technical updates

NASA is hoping for a historic moon launch, not a punchline on April 1. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/AkaxDGX

Comet MAPS is about to face its ultimate test as it sweeps just 101,000 miles above the sun's surface. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/3n9zXYg

Unistellar co-founder tells Space.com about how citizen scientists are using smart telescopes to engage in planetary defense. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/pdwnugE

"You dare agree with me? Prepare to meet your horrible doom!" from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/xO1V6rw

Our solar system's famous "invader" might be as old as the Milky Way itself. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/XA5qMfg

George Lucas had dreams of Darth Maul as the big bad of his sequel trilogy; here's why that would have been a bad idea. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/RuDNiTX

A lot of people are coming to Florida for the historic Artemis 2 moon launch, so they'll need to budget extra time to see the astronauts fly. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/VA1dn7Y

Far beneath the ocean near Japan, scientists have discovered that the magma system linked to the most powerful eruption of the Holocene is slowly rebuilding. By using seismic imaging, researchers mapped a large magma reservoir under the Kikai caldera and confirmed it is the same system that fueled the massive eruption 7,300 years ago. However, the magma now present is newly injected, not leftover, as shown by changes in the chemistry of recent volcanic material and the growth of a lava dome over thousands of years. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/TpwaAFt

SpaceX will launch 119 payloads to orbit from California early Monday morning (March 30), and you can watch the action live. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/FHsRCtD

NASA has high hopes to launch its historic Artemis 2 crewed moon mission on time. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/ij3FSl4

"We are firing on all cylinders." from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/ZTfktA9

NASA's long-anticipated Artemis 2 mission — the first crewed flight to the moon in more than half a century — could lift off as soon as April 1. Here's how you can watch it live. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/4tyDsN0

Sperm struggles to find its way to an egg in microgravity, suggesting mammalian reproduction in space may not be possible. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/AEUDJih

A sweeping global report finds that migratory freshwater fish are in steep decline, with populations down roughly 81% since 1970. These species depend on long, connected rivers, but dams and human pressures are cutting off their routes. Hundreds of species now need coordinated international protection. Experts say restoring river connectivity is critical to preventing further collapse. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/3ZU6BJa

The unprecedented observations of comet 41P/Tuttle–Giacobini–Kresák show its rotation slowing, reversing and then speeding up, and jet-like outbursts of gas might be providing the push. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/RwU7xSY

The powerful magnetic field belonging to the sun is generated far beneath the visible surface. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/6vIGeBX

“We're thrilled to have the opportunity to finish the story the way we’ve always hoped” from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/Pf7JoBZ

Astronomers have discovered an additional 100 new worlds in data collected by NASA's exoplanet-hunting spacecraft TESS, thanks to an innovative AI program. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/DNXcVeS

The king of the planets meets a waxing half moon at sunset tomorrow. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/AS16cFb

Flying right out of Disney+'s Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, this Lego Dark Falcon set is packed with exclusive minifigures and, thanks to Amazon's Big Spring Sale, you can save 16% on this Sith version of Han Solo's ship. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/Prmz2gG

Astronomers have spotted two planets forming around a distant infant star, offering a time capsule into see what the solar system looked like billions of years ago. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/tZFYKRH

Rocket Lab will launch the first two satellites for Europe's Celeste navigation constellation early Wednesday morning (March 25), and you can watch the action live. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/2qip5gx

NASA is honing its focus on future Artemis missions to land astronauts on the moon, removing the Gateway space station from its plans and prioritizing bases on the lunar surface. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/Jla0SLG

The asteroid will make a close approach to Earth just three days following its discovery. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/Itiqu16

Postmenopausal women may have a powerful new edge in the battle against weight gain. A Mayo Clinic study found that those using menopausal hormone therapy while taking the obesity drug tirzepatide lost about 35% more weight than those on the drug alone. The findings hint at a surprising synergy between hormones and cutting-edge weight-loss medications, potentially opening the door to more effective, personalized treatments for millions of women facing increased cardiometabolic risks after menopause. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/SaDT5kq

Researchers have developed a teeth-whitening powder that works with the vibrations of an electric toothbrush to safely remove stains. Unlike traditional whiteners, it not only brightens teeth but also repairs enamel and supports healthy oral bacteria. Lab tests showed dramatic whitening effects, while animal studies revealed reduced harmful microbes and inflammation. This could pave the way for a new generation of at-home dental care. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/bgH7Dd4

