NASA's TRMM sees Depression 10P strengthen into Tropical Storm Nisha
NASA's TRMM satellite observed Tropical Storm Nisha strengthening rapidly, with rainfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour and cloud heights reaching 6 miles.
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
GOES-P proceeds toward launch
The GOES-P spacecraft is proceeding through final checks before its launch on March 1. The Imager, Sounder and Solar X-Ray Imager have completed cleaning and inspections, while optical port covers are being installed as the last mechanism to be deployed in orbit.
Olga restrengthens into a tropical storm
Tropical Storm Olga has maximum sustained winds near 39 mph and is moving northwest near 4 mph. It is expected to turn north and enter the Gulf of Carpentaria, where it will strengthen before making another landfall near the Queensland border.
NASA satellite sees Tropical Depression 10P Strengthening in south Pacific
Tropical Depression 10P is strengthening quickly due to low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures. It is forecast to move east-southeast and bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to islands in the South Pacific, including American Samoa and Tahiti.
NASA's Terra satellite captures cyclone Magda's Australian landfall
Cyclone Magda made landfall in northern Australia, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing a clear image of the storm. The heaviest rain is located on the western half of the system, but those thunderstorms are weakening.
NASA's TRMM satellite doesn't need 3-D glasses for Magda
The TRMM satellite provided a three-dimensional view of tropical cyclone Magda, showing its eye and powerful thunderstorms. The data revealed hurricane-force winds and intense rainfall rates over 50mm per hour.
Tropical Storm Magda puts North Western Australian on alert
Tropical Storm Magda is expected to bring gusty winds of up to 93 mph and heavy rainfall to coastal areas in North Western Australia. The storm's center is predicted to make landfall on January 22, with the potential for flooding in low-lying areas.
NASA research finds last decade was warmest on record, 2009 one of warmest years
The past year was tied for the second warmest since 1880, while January 2000 to December 2009 was the warmest decade on record. Global temperatures have increased by about 1.5 degrees F (0.8 degrees C) since 1880.
Tropical depression 01W fading over Vietnam and Cambodia
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite reported that Tropical Depression 01W's rainfall is now light and widely scattered. The storm has made landfall and is dissipating over Vietnam and Cambodia, bringing light rain to some areas.
GOES-P spacecraft being processed in Florida
The GOES-P spacecraft is being processed at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Florida, as part of its preparation for launch. Instrument testing and cleaning on the Solar X-Ray Imager and Imager and Sounder have been completed successfully.
NASA satellite sees Tropical Storm Edzani becoming extra-tropical
Tropical Storm Edzani is undergoing significant changes, with its rainfall confined to the southeast and a fully exposed low-level circulation center. The storm is elongating due to strong westerly winds, eventually transitioning into an extra-tropical storm and moving safely away from land areas.
NASA Goddard's Drake Deming wins astrophysics award
Drake Deming, a Senior Scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, has won the prestigious Beatrice M. Tinsley Prize for his pioneering work detecting thermal infrared emission from transiting extrasolar planets using the Spitzer Space Telescope. The prize recognizes Deming's outstanding research contribution to astronomy and astr...
Solar scientists use 'magnetic mirror effect' to reproduce IBEX observation
A team of solar physicists has developed a revised model explaining the unexpected 'ribbon' of bright emission observed by NASA's IBEX mission. The new effect, known as the magnetic mirror effect, suggests that charged particles orbiting magnetic field lines can be recycled and detected by IBEX.
NASA satellite sees rainfall in ebbing Edzani
The TRMM satellite captured a clear picture of Tropical Storm Edzani's current state, revealing heavy rainfall on the eastern side and minimal convection on the western side. The storm is weakening and transitioning into an extra-tropical storm, but forecasters are monitoring its movement back over warmer waters for possible regeneration.
Still safely at sea, Edzani now a tropical storm
Edzani, once a powerful cyclone, has lost its 'roundness' and become asymmetrical. The storm's convection is decreasing, indicating further weakening.
Super cyclone Edzani staying safely at sea spawning super swells
Cyclone Edzani, a powerful Category 4 storm, is generating extreme waves and super swells over the open ocean. The storm's eye was visible in a NASA satellite image, and forecasters predict it will continue moving southwesterly, entering cooler waters by early next week and weakening.
Suzaku finds 'fossil' fireballs from supernovae
Researchers have found remnants of high-temperature fireballs in two supernova remnants, revealing a new type of supernova remnant that was heated immediately after the explosion. The discovery was made possible by the sensitivity of the Suzaku satellite.
