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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="https://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"> <channel> <atom:link href="https://www.space.com/feeds/all" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <title><![CDATA[ Space ]]></title> <link>https://www.space.com</link> <description><![CDATA[ ]]></description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 04 May 2024 07:50:11 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en</language> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Virgin Galactic to launch 7th commercial spaceflight on June 8 ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Virgin Galactic will fly again next month, if all goes according to plan.</p><p>The company announced on Wednesday (May 1) that it's targeting June 8 for its seventh commercial spaceflight, a suborbital jaunt called, fittingly enough, Galactic 07.</p><p>It will be <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/18993-virgin-galactic.html">Virgin Galactic</a>'s second spaceflight of the year, after the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/virgin-galactic-06-suborbital-spaceflight-mission">Galactic 06</a> mission on Jan. 26, and its 12th overall to date.</p><p><strong>Related:</strong> <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/virgin-galactic-05-mission-success-stern-gerardi"><u>Virgin Galactic launches researchers to suborbital space on 5th commercial flight (video)</u></a></p><div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_YjTKcwLK_bQHItauA_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_YjTKcwLK_bQHItauA_div'></div></div></div></div><p>Virgin Galactic uses an air-launch system that consists of two vehicles: A carrier aircraft called VMS Eve and a suborbital spaceliner known as VSS Unity. </p><p>Eve lifts off from a runway with Unity beneath its wings, then drops the spacecraft at an altitude of about 45,000 feet (13,700 meters). Unity then fires up its onboard rocket motor, blasting its way to suborbital space. </p><p>Passengers aboard the space plane experience a few minutes of weightlessness and get to see <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/54-earth-history-composition-and-atmosphere.html">Earth</a> against the blackness of space. A ticket to ride on Unity currently sells for $450,000.</p><p>Galactic 07 will depart from <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/19258-spaceport-america.html">Spaceport America</a> in southwestern New Mexico, carrying four passengers in Unity's cabin. Virgin Galactic has not yet identified these people, but the company has given us a bit of information about them.</p><p>Three are private astronauts, one apiece from New York, California and Italy. The fourth is "an Axiom Space-affiliated researcher astronaut who will conduct multiple human-tended experiments," Virgin Galactic wrote Wednesday in a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.virgingalactic.com/news/galactic-07-mission-launch-window-opens-june-8" target="_blank">Galactic 07 mission update</a>.</p><p><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/axiom-space">Axiom Space</a> is a Houston-based company that has organized three crewed trips to the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/16748-international-space-station.html">International Space Station</a> to date, all of them using <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/18853-spacex.html">SpaceX</a> hardware. Axiom also plans to assemble and operate its own space station in Earth orbit later in the 2020s. </p><div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">RELATED STORIES:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/virgin-galactic-third-commercial-spaceflight-success">Virgin Galactic launches 3 of its original space tourist customers to the final frontier (video)</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/18993-virgin-galactic.html">Who is Virgin Galactic and what do they do?</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/17994-how-virgin-galactic-spaceshiptwo-works.html">How Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo passenger space plane works (infographic)</a></p></div></div><p>During the Galactic 06 mission in January, an alignment pin that helps secure Unity to Eve <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/virgin-galactic-glitch-sixth-commercial-suborbital-spaceflight">detached unexpectedly</a> from the carrier craft. This happened after Unity had separated and begun flying freely and did not endanger anyone involved in the flight, according to Virgin Galactic. </p><p>Nevertheless, the company conducted an investigation along with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). That work is now done, and steps have been taken to ensure the issue doesn't crop up on Galactic 07 or other future flights, according to Virgin Galactic. </p><p>"The FAA has accepted Virgin Galactic's final investigation report, as well as the corrective actions that have been made to enhance the retention mechanism of the pin and the addition of a secondary retention mechanism," the company wrote in Wednesday's update.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.space.com/virgin-galactic-seventh-commercial-spaceflight-june-8</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Virgin Galactic is targeting June 8 for its seventh commercial spaceflight, a suborbital jaunt called, fittingly enough, Galactic 07. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">KMNtSphzdNDsUbGwuonZEG</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SEa7MkEdgghVtuk7Q69GL5.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 21:00:29 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Human Spaceflight]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ mwall@space.com (Mike Wall) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SEa7MkEdgghVtuk7Q69GL5.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Virgin Galactic]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[a space plane lights its rocket motor in space, with the curve of earth in the background.]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[a space plane lights its rocket motor in space, with the curve of earth in the background.]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Does a cosmic 'glitch' in gravity challenge Albert Einstein's greatest theory? ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>There is no denying the awesome predictive power of Albert Einstein's 1915 theory of gravity, general relativity — yet, the theory still has inconsistencies when it comes to calculating its effect on vast distances. And new research suggests these inconsistencies could be the result of a "cosmic glitch" in gravity itself.</p><p>In the 109 years since it was first formulated, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/17661-theory-general-relativity.html">general relativity</a> has remained our finest description of gravity on a galactic scale; time and again, experiments have confirmed its accuracy. This theory has also been used to predict aspects of the universe that would later be observationally confirmed. This includes the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/25126-big-bang-theory.html">Big Bang</a>, the existence of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/15421-black-holes-facts-formation-discovery-sdcmp.html">black holes</a>, the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/gravitational-lensing-explained">gravitational lensing of light</a> and tiny ripples in spacetime called <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/25088-gravitational-waves.html">gravitational waves.</a></p><p>Yet, like the Newtonian theory of gravity that it surpassed, general relativity may not offer us the full picture of this enigmatic force.</p><p>"This model of gravity has been essential for everything from theorizing the Big Bang to photographing black holes," Robin Wen of the University of Waterloo's Mathematical Physics Orogram said in a statement. "But when we try to understand gravity on a cosmic scale, at the scale of galaxy clusters and beyond, we encounter apparent inconsistencies with the predictions of general relativity."</p><p><strong>Related: </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/gravity-quantum-theory-cosmic-mysteries">'Quantum gravity' could help unite quantum mechanics with general relativity at last</a></p><div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_PscQLeO6_bQHItauA_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_PscQLeO6_bQHItauA_div'></div></div></div></div><p>"Gravity becomes around one percent weaker when dealing with distances in the billions of light years," Wen said. "We are calling this inconsistency a 'cosmic glitch.' It's almost as if gravity itself stops perfectly matching Einstein's theory."</p><p>The cosmic glitch described by the team would require an alteration in a value called the gravitational constant. This alteration would occur as calculations approach the "superhorizon," or the maximum distance light could have traveled since the origin of the universe.</p><p>This adjustment can be done, the team says, by adding a single extension to the standard cosmological model. This model is known as the lambda cold dark matter model. Once complete, the admendment should clear up inconsistencies in measurements at cosmological scales without affecting the existing successful uses of general relativity. </p><h2 id="what-is-general-relativity-and-could-it-be-wrong-2">What is general relativity and could it be wrong?</h2><p>The discovery of general relativity was so revolutionary because, rather than describe <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/classical-gravity.html">gravity</a> as a mysterious force, it posited that gravity arises from the curvature of the very fabric of space and time, united as a single entity called "spacetime." And this curvature, Einstein realized, is shaped by objects with mass.</p><p>Imagine placing balls of increasing mass on a stretched rubber sheet. A tennis ball would cause a tiny, almost imperceptible dent; a cricket ball would create a more pronounced dent; and a bowling ball would spur a huge curve that likely draws anything else on the sheet toward it. It's the same concept with objects in space, though the curvature of spacetime exists in four dimensions, so there are some quite key differences. Still, moons have less mass than planets, planets less than stars, and stars less than galaxies — thus, the gravitational influences of these celestial bodies increases respectively.</p><p>Einstein's theory of gravity was like a successor to Newtonian theory, though the latter still serves quite well on terrestrial scales and is accurate enough to get rockets to the moon. Yet, Einstein's theory could explain things that Newton's could not, such as the quirky orbit of Mercury around the sun. </p><p>Newton wasn't exactly <em>wrong </em>about gravity — he just wasn't right on scales of planets, stars and galaxies.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:946px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:75.05%;"><img id="rxPRAX2SVmkWG6ZTNpLnaa" name="dark_energy_gravity_illustration.jpeg" alt="Astronomers think that the expansion of the universe is regulated by both the force of gravity, and a mysterious dark energy. In this artist's conception, dark energy is represented by the purple grid above, and gravity by the green grid below." