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Intergalactic Alignment: Disc Galaxy IC 2810 in Leo | Hubble
IC 2810 is a disc galaxy viewed nearly edge-on. It is slightly disturbed by gravitational interaction with a smaller, dusty companion (located to the bottom of the image). The larger galaxy shows blue knots of star formation. Although the pair has no overlapping region at present, it is possible that the two will eventually collide in the future. IC 2810 is located in the constellation of Leo, the Lion, about 450 million light-years away.
The Hubble Space Telescope has been operating for over three decades and continues to make ground-breaking discoveries that shape our fundamental understanding of the universe.
Hubble is a project of international cooperation between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the telescope and mission operations.
Lockheed Martin Space, based in Denver, Colorado, also supports mission operations at Goddard. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), conducts Hubble science operations for NASA.
Credits: NASA, European Space Agency, the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration and A. Evans (University of Virginia, Charlottesville / NRAO / Stony Brook University)
Astronaut Suni Williams & Astrobee Robotic Teammate | International Space Station
In this image, Astrobee, a robot that looks like a small black cube with two blue tentacle-like arms on top can be seen. Behind it, NASA astronaut Suni Williams stretches her arms out to match Astrobee's arms.
NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams can be seen checking out the Astrobee robotic free-flyer in the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory module. Astrobee is outfitted with tentacle-like arms containing gecko-like adhesive pads to demonstrate satellite capture techniques. Development of this robotic technology may increase the life span of satellites and enable the removal of space debris.
Astrobee robots help astronauts reduce time they spend on routine duties, leaving them to focus more on the things that only humans can do. Working autonomously or via remote control by astronauts, flight controllers or researchers on the ground, the robots are designed to complete tasks such as taking inventory, documenting experiments conducted by astronauts with their built-in cameras or working together to move cargo throughout the station. In addition, the system serves as a research platform that can be outfitted and programmed to carry out experiments in microgravity—helping us to learn more about how robotics can benefit astronauts in space.
Station Commander: Suni Williams Roscosmos (Russia): Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner, Aleksandr Gorbunov NASA: Butch Wilmore, Don Pettit, Nick Hague
An international partnership of space agencies provides and operates the elements of the International Space Station (ISS). The principals are the space agencies of the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada.
Shenzhou-19 Crew Update: Research & Maintenance Tasks | China Space Station
China's Shenzhou-19 crew members have completed a range of tasks during their over-one-month stay aboard the orbiting Tiangong space station, including scientific research and experiments and space station maintenance work.
The crew members—Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze—were sent into the Tiangong Space Station on October 30, 2024, for a six-month mission.
During their flight, the three astronauts will conduct 86 space science research and technology experiments.
During research on the biological effects and molecular mechanisms of fruit flies under a weak magnetic field in space, the crew completed operations, including clearing petri dishes for the fruit flies and replacing the gas purification components in the life science experimental facility.
For a research project on how stem cells undergo three-dimensional growth and tissue generation in microgravity, the crew completed the collection and storage of cell experiment samples, laying a solid foundation for future applications of stem cell three-dimensional tissues and for conducting space drug screening using these tissues.
Meanwhile, ongoing research is being conducted on the impact of phase separation of biological entities on lipid metabolism in microgravity.
The crew members have also conducted several other tasks, including replacing the burner inside the combustion science experimental cabinet, setting and restoring the states of vacuum extraction and exhaust emission, as well as replacing samples in the fluid physics experimental cabinet.
In the field of space medicine experiments, the crew members employed a visual function measurement instrument, an eye tracker, and visual gravity representation testing software to conduct research on the representation and dynamic processing mechanisms of gravity in visual motion.
This research delves into the influence of gravity environments on the sensitivity of human visual biological motion perception and how weightlessness changes these perceptual sensitivities. It aims to provide a scientific basis for human exploration in deep space and adaptation to diverse gravity environments in the future.
To ensure a long-term stable operation of the space station, the crew members have completed the installation of forward and aft hatch protection devices against space debris. Through physical shielding, these devices effectively mitigate the adverse effects caused by impacts from small space debris on the hatches.
Additionally, the astronauts have also completed tasks such as cleaning, inspecting maintenance in each module, and sorting supplies on the space station and the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft.
"Living in The Twilight Zone" | International Space Station
NASA Astronaut & Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Don Pettit: "The International Space Station now is aligned with Earth’s day-night shadow thus we see neither full day nor full night. This is the best time to photograph clouds under low angle lighting."
The terminator is the line that separates night and day on Earth.
Expedition 72 Crew Station Commander: Suni Williams Roscosmos (Russia): Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner, Aleksandr Gorbunov NASA: Butch Wilmore, Don Pettit, Nick Hague
An international partnership of space agencies provides and operates the elements of the International Space Station (ISS). The principals are the space agencies of the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada.
Image Credit: NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) Release Date: Dec. 8, 2024
Cerro Tololo registra un tesoro cósmico de estrellas nacientes y supernovas exclusivo de los cielos del Sur
Cosmoview Episodio 90: A 12 millones de años luz se encuentra la joya galáctica Messier 83, conocida también como la Galaxia del Molinillo Austral. Sus brazos espirales muestran una elevada tasa de formación estelar y además ya se han registrado seis supernovas observadas. Esta detallada imagen se obtuvo en Chile con la Cámara de Energía Oscura del Departamento de Energía de los Estados Unidos, que se encuentra montada en el Telescopio de cuatro metros Víctor M. Blanco, en Cerro Tololo, un Programa de NOIRLab de NSF.
