NASA eyes Tropical Cyclone Madi's rainfall
Tropical Cyclone Madi is expected to make landfall in southern India on December 12. The storm's heaviest rainfall was observed north of its center, with rates reaching up to 2 inches per hour.
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
System 90L no longer suspect for development
System 90L's chances of tropical development dismissed after hostile upper-level winds and diminished showers; no longer considered a threat by NASA. Upper-level conditions made it difficult to identify the low-pressure system, leading to its fizzling out.
NASA's IRIS provides unprecedented images of sun
IRIS has captured detailed images of the interface region between the sun's surface and corona, revealing more violent and turbulent phenomena than previously understood. The mission's observations also provide new insights into solar eruptive events and the dynamics of the low solar atmosphere.
Atlantic Ocean's system 90L gets an infrared NASA look
Scientists used NASA's AIRS instrument to observe System 90L, a non-tropical low-pressure area in the Atlantic Ocean. The system struggled to organize into a subtropical or tropical cyclone, with only a 20% chance of development over the next five days.
New NASA animations show massive rainfall totals from 2013 Philippine Tropical Cyclones
The NASA TRMM satellite tracked and analyzed heavy rainfall near tropical cyclones affecting the Philippines in 2013. The resulting animations show almost four feet of rain fell in parts of northern and central Philippines, with some areas receiving over 1,200 mm (~47 inches) of rainfall.
NASA satellite catches birth of Tropical Cyclone 06B
Tropical Cyclone 06B, also known as Madi, has organized from low pressure System 92B, with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots/51.7 mph/83.3 kph and a diameter of approximately 100 nautical miles. The cyclone is expected to continue strengthening due to warm waters and is predicted to reach cyclone/hurricane strength by December 9.
NASA eyes another developing depression in northern Indian Ocean
NASA's Aqua satellite detected a low-pressure system with strong convection and high thunderstorm cloud tops in the northern Indian Ocean. The system is expected to develop into Tropical Depression 06B and move north-northeastward towards the Bay of Bengal, with wind speeds estimated at 25-30 knots.
NASA watching a post-Atlantic hurricane season low
System 90L has developed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on the clouds, revealing strongest thunderstorms northeast of the center. The non-tropical low is generating tropical-storm-force winds but is expected to be affected by strong upper-level winds shear, likely preventing organization.
New instrument continues gathering sun's effects on the Earth
The Total Solar Irradiance Calibration Transfer Experiment (TCTE) mission aims to provide accurate measurements of the sun's energy impact on Earth. The new instrument, deployed in November 2013, will overlap with the existing TIM instrument to ensure continuous data flow and improve accuracy.
NASA begins search for what is left of Comet ISON
Scientists believe Comet ISON may have been destroyed upon approaching the sun, leaving behind small rubble pieces. Telescopes will observe and detect any remaining fragments to confirm the comet's status.
NASA Goddard planetary instruments score a hat trick
Three mass spectrometers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center conducted simultaneous experiments on the moon and Mars to analyze atmospheric and rock samples. This milestone demonstrates the value of these instruments for understanding planetary environments.
NASA sees rainfall quickly fade in dying Depression 33W
Tropical Depression 33W rapidly weakened, with only two isolated areas of heavy rainfall remaining. The depression was expected to move northeast and dissipate over the next day due to high vertical wind shear.
New observations from NASA's Van Allen Probes offer solution to radiation belts mystery
The study found that low-frequency waves, known as Ultra-low frequency (ULF) waves, accelerate particles in the radiation belts to near-light speed. This mechanism has important implications for understanding cosmic particle acceleration throughout the universe.
Glimpsing the infrastructure of a gamma-ray burst jet
Astronomers have glimpsed the infrastructure of a gamma-ray burst jet using observations from the Liverpool Telescope's RINGO2 instrument. The study reveals that light from the reverse shock wave, which drives back into the jet debris, shows strong and stable polarized emissions.
LADEE instruments healthy and ready for science
The Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) has completed its commissioning phase, with all three science instruments deemed healthy. The LADEE spacecraft is now in a high-altitude preliminary orbit, preparing for its 100-day science mission to gather information about the moon's structure and composition.
Hubble traces subtle signals of water on hazy worlds
Two teams of scientists used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to detect faint water signals in the atmospheres of five distant planets. The strengths of their water signatures varied, with some planets having stronger signals than expected.