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rxPRAX2SVmkWG6ZTNpLnaa.jpeg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="946" height="710" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Objects with mass, in this illustration galaxies, warp the very fabric of spacetime giving rise to gravity. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Is general relativity wrong, though?</p><p>Well, probably not. As a theory, it has been too accurate in predicting aspects of the universe we didn't know about. For instance, the first image of a black hole captured by the Event Horizon Telescope was revealed to the public in April 2019. This image was kind of shocking because of how closely the appearance of the supermassive black hole M87* <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/1st-black-hole-pictured-new-image-1-year-later">resembled predictions of general relativity. </a></p><p>However, scientists are aware there are a few issues with general relativity that may require its eventual revision. For instance, the theory doesn't unite with <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/quantum-physics-things-you-should-know">quantum mechanics</a>; the best description we have of physics on fundamental levels smaller than the atom. That's mainly because there is currently no <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/quantum-gravity.html">quantum theory to describe gravity</a>.</p><p>So, it seems that adjustments to general relativity at some stage to "extend" its reach to the smallest scales of the universe — and according to this team, the vastest scales — seem inevitable.</p><p>For decades, researchers have attempted to create a mathematical model that helps general relativity overcome its inconsistencies, and University of Waterloo applied mathematicians and astrophysicists have been deeply engaged in this quest.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1600px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="KpNnmMxe2hZioFnfoLuwK9" name="Untitled design - 2024-05-03T092712.298.png" alt="On the left is a swirly orange donut shape object and on the right a similar scene, but more sparse and chatotic." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KpNnmMxe2hZioFnfoLuwK9.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1600" height="900" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">(Left) observation of the black hole M87* in polarized light (right) a simulation of a black hole created using general relativity </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: EHT collaboration)</span></figcaption></figure><h2 id="change-general-relativity-what-2">Change general relativity? What!</h2><p>If the idea of revising general relativity seems tantamount to heresy, consider that this wouldn't be the first time that its related theories had to be adjusted. </p><p>Shortly after Einstein first introduced the theory, he and others expanded upon it to develop an equation to describe the state of the universe. As a result of general relativity, this equation predicted that the universe should be changing. The issue with this was the scientific consensus at the time said the universe was static. And, while Einstein was no stranger to throwing the status quo into flux, he happened to agree with this non-changing cosmic picture.</p><p>To ensure general relativity predicted a static universe, Einstein added a "fudge factor" that he later described as his "greatest blunder," This is known as the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/cosmological-constanthttps://www.space.com/9593-einstein-biggest-blunder-turns.html">cosmological constant</a>, and is represented by the Greek letter lambda. The constant would be removed from thought when Edwin Hubble convinced Einstein that the universe is non-static. It's expanding, he argued. And as far as we know today, Hubble was indeed correct.</p><p>Lambda, however, would actually make a comeback. It'd start serving a different function at the end of the 20th century, when astronomers discovered that not only is the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/dark-energy-what-is-it">universe expanding, but it is doing so at an accelerating rate.</a></p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1600px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="8FsbRUK6VSe7kwqXycUSEj" name="Untitled design - 2024-04-12T092855.691.png" alt="An illustration of a metal trash can in space. The cosmological constant has been discarded." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8FsbRUK6VSe7kwqXycUSEj.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1600" height="900" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">An illustration of the cosmological constant (lambda) being discarded (or maybe rescued) from the cosmic dustbin. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Robert Lea)</span></figcaption></figure><p>"Almost a century ago, astronomers discovered that our universe is expanding," Niayesh Afsharid, a University of Waterloo professor of astrophysics and a researcher at the Perimeter Institute, said in the statement. "The farther away galaxies are, the faster they are moving, to the point that they seem to be moving at nearly the speed of light, the maximum allowed by Einstein's theory. Our finding suggests that, on those very scales, Einstein’s theory may also be insufficient."</p><p>The University of Waterloo team's suggestion of a "cosmic glitch" modifies gravity at vast distances and extends Einstein’s mathematical formulas to tackle this while not "overthrowing" the theory.</p><p>"Think of it as being like a footnote to Einstein's theory," Wen said. "Once you reach a cosmic scale, terms and conditions apply."</p><div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">RELATED STORIES:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/the-universe/stars/black-hole-like-gravastars-could-be-stacked-like-russian-tea-dolls">Black hole-like 'gravastars' could be stacked like Russian tea dolls</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/1st-black-hole-pictured-new-image-1-year-later">2nd image of 1st black hole ever pictured confirms Einstein's general relativity (photo)</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/wavy-space-time-theory-quantum-mechanics-general-relativity">'Wavy space-time' may explain why gravity won't play by quantum rules</a></p></div></div><p>The researchers behind this cosmic glitch theory suggest that future observations of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/33553-biggest-thing-universe.html">large-scale structure of the universe</a> and a universal "fossil" field of radiation called the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/33892-cosmic-microwave-background.html">cosmic microwave background (CMB)</a> from an event that occurred shortly after the Big Bang could shed light on whether a cosmic glitch in gravity is responsible for current "<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/largest-computer-simulation-of-universe-s8-debate">cosmic tensions</a>." </p><p>This could include the reason that quantum theory gives a value for lambda that is a staggering factor of 10¹²¹ (10 followed by 120 zeroes) greater than astronomical observations seem to show (no wonder some physicists call it "the<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/38911-worst-theoretical-prediction-physics-history.html"> worst theoretical prediction in the history of physics</a>!"). </p><p>"This new model might just be the first clue in a cosmic puzzle we are starting to solve across space and time," Afshordi concluded.</p><p>The team research appears in the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1475-7516/2024/03/045" target="_blank">Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics</a>.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.space.com/cosmic-glitch-gravity-challenges-general-relativity-einstein</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Scientists think they've uncovered a cosmic "glitch" in gravity that could require a revision in Einstein's theory of general relativity. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">YrwpnvarzrZ9v4vW9VbP8K</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SK8FW9fy8MDtLEVaPnox8c.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 20:00:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[The Universe]]></category> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SK8FW9fy8MDtLEVaPnox8c.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[NASA, ESA, CSA and STScI]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[A view of space with lots of specks of light indicating galaxies and a few streaks representing lensed light.]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[A view of space with lots of specks of light indicating galaxies and a few streaks representing lensed light.]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Boeing Starliner spacecraft 'go' for 1st astronaut launch on May 6, NASA says ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA — The new Starliner spacecraft is "go" for its first-ever astronaut launch on Monday (May 6), Boeing and NASA officials announced today (May 3).</p><p>Barring bad weather or any last-minute technical issues, Starliner was cleared to send two veteran <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/38700-nasa-history.html">NASA</a> astronauts and former U.S. Navy test pilots to the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/16748-international-space-station.html">International Space Station</a> (ISS). On board this mission, known as Crew Flight Test (CFT), will be commander Barry "Butch" Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams.</p><p>The duo are completing last-minute training items and quarantining here at NASA's <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/17705-nasa-kennedy-space-center.html">Kennedy Space Center</a> ahead of their historic liftoff, which is scheduled for Mondauy at 10:34 p.m. EDT (0234 GMT on Tuesday, May 7) from Space Launch Complex 41 at <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/33926-cape-canaveral.html">Cape Canaveral Space Force Station</a>. Coverage will run live here on Space.com, via NASA Television.</p><p>"We had the launch readiness review, and everyone polled 'go' to proceed," Steve Stich, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, said during a press conference today.</p><p>CFT will not only be the first time that Boeing's <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/19367-boeing-cst-100.html">Starliner</a> carries astronauts, but also the first time that <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/united-launch-alliance.html">United Launch Alliance</a>'s (ULA) Atlas V rocket takes on that task. Rollout of the stacked rocket will take place tomorrow (May 4).