Mirror testing at NASA breaks superstitious myths
NASA is developing a primary mirror for the James Webb Space Telescope to study the formation of the universe and its solar system. The mirror will be tested at extreme temperatures to simulate space conditions, with data from three different sizes of segments collected during this test.
2 NASA satellites see Edzani power up in clouds and rainfall
Tropical cyclone Edzani has strengthened due to low wind shear and warm ocean temperatures, with heavy thunderstorms near its center. The storm is expected to continue intensifying over the next two days before hitting cooler waters.
Most earthlike exoplanet started out as a gas giant
Researchers discover CoRoT-7b, an earth-like planet, is believed to be the rocky remains of a Saturn-sized gas giant. Computer models reveal that the planet's mass loss and tidal migration led to its transformation.
Sun glints seen from space signal oceans and lakes
The NASA Deep Impact spacecraft has captured videos of sun glints from space, indicating the presence of large bodies of water on Earth. The observations provide a way to detect planets beyond our solar system that are likely to have expanses of liquid, increasing the chances of finding life.
Nature's most precise clocks may make 'galactic GPS' possible
Radio astronomers discovered 17 millisecond pulsars using Fermi's high-energy sources, which could be used to detect gravitational waves. These pulsars are nature's most precise clocks, with long-term stability that rivals human-made atomic clocks.
Goddard scientist's breakthrough given ticket to Mars
A NASA scientist has added an experiment to the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument, enhancing its ability to analyze large carbon molecules. The experiment aims to preserve information on how organic molecules formed, shedding light on the planet's carbon cycle.
The PARASOL Satellite moving off the A-Train's track
The PARASOL satellite has been maneuvered to leave its position within the A-Train constellation, a group of five NASA satellites orbiting the Earth in close proximity. The move will enable data sharing with other satellites while leaving a temporary data gap that will be filled by Glory's launch in 2010.
Eclipses yield first images of elusive iron line in the solar corona
Researchers observed the sun's outer atmosphere during eclipses, capturing the first images of the solar corona in a near-infrared emission line of highly ionized iron. The observations revealed localized regions of enhanced density and extended beyond three solar radii above the sun's surface.
NASA's TRMM satellite measures Cyclone Laurence's heavy rainfall
Cyclone Laurence dropped heavy rainfall over northwest Australia, with the heaviest totals exceeding 450 mm near Cape Bougainville. The Australian coast also experienced high rainfall totals, with areas along the coast receiving over 150 mm of rain from the cyclone.
New video reveals secrets of Webb Telescope's MIRI
The MIRI detectors will enable the Webb telescope to observe the earliest stars and galaxies in the universe, allowing scientists to study the formation and evolution of the cosmos. The new video showcases the technology behind MIRI and its potential for groundbreaking discoveries.
Laurence still causing warnings and watches in northern west Australia
Despite being over land, Tropical Cyclone Laurence is still bringing heavy rains and gusty winds to northern coastal areas of West Australia. The cyclone has downgraded to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph.
Colliding auroras produce an explosion of light
A network of cameras deployed around the Arctic captured vast curtains of aurora borealis colliding, producing explosive outbursts of light. Researchers believe these collisions reveal a common sequence of events connected to events in Earth's plasma tail.
Tropical Cyclone Laurence menaces Northern Australia
Tropical Cyclone Laurence made landfall in northern West Australia as a Category 2 hurricane, but its winds are waning, and it is expected to weaken further. The storm's maximum sustained winds near 103 mph (90 knots) were revealed by TRMM's Precipitation Radar instrument.
Laurence made landfall in Western Australia
Tropical Cyclone Laurence made landfall in Western Australia with sustained winds of up to 86 mph. The storm is expected to track deeper into the continent and dissipate over the next two days.
Ecosystem, vegetation affect intensity of urban heat island effect
Researchers found urban heat islands to be less intense in arid and semi-arid regions with more vegetation. The study used NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites to assess the impact of urbanization on energy balances at Earth's surface.
NASA unveils latest results from lunar mission, helps prepare for next stage of scientific discovery
LRO's instruments are providing groundbreaking data on the moon's geology, temperature, and radiation. The camera has mapped Apollo landing sites with high resolution, while the Diviner instrument discovered polar craters that can be brutally cold, trapping compounds like water and organic molecules.
NASA's AIM satellite and models are unlocking the secrets of mysterious 'night-shining' clouds
The AIM satellite has captured unprecedented data on noctilucent clouds, also known as 'night-shining' clouds. The results show that temperature and water vapor play a crucial role in their formation and variability, with global patterns emerging due to planetary waves and coupling between hemispheres.