NASA sees thirty-third tropical depression form in Northwestern Pacific
The 33rd tropical depression formed in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean on December 3, 2013. NASA's satellites captured images of the storm's cloud cover and rainfall rates, showing moderate to heavy rainfall north of the center of circulation.
Laser communication mission targets 2017 launch
The Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) mission aims to demonstrate reliable optical services. It will conduct a two-year demonstration of optical relay services to collect long-term performance data and provide necessary knowledge for future mission-critical systems.
Agricultural fires in Ecuador Dec. 3, 2013
NASA detects widespread agricultural fires in Ecuador on December 3, 2013. The fires were likely set to manage land and clear unwanted plants, producing smoke that degrades air quality.
Airborne radar looking through thick ice during NASA polar campaigns
The NASA airborne mission is using a low-frequency radar instrument to map the sub-glacial bedrock hidden beneath thick ice sheets. The Multichannel Coherent Radar Depth Sounder (MCoRDS) measures ice thickness and maps sub-ice rock by sending radar waves down through polar ice.
NASA's HS3 hurricane mission called it a wrap for 2013
HS3 gathered data on the Saharan Air Layer, studying its effects on Tropical Storm Gabrielle. The mission also identified a unique hybrid core in a redeveloped storm and measured hurricane Ingrid's heavy rain and strong winds.
NASA investigating the life of Comet ISON
Comet ISON's size reduced significantly as it approached the sun, with observations revealing a potential debris field and unclear nucleus remnants. The comet's unprecedented observation history will provide valuable data for scientists to study in the years to come.
NASA Goddard joins new virtual research institute
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center researchers are part of a new virtual institute focusing on space science and human exploration. They will apply models to understand plasma interactions with asteroids, small bodies, and the effects of solar wind and radiation.
SOHO shows new images of Comet ISON
Researchers carefully measure Comet ISON's brightness to infer its current state, as it approaches perihelion on November 28, 2013. The comet's behavior over several days suggests it may be disintegrating or intact.
NASA watches as India braces for Tropical Cyclone Lehar
Tropical Cyclone Lehar is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a storm surge of up to 3 meters to northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts the storm will strengthen before making landfall on November 27.
NASA sees Alessia reclaim her crown as a Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm Alessia reclaimed her title after being tracked by NASA's TRMM satellite on November 27. Heavy rainfall was observed around the storm's center, with rain rates reaching up to 50 mm/hour.
NASA sees Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alessia's remnants trying to reorganize
The remnants of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alessia have been spotted in the Northern Territory, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing infrared data revealing strong thunderstorms and potential heavy rains. The low-pressure system is expected to move slowly south before turning west towards the Timor Sea.
Latest GOES-R instrument cleared for installation onto spacecraft
The Space Environment In-Situ Suite (SEISS) instrument on GOES-R will monitor radiation hazards to astronauts and satellites. SEISS data will improve energetic particle forecasts and enhance warning systems for space weather events.
NASA satellite tracks Tropical Cyclone Lehar moving toward India
Tropical cyclone Lehar is gaining intensity in the Bay of Bengal, heading toward India's east-central coast. Rainfall rates reaching up to 64 mm/hour were measured by NASA's TRMM satellite, indicating a powerful storm with strong thunderstorms and heavy rain.
Sounding rocket to peek at atmosphere of Venus
A NASA sounding rocket called VeSpR is scheduled to launch on Nov. 25 to probe Venus' atmosphere and investigate the planet's water history. The mission aims to determine whether rivers once flowed on Venus and if the planet had ice.
Ready, set, space! -- NASA's GPM satellite begins journey
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory will track global precipitation by combining measurements from multiple satellites. The satellite has undergone rigorous environmental tests and integration to ensure its survival in space.
NASA catches Tropical Cyclone Lehar over the Andaman Islands
Tropical Cyclone Lehar formed off the Malay Peninsula on November 23, strengthening into a tropical cyclone as it moved towards the Andaman Islands. NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of the storm on November 25, showing maximum sustained winds near 65 knots/74.8 mph.
NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Alessia make landfall near Darwin
Tropical Cyclone Alessia made landfall in northern Australia as a weak storm, with NASA's TRMM satellite capturing mostly light rain and moderate rainfall. The cyclone dissipated quickly after crossing the Northern Territory coast, causing no damages or significant impacts.