</p><p><strong>Related:</strong> <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-simulators-nasa-lessons-learned">I flew Boeing's Starliner spacecraft in 4 different simulators. Here's what I learned (video, photos)</a></p><div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_1pBlaCO4_bQHItauA_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_1pBlaCO4_bQHItauA_div'></div></div></div></div><p>Pending the success of CFT, Boeing will join <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/18853-spacex.html">SpaceX</a> in sending operational, six-month-long crewed missions to the ISS. Both companies received commercial crew contracts from NASA in 2014, with Boeing's valued at $4.2 billion back then, compared to SpaceX's $2.6 billion. </p><p>SpaceX has since launched 12 crewed missions to the ISS, including a test flight in 2020, while Starliner's first crewed effort has been delayed by several issues. The Boeing vehicle's first uncrewed flight to the ISS, which launched in December 2019, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-oft-fails-to-reach-correct-orbit.html">failed to reach its destination</a> due to technical glitches. The pandemic, and the need to address the issues that arose on that first flight, delayed Starliner's second uncrewed test flight until May 2022. That effort was successful, reaching the ISS and meeting all of its other major objectives.</p><p>CFT was then slated to launch in 2023 — until <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-historic-1st-astronaut-mission-ready-launch">more critical issues</a> were uncovered, such as problems with the capsule's main parachutes and flammable tape on the capsule's wiring. These issues are behind the team, everyone has emphasized, and CFT is ready to go. If this first astronaut flight goes well, the debut operational crewed mission of Starliner should follow in 2025.</p><p>NASA and Boeing teams conducted a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-cleared-launch-crew-flight-test">flight readiness review</a> for CFT last week. That analysis identified two issues that required more attention: a valve needed to be replaced at the launch pad, and engineers wanted to further study contingency scenarios for the jettisoning of Starliner's forward heat shield during reentry to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/17683-earth-atmosphere.html">Earth's atmosphere</a>. </p><p>That work has now been completed to the teams' satisfaction, Stich said today.</p><p><strong>Related: </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/1st-boeing-starliner-astronauts-crew-flight-test-iss-launch-ready">1st Boeing Starliner astronauts are ready to launch to the ISS for NASA (exclusive)</a></p><div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">RELATED STORIES:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-1-week-before-launch-dress-rehearsal-astronauts">Boeing Starliner astronauts conduct dress rehearsal ahead of May 6 launch (photos, video)</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-spacecraft-private-astronaut-nasa-focus">Boeing's Starliner spacecraft will not fly private missions yet, officials say</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-nasa-astronaut-arrival-launch-site-webcast">'I'm sure we'll find things out': NASA astronauts fly to launch site for 1st crewed Boeing Starliner mission to ISS on May 6 (photos)</a></p></div></div><p>Starliner-1, the capsule's first operational mission, is slated to send three astronauts to the ISS: NASA's Mike Fincke (who is also serving as a CFT backup astronaut), alongside NASA's Scott Tingle and the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/22534-canadian-space-agency.html">Canadian Space Agency</a>'s Joshua Kutryk.</p><p>But that is pending the success of CFT, which will see Williams and Wilmore take manual control of the spacecraft numerous times, test emergency procedures for power-up and communications, and otherwise put the Starliner spacecraft through its paces for future missions.</p><p>The vision from NASA is for SpaceX's Dragon, Starliner and Russia's <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/40951-soyuz-spacecraft.html">Soyuz spacecraft</a> to continue sending astronaut crews to the ISS for the next several years. A selection of NASA astronauts continue to use Soyuz for policy and backup reasons, and Russia has committed to sending crews aloft until at least 2028. </p><p>While Starliner is not manifested for private missions yet, Boeing will fulfill something like six or seven missions for NASA during the nominal lifetime of ISS to 2030. A handful of private space stations are in the works, so there may still be destinations for Starliner, Dragon and Soyuz after the ISS retires.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.space.com/boeing-starliner-crew-flight-test-prelaunch-press-conference</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Two NASA astronauts, their spacecraft and rocket have been cleared for a historic 1st flight aboard Boeing's Starliner. Launch will take place no earlier than May 6. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">ryxhA7XM3DoueE4TUM2DvU</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SKs27W72D6HJ6GoCYvwDCQ.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 18:22:34 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Human Spaceflight]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ elizabeth.howell@futurenet.com (Elizabeth Howell) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SKs27W72D6HJ6GoCYvwDCQ.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[NASA/Robert Markowitz]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[two astronauts with spacesuits on in a simulator looking at a screen]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[two astronauts with spacesuits on in a simulator looking at a screen]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Long ago, a lake on Mars might have been sprawling with microbes ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>The Curiosity <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/mars-rovers.html"><u>Mars rover</u></a> has detected intriguing chemical evidence, in the form of anomalous amounts of manganese oxide, which points to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/47-mars-the-red-planet-fourth-planet-from-the-sun.html"><u>Mars</u></a> having had not only a habitable environment billions of years ago, but also one possibly inhabited by microbes.</p><p>NASA's Curiosity is <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/curiosity-mars-rover-best-images"><u>exploring the giant 154-kilometer (about 96-mile) diameter Gale crater</u></a>, where the rover landed in 2012. Curiosity's discoveries have already established that the crater was at least partially flooded long ago, although <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/curiosity-mars-rover-gale-crater-small-lakes"><u>the evidence for this has been contested</u></a>. However, the rover's latest findings not only strengthen the argument for an ancient lake, but also suggest that conditions within the lake were conducive to life.</p><p>The evidence is associated with the compound manganese oxide. <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/17963-mars-curiosity.html">Curiosity</a> first found small quantities of manganese oxide in Gale Crater in 2016, but now it has discovered much greater abundances of manganese oxide in sedimentary bedrocks of a mudstone geological unit called the Murray Formation. The Murray Formation is found on the flank of Mount Sharp in the middle of the crater.</p><p><strong>Related: </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/curiosity-ancient-water-stream-mars-rover">NASA's Curiosity Mars rover begins exploring possible dried-up Red Planet river</a> </p><div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_txDqhqPt_bQHItauA_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_txDqhqPt_bQHItauA_div'></div></div></div></div><p>The manganese oxide was identified by Curiosity's ChemCam instrument, which fires a laser at rocks that scientists wish to study. The laser heats a small patch of a rock's surface, thereby vaporizing it, which results in a small cloud of plasma that ChemCam's onboard camera and spectrometer can study from a distance to determine the ablated material's composition. ChemCam discovered mudstone that was enriched in manganese oxide by up to 45%.</p><p>On <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/54-earth-history-composition-and-atmosphere.html"><u>Earth</u></a>, manganese oxide is commonly found in lakebeds or river deltas where there are high oxidizing conditions. Furthermore, microbes that exist in those environments are able to help catalyze the oxidation process.</p><p>Usually, this process requires a steady stream of oxygen, which is in short supply on Mars. The previously discovered small amounts of manganese oxide found on Mars in 2016 can be <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/ancient-mars-atmosphere-no-oxygen"><u>explained without significant quantities of oxygen</u></a>, but the large abundances discovered in the Murray Formation are another matter entirely. To reach such abundances, the oxidation process would require a significant amount of oxygen.</p><p>"It is difficult for manganese oxide to form on the surface of Mars, so we didn't expect to find it in such high concentrations in a shoreline deposit," said lead researcher Patrick Gasda of the Los Alamos National Laboratory in a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://discover.lanl.gov/news/0501-ancient-mars/" target="_blank"><u>statement</u></a>. "On Mars, we don't have evidence for life, and the mechanism to produce oxygen in Mars' ancient atmosphere is unclear, so how the manganese oxide was formed and concentrated here is really puzzling."</p><p>One clue is in the nature of the mudstone sediments that the manganese oxide was found in. The rocks enriched in manganese oxide were found at a location between two geological units in the Murray Formation. One unit is nicknamed Sutton Island and seems to represent sediments laid down at the edge of a lake; the other, nicknamed Blunts Point, would have been deeper in the lake.</p><p>The manganese-oxide-enriched mudstone is coarser, with larger grains than bedrock elsewhere in the crater where only small abundances of the compound have been discovered. This supports the theory that the Sutton Island/Blunts Point region is either the site of an ancient river delta that once emptied into the lake, or a shoreline of the lake, both of which represent locations where larger-grained sediments would have been preferentially laid down. The larger grains would have contributed to forming a more porous bedrock than the fine-grained mudstone seen elsewhere in Gale Crater — mudstone that is presumably from much deeper in the lake. This porosity would have allowed groundwater to pass through more freely. The manganese could have percolated out of this groundwater as it passed through the coarse-grained mudstone, the scientists say, thus becoming concentrated within the rocks. Where the oxygen came from to oxidize it, however, remains a puzzle.</p><p>"These findings point to larger processes occurring in the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/16903-mars-atmosphere-climate-weather.html"><u>Martian atmosphere</u></a> or surface water and show that more work needs to be done to understand oxidation on Mars," said Gasda.</p><div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">Related Stories:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/mars-water-ice-equator-frozen-ocean">Water ice buried at Mars' equator is over 2 miles thick</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/mars-water-gullies-climate-change">Water on Mars carved deep gullies and left a 'great puzzle' for Red Planet history</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/mars-chaos-terrain-mud-lake-signs-of-life">A mud lake on Mars might be hiding signs of life in chaotic terrain</a></p></div></div><p>The presence of manganese oxide also bolsters the possibility that microbial life could have existed within the lake. Not only can microbes catalyze the oxidation of manganese, but they are also potentially able to use manganese's many oxidation states as a source of chemical energy for their metabolisms, as microbes do on Earth. In other words, in a way, the abundance of manganese oxide is perhaps an indirect <em>biosignature</em>.