For a four-week period in August 2008, Arctic sea ice melted faster than ever before, with an average daily decline of 32,700 square miles. The rate of decline contributes to concerns that all Arctic sea ice could be gone within the century.
The NASA Glory mission aims to measure airborne particles more accurately from space, shedding light on the aerosol effect on climate change. Participants can send their names on a microchip that becomes part of the spacecraft, with a deadline for submission set for Nov. 1, 2008.
Researchers identified an unexpected motion in distant galaxy clusters, suggesting gravitational attraction beyond the observable universe. The 'dark flow' is constant out to a billion light-years and flies in the face of predictions from standard cosmological models.
The detection of GRB 080913 marks the most distant gamma-ray burst ever seen, occurring 12.8 billion light-years away. This finding reveals that the universe was less than one-seventh its present age when the star exploded.
Development models for James Webb Telescope components have successfully passed temperature and vibration tests, allowing engineers to proceed with building actual instrument parts. The Mid-Infrared Instrument, which will operate between mid-infrared wavelengths of 5-28.5 microns, must be kept icy cold due to its extreme sensitivity to...
Astronomers have observed the most detailed picture of a gamma-ray burst, detected by NASA's Swift satellite on March 19. The burst was so bright it became visible to human eyes and provided insights into the universe's most luminous explosions.
Researchers used five emission scenarios to predict future carbon dioxide levels. If coal emissions are phased out by 2050, all scenarios result in levels below the 450 parts per million threshold, potentially avoiding 'dangerous' climate change. The study suggests reducing coal emissions is essential.
The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has revealed the entire gamma-ray sky, discovering pulsars in our galaxy and powerful processes near supermassive black holes. The telescope's first all-sky image shows glowing gas, blinking pulsars, and a flaring galaxy billions of light-years away.
A new NASA study reveals that Saharan dry air and dust likely contributed to the quieter-than-expected 2007 hurricane season. The research found a correlation between the extent of dry air and dust in the North Atlantic and lower sea surface temperatures, atmospheric stability, and reduced hurricane formation.
Researchers developed an analytical model to explain how aerosols influence cloud development and coverage. The study found that human-caused aerosols can increase or decrease cloud cover, depending on the region and time.
A new study identifies a link between warming Indian Ocean and declining rainfall in eastern Africa, impacting food security. The team found that human-caused warming of the Indian Ocean leads to increased rainfall over the ocean, reducing onshore moisture flow and resulting in dry air over Africa.
Researchers have developed a network of unmanned, autonomous robots called SnoMotes to collect data on ice sheets and glaciers in the Arctic. These toy-like robots can navigate treacherous terrain and capture real-time measurements of barometric pressure, temperature, and relative humidity.
NASA deployed its unmanned Ikhana aircraft to gather information on over 300 wildfires burning in California, providing commanders with location and size data to deploy firefighting assets. The flights use a sophisticated sensor that can detect temperature differences up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
The GLAST Mission Operations Center (MOC) at NASA Goddard is responsible for several aspects of the GLAST mission, including command planning and monitoring the Large Area Telescope's health and safety. The observatory is commanded from MOC and is receiving high-quality data, enabling optimal science return.
Goddard is launching multiple space missions in the upcoming year, focusing on upgrading the famous Hubble Space Telescope and studying powerful gamma-rays. The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) will also make global observations of the region beyond the termination shock, exploring the galactic frontier.
The High-Resolution Soft X-Ray Spectrometer (SXS) will investigate dark matter, galaxy formation, and explore the nature of matter in extreme environments. NASA's Explorer Program Mission of Opportunity has awarded $44 million for the instrument and operations.
GLAST successfully launched on June 11 and is now safely in orbit approximately 350 miles above the Earth's surface. Engineers are conducting daily checks to ensure all systems function correctly before turning on its instruments.
NASA's Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC) uses gridded population products to assess exposed populations in disaster areas. The data helps officials understand population density and calculate casualties, projected homelessness, and secondary impacts.
NASA's GLAST mission was launched successfully aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The observatory is now on-orbit, with all systems operating as planned.
The Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) is scheduled to launch on a United Launch Alliance's Delta II Heavy rocket on June 11. The launch window opens at 11:45 a.m.-1:40 p.m. EDT, pending weather conditions. GLAST will survey the universe over an energy range of 20 million electron volts to over 300 billion electron volts.
Research highlights importance of distinguishing between tropical cyclones and extra-tropical storms, with a focus on raindrop size distribution. This distinction can help weather forecasters better estimate rainfall intensity and reduce flash flooding.
Scientists at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center have developed a novel method for creating massive telescope mirrors on the Moon, utilizing carbon nanotubes and lunar dust. The technique enables the production of highly reflective mirrors with minimal effort and cost, paving the way for giant telescopes up to 50 meters in diameter.
NASA has set a new target launch date for the Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) on June 7, following additional time needed to resolve engineering concerns. The launch window remains unchanged, and details of the prelaunch news conference are planned.
Dr. Joan M. Centrella and Dr. John G. Baker received the John C. Lindsay Memorial Award for their pioneering computer simulations of black hole mergers, a crucial step towards understanding cosmic evolution. The simulations have spurred rapid progress in predicting observable signatures of these events.
Researchers have discovered that the coronal heating mechanism is highly impulsive and can be explained by the acceleration of particles or direct heating. The study also suggests that energy release happens gradually close to the sun's surface, causing thermal nonequilibrium.
