Typhoon Kilo moving through northwestern Pacific Ocean
Typhoon Kilo is moving slowly through the Northwestern Pacific Ocean with maximum sustained winds of near 90 knots. The storm is expected to re-strengthen and peak in intensity by September 6.
Space Flight
Articles tagged with Space Flight
NASA's GPM satellite analyzes Tropical Storm Erika's rainfall
The GPM satellite captured intense rainfall rates of up to 52.8 mm per hour, with embedded convection necessary for storm strengthening, but displaced due to wind shear. The storm's low-level center was located northwest of the rain field, hindering intensification.
GPM sees energetic Tropical Depression Kilo
Tropical Depression Kilo has recently become more energetic, with heavy rainfall rates of almost 65 mm/hour detected by NASA's GPM Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar. The depression's storm tops were also found to be very tall, measuring over 15.4 km altitude.
Cameras delivered for NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission as launch prep continues
The OSIRIS-REx camera suite, consisting of PolyCam, MapCam, and SamCam, will enable the spacecraft to image and map Bennu, select a safe sampling site, and collect a sample. The mission is scheduled to launch in September 2016 and will return the largest sample from space since the Apollo lunar missions.
NASA Goddard scientist wins Harold C. Urey Prize
Dr. Geronimo Luis Villanueva, a NASA Goddard scientist, has been awarded the 2015 Harold C. Urey Prize for his exceptional work in planetary research and spectroscopy. He is recognized for his contributions to understanding comets and Mars's atmosphere.
NASA stares Hurricane Hilda in the eye
NASA's Terra satellite captured a cloud-free image of Hurricane Hilda's eye on August 8, showing strong thunderstorms circling the center. The storm is expected to cause rough surf along east and southeast facing shores of the main Hawaiian Islands over the next couple of days.
Spaceflight may increase susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease
A new study suggests that spaceflight can disrupt intestinal homeostasis and increase colitis susceptibility in mice. The research found altered composition of intestinal bacteria, decreased regulatory T cells, and increased neutrophils in the colon tissues of hindlimb-suspended mice.
NASA sees Tropical Cyclone 12W grow into a Tropical Storm
Tropical Depression 12W intensified into a tropical storm after NASA's Terra satellite captured an organized storm with better circulation. The storm is forecast to weaken under Typhoon Halola's influence, moving slowly at 5 knots (5.7 mph/9.2 kph) towards the north.
Satellite shows newborn Tropical Depression 02C form in Central Pacific
Tropical Depression 02C formed over 700 miles south-southeast of Hawaii on July 10, with bands of thunderstorms from the west to east. The depression is expected to reach tropical storm strength later today and will be closely monitored by NOAA's Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
Satellite shows newborn Tropical Depression 01C form in Central Pacific
Tropical Depression 01C formed hundreds of miles southwest of Hawaii on July 10, with maximum sustained winds near 35 mph. The depression is expected to reach tropical storm strength and continue strengthening through Sunday morning, according to NOAA's Central Pacific Hurricane Center
NASA sees Tropical Storm Linfa making landfall in southeastern China
Tropical Storm Linfa made landfall in southeastern China on July 9, bringing gale-force winds and threatening flooding. The storm's movement over land weakened its thunderstorms, but it will continue to parallel the southern coastline of China before dissipating.
New tropical depression forms and moves into central Pacific Ocean
A new tropical depression has formed in the Eastern Pacific, crossed into the Central Pacific Ocean, and is expected to strengthen over the next 48 hours. The system's movement will be influenced by trade winds, potentially leading to weakening and a westward shift.
NASA technology protects Webb telescope from contamination
NASA has developed a new technology to protect the James Webb Space Telescope from contamination, using Molecular Adsorber Coating (MAC) panels. The MAC panels capture outgassed molecular contaminants in the vacuum chamber, preventing them from affecting sensitive instrument components.
NASA's Aqua Satellite sees Tropical Depression Kujira at landfall
Tropical Depression Kujira made landfall in northeastern Vietnam on June 24, as NASA's Aqua satellite captured visible images of the storm. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported the storm's weakened maximum sustained winds of 30 knots.
