Fear no supernova
Supernovas release enormous amounts of energy, but are too far away to harm Earth's ozone layer. Gamma-ray bursts could pose a threat if directed towards our planet, but estimates suggest it's unlikely to occur in the near future.
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
NASA sees Tropical Storm Washi's rainfall intensify over larger area
Tropical Storm Washi's rainfall analysis revealed widespread heavy rain throughout the entire storm. The storm showed improved organization and thunderstorms spiraling into its center, with feeder bands converging near Mindanao.
For NASA Webb telescope engineers, COCOA this winter means precision testing
Engineers are using COCOA to verify the correct shape of the mirrors on NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, which will be tested at operating temperatures. The results will ensure the telescope works correctly as a whole, providing images of the first galaxies and exploring planets around distant stars.
NASA eyes power in Tropical Storm Washi, warnings in the Philippines
Tropical Storm Washi is expected to make landfall in Surigao del Sur early tomorrow afternoon and will bring heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the region. Residents are advised to prepare for the storm's arrival, as it has been classified as a Category 1 tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots.
NASA's RXTE detects 'heartbeat' of smallest black hole candidate
Astronomers identify smallest-known black hole using data from NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). The 'heartbeat' pattern, similar to an electrocardiogram, suggests a minuscule black hole weighing less than three times the sun's mass.
Goddard scientists selected as participating scientists in missions
Five NASA Goddard scientists have been selected to participate in the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) and Cassini missions. Dr. Jennifer Eigenbrode will study high-energy ionizing radiation on Mars' sediments, while Dr. Daniel Glavin will investigate amines of biological origin using new Sample Analysis at Mars protocols. Dr. Michael Smi...
Using many instruments to track a comet
The Solar Heliophysics Observatory (SOHO) has discovered a new Kreutz-family comet, C/2011 W3 (Lovejoy), through ground-based telescope observations. This is the first time a Kreutz comet has been found in this way since the 1970s, providing scientists with an opportunity to study it before it moves into view of space-based telescopes.
NASA's Fermi shows that Tycho's star shines in gamma rays
Scientists use NASA's Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope to detect high-energy gamma rays from the remnant of Tycho's supernova. This detection supports the notion that supernova remnants can accelerate cosmic rays, providing clues to their origins.
NASA developing comet harpoon for sample return
Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing a comet harpoon to rapidly acquire samples from specific locations on rotating comets. The harpoon uses a
LRO observes final lunar eclipse of the year
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter recorded the total lunar eclipse on Dec. 10, 2011, providing insights into the moon's surface cooling during the event. The West Coast saw totality, while East Coasts experienced a slight dimming of the moon.
NASA sees Alenga become a cyclone in the Southern Indian Ocean
Cyclone Alenga's maximum sustained winds reached 90 knots on Dec. 8, making it a more powerful storm. The storm is expected to weaken due to wind shear, dry air, and cooler sea surface temperatures.
Study shows more shrubbery in a warming world
A NASA study using satellite data from Landsat missions has confirmed that warming temperatures in northern Quebec have resulted in an increase in shrubs and grasses over the past 20 years. The study provides a detailed view of how warmer temperatures are influencing plant distribution and density in northern areas of North America.
Paleoclimate record points toward potential rapid climate changes
Research suggests the Earth's paleoclimate history indicates a more sensitive climate than thought, with temperatures far exceeding the Eemian period if global warming is not abated. A 2°C warming target could lead to drastic changes, including multiple meters of sea level rise and significant ice sheet loss in Greenland and Antarctica.
NASA sees Tropical Storm Alenga intensifying
Tropical Storm Alenga is strengthening due to warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear, with maximum sustained winds reaching up to 63 mph. The storm is forecast to continue intensifying before encountering strong westerly wind shear and weakening.
Landsat satellites track Yellowstone's underground heat
Scientists used Landsat satellite data to study Yellowstone's geothermal activity and identify changes in the park's unique landscape. The study found that satellite data can detect big changes in geothermal areas, but not necessarily what is happening or exactly where.
Satellite data shows that Kirtland's warblers prefer forests after fire
A new study using Landsat satellite data shows that Kirtland's warblers prefer young forests and forests that have been on fire. The researchers found that the age of the forest correlates strongly with its height, and that old forests with grazed underbrush provide suitable habitat for the warblers.
Solar storms could sandblast the moon
Computer simulations by NASA scientists predict that solar storms and Coronal Mass Ejections can significantly erase the lunar surface, removing a surprising large amount of material. This process, called sputtering, becomes dominant during CMEs due to increased density and velocity.
