2010

Halfway to Pluto, New Horizons Wakes Up in 'Exotic Territory'
June 18, 2010
Halfway to Pluto, NASA's New Horizons probe has woken up in 'exotic territory.' Mission controllers are taking the opportunity to give the spacecraft a thorough system's check in preparation for its Pluto flyby in 2015.
Strange Martian Spirals Explained
June 16, 2010
For 40 years researchers have puzzled over a strange pattern of ice spirals and chasms around the Martian north pole. New data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter solves the mystery.
Jupiter Impact: Mystery of the Missing Debris
June 11, 2010
On June 3rd, amateur astronomers were startled by a bright flash of light on Jupiter. It appeared to be an impact event--a comet or asteroid hitting the planet's cloudtops. Curiously, though, the "impact" has left no obvious debris. Was it really an impact--or something else? Today's story from Science@NASA discusses the possibilities.
Journey to the Stars
June 6, 2010
It's immersive, it's explosive, and best of all it's free. On June 7th, NASA will begin sending complimentary DVDs of the smash-hit planetarium show "Journey to the Stars" to teachers and students around the country. Today's story from Science@NASA reviews the show and tells educators how to request their copies.
As the Sun Awakens, NASA Keeps a Wary Eye on Space Weather
June 4, 2010
The sun is waking up from a deep slumber, and the next few years could bring much higher levels of solar activity. NASA is keeping a wary eye on the sun as officials meet in Washington DC to discuss the potential consequences of stormy space weather.
Old Moon Rover Beams Surprising Laser Flashes to Earth
June 3, 2010
A Soviet robot lost on the dusty plains of the Moon for the past 40 years has been found again, and it is returning surprisingly strong laser pulses to Earth. Researchers plan to use the aged robot to help them measure the Moon's orbit and test theories of gravity.
Tracking Ticks via Satellite
May 28, 2010
Ticks cause Lyme disease and many other ailments, but finding the little bloodsuckers by hand can be both disgusting and dangerous. Now there's a better way--via satellite.
Mars Rover Update
May 21, 2010
This just in from the Red Planet: Mars rover Opportunity has set a longevity record as it attempts a marathon trek across dangerous terrain; meanwhile, Spirit is in peril from the advancing Martian winter. Despite their troubles, both rovers remain in the hunt for new discoveries. Details are provided in today's story from Science@NASA.
Big Mystery: Jupiter Loses a Stripe
May 20, 2010
In a surprising development that has transformed the appearance of the solar system's largest planet, one of Jupiter's two main cloud belts has completely disappeared.
A Rare Meeting of Planets and Spaceships
May 13, 2010
Something special is happening this weekend. Venus and the Moon are gathering for a sunset conjunction on Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16. On the same nights, the ISS is going to be flying over many US towns and cities. And if Atlantis launches on schedule--wow! People could witness a very rare meeting of the shuttle, station, Venus and the Moon. Details and observing tips may be found in today's story from Science@NASA.