</p><p>"The Gale lake environment, as revealed by these ancient rocks, gives us a window into a habitable environment that looks surprisingly similar to places on Earth today," said Los Alamos' Nina Lanza, who is the Principal Investigator for ChemCam. "Manganese minerals are common in the shallow, oxic waters found on lake shores on Earth, and it's remarkable to find such recognizable features on ancient Mars."</p><p>The findings were published on May 1 in the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023JE007923" target="_blank"><u>Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets</u></a>.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.space.com/lake-mars-microbes-ancient-red-planet-curiosity-rover</link> <description> <![CDATA[ The presence of manganese oxide on Mars has positive implications in the search for life beyond Earth. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">AuArc4HUC2noVSXk3PYZmU</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/w96uugPSVezmpYsBgVcNdE.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 18:00:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Mars]]></category> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/w96uugPSVezmpYsBgVcNdE.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[NASA/JPL–Caltech/MSSS/USGS]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[A dull yellow-tinted, rocky terrain blown with dust, as the sky in the distance matches the ground's dusty tones.]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[A dull yellow-tinted, rocky terrain blown with dust, as the sky in the distance matches the ground's dusty tones.]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Celebrate Lego Star Wars Day with 20% off the Millennium Falcon ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Star Wars Day is upon us (May 4) so May the fourth be with you. If you're a fan of the drama from a galaxy far, far away, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Wars-Skywalker-Millennium/dp/B07Q2TQ48F/ref=sr_1_5?th=1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">you can save 20% on the Lego Millennium Falcon</a> and celebrate the big day in style.</p><p><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Wars-Skywalker-Millennium/dp/B07Q2TQ48F/ref=sr_1_5?th=1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em><strong>Lego Millennium Falcon is now 20% off</strong></em></a><em><strong> and the lowest price it's been this year on Amazon.</strong></em></p><p>This set features 1351 pieces and is more than just an iconic look. It's a great display model but it comes with playable features like spring-loaded shooters, an opening cockpit and fan-favorite minifigures including C3P0, R2-D2, Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian. In our <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/lego-star-wars-millennium-falcon-75257-review">Lego Millennium Falcon review</a>, we found this set looks awesome on a shelf, and was fun and surprisingly quick to build. We think this set is a great way to treat yourself for or to celebrate Star Wars Day.</p><p>With May 4 all but here, we've got a round-up of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/lego-star-wars-day-2024-sale">exclusive deals Lego is offering</a> to celebrate, as well as more general round-ups of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/lego-star-wars-deals">Lego Star Wars deals</a> and the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/best-lego-star-wars-sets">best Lego Star Wars sets</a> currently available. </p><hr><div class="product"><a data-dimension112="d35a6eff-f5c1-4915-8f6e-9d7fe8caadd9" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon was $169.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon was $169.99" data-dimension25="$135.99" href="https://www.amazon.com/Leica-10x42-Noctivid-Binocular-Degree/dp/B01M29WGM9/ref=sr_1_19?crid=29IDB694FGGV7&keywords=leica+binoculars&qid=1700563378&sprefix=leica+binocula%2Caps%2C254&sr=8-19" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><figure class="van-image-figure " ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1500px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:99.93%;"><img id="CDAUJ38FC2h5CxyTMnnm45" name="Lego Millennium Falcon.jpg" caption="" alt="" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CDAUJ38FC2h5CxyTMnnm45.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1500" height="1499" attribution="" endorsement="" credit="" class=""></p></div></div></figure></a><p><strong>Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon </strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leica-10x42-Noctivid-Binocular-Degree/dp/B01M29WGM9/ref=sr_1_19?crid=29IDB694FGGV7&keywords=leica+binoculars&qid=1700563378&sprefix=leica+binocula%2Caps%2C254&sr=8-19" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="d35a6eff-f5c1-4915-8f6e-9d7fe8caadd9" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon was $169.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon was $169.99" data-dimension25="$135.99"><del>was $169.99</del><strong> now $135.99 at Amazon</strong></a><strong>. </strong></p><p><strong>Save 20% </strong>on this excellent Lego Star Wars set that offers 1351 pieces and an iconic ship that looks great and features numerous playable options including minifigures, spring-loaded shooters, rotating turrets and an opening cockpit. As it's a fun and swift build, it's a great way to celebrate Star Wars Day or even a top option to treat yourself on the big day.<a class="view-deal button" href="https://www.amazon.com/Leica-10x42-Noctivid-Binocular-Degree/dp/B01M29WGM9/ref=sr_1_19?crid=29IDB694FGGV7&keywords=leica+binoculars&qid=1700563378&sprefix=leica+binocula%2Caps%2C254&sr=8-19" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" data-dimension112="d35a6eff-f5c1-4915-8f6e-9d7fe8caadd9" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon was $169.99" data-dimension48="Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon was $169.99" data-dimension25="$135.99">View Deal</a></p></div><hr><p>Of course, if you don't want to build this set this weekend (Amazon says <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Star-Wars-Skywalker-Millennium/dp/B07Q2TQ48F/ref=sr_1_5?th=1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">it can be delivered on May 4</a>) it is still a top treat for anyone age nine or over who thinks they can build the Millennium Falcon in under 12 parsecs. It's also considerably cheaper than the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/lego-star-wars-ucs-millennium-falcon-75192">mammoth UCS model</a>, which is 7541 pieces, so you don't have to part with as many credits. </p><p>So why get this set for the big day? Well, it's one of the most iconic ships/vehicles in cinematic history and as a Lego set, it looks awesome. With nearly 1500 Lego pieces, there's plenty to build. It measures 5 x 17 x 12 inches (14 x 44 x 32 centimeters) so it cuts an impressive figure. If that isn't enough, it also features two spring-loaded shooters, a lowering ramp, an opening cockpit, rotating turrets and internal details like a rotating chair and a smuggling compartment.</p><p>This is a well-rounded set that will suit a wide range of Lego Star Wars fans and is now 20% off. </p><p><strong>Key Specs: </strong>Rotating turrets, spring-loaded shooters, opening cockpit, lowering ramp, minifigures of Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian, C3P0, R2-D2 (and more) and 1351 pieces to build. It measures at 5 x 17 x 12 inches (14 x 44 x 32 centimeters).</p><p><strong>Consensus: </strong>It's a well-rounded Lego set and a great option if you're looking to either build or at least bag your next set for Star Wars Day, it looks great and it has playable features. It's also a fun and fairly swift build, so you won't get bogged down by the near-1500 pieces.</p><p><strong>Buy if: </strong>You want to celebrate Star Wars Day with an iconic ship or you don't want to break the bank like you might have to for the UCS model.</p><p><strong>Don't buy if: </strong>You're a collector who wants to get stuck into something that will take days, if not, weeks to build.</p><p><em>Check out our roundups of the best discounts and deals on </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/15693-telescopes-beginners-telescope-reviews-buying-guide.html"><em>telescopes</em></a><em>, </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/26021-best-binoculars.html"><em>binoculars</em></a><em>, </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/best-cameras"><em>cameras</em></a><em>, </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/best-star-projectors"><em>star projectors</em></a><em>, </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/best-drones"><em>drones</em></a><em>, </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/best-lego-space-sets"><em>Lego</em></a><em> and much more.</em></p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.space.com/lego-star-wars-day-2024-millennium-falcon-early-deal</link> <description> <![CDATA[ The 1351-piece Lego Millennium Falcon is now 20% off on Amazon and it can be delivered on Star Wars Day, so you can celebrate in style. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">Ux67numZemAA5mZ5rYVDnf</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/swSxcRYdrigU2iBt4hJtfC.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 17:12:36 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Space Games & Toys]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ acox@space.com (Alexander Cox) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/swSxcRYdrigU2iBt4hJtfC.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Future]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon_side]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon_side]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ The 2024 Humans to Mars Summit is happening next week ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>The annual Humans to Mars Summit takes place this week, bringing together members of the international space community to discuss a common goal of establishing a sustainable and permanent human presence on the Red Planet. </p><p>Attendees will gather in Washington, D.C. for the 2024 Humans to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/47-mars-the-red-planet-fourth-planet-from-the-sun.html"><u>Mars</u></a> Summit (H2M), hosted by the nonprofit organization Explore Mars. The conference, which people can attend both in-person and online, begins on Tuesday (May 7), kicking off with a panel on the innovation that will make it possible to get people to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/55-earths-moon-formation-composition-and-orbit.html"><u>the moon</u></a> and Mars. </p><p>"Over the past decade, H2M has been and remains the most successful conference focused on a sustainable human presence on Mars," Chris Carberry, Explore Mars' CEO, said in a statement for this year's registration, which can be found <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2024-humans-to-mars-summit-registration-633555681097?