Ryland Grace's world-saving adventure saw a few changes during the jump from the page to the screen; here are ten big differences we spotted. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/vrx3Zy2

Scientists in Australia have demonstrated a prototype quantum battery that could revolutionize energy storage. By harnessing quantum effects, it can absorb energy in a rapid “super absorption” event, enabling much faster charging than conventional batteries. Even more surprisingly, the system becomes more efficient as it scales up. The research opens the door to ultra-fast, next-generation energy technologies. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/X0WFEf6

Scientists have created a new kind of time crystal using sound waves to levitate tiny beads in mid-air. These particles interact in a one-sided, unbalanced way, breaking the usual rules of motion and creating a steady, repeating rhythm. The system is surprisingly simple yet reveals complex physics with big implications. It could help advance quantum computing and deepen our understanding of biological timing systems. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/vYfdRaJ

In honor of Shatner's 95th birthday, here's our top ten Kirk moments from Star Trek history. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/MZh4yzk

A new study reveals that farming in Argentina’s Uspallata Valley was adopted by local hunter-gatherers rather than introduced by outside populations. Centuries later, a stressed group of maize-heavy farmers migrated into the region, facing climate instability, disease, and declining numbers. Despite these pressures, there’s no sign of violence—instead, families stayed connected across generations, using kinship networks to survive. The research shows how cooperation, not conflict, helped communities navigate crisis. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/TMdqAFO

Antibiotics are accumulating in a major Brazilian river, especially during the dry season when pollution becomes more concentrated. Scientists even detected a banned drug inside fish sold for food, raising concerns about human exposure. A common aquatic plant showed promise in removing these chemicals from water—but it also altered how fish absorb them, creating unexpected risks. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/6Yl4LhO

A Russian Progress cargo spacecraft will launch toward the International Space Station on Sunday morning (March 22), and you can watch the action live. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/gSidVPD

The U.S. Space Force has swapped rockets for an upcoming GPS satellite launch, moving to a SpaceX Falcon 9 while the investigation into an anomaly with ULA's Vulcan Centaur continues. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/Jxr3vnz

'Amaze, amaze, amaze!' from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/QzLK7r5

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured a rare cosmic moment: a comet breaking apart in real time. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/9hcK5xA

These worlds are among the least dense ever found, and all attempts to probe their atmospheres have been blocked by a mysterious smog. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/xRAXgTv

One of the two spacecraft that make up Europe's Proba-3 solar-eclipse mission just reestablished contact with its handlers after being incommunicado for a month. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/YDmfSge

Catch the soft glow of earthshine as a young crescent moon appears low after sunset. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/piNZFTC

The South Korean startup Innospace failed during its first orbital launch attempt, which sent five satellites aloft on Dec. 22 from Brazil. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/4kcbxYs

Prime Video's brutally brilliant animated superhero series returns today! from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/cyLD8Gm

Rejoice, PlayStation gamers! "Starfield" is finally making the hyperspace journey to PS5 alongside some major game updates for everyone. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/mEghYxJ

Zhang Lu matched Chen Dong's tally of six spacewalks as he and crewmate Wu Fei completed a seven-hour excursion outside China's space station. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/YwiNCl8

Paul Atreides' kids, a Duncan Idaho comeback (kinda), and Robert Pattinson's creepy new role. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/LOlYsy2

A civilization capable of interstellar travel may also be one that has moved beyond conquest, excess and ecological self-destruction — and it therefore may not want to talk to us. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/NHUWIVQ

ExpressVPN is rated as the easiest VPN to use and one of the most secure VPN services around, now with a $300 discount and four months free, it also adds incredible value to its repertoire. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/eoCn5mS

A redesigned cancer immunotherapy is showing striking early results after decades of disappointment with similar drugs. Researchers engineered a more powerful CD40 agonist antibody and changed how it’s delivered—injecting it directly into tumors instead of into the bloodstream. In a small clinical trial of 12 patients with metastatic cancers, six saw their tumors shrink and two experienced complete remission. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/mdY8qOi

The local universe may be expanding more slowly than previously thought, a discovery that could relieve a pesky discrepancy known as the Hubble tension. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/ulfTnDF

100 years after Robert Goddard launched the first liquid-fueled rocket, NASA is preparing a return to the moon with the Artemis program to extend humanity's reach into deep space. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/cF8sj1b

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have discovered an example of a new class of exoplanet, and it smells like rotten eggs. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/R8Vrs3y