New results from a terra-ific decade in orbit
Scientists analyze data from NASA's Terra satellite to assess the health of Earth's ocean, land, and atmosphere, finding that droughts may have negative effects on ecosystems earlier than thought. The satellite also tracks natural hazards such as flooding, mudslides, and wildfires to help governments respond and mitigate consequences.
Black carbon deposits on Himalayan ice threaten Earth's 'Third Pole'
Scientists from NASA and Chinese Academy of Sciences found that black carbon deposits contribute significantly to glacial retreat in the Tibetan region, rivaling greenhouse gas effects. The study suggests that reduced soot emissions are needed to avoid glacier demise and preserve seasonal fresh water supplies.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2009
Tropical Cyclone Mick forms quickly, hits Fiji in the southwestern Pacific
Tropical Cyclone Mick made a quick landfall over Fiji's main island of Viti Levu as a Category 2 Cyclone, bringing heavy rains and gusty winds. The storm has weakened to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 63 mph.
A unique geography -- and soot and dust -- conspire against Himalayan glaciers
The Himalayas' distinct geography, combined with industrial soot and dust, exacerbates glacial melting. Aerosols enhance the monsoon's intensity, transferring heat from low-lying lands to high-altitude surfaces, hastening glacial retreat.
New study turns up the heat on soot's role in Himalayan warming
A new NASA study finds that soot and dust contribute as much to atmospheric warming in the Himalayas as greenhouse gases. The region's rapid glacier melting threatens fresh water resources for over a billion people.
TRMM sees 05B winding down off the Sri Lanka coast
The TRMM satellite captured rainfall data on Tropical Depression 05B, showing a large area of rainfall near the storm's center. The system has weakened into a tropical depression, with cloud heights dropping over time.
Tropical Storm Laurence set for second Australian landfall
Tropical Storm Laurence is forecasted to make its second landfall in Australia, impacting the northern Kimberley coast and potentially causing heavy rainfall and beach erosion. Residents in the affected areas are advised to take action in preparation for the cyclone's arrival.
TRMM Satellite sees Cyclone Cleo coming to a close
Cyclone Cleo's rainfall has significantly diminished over the last 24 hours, with its maximum sustained winds down to 40 mph. The storm is expected to dissipate in the next day or two due to wind shear and dry air.
Tropical Cyclone 05B forms southeast of Chennai, India
Tropical Cyclone 05B has formed in the Northern Indian Ocean, expected to approach southeastern India and make landfall on Monday, December 14. The storm is forecast to intensify due to low wind shear, but may be impacted by a zonal jet stream.
Suzaku catches retreat of a black hole's disk
Astronomers study the galaxy's most active black-hole binary, revealing a dramatic change in the accretion disk's behavior. The Suzaku observations show that at low brightness, the inner edge of the disk retreats up to 600 miles from the black hole.
Cyclone Cleo back down to tropical storm status
Cyclone Cleo's maximum sustained winds dropped to 69 mph as it moved into an area with increased vertical wind shear, further weakening the storm. The tropical storm is forecast to become extra-tropical over the next several days.
Cyclone Cleo has reached its maximum wind speed
NASA satellites capture images of Cyclone Cleo's strong convection and rainfall patterns. The storm is larger than 230 miles in diameter with hurricane-force winds extending 45 miles from its center.
Fermi sees brightest-ever blazar flare
Astronomers have identified the brightest source in the gamma-ray sky, with galaxy 3C 454.3 emitting flares 10 times brighter than its summer levels. The blazar's exceptional brightness is due to its orientation, with a jet aimed straight at Earth.
Magnetic power revealed in gamma-ray burst jet
Scientists have measured magnetic fields in the afterglow of a gamma-ray burst for the first time using a specialized camera on a telescope. This breakthrough observation opens up the study of magnetic fields in these cosmic events, potentially changing our understanding of their role in powering and collimating gamma-ray bursts.
NASA global precipitation measurement mission passes major review
The GPM mission will provide uniformly calibrated precipitation measurements globally every 2-4 hours for scientific research and societal applications. The mission builds on the success of TRMM and includes a Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and a multi-channel GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) to improve precipitation estimates.
NASA captures a visible image of Cleo's new eye
Cleo intensified from a Tropical Storm to a Cyclone, strengthening overnight and developing an eye. The MODIS instrument captured an image of Cleo on December 8 at 08:15 UTC, showing sustained winds near 109 mph with higher gusts.