OSIRIS-REx team prepares for next step in NASA's asteroid sample return mission
The OSIRIS-REx team is preparing to deliver crucial instruments for the NASA mission to collect a sample from near-Earth asteroid Bennu. The spacecraft will map and analyze the asteroid's surface using five key instruments, including cameras, altimeters, thermometers, spectrometers, and an imaging spectrometer.
Satellite animation shows System 91L developing in the Gulf of Mexico
A developing tropical low pressure area in the south-central Gulf of Mexico has a high chance of forming into a tropical depression. The National Hurricane Center warns residents along the northwestern Gulf Coast of potential tropical storm conditions and heavy rainfall.
NASA advances CubeSat concept for planetary exploration
Scientists can now observe physical phenomena beyond Earth's orbit with a new CubeSat concept. The CAPEd Crusader will use small-satellite technology to transmit data from distant planets, revolutionizing planetary exploration.
Typhoon Noul beginning to strengthen in the West Pacific
Typhoon Noul is slowly strengthening as it moves west-northwest towards the Philippines. The system has well-formed rain bands and heavy rain near its core, indicating potential intensification.
NASA spacecraft in Earth's orbit, preparing to study magnetic reconnection
The MMS mission will provide the first three-dimensional views of reconnection occurring in Earth's magnetosphere, releasing bursts of energy that can reach billions of megatons of TNT. Scientists expect the mission to help them better understand magnetic reconnection and its impact on modern technological systems.
Satellite sees rare subtropical storm 90Q in southern Atlantic
A rare subtropical storm, 90Q, has formed off the southeastern coast of Brazil. The system features fragmented banding and is moving south-southeast at 5 knots.
Mars: The planet that lost an ocean's worth of water
Scientists have estimated that Mars once had a massive ocean covering 19% of its surface, which would have made the planet habitable for longer. The new research uses detailed observations of water in Mars' atmosphere to determine the amount of water lost over time.
NASA saw heavy rainfall in Tropical Cyclone Marcia
Tropical Cyclone Marcia made landfall along Queensland's coast with intense storms dropping rain at 225 mm/hour. The TRMM satellite captured a 3-D view of the cyclone, showing thunderstorm tops reaching heights of over 15.2 km.
NASA snaps picture of Eastern US in a record-breaking 'freezer'
A severe cold snap hit the Eastern US, with temperatures plummeting to record lows. The NASA Terra satellite captured an image of snow-covered states that appeared like they were sitting in a freezer due to Arctic and Siberian air masses.
How spaceflight ages the immune system prematurely
Research published in The FASEB Journal suggests that spaceflight conditions can induce changes in B lymphocyte production in bone marrow, leading to premature aging of the immune system. A ground-based model simulating low-gravity conditions found similar effects in mice as those observed in elderly mice on Earth.
GOES-West captures birth of Tropical Cyclone Niko in Southern Pacific
GOES-West satellite captured the birth of Tropical Cyclone Niko, with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane after passing Tahiti and entering the open waters of the South Pacific Ocean.
NASA adds up Tropical Storm Mekkhala's drenching rainfall in the Philippines
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission combined with satellite data revealed an area of maximum rainfall centered over Samar, resulting in extreme totals greater than 600mm. The analysis also found that much of the heavy rainfall from Mekkhala fell over the same area devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.
NASA spots newborn Tropical Storm Chedza making landfall
Tropical Storm Chedza rapidly intensified from a tropical low pressure area to a tropical storm on January 16 near Madagascar's southwestern coast. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 50 knots (57.5 mph/92.6 kph) with a defined low-level circulation center and deep convective banding.
NASA's GPM satellite sees Tropical Storm mekkhala organizing
The NASA GPM satellite captured detailed rainfall data of Tropical Storm Mekkhala on January 14, revealing intense convective storms near its center. The storm strengthened into a tropical storm over the western quadrant, with moderate vertical wind shear.
NASA sees major Tropical Cyclone Bansi north of Mauritius
Tropical Cyclone Bansi is a powerful Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 149.6 mph, forecast to intensify into a Category 5 storm before weakening. The cyclone is moving northeast at 4.6 mph and expected to pass north of Mauritius.
NASA's IMAGE and Cluster missions reveal origin of theta auroras
Scientists have explained the origin of theta auroras, a type of high-latitude aurora that was unclear until now. The mysterious phenomenon is linked to hot plasma in the magnetosphere, caused by magnetic reconnection and funneled into near-Earth space from the sun.
