Technology Topics
Tuning in to April meteor showers
1999 — April 6, 2011
Last week's Lyrid meteor shower was a bit of a disappointment visually, but it put on quite a show for radio observers. In this story you can learn about the basics of radio Meteorsand listen to radar echoes from a bright shooting star.
Radio Meteor Alert
1999 — April 6, 2011
Earth may be headed into two meteoroid swarms that could produce shooting stars for the next week. Radio observations reported yesterday indicate that meteor activity may already be underway.
Face-to-face with asteroid Braille
1999 — April 6, 2011
Using an experimental autopilot system, NASA's exotic Deep Space 1spacecraft has completed the closest-ever flyby of an asteroid.
Heads Up!
1999 — April 6, 2011
The upcoming Leonids meteor shower (Nov. 17-18) is expected to be the biggest in decades and perhaps for the next century. While we are safe on the ground, satellite operators are concerned that even small impacts could short-circuit satellites. NASA will coordinate a team that helps track changes in the shower that could be a storm.
Bringing Mars into the Iron Age
1999 — April 6, 2011
NASA scientists are developing ways to mine and process iron ore for energy production on Mars, creating technologies needed to support a human colony.
A Leonid on the Moon?
1999 — April 6, 2011
The first recorded impact of a meteorite on The Moonmay have been captured on video during the 1999 Leonids meteor storm. Astronomers call for confirming data.
A Surprise November Meteor Shower?
1999 — April 6, 2011
On November 11, 1999 Earth will pass close to the orbit of newly-discovered Comet LINEAR C/1999J3. The result could be a new meteor shower -- the Linearids. This article includes tips for visual and ham radio observing.
Leonids on the Moon
1999 — April 6, 2011
When the Leonid meteor shower strikes on November 18, Earth won't be the only place in the cross hairs. The Moonwill also pass very close to the debris stream of comet Tempel-Tuttle. Leonid meteorite impacts on The Moonmight be visible from Earth and provide a means for long-distance lunar prospecting.
Coach-class tickets for space?
1999 — April 6, 2011
Scientists discuss new ideas in high-performance, low-cost space transportation
Making up for Lost Leonids
1999 — April 6, 2011
The 1999 Geminids dazzled observers in North America, making up for a weak display of Leonids one month earlier. Another meteor shower is just 3 weeks away.