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank"><u>online here</u></a>. "This year we are restructuring the event to maximize the in-person as well as the online experience of the week's events."</p><p><strong>Related: </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/24701-how-long-does-it-take-to-get-to-mars.html"><u>How long does it take to get to Mars?</u></a></p><div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_iOxBNZim_bQHItauA_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_iOxBNZim_bQHItauA_div'></div></div></div></div><p>The <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.exploremars.org/summit/"><u>H2M summit</u></a>, taking place at the Jack Morton Auditorium at George Washington University, features a list of speakers talking about accomplishments in space exploration, plans to launch astronauts to the Red Planet by the mid-2030s, and the challenges that may be faced in achieving that goal. </p><p>"As we stand on the brink of a new era of interplanetary exploration, the 2024 Humans to Mars Summit is not merely an event," J.R. Edwards, Explore Mars' president, said in the statement. "We know that exploration and our instinctive curiosity for what lies beyond drives discovery, innovation [and] new technologies and improves <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/54-earth-history-composition-and-atmosphere.html"><u>life on Earth</u></a>." </p><p>The summit agenda features speakers from various space industries, including NASA, the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/22562-european-space-agency.html"><u>European Space Agency</u></a>, the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/22672-japan-aerospace-exploration-agency.html"><u>Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency</u></a>, Lockheed Martin, Collins Aerospace, the Planetary Society, Virgin Galactic and Raytheon Technologies. The summit will be attended by students, innovators, authors and other STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) professionals. </p><div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">RELATED STORIES:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/47-mars-the-red-planet-fourth-planet-from-the-sun.html">Mars: Everything you need to know about the Red Planet</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/13558-historic-mars-missions.html">Mars missions: A brief history</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/intuitive-machines-odysseus-moon-lander-broken-leg">Private Odysseus moon lander broke a leg during historic touchdown (new photos)</a></p></div></div><p>Registration for both days costs $495 plus a $30.09 booking fee, while registration for a single day costs $300 plus a $19.27 fee. Students can attend the two-day summit for $125.00 plus a $9.55 fee. There are additional events available for pre-registration at varying costs, including the Great Scotch Whisky Taste-Off, a coffee networking session, book signings, a visit to Capitol Hill and the closing ceremony. And those who are unable to attend can watch a recap of the events on ExploreMars' <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ExploreMarsOrg" target="_blank"><u>YouTube channel</u></a>.</p><p>"It is imperative that we achieve a shared vision and consensus among all stakeholders, ensuring that our journey to Mars embodies the very tenets of equality, diversity, and sustainability that ExploreMars.Org holds dear," Edwards said. "This summit represents a commitment, a promise that, as we take these monumental steps, we do so responsibly, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for all of humanity."</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.space.com/humans-to-mars-summit-2024</link> <description> <![CDATA[ The annual Humans to Mars Summit takes place next week, with talks focusing on establishing a sustainable and permanent human presence on the Red Planet by the mid-2030s. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">PUtqRSXyLowjnun3UmetH</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xwWenJ52QVYvSGhELhBLCM.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 17:00:03 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Mars]]></category> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xwWenJ52QVYvSGhELhBLCM.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[NASA]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[illustration of two astronauts in white spacesuits drilling for water ice on the surface of mars]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[illustration of two astronauts in white spacesuits drilling for water ice on the surface of mars]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Did the James Webb Space Telescope really find life beyond Earth? Scientists aren't so sure ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Recent reports of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detecting signs of life of a distant planet outside the solar system are, unfortunately, somewhat premature. That's the conclusion of research conducted by scientists from the University of California Riverside (UCR). </p><p>While likely to disappoint all of us eager for the confirmation of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/alien-life-search.html">extraterrestrial life</a>, however, it doesn't mean the JWST won't find traces of life in the atmosphere of an extrasolar planet, or "<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/17738-exoplanets.html">exoplanet</a>," in the future.</p><p>The recent excitement around the potential detection of life signs on an exoplanet started in 2023 when the JWST detected potential "biosignature" elements in the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-exoplanet-atmosphere-carbon-dioxide-methane">atmosphere of the exoplanet K2-18 b</a>, a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/30231-super-earth.html">super-Earth</a> located around 120 light-years from Earth. </p><p>Though many <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/10-super-extreme-exoplanets">exoplanets are extreme</a>, violent or at least "alien" in nature — whether they're blasted by intense radiation from their stars, lack a solid surface or are frozen relics at the edge of their systems — K2-18 b was a tantalizing target in the search for life because it is rather similar to our planet.</p><p><strong>Related: </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-wasp-43b-weather">James Webb Space Telescope forecasts clouds of melted rock on this blisteringly hot exoplanet</a></p><div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_E83zi4uX_bQHItauA_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_E83zi4uX_bQHItauA_div'></div></div></div></div><h2 id="an-earth-like-ocean-world-2">An Earth-like ocean world</h2><p>K2-18 b is between two and three times the width of Earth with 8.6 times the mass of our planet. It's also located in the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/goldilocks-zone-habitable-area-life">habitable zone</a> of its star, the region neither too hot nor too cold to support liquid water. The exoplanet is thus theorized to be an ocean, or "<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/new-class-habitable-exoplanets-hycean-worlds">hycean" world</a>, replete with liquid water — a vital ingredient for life as we know it. Unlike Earth, however, the atmosphere of this exoplanet seems to be mainly hydrogen rather than nitrogen. </p><p>"This planet gets almost the same amount of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/sun-blasts-highest-energy-radiation-ever-recorded-raising-questions-solar-physics">solar radiation</a> as Earth. And if atmosphere is removed as a factor, K2-18 b has a temperature close to Earth's, which is also an ideal situation in which to find life," team member and UCR project scientist Shang-Min Tsai said in a statement.</p><p>The key takeaway from the 2023 investigation of K2-18 b, conducted by University of Cambridge scientists using the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/21925-james-webb-space-telescope-jwst.html">James Webb Space Telescope</a>, was the discovery of carbon dioxide and methane. These molecules were detected without traces of ammonia, which indicated that this should indeed be a hycean world with a vast ocean under a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. But there was also the hint of something else — something very exciting.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1343px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.37%;"><img id="z6uEJdGupP7MdjCzPAxADK" name="Screenshot 2024-05-03 121317.png" alt="An illustration of a vast ocean with a red sky above. A bright star is seen in the sky." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/z6uEJdGupP7MdjCzPAxADK.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1343" height="757" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">An illustration of what the view from K2-18 b could look like. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: AI generated by Shang-Min Tsai/UCR))</span></figcaption></figure><p>"What was icing on the cake, in terms of the search for life, is that last year these researchers reported a tentative detection of dimethyl sulfide, or DMS, in the atmosphere of that planet, which is produced by ocean phytoplankton on Earth," Tsai said. That means if DMS is accumulating to detectable levels, there must be something on K2-18 b, possibly a lifeform, producing it at 20 times the rate found on Earth.</p><h2 id="there-apos-s-icing-on-the-super-earth-cake-but-can-we-eat-it-2">There's icing on the super-Earth cake, but can we eat it?</h2><p>Because the detection of DMS was inconclusive, however, even the team leader of the investigation, University of Cambridge scientist Nikku Madhusudhan, urged caution with regard to the discovery of DMS. He said future JWST observations would be needed to confirm its presence in the atmosphere of K2-18 b — but not everyone got the memo. </p><p>However, that inconclusive nature of the DMS detection also prompted the UCR team to follow up on the detection.</p><p>"The DMS signal from the JWST was not very strong and only showed up in certain ways when analyzing the data," Tsai said. "We wanted to know if we could be sure of what seemed like a hint about DMS."</p><p>What this second team found with computer models accounting for hydrogen-based atmospheres and for the physics and chemistry of DMS was the original data was unlikely to point to the detection of DMS. "The signal strongly overlaps with methane, and we think that picking out DMS from methane is beyond this instrument's capability," Tsai said. </p><p>That means the JWST will need to look at the world with instruments other than the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-1st-instrument-ready">NIRISS (Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph)</a> and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-nirspec-spectrograph-science">NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph) </a>used to conduct the initial investigation that detected hints of DMS. Fortunately, Madhusudhan's team is continuing to observe K2–18 b with the JWST's other primary instrument, the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/james-webb-telescope-miri-instrument-returns-science-mode">MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument)</a>, as the researchers gather more intel about the environmental conditions on the exoplanet. </p><p>"The best <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/31519-alien-life-hunt-biosignatures-exoplanet-atmospheres.html">biosignatures on an exoplanet</a> may differ significantly from those we find most abundant on Earth today," team leader and UCR astrobiologist Eddie Schwieterman said. "On a planet with a<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/alien-life-could-survive-hydrogen-rich-exoplanet-atmosphere.html"> hydrogen-rich atmosphere</a>, we may be more likely to find DMS made by life instead of oxygen made by plants and bacteria as on Earth."