NASA has scheduled the launch of its GLAST spacecraft for June 5, with a launch window from 11:45 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. EDT. The mission is set to take place on the Eastern Range and will be accompanied by a pre-launch news conference and live commentary on NASA Television.
Scientists use A-Train sensors to find that polluted clouds in South America produce less rain during dry season. The study suggests aerosol pollution suppresses rainfall due to smaller ice particles not growing large enough to fall as rain.
Researchers will discuss climate models, air pollution, ozone levels, and their impact on regions like California, Texas, and the southeastern United States. Scientists also explore long-range transport of pollutants from Europe to Africa and the Near East.
Christa Peters-Lidard receives the award for her work on high-resolution land surface modeling and satellite data assimilation, improving U.S. hydrometeorological forecasting capabilities
The OSTM/Jason 2 satellite will monitor global sea-level rise and study ocean circulation and its links to Earth's climate. The mission aims to improve weather and climate forecasts, providing better seasonal predictions and near-real-time data on ocean conditions.
A rare and intense stellar flare was detected by NASA's Swift satellite from the normally quiet red dwarf star EV Lacertae. The flare, which lasted for 8 hours, would have sterilized life-bearing planets' surfaces if they were nearby.
A new NASA-led study finds human-caused climate change has made significant impacts on Earth's natural systems, including permafrost thawing and plant blooming earlier across Europe. The study concludes that human-caused warming is resulting in a broad range of impacts across the globe.
The spacecraft is equipped with sun shades to block stray light from the Sun, Earth, and Moon, allowing GLAST to accurately track its orientation. Thermal blankets protect GLAST from harsh space environment conditions.
The '4D' ionosphere map provides a real-time, three-dimensional view of the ionosphere, allowing users to plan flights over the poles and predict potential radio blackouts. The tool uses satellite data to forecast changes in electron density and warn users of impending weather conditions.
Scientists have discovered a timing mechanism in neutron stars that allows them to predict when incredibly powerful X-ray bursts will occur, releasing energy equivalent to 100 hydrogen bombs exploding simultaneously.
The powerful Ku Band antenna system attached to NASA's GLAST satellite enables high-rate data transmission to Earth through the Tracking and Data Relay Satellites. The antenna system includes a Ku antenna, pointing mechanism, and transmitters, and will play a crucial role in the observatory's scientific experiments.
Researchers confirm structure of Greenland Ice Sheet plumbing and find that summertime melt indeed contributes to the speed up of ice loss. However, they also conclude that summertime melt is not as critical a factor as other causes of ice loss.
A team of Japanese astronomers has discovered that the Milky Way's central black hole, Sagittarius A*, let loose a powerful flare three centuries ago. The finding resolves a long-standing mystery about the black hole's quiescent nature.
The Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Telescope (GLAST) is being assembled at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The rocket, fueled by nine solid rocket motors, will search for signs of new laws of physics and explore the universe's most extreme environments.
Three postdoctoral researchers have been chosen to support innovative research on the Gamma-ray Large Area Telescope (GLAST) mission. The program aims to stimulate new ideas and approaches to enhance the scientific return of GLAST, surveying the high-energy sky with unprecedented sensitivity.
Scientists will investigate how air pollution contributes to climate changes in the Arctic by analyzing air and aerosol samples collected during the campaign. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of atmospheric chemistry and climate effects in the region.
The Gamma-ray Large Area Telescope (GLAST) satellite is nearing its May 16th launch date as it prepares to provide electrical power with its newly attached solar panels. GLAST's twin solar panels will ensure continuous operation and enable the telescope to explore extreme environments in the universe.
Astronomers have identified the smallest known black hole, with a mass of 3.8 times that of our Sun and a diameter of just 15 miles. The black hole resides in a binary system in the Milky Way Galaxy and was measured using archival data from NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer satellite.
A NASA satellite has detected a record-breaking gamma ray burst explosion halfway across the universe. The explosion was seen with the naked eye from Earth, shattering previous records and providing insights into the universe's most distant objects.
The James Webb Space Telescope sunshield, crucial to the mission's success, has completed its preliminary design review. The five-layer sunshield will deploy in space to shade the telescope optics and enable it to reach proper operating temperature.
Despite a colder-than-average winter, Arctic sea ice remains vulnerable due to long-term warming climate trends. The area of perennial sea ice, which lasts for several years, has declined significantly from 50-60% in the mid-1980s to less than 30% this year.
A new NASA study uses satellite data to estimate the amount of pollution from East Asian forest fires, urban exhaust, and industrial production that reaches western North America. The study estimates that 15% of local US & Canada emissions are offset by pollution aerosols coming from East Asia.
The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) has revealed a sea of cosmic neutrinos permeating the universe and provides evidence that the first stars took more than half a billion years to create a cosmic fog. The new data also places tight constraints on the burst of expansion in the universe's first trillionth of a second.
The GLAST spacecraft is preparing for its launch on May 16 at the Kennedy Space Center. It will explore extreme environments in the universe, studying supermassive black hole systems, pulsars, and cosmic rays. The mission aims to answer questions about gamma-ray bursts and other cosmic phenomena.
The Triangulum Galaxy, located 2.9 million light-years from Earth, is ablaze with starbirth, according to a new image taken by NASA's Swift satellite. The image showcases the galaxy's high spatial resolution, revealing young, hot stars and star-forming gas clouds in unprecedented detail.