space. However, the Arctic is warming about three times faster than anywhere else on Earth. This is leading to increased ice sheet melt and sea level rise in coastal communities. The data from PREFIRE will help scientists better understand how Earth’s polar regions respond to climate change and what that might mean for the future.

For more information: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/prefire 

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Wisconsin

Duration: 3 minutes, 38 seconds

Release Date: May 17, 2024

#NASA #Space #Science #Satellites #Earth #Planet #EarthScience #PolarRegions #Arctic #Antarctic

#Meltwater #PREFIREMission #Infrared #Atmosphere #Oceans #Land #Climate #ClimateChange #GreenhouseGases #GlobalWarming #GlobalHeating #EarthSystemObservatory #JPL #Caltech #UnitedStates #STEM #Education #HD #Video

Gravitationally Lensed Supernova Refsdal | Hubble’s Inside the Image

Gravitationally Lensed Supernova Refsdal | Hubble’s Inside the Image

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has taken an image of a lensing galaxy cluster that caught the same supernova, nicknamed Refsdal, exploding four different times!

In this video, Dr. Brian Welch explains this breathtaking image and how important Hubble is to exploring the mysteries of the universe.

For more information, visit https://nasa.gov/hubble

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)

Producer, Director & Editor: James Leigh

Director of Photography: James Ball

Executive Producers: James Leigh & Matthew Duncan

Production & Post: Origin Films 

Video Credits:

Hubble Space Telescope Animation:

ESA/Hubble - M. Kornmesser & L. L. Christensen

 Animations of Galaxy Cluster With Gravitational Lensing & Lensed Supernova: 

ESA/Hubble - L. Calçada

Artist’s Impression of Gravitational Lensing:

ESA/Hubble - M. Kornmesser

Animations of Lensed Supernova Detections: 

NASA & ESA

Release Date: May 17, 2024

#NASA #ESA #Hubble #Astronomy #Space #Science #Galaxies #Galaxy #MACSJ114962223 #Supernovae #SupernovaRefsdal #Supernova #Leo #Constellation #Cosmos #Universe #HST #HubbleSpaceTelescope #GSFC #STScI #UnitedStates #Europe #STEM #Education #HD #Video

NASA's Space to Ground: The ISS Toolbox | Week of May 17, 2024

NASA's Space to Ground: The ISS Toolbox | Week of May 17, 2024

NASA's Space to Ground is your weekly update on what's happening aboard the International Space Station (ISS). On Earth, NASA, Boeing, and the United Launch Alliance (ULA) teams continue working toward the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station. The teams are targeting launch no earlier than 4:43 p.m. EDT Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

Follow Expedition 71 Updates: 

https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/

Expedition 71 Crew

Station Commander: Oleg Kononenko (Russia)

Roscosmos (Russia): Nikolai Chub, Alexander Grebenkin (Russia)

NASA: Tracy Dyson, Matthew Dominick, Mike Barrett, Jeanette Epps

An international partnership of space agencies provides and operates the elements of the International Space Station (ISS). The principals are the space agencies of the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada. The ISS has been the most politically complex space exploration program ever undertaken.

Starliner launch updates: 

https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/atlas-v-starliner-cft

Learn more about NASA’s Commercial Crew Program at: 

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

Learn more about the important research being operated on Station:

https://www.nasa.gov/iss-science 

For more information about STEM on Station:

https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM)

Video Credit: NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC)

Duration: 4 minutes, 33 seconds

Release Date: May 17, 2024

#NASA #Space #Earth #ISS #Tools #Boeing #Starliner #CST100 #AtlasVRocket #CommercialCrewProgram #CFT #Astronauts #SuniWilliams #BarryWilmore #HumanSpaceflight #Science #SpaceTechnology #Engineering #LaunchAmerica #NASAKennedy #CapeCanaveral #Florida #UnitedStates #Cosmonauts #Russia #Expedition71 #STEM #Education #HD #Video

Astronauts Practice Simulated Moonwalks in Arizona Desert | NASA Artemis Program

Astronauts Practice Simulated Moonwalks in Arizona Desert | NASA Artemis Program

NASA astronaut Andre Douglas raises an American flag as NASA astronaut Kate Rubins looks on during their first simulated moonwalk in a week-long field test consisting of four simulated moonwalks and six advanced technology runs in the San Francisco Volcanic Field in Northern Arizona

NASA astronaut Andre Douglas collects soil samples during the first in a series of four simulated moonwalks in Arizona.

NASA astronauts Kate Rubins (left) and Andre Douglas (right) congratulate each other after the completion of the first simulated moonwalk in a week-long field test

NASA astronaut Kate Rubins observes a geology sample she collected during a simulated moonwalk.

NASA astronaut Andre Douglas takes a picture of the lunar-like landscape during a simulated moonwalk

NASA astronauts Kate Rubins and Andre Douglas push a tool cart loaded with lunar tools through the San Francisco Volcanic Field north of Flagstaff, Arizona

The Joint Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Test Team and NASA astronauts Kate Rubins and Andre Douglas before the start of a week-long field test consisting of four simulated moonwalks

To prepare for exploring the Moon during NASA’s Artemis campaign, the agency is conducting a week-long field test in the lunar-like landscape of San Francisco Volcanic Field near Flagstaff, Arizona to practice moonwalk scenarios.

NASA astronauts Kate Rubins and Andre Douglas are serving as the crewmembers and wearing mockup spacesuit systems as they traverse through the desert, completing a variety of technology demonstrations, hardware checkouts and Artemis science-related operations. 

