August 1, 2022 – NeRDs Moonbase

Debris from Chinese rocket crash found in Indonesia and Malaysia

August 1, 2022 NeRD

Some pieces of the big Chinese rocket that fell to Earth over the weekend have been found on the ground in Southeast Asia. The 25-ton (22.5 metric tons) core stage of a Long March 5B rocket crashed back to Earth uncontrolled on Saturday (July 30), slamming into our atmosphere over the Indian Ocean. Much of the booster burned up as it fell, but a significant portion of it — about 20% to 40% by weight, experts have estimated (opens in new tab) — survived the fiery journey. And those remnant chunks…

What is today’s moon? Moon phases 2022

August 1, 2022 NeRD

Moon phases reveal the passage of time in the night sky. Some nights when we look up at the moon, it is full and bright; sometimes it is just a sliver of silvery light. These changes in appearance are the phases of the moon. As the moon orbits Earth, it cycles through eight distinct phases. The four primary phases of the moon occur about a week apart, with the full moon its most dazzling stage. On Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, the Full Sturgeon Moon will shine bright in the night…

NASA Television Transponder Change Monday, Aug. 29

August 1, 2022 NeRD

NASA Television programming on the Galaxy 13 domestic satellite is moving from transponder 11 to transponder 15 this month.

Why Are Jupiter’s Rings So Thin?

August 1, 2022 NeRD

Why does the biggest planet in the solar system have such flimsy rings? New research shows Jupiter’s moons may be to blame. The post Why Are Jupiter's Rings So Thin? appeared first on Sky & Telescope.

Space Station Science Highlights: Week of July 25, 2022

August 1, 2022 NeRD

Crew members aboard the International Space Station conducted scientific investigations during the week of July 25 that included evaluating production of fiber optic cable in space, demonstrating conversion of inedible plant material into edible protein, and testing a protein synthesis technology that does not involve living cells for use in microg

NASA Pays Tribute to Nichelle Nichols

August 1, 2022 NeRD

NASA celebrates the life of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, trailblazer, and role model, who symbolized to so many what was possible. She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars.

NASA Langley STEM Outreach Pays Dividends with Virginia Beach Schools

August 1, 2022 NeRD

Students took part in a variety of activities with Langley subject matter experts related to landing humans on the Moon via the Artemis mission and modeling a spacecraft docking station.

August: Saturn & the Perseids

August 1, 2022 NeRD

August marks the return of the Perseid meteor shower — and as you’re looking out for shooting stars while listening to this month’s Sky Tour podcast, look for Saturn low in the southeast as soon as night begins to fall. The post August: Saturn & the Perseids appeared first on Sky & Telescope.