A new AI framework called THOR is transforming how scientists calculate the behavior of atoms inside materials. Instead of relying on slow simulations that take weeks of supercomputer time, the system uses tensor network mathematics and machine-learning models to solve the problem directly. The approach can compute key thermodynamic properties hundreds of times faster while preserving accuracy. Researchers say this could accelerate discoveries in materials science, physics, and chemistry. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/oxDUa0k

Mars didn’t always look like the barren world we see today. Over billions of years, the Sun’s solar wind stripped away much of its atmosphere, helping transform it from a warmer, wetter planet into a frozen desert. NASA’s twin-spacecraft ESCAPADE mission aims to watch this process in action by measuring how the solar wind interacts with Mars’ fragile magnetic environment. The findings could reveal how Mars lost its habitability—and help prepare humans for future missions there. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/RF9LDEu

NASA’s Curiosity rover is investigating strange spiderweb-like ridges on Mars that may reveal a hidden chapter of the planet’s watery history. These “boxwork” formations likely formed when groundwater flowed through cracks in the rock, leaving minerals that hardened into ridges while surrounding material eroded away. New chemical analyses of drilled rock samples show minerals linked to water activity. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/oYEz4ad

Researchers have created “Smart Underwear,” a wearable device that measures flatulence by detecting hydrogen produced by gut microbes. Early tests suggest people may pass gas about 32 times a day—much higher than previous estimates. The device gives scientists a new way to track gut microbial activity in everyday life. It will power a new nationwide study called the Human Flatus Atlas to map normal patterns of gas production. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/FA4pVug

Astronomers have tracked a powerful blast of radiation back to its source, finding a neutron star collision within colliding galaxies. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/3zsQWeZ

It's just a prank, bro! from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/5ZnDUOJ

Russia plans to launch the Venera-D mission to Venus in 2036, continuing the Soviet Union's legacy of exploring there in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/SY6vKQV

Steven Spielberg returns to sci-fi with a somber UFO invasion flick this summer from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/3eMPm7Y

Astronomers have witnessed evidence of an extremely violent collision between planets, and it resembles the event in Earth's history that created the moon. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/1TznWDm

'Starfleet Academy''s principal mixes new ideas with inspiration from her famous predecessors from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/WwhRn9B

Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket launched for the seventh time ever today (March 11), bouncing back from two explosive mishaps in 2025. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/kDU5foQ

Merging black holes and neutron stars have unusual oval orbits prior to colliding and merging, which challenge the laws of physics. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/XH0xEpi

Northrop Grumman's first "Cygnus XL" cargo ship will depart the International Space Station Thursday morning (March 12), and you can watch the action live. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/0urbPKN

Voyager Technologies is backing lunar habitat developer Max Space with a new multi-million-dollar investment aimed at accelerating development of expandable modules for future missions to the moon. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/uDYmOaQ

Never-before-seen temperature and ion density measurements reveal that the effect of Jupiter's moons on its aurora are more complicated than scientists thought. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/NqS2ZY1

'I just wanted to make a film that was completely non-stop from start to end.' from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/YNJOGKp

A spot of early morning astronomy anyone? from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/4DjZb1B

A newly discovered comet is rapidly brightening and could become visible from Earth — if it survives an extreme close encounter with the sun on April 4. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/t2So1ZE

Astronomers have created the largest and most detailed 3D map yet of a glowing signal from the early universe, revealing hidden galaxies and gas from 9-11 billion years ago. By analyzing faint “Lyman-alpha” light emitted by energized hydrogen, scientists used an advanced technique called line intensity mapping to capture not just the brightest galaxies but also the vast cosmic structures surrounding them. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/e7TcrnN

NASA's Van Allen Probe A will crash to Earth on Tuesday (March 10) after nearly 14 years in orbit, according to the Space Force's current best estimate. But don't panic; you'll probably be fine. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/39VgCst

The change is subtle and happens over many nights. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/FLBGp0v

'Don't get too hung up on the jewelry, junior, you're just a f***ing substitute teacher.' from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/eU1hIMr

Scientists have revealed how the body’s microscopic cold sensor, TRPM8, detects both chilly temperatures and the cooling effect of menthol. The discovery finally shows how the sensation of “cool” works at the molecular level—and could inspire new treatments for pain and eye disorders. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/PM8frU0

Scrolling on your phone while sitting on the toilet might be doing more harm than you think. A new study found that people who use smartphones during bathroom visits had a 46% higher risk of hemorrhoids compared to those who don’t. Researchers discovered that phone users tend to spend significantly longer on the toilet, often getting distracted by news or social media, which may increase pressure on anal tissues. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/nqrQvjf