</p><div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">RELATED STORIES:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-supernova-wreckage-neutron-star">James Webb Space Telescope spots neutron star hiding in supernova wreckage</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text">—<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-detects-earliest-cosmic-web-strand">James Webb telescope detects the earliest strand in the 'cosmic web' ever seen</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-earendel-most-distant-star">James Webb Space Telescope glimpses Earendel, the most distant star known in the universe</a></p></div></div><p>Is this slight disappointment a setback for scientists searching the cosmos for signs of life? Not a chance — nor does it overshadow the initial investigation's importance as a step forward in our understanding of hycean worlds, some of the most promising targets in that search.</p><p>"Why do we keep exploring the cosmos for signs of life?" Tsai asked rhetorically. "Imagine you’re camping in Joshua Tree at night, and you hear something. Your instinct is to shine a light to see what's out there. That's what we're doing too, in a way."</p><p>The new study discussing these findings was published on May 2 in <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad3801" target="_blank">The Astrophysical Journal Letters.</a></p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-life-earth-exoplanet-study</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Despite excitement last year, the James Webb Space Telescope probably hasn't detected life on a distant super-Earth exoplanet with life signs detected on potential ocean world K2-18 b likely premature. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">5ZijsbhaVkDSfmMA4rdkWJ</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8gyn65REk8wUwFrnUk9LV9.png" type="image/png" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 16:30:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[James Webb Space Telescope]]></category> <media:content type="image/png" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8gyn65REk8wUwFrnUk9LV9.png"> <media:credit><![CDATA[NASA/CSA/ESA/J. Olmsted (STScI))]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[A blue orb is in the foreground and a red one in the background. Both are in space.]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[A blue orb is in the foreground and a red one in the background. Both are in space.]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Eta Aquarid meteor shower peak could spawn over 100 'shooting stars' per hour this weekend ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>It has been 38 years since Halley's Comet last passed through the inner solar system. This famous comet takes roughly 75 years to circle the sun. But if you're 42 years old or younger, you probably have little or no memory of the 1986 appearance of this famous cosmic vagabond (your next chance will come in the summer of 2061). </p><p>Or maybe, if you were around back then, you didn't see Halley at all because of light pollution or the comet's low altitude above the horizon. If you missed out on the 1986 event, or don't want to wait until 2061, you might want to step outside before sunrise during these next few mornings and try to catch a view of some "cosmic litter" that has been left behind in space by <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/19878-halleys-comet.html">Halley's Comet</a>. </p><p>The orbit of Halley's Comet closely approaches the Earth's orbit at two places. One point is in the middle to latter part of October, producing a meteor display known as the Orionids. The other point comes in the early part of May, producing the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/36502-eta-aquarid-meteor-shower-guide.html">Eta Aquarid meteors</a>. </p><p><strong>Related: </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/39469-best-meteor-showers.html">Meteor showers 2024: When is the next one?</a></p><div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_JcAHPb9v_bQHItauA_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_JcAHPb9v_bQHItauA_div'></div></div></div></div><h2 id="when-and-where-to-watch-2">When and where to watch</h2><p>This year, the Eta Aquarid meteor shower is predicted to be at its best on Sunday morning, May 5, when the moon is a very thin (8% illuminated) waning crescent and safely out of harm's way to cause any disruption to visibility. </p><p>This mid-spring meteor display remains above one-quarter of its peak strength for about 10 days. And the 2024 version of this shower is also anticipated to provide a higher number of meteors than usual. More on that in a moment. </p><p>This is the best meteor shower of the year for those living in the Southern Hemisphere, typically yielding hourly rates of 60 or more. </p><p>There is, however, a bit of a drawback if you plan to watch for these <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/meteor-showers-shooting-stars.html">meteors</a> from north of the equator. The radiant (the point from which these meteors appear to originate in the sky) is found at the "Water Jar" asterism of the constellation <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/21511-aquarius-constellation-facts-about-the-water-bearer.html">Aquarius</a>, which comes above the southeast horizon at around 3 a.m. local daylight time, and never gets very high as seen from north temperate latitudes. </p><p>That means the actual observed rates are usually lower than the oft-quoted 60 per hour; closer to 10 to 20 per hour at around latitude 40-degrees north (Philadelphia) to perhaps 20 to 40 per hour near latitude 25-degrees north (Brownsville, TX). </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1894px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:54.07%;"><img id="hnM8fijMQCMv6eTpLXe2YU" name="May05b-2024 after midnight - Eta-Aquariids Meteor Shower Peak 2.jpg" alt="A low, dim grassy landscape rests beneath a busy night sky, crowned in the glow of the milky way. near the center of the horizon, a point is labeled, "Eta Aquarids," from which several teal lines jet outward in all directions. other stars in the sky are connected by blue lines to indicate constellation shapes." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hnM8fijMQCMv6eTpLXe2YU.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1894" height="1024" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">An illustration of the night sky at 5 a.m. ET on Sunday (May 5) showing Eta Aquarid meteors originating from the Aquarius constellation. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night)</span></figcaption></figure><h2 id="enhanced-activity-in-2024-2">Enhanced activity in 2024?</h2><p>According to the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://secure.rasc.ca/store/product/observer-amp-039-s-handbook-2024-usa-edition" target="_blank">2024 Observer's Handbook of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada</a>, this year's Eta Aquarids are "expected to show a noticeable outburst" from meteoroids ejected from Halley's comet about 2,500 years ago. </p><p>In a technical paper published in the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.semanticscholar.org/reader/150c52fbb2f1a364b291a2f21f19e08594db3d0e" target="_blank"><u>August 11, 2020 issue of the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics</u><u><em>,</em></u></a> astronomer Auriane Egal and four colleagues from the University of Western Ontario, present a new numerical model of the Eta Aquarid and Orionid meteor showers (referred to in the paper as the "Halleyids" meteor showers). </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="crcrk2Vo33EdYJdyZcnP4H" name="eta aquarid meteor shower.jpg" alt="a streak of light zooms among the stars in the night sky" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/crcrk2Vo33EdYJdyZcnP4H.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">The Eta Aquarid meteor shower as seen from Babcock Wildlife Refuge, Florida on May 22, 2016. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Getty Images)</span></figcaption></figure><div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">BEST CAMERAS FOR ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><figure class="van-image-figure " ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' ><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="9hB5DgDED77sAKgSRnUJ3j" name="Nikon-d850-product-shot.jpg" caption="" alt="The Nikon D850 DSLR" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9hB5DgDED77sAKgSRnUJ3j.jpg" mos="" link="" align="" fullscreen="" width="" height="" attribution="" endorsement="" class="pinterest-pin-exclude"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=""><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Nikon)</span></figcaption></figure><p class="fancy-box__body-text">If you're looking for a good camera for meteor showers and astrophotography, our <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/nikon-d850-review">top pick is the Nikon D850</a>. </p></div></div><p>According to Dr. Egal and her colleagues, material that was shed by Halley's Comet, primarily in 983 B.C., with several smaller particle ejections from the 1058 B.C., 835 B.C. and 314 B.C. comet apparitions, augmented by close interactions of these meteoroids with the gravitational pull of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/7-jupiter-largest-planet-solar-system.html">Jupiter</a>, should lead to enhanced Eta Aquarid activity in 2024. </p><p>Earth is expected to pass closest to this "rubble river" at around 13:30 UT on May 5. Unfortunately, it will be daylight over Europe and North America, but it is hoped that noticeable enhanced activity might last for perhaps a few days on either side of this predicted peak. </p><p>The number of meteors that may be seen might be as much as <em>two or three times the normal rate</em> for the 2024 Eta Aquarids. In their paper, Egal et al write that this year's outburst could produce "from 120 to 160 meteors per hour, with a 30% confidence on the predicted rates."