NASA sees Hagupit weaken to a depression enroute to Vietnam
Hagupit has weakened to a depression in the South China Sea before making landfall in southern Vietnam. The storm's maximum sustained winds dropped to 30 knots on Dec. 11, with forecasters predicting quick dissipation after landfall.
NASA satellites provide triple coverage on Tropical Storm Sinlaku
Tropical Storm Sinlaku made landfall in Vietnam, bringing heavy rainfall. NASA's TRMM and GPM satellites analyzed rainfall rates before landfall, while Terra satellite spotted the storm as it came ashore.
NASA's Webb Telescope mirror tripod in action
Engineers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center tested a 'tripod' supporting the James Webb Space Telescope's secondary mirror in a successful deployment. The system was designed to unfurl in space to 8 meters long and was tested using the Pathfinder backplane structure.
NASA sees Tropical Storm Nuri resemble a frontal system
Tropical Storm Nuri resembled a frontal system, stretching from northeast to southwest due to wind shear. NASA's Terra satellite captured an infrared image showing strong thunderstorms around its center.
Twenty-first Eastern Pacific tropical depression born on Oct. 30
The 21st Eastern Pacific tropical depression, TD 21E, formed far south of Acapulco, Mexico. Maximum sustained winds near 35 mph are expected to slowly strengthen over the next 48 hours.
Ana's remnants raining and gusting in British Columbia, Canada
Post-tropical cyclone Ana's remnant clouds are causing heavy rain and strong gusts in British Columbia, Canada. Environment Canada has issued wind warnings for several regions, with sustained winds near 21-29 mph (34-47 kph) reported at major airports.
Remnants of tropical depression soaking Central America
Tropical Storm Hanna made landfall near Nicaragua and Honduras on Oct. 27, bringing strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to the region. The remnants of the storm continued to generate isolated thunderstorms over Honduras and northern Nicaragua until they dissipated by Oct. 28.
Satellite movie shows Tropical Storm Ana headed to British Columbia, Canada
Tropical Storm Ana has moved west of the Hawaiian Islands and into the open waters of the Central Pacific Ocean, strengthening into a hurricane and weakening back to a tropical storm. The storm is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to British Columbia's central coast, with wind warnings posted along some coastal sections.
NASA's Aqua satellite eyeing Tropical Cyclone Nilofar in Arabian Sea
Tropical Cyclone Nilofar intensifies to hurricane strength with maximum sustained winds of 75 knots (86 mph/139 kph), centered near 15.2 north latitude and 62.2 east longitude.
Satellite catches lingering remnants of Tropical Depression 9
The remnants of Tropical Depression 9 are lingering in the southeastern Yucatan Peninsula and northwestern Caribbean Sea, according to NOAA's GOES-East satellite. The National Hurricane Center predicts a low chance of re-development, with only a 10% probability over the next couple of days.
NASA's Terra satellite shows a more organized Tropical Storm Ana
Tropical Storm Ana has re-organized due to abating southwesterly wind shear, allowing thunderstorms to circulate around its center. The storm is expected to continue strengthening through early Saturday, moving northward and potentially becoming a hurricane.
NASA sees Himalayan snow from Cyclone Hudhud's remnants
NASA's Aqua satellite detects snow on ground in Nepal and southwestern China as Cyclone Hudhud moves over the region. The MODIS instrument captured the image of snow on October 16, revealing the unusual weather phenomenon.
NASA's Terra Satellite sees Tropical Storm Ana over Hawaii
Tropical Storm Ana made a slow track west of the Hawaiian islands before moving away and heading towards the northwest Hawaiian islands. The storm's clouds were captured by NASA's Terra satellite on October 19, revealing its strongest thunderstorms in the eastern and western quadrants.
The quick life and death of Tropical Storm Trudy
The storm formed near Mexico's southwestern coast on Oct. 18, triggering warnings and watches before weakening to a remnant low pressure area within 48 hours.
Satellites tracking Central Pacific's Tropical Storm Ana
Tropical Storm Ana is expected to intensify and impact the Hawaiian Islands, causing life-threatening flash floods and mudslides. The storm may produce large swells and damaging surf along exposed shorelines.