New research suggests seabird guano helped transform the Chincha Kingdom into one of the most prosperous societies in ancient Peru. Chemical clues in centuries-old maize show farmers fertilized their crops with guano gathered from nearby islands, dramatically boosting yields in the desert landscape. The resulting agricultural surplus fueled trade, population growth, and regional influence. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/j2791pE

One of Europe's two Proba-3 spacecraft suffered an anomaly last month, putting the future of the solar eclipse-creating mission in doubt. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/c2hjQ4Y

The catalog of gravitational waves "heard" by LIGO, KAGRA and Virgo has doubled with detections of spacetime ripples. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/TrKFx1t

The ESA's Mars Express and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter spacecraft watched as a superstorm that ravaged Earth also struck the Red Planet. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/HTUER3d

Can't wait for Spider-Man: Brand New Day? Make the wait a little less painful, with 20% off this seriously super Lego Marvel Iron Spider-Man Bust. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/Ss9ZNXz

Tyrannosaurus rex may have taken far longer to grow up than scientists once thought. By analyzing growth rings in fossilized leg bones from 17 tyrannosaur specimens and using new statistical methods, researchers found that the famous predator likely took about 40 years to reach its full size—around eight tons—rather than the previously estimated 25 years. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/xX2RGwk

The James Webb Space Telescope has revealed our lunar companion is safe for now from an asteroid impact. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/Gjfr6ti

The zodiacal light is at its most visible on the nights surrounding the spring and autumn equinoxes. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/ALMGkCi

Researchers have built the smallest OLED pixel ever made—just 300 nanometers across—without sacrificing brightness. By redesigning the pixel with a nano-sized optical antenna and a protective insulation layer, they prevented the short circuits that normally plague devices at this scale. The result is a stable, ultra-tiny light source that could allow full HD displays to fit on an area the size of a grain of sand. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/p69xuI5

By fertilizing inorganic regolith with organic human waste that has been processed through bioreactors, future astronauts living on Mars could be able to create their own organic soil. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/nzY8Hkq

He-Man prepares to renew hostilities with Skeletor in a live-action reboot of the toy-inspired cartoon. But does he still have the power? from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/qxnjVD6

The Japanese company Space One will launch its Kairos rocket for the third time ever today (March 3), and you can watch it live. Kairos failed on its two previous liftoffs. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/QzViknD

Tiny, tooth-sized fossils have just reshaped the story of our deepest ancestry. Paleontologists have discovered the southernmost remains ever found of Purgatorius—the earliest-known relative of all primates, including humans—in Colorado’s Denver Basin. Previously thought to be confined to Montana and parts of Canada, this shrew-sized, tree-dwelling mammal now appears to have spread southward soon after the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/BzhyOrI

Using gravitational waves as a measure of the universe's rate of expansion could solve the biggest headache in physics, the so-called "Hubble tension." from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/wi43uMX

"The blood moon rises once again! Please be careful, Link." from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/6LlTd7u

Cloud cover outlook for the total lunar eclipse — where the blood moon will be visible. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/Rd0Klim

Inverted perovskite solar cells offer strong potential for scalable, low-cost solar power, but a hidden interface inside the device has limited their performance and durability. Researchers have now introduced crystal-solvate nanoseeds that guide crystal growth and release solvent in a controlled way during heating, improving film quality at this buried layer. The result is smoother, denser material with better electronic properties and stability. A large mini-module achieved 23.15% efficiency with minimal scaling losses. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/XRyozg4

Tonight's blood moon will be the last until New Year's Eve 2028-2029. So catch it if you can! from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/SyXkJ1K

Firefly Aerospace's Alpha rocket will return to flight today (March 1) after a 10-month-long grounding, and you can watch the action live. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/y7wElPp

As AI invades everyday life, we’ve gone back and revisited the best video games with memorable AI characters, evil or otherwise. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/MjCi7H5

It'll be the last blood moon until New Year's Eve 2028. from Latest from Space.com https://ift.tt/Gy3tC9o

Struggling to fall asleep and stopping breathing at night may be a far riskier combo than previously thought. In a study of nearly a million veterans, researchers found that having both insomnia and sleep apnea dramatically raises the risk of hypertension and heart disease. The two conditions don’t just coexist—they interact in ways that intensify strain on the heart. Addressing sleep problems early could help prevent cardiovascular disease before it starts. from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/KAwLF6e