</p><h2 id="catch-an-earthgrazer-2">Catch an Earthgrazer</h2><p>For most who live at mid-northern latitudes, perhaps your best hope is not necessarily to see a large number of meteors, but rather to catch a glimpse of a meteor emerging from the Eta Aquarid radiant that will skim <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/17683-earth-atmosphere.html">Earth's atmosphere</a> horizontally — much like a bug skimming the side window of an automobile. Meteor watchers call such shooting stars "Earthgrazers." They tend to leave colorful, long-lasting trails. </p><p>"These meteors are extremely long," says Robert Lunsford, of the International Meteor Organization. "They tend to hug the horizon rather than shooting overhead where most cameras are aimed." </p><p>"Earthgrazers are rarely numerous," cautions Bill Cooke, a member of the Space Environments team at the Marshall Space Flight Center. "But even if you only see a few, you're likely to remember them." </p><p>With the prediction of enhanced activity on the table for Sunday (May 5), you might have a better chance of seeing more than a few Earthgrazers in the hour or two prior to the first light of dawn. If you plan to look, try settling down on a long lounge or deck-chair, dress warmly and concentrate on that area of the sky from overhead and down toward the southeast. Consider also trying again on Monday morning (May 6) if your local skies are clear. </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="p6PTwDn3RMHR9sSDC2CdcX" name="eta aquarid meteor halleys comet.jpg" alt="a streak of green light passes in front of background stars in the night sky" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/p6PTwDn3RMHR9sSDC2CdcX.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">View of star trails and a meteor from the Eta Aquarids meteor shower of 2020 as seen from Cordoba, Argentina at its peak on May 6, 2020. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus)</span></figcaption></figure><h2 id="comet-crumbs-2">Comet crumbs</h2><p>If you do catch sight of an Earthgrazer early on those mornings, keep in mind that you'll likely be seeing the incandescent streak produced by material which originated from the nucleus of Halley's Comet. When these tiny comet crumbs — likely no larger than a grain of sand or a pebble — collide with Earth, friction with our atmosphere raises them to white heat and produces the effect popularly referred to as "shooting stars." </p><p>So it is that the shooting stars that we have come to call the Eta Aquarids are really an encounter with the traces of a famous visitor from the depths of space and from the dawn of creation.</p><p><em><strong>Editor's note:</strong></em><em> If you snap an amazing Eta Aquarid meteor shower photo that you'd like to share with us and our news partners for a possible story or image gallery, send images and comments to us at </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="mailto:spacephotos@space.com"><em>spacephotos@space.com</em></a><em>. </em></p><p><em>Joe Rao serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.amnh.org/our-research/hayden-planetarium" target="_blank"><u>Hayden Planetarium</u></a><em>. He writes about astronomy for </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="http://www.naturalhistorymag.com/" target="_blank"><u>Natural History magazine</u></a><em>, the </em><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.farmersalmanac.com/" target="_blank"><u>Farmers' Almanac</u></a><em> and other publications. </em> </p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.space.com/eta-aquarid-meteor-shower-2024-peak-halleys-comet</link> <description> <![CDATA[ The Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks on May 5, and this year looks favorable for a good light show put on by bits of Halley's Comet as they burn up in Earth's atmosphere. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">MaDRbo3vDpfHYQWknzCZ7U</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZWskdHMSGyYspAATEmTD64.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 16:00:36 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Stargazing]]></category> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZWskdHMSGyYspAATEmTD64.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Diana Robinson Photography/Getty Images]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[a streak of green light zooms across the night sky above a lake]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[a streak of green light zooms across the night sky above a lake]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace' returns to theaters for its 25th anniversary today ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <div class="youtube-video" data-nosnippet ><div class="video-aspect-box"><iframe data-lazy-priority="low" data-lazy-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W4b2gRUiyNs" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div><p>Check your midichlorian counts, gas up your fastest podracers and prepare for the triumphant theatrical return of "<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/george-lucas-star-wars-the-phantom-menace-20th-anniversary-message.html">Star Wars: The Phantom Menace</a>" beginning on May 3, 2024 in celebration of the polarizing prequel's big 25th anniversary bash.</p><p>Written and directed by mastermind <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-45th-anniversary">George Lucas</a>, "The Phantom Menace" arrived on the big screen on May 19, 1999 with unrivaled hype and a storm of media attention. It was the first journey back to the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-movies-in-order">galaxy far, far away</a> since the conclusion of the original trilogy with 1983’s "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" sixteen years earlier.</p><p>This initial episode entry, in what came to be known as the prequel trilogy, presented characters new an old in the form of Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), young Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), Queen Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), the evil Darth Sidious (Ian McDiarmid), the horned Dathomirian Darth Maul (Ray Park), Jedi Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson), and the goofy lop-eared Gungan called Jar-Jar Binks (Ahmed Best).</p> <p>Here's the official re-release synopsis:</p><p>"Experience the heroic action and unforgettable adventures of 'Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.' See the first fateful steps in the journey of Anakin Skywalker. Stranded on the desert planet Tatooine after rescuing young Queen Amidala from the impending invasion of Naboo, Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn discover nine-year-old Anakin, who is unusually strong in the Force. </p><p>Anakin wins a thrilling podrace and with it his freedom as he leaves his home to be trained as a Jedi. The heroes return to Naboo where Anakin and the Queen face massive invasion forces while the two Jedi contend with a deadly foe named Darth Maul. Only then do they realize the invasion is merely the first step in a sinister scheme by the re-emergent forces of darkness known as the Sith." </p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:731px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:147.74%;"><img id="uTnDjWtiiAN5BLcscvioxB" name="phantom-menace-ferguson-onesheet-withacolyte_594ea745.jpg" alt="space warriors wield lightsabers with an evil alien face overhead" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uTnDjWtiiAN5BLcscvioxB.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="731" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">Artist Matt Ferguson's 25th anniversary poster for "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Disney/Lucasfilm)</span></figcaption></figure><div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">RELATED STORIES:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-novel-the-living-force-excerpt">Jedi Masters battle space pirates in new 'Star Wars' novel 'The Living Force' (exclusive excerpt)</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text"> — <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-the-acolyte-1st-trailer">The dark side of the Force rises in 1st 'Star Wars: The Acolyte' trailer (video)</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/star-wars-darth-maul-black-white-red-comic-anthology">'Star Wars' fan-favorite Sith returns in 'Darth Maul: Black, White & Red'</a></p></div></div><p>Whether this installment in the "Star Wars" saga is your favorite of all time or one that still feels disjointed and disappointing, there's no denying the dynamic surge of adrenalin felt during the Tatooine podracing sequence and the sonic power of composer John Williams' operatic score, especially his "Duel of the Fates" track for the electrifying Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Darth Maul lightsaber battle.</p><p>As an added bonus, fans will also gain an extended look at "Star Wars: The Acolyte," coming to Disney+ June 4, 2024, following the 25th anniversary film presentation.</p><p>"Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" races back into theaters starting May 3, 2024.</p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.space.com/star-wars-phantom-menace-theaters-25th-anniversary</link> <description> <![CDATA[ This special limited engagement of 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace' beginning on May 3 includes an early look at the upcoming Disney+ series 'The Acolyte.' ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">TVHdrpmSA6FmH83nXs3kWR</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/46yMcg6RLeAYGokCWGLCnh.jpg" type="image/jpeg" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Space Movies & Shows]]></category> <author><![CDATA[ stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry) ]]></author> <media:content type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/46yMcg6RLeAYGokCWGLCnh.jpg"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Disney/Lucasfilm]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[Space knights with lightsabers, a galactic queen, and spaceships battling overhead]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[Space knights with lightsabers, a galactic queen, and spaceships battling overhead]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[ Citizen scientists find remarkable exoplanet, name it after Harry Potter character ]]></title> <dc:content><![CDATA[ <p>Citizen scientists searching through data collected by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) have discovered a record-breaking world, and gave it a memorable nickname to match: Percival, after the father of Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books.</p><p>In more official terms, however, the extrasolar planet, or "<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/17738-exoplanets.html">exoplanet</a>," is designated TOI 4633 c.</p><p>But there is more to Percival than its association with the Dumbledores. The planet, which is around three times the size of Earth, orbits TOI 4633 A, a sun-sized star in a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/22509-binary-stars.html">binary system</a> located around 309 light-years from Earth. The world also happens to sit in that star's habitable zone, a region with temperatures neither too hot nor too cold to allow liquid water to exist, hence its other moniker: The "<a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/goldilocks-zone-habitable-area-life">Goldilocks zone</a>."</p><p>That's why Percival is so special. Not only is it serendipitously in the Goldilocks zone, but scientists also believe planets are half as likely to form in systems with more than one star. And that's not all.