NASA's solar observing fleet to watch Comet ISON's journey around the sun
Comet ISON, a time capsule from the solar system's formation, will be observed by NASA's solar observing fleet as it approaches the sun. The comet's journey will provide valuable insights into the solar wind and atmosphere.
NASA sees Cyclone Helen making landfall in eastern India
Cyclone Helen made landfall in eastern India on November 22, with moderate rainfall expected from its northwestern edge. The storm is forecast to continue moving westward and dissipate over land within the next day or two.
NASA sees Tropical Cyclone Alessia form, threaten western Australia
Tropical Cyclone Alessia has formed in the Southern Indian Ocean and is expected to threaten Western Australia. The cyclone's maximum sustained winds are near 35 knots, and it is currently moving east-southeast towards Darwin.
Extra-Tropical Storm Melissa spinning into history
Extra-Tropical Storm Melissa has weakened and is headed towards the Azores Islands with sustained winds near 45 knots. The storm's core temperature change indicates a transition from warm to cold, similar to a mid-latitude low-pressure system.
NASA sees 'watershed' cosmic blast in unique detail
Gamma-ray burst GRB 130427A was observed by NASA satellites and ground-based telescopes, revealing a spike in high-energy gamma-rays that defies expectations. The event challenged current theoretical understanding of internal and external shock waves producing these bursts.
NASA sees Tropical Storm Helen affecting southeastern India
Tropical Storm Helen is affecting southeastern India with strong winds, rough seas, and a storm surge of up to 1.5 meters. The storm is expected to weaken as it nears the coast, making landfall in Tenali on November 22.
NASA catches Melissa's fickle life as a tropical storm
Tropical Storm Melissa formed on Nov 18 and underwent rapid transformations under NOAA's GOES-East satellite imaging. After becoming post-tropical later today, the National Hurricane Center forecasts gradual weakening over the next two days.
Tropical Cyclone Helen headed for landfall in India
Tropical Cyclone Helen is expected to intensify and make landfall in the coastal plain of Krishna Delta in Andhra Pradesh, India. The storm's track is predicted to shift westward due to a mid-level subtropical ridge, with forecasters warning fishermen to return to shore.
Building TCTE: The perfect combination of enthusiasm, spare parts and resources
The Total solar irradiance Calibration Transfer Experiment (TCTE) was launched by NASA using a combination of enthusiasm, spare parts, and resources. The instrument was assembled in just five months to fill a gap in the data record after an aging satellite's battery life expired.
Evidence of destruction in Tacloban, Philippines
The study analyzed ASTER images of Tacloban before and after the typhoon, revealing widespread destruction. The storm surge caused mud-covered ground, bare trees, and destroyed buildings, with some areas showing no vegetation.
X-class solar flare: Nov. 19
A significant X-class solar flare occurred on Nov. 19, 2013, peaking at 5:26 a.m. EST, causing disturbances in the atmosphere where GPS and communications signals travel. The flare was classified as an X1.0 class, indicating its intensity.
NASA's TRMM satellite sees Melissa's tropical transition
NASA's TRMM satellite monitored Tropical Storm Melissa's transition to a tropical storm, revealing intense rainfall rates of up to 55 mm/hour. The satellite's Precipitation Radar data also showed the storm's structure, including towering convection near its center.
NASA sees late season subtropical storm Melissa form in Atlantic
Subtropical storm Melissa formed in the central Atlantic Ocean on November 18, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph. The National Hurricane Center expects it to transition into a tropical storm later in the day.
NASA begins first antarctic airborne campaign from McMurdo Station
NASA's Operation IceBridge is conducting a daily survey flight through Nov. 26, collecting data on Antarctic land and sea ice. The mission aims to track changes in polar ice, including the Siple Coast and Ross Sea areas.
Tropical Cyclone 04B forms in northern Indian Ocean
Tropical Cyclone 04B is a rapidly intensifying storm with moderate rainfall and broken bands of thunderstorms. The cyclone is expected to track slowly westward before making landfall in southern India, where it may bring significant impacts.
NASA instrument determines hazards of deep-space radiation
CRaTER, an instrument on NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, has made detailed measurements of radiation in deep space. The findings provide crucial data on the high-energy hazards at and around the moon, enabling astronauts to shield against radiation.
MAVEN launches on 10-month journey to Mars orbit
The NASA MAVEN mission has launched successfully, embarking on a 10-month journey to the Red Planet. The spacecraft will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and begin collecting science data after completing a check-out period.