Satellite eyes first major Atlantic Hurricane in 3 years: Gonzalo
Hurricane Gonzalo has become a Category 4 storm in the Atlantic, its first major hurricane in three years. According to NOAA's GOES-East satellite imagery, Gonzalo features tightly wrapped bands of thunderstorms spiraling into its center.
NASA's Aqua satellite watches Tropical Storm Ana intensifying
Tropical Storm Ana is intensifying in the Central Pacific Ocean, with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph. The storm is forecast to become a hurricane by late October 15 and may impact Hawaii on October 16.
NASA's Aqua satellite spots Central Pacific's Tropical Storm Ana
Tropical Storm Ana was spotted by NASA's Aqua satellite on October 13, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and approach the big island of Hawaii by Sunday, October 19.
NASA satellite spots Hudhud's remnants
NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of Typhoon Hudhud's remnants over India, Nepal, and China on Oct. 14, confirming the cyclone made landfall near Visakhapatnam on Oct. 12. The storm caused significant damage and fatalities in eastern India.
NASA sees Hurricane Gonzalo head toward Bermuda
Hurricane Gonzalo has intensified into a hurricane, with powerful thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. The storm is forecasted to become a major hurricane and make landfall on the island of Bermuda.
Tropical Storm Gonzalo triggered many warnings in Eastern Caribbean
NASA's Terra and GOES-East satellites monitored Tropical Storm Gonzalo as it moved through the Lesser Antilles. The storm is expected to strengthen and become a hurricane on Oct 15, affecting several Eastern Caribbean islands with warnings and watches in effect.
Satellites confirm Fay weakened to a Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm Fay has begun extra-tropical transition, weakening from hurricane status. The National Hurricane Center expects Fay to merge with a frontal zone and become an extra-tropical cyclone by tonight.
NASA sees newborn Tropical Storm Gonzalo form and threaten Caribbean islands
Tropical Storm Gonzalo formed quickly on Oct. 12 east of the Leeward Islands, triggering tropical storm warnings for many islands. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next two days and move through the Leeward Islands early Monday morning.
Satellite sees cold front headed to absorb Bermuda's Tropical Storm Fay
Tropical Storm Fay is nearing hurricane strength near Bermuda, but a cold front over the eastern U.S. is expected to absorb the storm over the next day or two. The National Hurricane Center forecasts a turn toward the east-northeast and faster forward movement for the storm.
Satellite movie shows Hurricane Simon's remnants moving through US
NASA's GOES-East satellite captures Hurricane Simon's landfall in Mexico and movement into the U.S. Southwest, with remnants expected to reach the central Plains and Midwest on Oct. 9-10. Heavy rain, including a threat of flash flooding, is forecast for eastern Kansas and western Missouri.
Assuring good nutrition for astronauts
Researchers investigate degradation of essential vitamins over time in spaceflight foods, aiming to develop strategies to minimize loss. They'll use similar foods consumed by astronauts at the International Space Station to determine the impact of preparation and storage conditions on vitamin potency.
Satellite sees Tropical Storm Simon over Baja California
Tropical Storm Simon is weakening over Mexico's Baja California, expected to produce 3-5 inches of rainfall with isolated amounts up to 8 inches. Heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding and mudslides, while winds remain a threat.
NASA adds up Japan's soaking rains from Typhoon Phanfone
Typhoon Phanfone brought heavy rainfall to Japan, with the most intense rain occurring west of Tokyo and over the Pacific Ocean southeast of Japan. The TRMM satellite provided near-real-time data on rainfall totals, revealing areas with rainfalls exceeding 275 mm (10.8 inches) in central Japan.
NASA sees intensifying typhoon Phanfone heading toward Japan
Typhoon Phanfone is expected to make landfall in southern Japan by October 6, with maximum sustained winds near 70 knots (80 mph/129 kph) and heavy rainfall rates of over 76 mm (almost 3 inches) per hour
Tropical Storm Rachel dwarfed by developing system 90E
Tropical Storm Rachel is spinning down west of Mexico's Baja California, with another tropical low pressure area, System 90E, outgrowing it. The National Hurricane Center predicts that System 90E will intensify into a tropical depression by Wednesday, Oct. 1.