NASA's TRMM satellite sees the power in Tropical Storm Alenga
Tropical Storm Alenga formed in the Indian Ocean, with NASA's TRMM satellite capturing heavy rainfall rates over 50 mm per hour. The storm is expected to intensify before weakening again as it becomes an extra-tropical storm, moving into a hostile environment.
Ancient dry spells offer clues about the future of drought
New research suggests ancient Meso-American civilizations amplified droughts by clearing rainforests, leading to significant precipitation decline. Ancient dry spells also occurred in the Northeast, with major droughts lasting up to 500 years, hinting at a potential future of severe water shortages.
NASA sees birth of first Southern Indian Ocean season tropical storm
Tropical Cyclone 01S has formed in the Southern Indian Ocean with maximum sustained winds near 63 mph. The cyclone is rapidly consolidating and organizing, strengthening forecasted over the next two days.
NASA satellite confirms sharp decline in pollution from US coal power plants
Satellite observations confirm a nearly 40% decline in sulfur dioxide emissions from coal power plants since 2005, with a significant reduction in acid rain and health problems. The Clean Air Interstate Rule implemented in 2005 is credited for the decline, with desulfurization devices and pollution credits contributing to the reduction.
NASA satellite sees strong wind shear taking final toll on Tropical Storm 5A
Tropical Storm 5A is weakening due to strong wind shear in the Arabian Sea. The storm's convection and thunderstorms are waning, with no visible bands of thunderstorms in NASA satellite imagery. Forecasters predict the storm will dissipate late tomorrow as a shortwave trough steers it away from the Oman coast.
Magnetic pole reversal happens all the (geologic) time
Magnetic pole reversals occur frequently over millions of years, with hundreds of occurrences recorded in the past three billion years. The process is gradual and does not have significant effects on plant or animal life, climate, or glaciation.
Texas drought visible in new national groundwater maps
The record-breaking Texas drought has reduced groundwater levels in much of the state to their lowest levels in over 60 years. The latest maps from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites show severely depressed groundwater levels, indicating a prolonged drying effect.
NASA's Swift finds a gamma-ray burst with a dual personality
Astronomers propose two exotic scenarios for the unusual cosmic explosion: a novel supernova billions of light-years away or an unusual collision within our own galaxy. The 'Christmas burst' was caused by either event, with observations suggesting a neutron star and rapid tightening of its orbit.
In the heart of Cygnus, NASA's Fermi reveals a cosmic-ray cocoon
The study reveals that Cygnus X has formed a 'cocoon' of trapped cosmic rays, which were accelerated by the intense stellar winds and shockwaves. This finding provides a unique glimpse into the early life of cosmic rays, long before they diffuse into the galaxy.
Lightning-made waves in Earth's atmosphere leak into space
Researchers have detected Schumann resonance in space using the VEFI instrument aboard the C/NOFS satellite, finding waves of extremely low frequency that can be as low as 8 Hz. This discovery provides a new tool to study Earth's weather, electric environment, and atmospheric composition from above.
2 NASA Goddard engineers receive prestigious award
Two NASA engineers, Diane Elizabeth Pugel and Steven Scott, received achievement awards for their groundbreaking work on the Orion crew vehicle and thermal-protection system. Pugel's non-destructive testing approach for materials evaluation was recognized as a breakthrough in aerospace engineering.
Hurricane Kenneth becomes late-season record-breaking major hurricane
NASA satellites track Hurricane Kenneth's record-breaking path, reaching category three status with maximum sustained winds of near 145 mph. The storm is expected to weaken due to cooler sea surface temperatures and increasing wind shear.
NASA's NPP satellite acquires first VIIRS image
The Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) onboard NASA's NPP satellite has acquired its first measurements, capturing high-resolution imagery of Eastern North America. The data will be used to observe the Earth's surface, including fires, ice, ocean color, vegetation, clouds, and land and sea surface temperatures.
All systems go for next communication spacecraft
TDRS-K is scheduled to launch in fall 2012 and will undergo environmental testing before being shipped to the launch site. The satellite's successful completion of this phase will ensure it meets its functional and performance requirements, providing reliable services to NASA's Space Network.
NASA Goddard employee wins 2011 Presidential SAVE Award
Matthew Ritsko, a Financial Manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, won the 2011 Presidential Securing Americans' Value and Efficiency (SAVE) award for his proposal to create a 'lending library' of space tools and hardware. The idea garnered over 19,000 votes from more than 48,000 Americans.
Late season Hurricane Kenneth forms in the eastern Pacific
Hurricane Kenneth formed as a tropical depression on November 19 and strengthened into a hurricane by November 21, with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The storm is expected to turn west and slow down, with heavy rainfall occurring around its center.