</p><p><strong>Related: </strong><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/nasa-tess-rogue-planet-candidate-first-time">NASA's TESS exoplanet hunter may have spotted its 1st rogue planet</a></p><div class='jwplayer__widthsetter'><div class='jwplayer__wrapper'><div id='futr_botr_TDtFLUUf_bQHItauA_div' class='future__jwplayer'><div id='botr_TDtFLUUf_bQHItauA_div'></div></div></div></div><p>Additionally, Percival appears to have the most elongated orbit of its planetary category, namely <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/milky-way-mini-neptune-forecast-cloudy-clear">Neptune-like planets</a>. The exoplanet also has the second-longest orbit found in all <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/39939-tess-satellite-exoplanet-hunter.html">TESS </a>data thus far, and is one of just five worlds with orbits longer than 100 days that the NASA exoplanet-hunting spacecraft has spotted since it launched to space in 2018.</p><p>"This planet is remarkable in many aspects," Nora Eisner of the Center for Computational Astrophysics and principal investigator of Planet Hunters TESS, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.simonsfoundation.org/2024/04/30/citizen-scientists-help-discover-record-breaking-exoplanet-in-binary-star-system/">said in a statement.</a> "It's remarkable in its orbit, it's remarkable for being in the habitable zone and it's remarkable for orbiting a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/10928-star-brightness-skywatching-tips.html">bright star</a>."</p><h2 id="what-do-we-know-about-this-magical-star-system-2">What do we know about this magical star system?</h2><p>Percival was spotted because it crosses, or transits, the face of the star TOI 4633, causing a tiny dip in light that TESS is sensitive enough to spot. The <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/20941-alien-planet-detection-techniques-countdown.html">transit method</a> is usually better at spotting planets that closely orbit their stars. That's because star-hugging planets are more likely to make a transit between Earth and their star while scientists' instruments watch, thus allowing us to detect a light-blocking arrangement more frequently.</p><p>Still, Percival is unusually distant from its star for a transit-method detected world, taking around 272 Earth days to orbit its star.</p><p>Ironically, scientists think there is another planet in this system, TOI 4633 b, that orbits closer to its parent star and takes just 34 Earth days to complete a revolution. However, this information hasn't been confirmed because, despite its proximity to its star, TOI 4633 b doesn't pass between its star and TESS. Thus, it doesn't transit its star from our vantage point and our instruments have difficulty in analyzing it.</p><p>Also part of the binary system is the star TOI 4633 B (notice capital letters denoting stars and lower case letters representing planets), which takes around 203 Earth years to loop around TOI 4633 A and its orbiting planets.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:638px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:138.56%;"><img id="At7Qtu8seaZAGcXkdua6mU" name="Screenshot 2024-05-02 095538.png" alt="A diagram showing the TOI 4633 system with its stars and planets" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/At7Qtu8seaZAGcXkdua6mU.png" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="638" height="884" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">A diagram showing the TOI 4633 system with its stars and planets. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Lucy Reading-Ikkanda/Simons Foundation)</span></figcaption></figure><p><a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/6846-binary-stars-host-potential-planet-forming-disk.html">Binary stars</a> form in a star system from the same cloud of gas and dust when cool, overly dense regions "clump" together and gather enough mass to collapse under their own gravity. If there is enough material, then two stars can form. That's a binary system.<br><br>Planets are born from material leftover after the creation of a star, explaining why if a cloud of matter has birthed two stars, it is less likely to birth planets, too. </p><p>"Finding planets in multi-star systems is crucial for our understanding of how you can make different planets out of the same material," Eisner said. "It's quite exciting that we found this one."</p><p>Though Percival is located in the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/30172-six-most-earth-like-alien-planets.html">habitable zone of its star</a>, to be clear, it isn't likely to be very friendly to life as we know it. The planet likely lacks a solid surface; instead, it seems to be composed of a thick atmosphere of water vapor, hydrogen and methane, making it more like a solar system gas giant than a rocky Earth-like world. However, just as Jupiter and Saturn are proposed to have <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/25340-saturn-moon-enceladus-ocean-discovery.html">moons of ice and rock like Enceladus that could support life</a>, Percival could be orbited by <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/exomoon-discovery-scientists-debate-kepler-hubble-study">exomoons</a> that are more favorable to living things.</p><p>"If this planet were to have a moon, that moon would likely have a solid surface, which could then be a great place to find water," Eisner said. </p><p>There is no sign of these exomoons yet, but the system would be a good choice for future <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/amp/36251-alien-life-might-exist-on-exomoons.html">exomoon detection campaigns</a> thanks to the brightness of its stars and the long orbit of Percival, factors thought to be advantageous to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/exomoon-candidate-kepler-1708-discovery">exomoon detection</a>.</p><h2 id="discovering-new-worlds-from-right-at-home-2">Discovering new worlds from right at home</h2><p>The citizen scientists of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/alien-planet-discoveries-tess-citizen-science.html">Planet Hunters TESS program</a> assist astronomers by filtering through vast amounts of data that researchers couldn't possibly handle alone. The program has been paying dividends; its 43,000 volunteers from 90 countries have helped astronomers catalog around 25 million objects so far.</p><p>The huge Planet Hunters TESS team is particularly adept at spotting the faint signals of planets on elongated orbits, which computer programs have trouble identifying.</p><p>"The human brain has a really incredible ability to recognize patterns and to filter out noise," Eisner said. "While our algorithms struggle to identify these longer-period planets, the citizen scientists don't."</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1024px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:59.57%;"><img id="yMq3WLumbTpJGgWHUsZyoe" name="PHOTO 4 TESS NASA.jpg" alt="a gold-bowled space probe with four camera mounts and two solar panels gazes downward at a star and smaller orbiting planets in space." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yMq3WLumbTpJGgWHUsZyoe.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="1" width="1024" height="610" attribution="" endorsement="" class="expandable"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">An illustration of TESS NASA's exoplanet hunter observing a star and its planets. </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: NASA)</span></figcaption></figure><p>The discovery of Percival happened when 15 Planet Hunter TESS citizen scientists first identified a signal in data that looked to indicate a transiting planet. Eisner and her team then took a closer look at the TOI 4633 system and spotted tiny <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/41582-baby-exoplanet-weighed-first-time-gaia-spacecraft.html">"wobbles" in one of the stars' motion</a> that indeed indicated the gravitational tug of orbiting planets.</p><p>Delving deeper into the system using archival data collected over almost 120 years, the team then discovered that TOI 4633 is comprised of two stars, not one. These stars are currently so close to each other, however, that they can't be separately distinguished. </p><p>It will be three decades before the stars TOI 4633 A and TOI 4633 B are widely spaced enough for astronomers to determine the exact arrangement of this binary star system. That data could help determine if the two planets actually orbit both stars, which in turn could help us better understand what star systems to focus on as we continue to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-newborn-exoplanet-hunt">hunt exoplanets.</a></p><p>"If we were able to constrain where the planets orbit, it would really offer a stepping stone to open up our understanding of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/weird-super-jupiter-planet-very-dense">exoplanet formation</a>," Eisner explained. "It could also possibly help us someday be able to look at a star and its properties and make some guesses about what planets are potentially orbiting in that system."</p><div class="fancy-box"><div class="fancy_box-title">RELATED STORIES:</div><div class="fancy_box_body"><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/captured-alien-planet-hiding-edge-of-solar-system">A 'captured' alien planet may be hiding at the edge of our solar system — and it's not 'Planet X'</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/400-earth-size-rogue-planets-could-be-wandering-the-milky-way">400 Earth-size rogue planets could be wandering the Milky Way</a></p><p class="fancy-box__body-text">— <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.space.com/james-webb-space-telescope-wasp-43b-weather">James Webb Space Telescope forecasts clouds of melted rock on this blisteringly hot exoplanet</a></p></div></div><p>In the meantime, before more can be learned about this system, the Planet Hunter TESS team will continue their search for fascinating planets beyond the solar system.</p><p>"Every time I spot a possible transit, I can feel my heart beat faster, and my excitement rises extensively," Simon Bentzen, a Danish citizen scientist who has volunteered with Planet Hunters TESS since 2018, said in the statement. "I'm very happy that I helped find the new system. </p><p>"I hope that the new planets can help contribute to our understanding of planet formation and help answer other interesting planetary questions."</p><p>The team's research was published on Tuesday (April 30) in <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-3881/ad1d5c" target="_blank">The Astrophysical Journal</a></p> ]]></dc:content> <link>https://www.space.com/citizen-scientists-find-exoplanet-harry-potter-inspired</link> <description> <![CDATA[ Citizen scientists have spotted a truly remarkable planet in a binary system's habitable zone. They gave a Harry Potter-inspired nickname. ]]> </description> <guid isPermaLink="false">DR7HkdokTjYXdTTpZy5RJD</guid> <enclosure url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PynBCQrgAZjQBHzTLgF8VV.png" type="image/png" length="0"></enclosure> <pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2024 14:00:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Exoplanets]]></category> <media:content type="image/png" url="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PynBCQrgAZjQBHzTLgF8VV.png"> <media:credit><![CDATA[Ed Bell for the Simons Foundation]]></media:credit> <media:text><![CDATA[A blue orb under a glowing yellow circle againsy a black background]]></media:text> <media:title type="plain"><![CDATA[A blue orb under a glowing yellow circle againsy a black background]]></media:title> </media:content> </item> </channel></rss>If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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