Today: September 08, 2024
Today: September 08, 2024

Latest From Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona

Science|Technology|Travel

Space travel comes with risk − and SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission will push the envelope further than any private mission has before

Traveling to space is riskier than many extreme sports − an increase in private missions could mean more civilians taking that risk.

Space travel comes with risk − and SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission will push the envelope further than any private mission has before
Technology

Federal funding for major science agencies is at a 25-year low

Research funding is down in recent years despite promises made with the CHIPS and Science Act.

Federal funding for major science agencies is at a 25-year low
Technology

The Mars Sample Return mission has a shaky future, and NASA is calling on private companies for backup

It’s not easy to collect rocks on a budget when the rocks are 140 million miles away.

The Mars Sample Return mission has a shaky future, and NASA is calling on private companies for backup
Technology

Orbital resonance − the striking gravitational dance done by planets with aligning orbits

Orbital resonance is kind of like musical harmony, but systems that display it are far more rare than songs with harmonic melodies.

Orbital resonance − the striking gravitational dance done by planets with aligning orbits
Technology

Why isn't there any sound in space? An astronomer explains why in space no one can hear you scream

Sound needs matter to propagate, so the vast vacuum of space is not just empty − it’s silent.

Why isn't there any sound in space? An astronomer explains why in space no one can hear you scream
Technology

Space rocks and asteroid dust are pricey, but these aren't the most expensive materials used in science

Some space rocks you can get for free – if you know how to identify them. Rarer materials cost more, and the asteroid sample NASA just brought back has a high price tag.

Space rocks and asteroid dust are pricey, but these aren't the most expensive materials used in science
Technology

NASA report finds no evidence that UFOs are extraterrestrial

Months after a military officer made sensational claims about unexplained objects in the skies, NASA released a report loosely outlining a scientific approach for analyzing UAP reports.

NASA report finds no evidence that UFOs are extraterrestrial
Technology

Space junk in Earth orbit and on the Moon will increase with future missions − but nobody's in charge of cleaning it up

Treaties meant to ensure sustainability in space don’t currently regulate private companies, and not every country has signed on to an agreement for sustainable space exploration.

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