After a journey of seven years and nearly 4 billion miles, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft landed gently in the Utah desert on the morning of Sept. 24, 2023, with a precious payload. The spacecraft brought back a sample from the asteroid Bennu. Roughly half a pound of material collected from the 85 million-ton asteroid (77.6 billion kg) will help scientists learn about the formation of the solar system, including whether asteroids like Bennu include the chemical ingredients for life. NASA’s mission was budgeted at US$800 million and will end up costing around $1.16 billion for just under 9 ounces of sample (255 g). But is this the…
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Tau Herculid Meteors Surprise and Delight
We touch on the highlights of the memorable Tau Herculid meteor shower and also report on the recent outburst of the recurrent nova U Scorpii. The post Tau Herculid Meteors Surprise and Delight appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreUpdate on a Possible Outburst of Meteors
Will there be a new meteor shower on the night of May 30–31? There’s only one way to find out. The post Update on a Possible Outburst of Meteors appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreCelebrate Spring with the Lyrids
People have been watching the annual Lyrid meteor shower for more than 2,700 years. Come join the crowd! The post Celebrate Spring with the Lyrids appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreU.S. Space Force Releases Data on Bright Fireballs
The U.S. Department of Defense has released data on some 1,000 bright fireballs. Scientists are still debating if the data confirm an interstellar meteor. The post U.S. Space Force Releases Data on Bright Fireballs appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreThe Best Meteor Showers of 2022
Sky & Telescope predicts that the year’s best meteor shower will be the Quadrantids, which peak in the very first days of 2022. The Perseids (August) and Geminids (December) will be spoiled by strong moonlight. The post The Best Meteor Showers of 2022 appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreVenus Farewell, Moonless Skies for the Quadrantids
Venus presents a stunning crescent at dusk before switching over to the morning sky early next month. After dodging the Moon for the Geminids, it’s dark skies all around for the Quadrantid meteor shower. The post Venus Farewell, Moonless Skies for the Quadrantids appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MorePrecious Hours with the Geminids
At first glance, the annual Geminid meteor shower appears to be on a collision course with a bright Moon. But a closer look reveals a happy window of dark skies. The post Precious Hours with the Geminids appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreFine Show Expected from the Perseid Meteor Shower
With no interference from the Moon, this year’s Perseid meteor shower should be excellent. Find a dark location and enjoy every flash. The post Fine Show Expected from the Perseid Meteor Shower appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
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