During the test, two integrated teams will work together as they practice end-to-end lunar operations. The field team consists of astronauts, NASA engineers, and field experts in the Arizona desert conducting the simulated moonwalks, while a team of flight controllers and scientists at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston monitor and guide their activities.

“Field tests play a critical role in helping us test all of the systems, hardware, and technology we’ll need to conduct successful lunar operations during Artemis missions,” said Barbara Janoiko, director for the field test at Johnson. “Our engineering and science teams have worked together seamlessly to ensure we are prepared every step of the way for when astronauts step foot on the Moon again.”   

The test consists of four simulated moonwalks that follow operations planned for Artemis III and beyond, as well as six advanced technology runs. During the advanced runs, teams will demonstrate technology that may be used for future Artemis missions, such as display and navigation data stream capabilities in the form of a heads-up display using augmented reality or lighting beacons that could help guide crew back to the lander. 

Ahead of the field test, the science team at Johnson that was competitively selected and tasked with developing the science objectives for the field test, followed a planning process designed for Artemis missions. Their preparation included generating geologic maps, a list of science questions, and prioritized moonwalk locations for both the primary and back-up “landing sites” for the test. 

“During Artemis III, the astronauts will be our science operators on the lunar surface with an entire science team supporting them from here on Earth,” said Cherie Achilles, science officer for the test at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “This simulation gives us an opportunity to practice conducting geology from afar in real time.” 

The test will evaluate gaps and challenges associated with lunar South Pole operations, including data collection and communications between the flight control team and science team in Houston for rapid decision-making protocols. 

At the conclusion of each simulated moonwalk, the science team, flight control team, crewmembers, and field experts will come together to discuss and record lessons learned. NASA will take these lessons and apply them to operations for NASA’s Artemis missions, commercial vendor development, and other technology development. 

This field test is the fifth in the series conducted by the Joint Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Test Team led out of Johnson. This test expands on previous field tests the team has performed and is the highest fidelity Artemis moonwalk mission simulation to date. 

NASA uses field tests to simulate missions to prepare for deep space destinations. The Arizona desert has been a training ground for lunar exploration since the Apollo era because of the many similarities to the lunar terrain, including craters, faults and volcanic features. 

Through Artemis, NASA will land the first woman, the first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the Moon, paving the way for long-term lunar exploration and serving as a steppingstone for astronaut missions to Mars. 

Learn more about NASA’s Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program:

https://www.nasa.gov/extravehicular-activity-and-human-surface-mobility/

Image Credit: NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC)/Josh Valcarcel

Release Date: May 14, 2024

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Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and Tarim Basin | China Space Station

Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and Tarim Basin | China Space Station

In this video, China's Tiangong space station passes over Africa and the Arabian Peninsula before arriving at the Tarim Basin in China. 

Let's explore our world together!

The three Chinese astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu were sent to the orbiting Tiangong space station for a six-month mission on April 25, 2024.

During their stay in space, the Shenzhou-18 astronauts will carry out more than 90 experiments, two to three extravehicular activities (EVAs), and implement six cargo outbound deliveries via the station's cargo airlock module. 

The trio will witness the arrival of the Tianzhou-8 cargo craft and later welcome the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship to the space station.

Shenzhou-18 Crew:

Ye Guangfu (叶光富, commander)

Li Cong (李聪, mission specialist)

Li Guangsu (李广苏, mission specialist)

Video Credit: China National Space Administration (CNSA) Watcher

Duration: 5 minutes

Release Date: May 15, 2024

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Panning over Lenticular Galaxy NGC 4753 in Virgo | Hubble

Panning over Lenticular Galaxy NGC 4753 in Virgo | Hubble

In this new image from the NASA/European Space Agency's Hubble Space Telescope is a nearly edge-on view of the lenticular galaxy NGC 4753. These galaxies have an elliptical shape and ill-defined spiral arms.

This image is the object's sharpest view to date, showcasing Hubble’s resolving power and ability to reveal complex dust structures. NGC 4753 resides around 60 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Virgo. It was discovered by the astronomer William Herschel in 1784. It is a member of the NGC 4753 Group of galaxies within the Virgo II Cloud. It is made up of roughly 100 galaxies and galaxy clusters.

This galaxy is believed to be the result of a galactic merger with a nearby dwarf galaxy roughly 1.3 billion years ago. NGC 4753’s distinct dust lanes around its nucleus are believed to have been accreted from this merger event. 

It is now believed that most of the mass in the galaxy lies in a slightly flattened spherical halo of dark matter. Dark matter is a form of matter that cannot currently be observed directly, but is thought to comprise about 85% of all matter in the Universe. It is referred to as ‘dark’ because it does not appear to interact with the electromagnetic field, and therefore does not seem to emit, reflect or refract light.

This object is also of scientific interest to test  theories of formation of lenticular galaxies, given its low-density environment and complex structure. Furthermore, this galaxy has been host to two known Type Ia supernovae. These types of supernovae are extremely important as they are all caused by exploding white dwarfs which have companion stars, and always peak at the same brightness—5 billion times brighter than the Sun. Knowing the true brightness of these events, and comparing this with their apparent brightness, gives astronomers a unique chance to measure distances in the Universe.

Image Description: Lenticular galaxy NGC 4753 is featured with a bright white core and surrounding defined dust lanes around its nucleus, that predominantly appear dark brown in color. A variety of faint stars fill the background of the image.

Image Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, L. Kelsey, N. Bartmann (ESA/Hubble)

Duration: 30 seconds

Release Date: May 16, 2024

 

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