New NASA missions to investigate how Mars turned hostile
Two NASA missions aim to discover what transformed Mars from a potentially habitable planet to its current inhospitable state. The Curiosity rover and the MAVEN mission will explore Martian terrain, atmosphere, and geology to uncover clues about the Red Planet's past climate and potential for life.
GOES satellite eyeing late season lows for tropical development
The GOES-13 satellite is monitoring two low-pressure systems: System 90E in the eastern Pacific with a 40% chance of becoming a tropical depression, and an elongated system in the central Atlantic with a 10% chance of development. The satellite imagery shows clouds and showers near the centers of circulation for both systems.
NASA's TRMM satellite sees deadly tornadic thunderstorms in Southeastern US
TRMM data revealed a narrow line of moderate to very heavy rainfall associated with the cold front, accompanied by tornadoes and strong winds. The analysis showed the area of heavy rain was confined to a specific region, highlighting the severity of the storm.
NASA's Hubble confirms that galaxies are the ultimate recyclers
Galaxies continuously recycle immense volumes of hydrogen gas and heavy elements, allowing successive generations of stars to form. The process is driven by gas-rich star-forming spiral galaxies that can evolve into elliptical galaxies without star formation.
Assembly stand completed for NASA's Webb Telescope flight optics
The installation of a giant structural steel optical assembly stand marks the transition to the integration and testing phase for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. The telescope will observe the most distant objects in the universe, provide images of the first galaxies ever formed, and study planets around distant stars.
Supervolcanoes: Not a threat for 2012
Despite fears, there's no evidence a supereruption is imminent; supervolcanoes are exceedingly rare and occur in clusters. Scientists closely monitor volcanically active areas, and there's no sign of a looming eruption.
New FASTSAT discoveries paint detailed view of region near Earth
Scientists have compared MINI-ME's observations with those from two other instruments to reveal a host of interrelated phenomena occurring together in the dynamic region. The findings show that oxygen ions course outward along Earth's magnetic field lines, driving ion outflow events.
NASA's Hubble observes young dwarf galaxies bursting with stars
Astronomers have uncovered an extraordinary population of young dwarf galaxies brimming with star formation, forcing a re-evaluation of their understanding of galaxy evolution. These galaxies are estimated to be 9 billion years old and produce stars at rates 100 times faster than the Milky Way.
Ocean temperatures can predict Amazon fire season severity
A new NASA-funded study predicts Amazon fire season severity using ocean temperature data, which amplifies human impacts and varies from year to year. The model successfully predicted the 2010 fire season's severity and spatial distribution.
2012: Killer solar flares are a physical impossibility
Despite predictions of a giant solar flare, NASA confirms it's physically impossible to destroy Earth. In fact, scientists have studied the sun's activity for millennia with no harm.
NASA'S NPP satellite acquires first ATMS measurements
The Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) instrument on board NASA's NPP satellite acquired its first measurements in November 2011. The data will be used to improve short-term weather forecasts up to 5-7 days in advance, and provide critical information for climate research.
NASA develops super-black material that absorbs light across multiple wavelength bands
A NASA-developed nanotech-based coating absorbs on average more than 99 percent of ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and far-infrared light, making it useful for suppressing stray light in space instruments. This material can help scientists gather hard-to-obtain measurements of distant objects without interference from background light.
International team to drill beneath massive Antarctic ice shelf
A multidisciplinary team will deploy to Pine Island Glacier in Antarctica to measure the shape of the cavity underneath the ice shelf and determine how warm ocean water interacts with it. The goal is to understand why the glacier is accelerating and contributing to sea-level rise.
Potential new NASA mission would reveal the hearts of undead stars
NICER will measure X-rays from hotspots on a neutron star's surface and its magnetic field, revealing the star's size and helping researchers determine an Equation Of State. This will unlock the secret of matter under extreme gravity in these incredibly dense objects.
NASA's Fermi finds youngest millisecond pulsar, 100 pulsars to date
A team of scientists using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has discovered a young millisecond pulsar named PSR J1823−3021A, challenging existing theories about its formation. The discovery pushes the total count of detected pulsars to over 100, with NGC 6624 globular cluster contributing significantly.
Watching the birth of an iceberg
Scientists have witnessed the birth of a major iceberg on Pine Island Glacier, providing valuable insights into the natural process of glacier calving. The data collected by NASA's Operation IceBridge will help researchers better understand the dynamics of ice sheets and glaciers.
TRMM Satellite sees Tropical Storm Keila form in the Arabian Sea
TRMM Satellite tracks Tropical Storm Keila's formation in the Arabian Sea, showing moderate to heavy rainfall spiraling into its center. The storm made landfall in Oman and is expected to track west-southwest along the coastlines of Oman and Yemen.