Carnival of Space #251
Published May 31, 2012
Carnival of Space
Carnival of Space #251 is available at The Chandra Blog!
This edition features great articles about:
Check it out at: http://chandra.harvard.edu/blog/node/380
Remember, if you’ve got a space-related blog, you really should consider joining the Carnival. It’s easy to participate – just email an entry to carnivalofspace@gmail.com, and the next host will link to it.
By participating, your writing will get more exposure, and you will also meet other bloggers in the space/astronomy community. You can also sign your blog up to host the Carnival of Space by sending an e-mail to the address above.
The Pinwheel Galaxy
Published May 30, 2012
This image of the Pinwheel Galaxy, also known as M101, combines data in the infrared, visible, ultraviolet and X-rays from four of NASA's space-based telescopes. Image Credits: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; IR & UV: NASA/JPL-Caltech; Optical: NASA/STScI
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Carnival of Space #250
Published May 23, 2012
Gemini 9 Launch. Image Credit: NASA
This edition features great articles about:
Check it out at: http://amyshirateitel.com/2012/05/21/carnival-of-space-250/
Remember, if you’ve got a space-related blog, you really should consider joining the Carnival. It’s easy to participate – just email an entry to carnivalofspace@gmail.com, and the next host will link to it.
By participating, your writing will get more exposure, and you will also meet other bloggers in the space/astronomy community. You can also sign your blog up to host the Carnival of Space by sending an e-mail to the address above.
SpaceX Launches Historic Mission to ISS
Published May 22, 2012
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket soared into space from Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, carrying the Dragon capsule to orbit at 3:44 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 22, 2012. Image Credit: NASA/Alan Ault
Earlier this morning, SpaceX made history by being the first private company to launch a mission to the International Space Station. The historic launch was SpaceX’s second demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program. During the next few days, teams will test various systems onboard the Dragon module, in preparation for rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station.
If the capsule performs as planned, the cargo and experiments it is carrying will be transferred to the station.
According to a press release, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said: “I want to congratulate SpaceX for its successful launch and salute the NASA team that worked alongside them to make it happen. Today marks the beginning of a new era in exploration; a private company has launched a spacecraft to the International Space Station that will attempt to dock there for the first time. And while there is a lot of work ahead to successfully complete this mission, we are certainly off to good start. Under President Obama’s leadership, the nation is embarking upon an ambitious exploration program that will take us farther into space than we have ever traveled before, while helping create good-paying jobs right here in the United States of America.”
The Dragon module is scheduled to perform a fly-by of the International Space station, as a distance of about 1 1/2 miles. The flyby is essential to validate the proper operation of necessary equipment and sensors for a safe approach. After NASA and SpaceX teams analyze the flyby, the Dragon capsule will be cleared to rendezvous and dock with the ISS on Friday, May 25. If successful, this will be the first time a commercial company has performed a supply mission to the International Space Station.
For those who weren’t able to stay up late (or get up early) for the launch, you can view a replay at: http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/podcasting/spacex_falcon9_launch.html
If you’d like to learn more about NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html
Additional information on SpaceX is available at: http://www.spacex.com/
Source:NASA Image of the Day , NASA/SpaceX Press Release
Annular Solar Eclipse of 2012
Published May 18, 2012
Path of visibility for the 2012 Annular Solar Eclipse. (Click to embiggen). Image Credit: F. Espenak / NASA / GSFC
(Channeling my best monster truck rally announcer voice). THIS SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY! SEE THE ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE OF 2012! BE THERE!.
Seriously though, If you are in the western half of the United States, there’s a decent chance you’ll see at least part of the 2012 Annular solar eclipse.
I’m still catching up/recovering from the semester, so instead of a full-featured eclipse viewing guide, I’m going to present a round-up of some of my favorite resources for the annular solar eclipse of 2012.
Continue reading to get information on great guides from:
WARNING! Do not look at the sun with a telescope that doesn’t have proper filters. Do not look at the sun without adequate eye protection!
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Carnival of Space #249
Published May 16, 2012
Saturn and Titan, as seen this month by the robotic spacecraft Cassini. Saturn is one of the amazing places we'll see in this week's Carnival of Space. Credit: NASA/JPL/SSI
Carnival of Space #249 is available at Riding with Robots!
This edition features great articles about:
Check it out at: http://www.ridingwithrobots.org/2012/05/carnival-of-space-249/
Remember, if you’ve got a space-related blog, you really should consider joining the Carnival. It’s easy to participate – just email an entry to carnivalofspace@gmail.com, and the next host will link to it.
By participating, your writing will get more exposure, and you will also meet other bloggers in the space/astronomy community. You can also sign your blog up to host the Carnival of Space by sending an e-mail to the address above.