Credit: CTIO/NOIRLab/U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)/National Science Foundation (NSF)/Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) Image Processing: T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF NOIRLab, D. de Martin (NSF NOIRLab) & M. Zamani (NSF NOIRLab) Duration: 1 minute, 39 seconds Release Date: Dec. 6, 2024
The Outskirts of The Southern Pinwheel Galaxy | NOIRLab
Twelve million light-years away lies the galactic masterpiece Messier 83, also known as the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy. Its swirling spiral arms display a high rate of star formation and host six detected supernovae. This image was captured with the Department of Energy-fabricated Dark Energy Camera, mounted on the U.S. National Science Foundation 4-meter Víctor M. Blanco Telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile, a Program of the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab.
Credit: CTIO/NOIRLab/U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)/National Science Foundation (NSF)/Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) Image Processing: T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF NOIRLab, D. de Martin (NSF NOIRLab) & M. Zamani (NSF NOIRLab) Duration: 1 minute, 39 seconds Release Date: Dec. 6, 2024
The Outskirts of The Southern Pinwheel Galaxy | Victor Blanco Telescope
This excerpt shows some of the interesting features in the image of the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy taken with the Department of Energy-fabricated Dark Energy Camera. It is mounted on the U.S. National Science Foundation 4-meter Víctor M. Blanco Telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile, a Program of the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab.
The Southern Pinwheel Galaxy: Wide-field view
Twelve million light-years away lies the galactic masterpiece Messier 83, also known as the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy. Its swirling spiral arms display a high rate of star formation and host six detected supernovae. This image was captured with the Department of Energy-fabricated Dark Energy Camera, mounted on the U.S. National Science Foundation 4-meter Víctor M. Blanco Telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile, a Program of the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab.
Credit: CTIO/NOIRLab/U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)/National Science Foundation (NSF)/Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) Image Processing: T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF NOIRLab, D. de Martin (NSF NOIRLab) & M. Zamani (NSF NOIRLab) Release Date: Dec. 6, 2024
The Southern Pinwheel Galaxy: M83 in Hydra | Victor Blanco Telescope
Twelve million light-years away lies the galactic masterpiece Messier 83, also known as the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy. Its swirling spiral arms display a high rate of star formation and host six detected supernovae. This image was captured with the Department of Energy-fabricated Dark Energy Camera, mounted on the U.S. National Science Foundation 4-meter Víctor M. Blanco Telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile, a Program of the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab.
Credit: CTIO/NOIRLab/U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)/National Science Foundation (NSF)/Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) Image Processing: T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF NOIRLab, D. de Martin (NSF NOIRLab) & M. Zamani (NSF NOIRLab) Release Date: Dec. 6, 2024
A Global Journey to Liverpool | ESA Copernicus Sentinel-2 Earth Satellite
Based exclusively on satellite images, this video takes you on a journey to some of the most beautiful, remote places on Earth, many of which are already affected by environmental change: melting glaciers, rising sea levels, rainforests threatened by deforestation, growing desertification affecting croplands, and uncontrolled urban sprawl.
The video is part of a larger set of events to celebrate the city of Liverpool being named the World’s First 'Accelerator City' for Climate Action by UN Climate Change.
Faces of Technology—Meet Lauren Best Ameen | NASA's Glenn Research Center
Meet Lauren Best Ameen, Deputy Manager for the Cryogenic Fluid Management Portfolio Project Office at NASA. Lauren and her team are looking for innovative ways to keep rocket fuel cold on long-duration missions.
Planet Mars Rock Sample Collection | NASA Mars Perseverance Rover | JPL
Support FriendsofNASA.org: Marvel over NASA’s Mars rock collection. Each of these rock samples was selected by the agency’s Perseverance Mars rover team with the intention of returning them to scientific labs on Earth for in-depth study with instruments too large to send to the Red Planet. Mars Sample Return (MSR) is that crucial next step.
Considered one of the planetary science community’s highest priorities, MSR would be the first effort to bring back pieces of another planet and provides the best opportunity to answer fundamental questions about Mars' early evolution, its potential for ancient life, and its climate, while also unlocking mysteries that we have yet to even conceive. NASA is teaming with European Space Agency (ESA) on this important endeavor.
This video montage shows high-resolution imagery from Perseverance’s CacheCam of rock cores inside the rover's sample tubes. These snapshots preserve a record of each core before its tube is sealed. The video shows cores drilled by the rover between its February 2021 landing and December 2024, when it was climbing to the rim of Jezero Crater.
The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) under Construction in Chile | ESO
The cranes of the ELT
The ELT's skeleton
The image shows the early constructions stages of the ELT's dome and main structure. Despite their massive size, both structures are able to rate and tilt the mirrors to the targetted observation with utmost precision. With only the frames visible, we are looking here at the ELT's internal skeleton.
Looking into the dome of the ELT
As work on the dome progresses, the telescope structure is taking shape as well; it will eventually hold five mirrors, including the enormous 39-metre primary mirror. This large structure has to be lightweight, because it has to be able to move, but at the same time it must be sturdy enough to hold the mirrors precisely in place to guarantee high-quality images.
This is the cell that will support the primary mirror of ESO's Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). This mirror is composed of 798 hexagonal segments. These segments are placed on the structure seen on this picture, which will also hold sensors and actuators that will constantly measure and adjust the position of the segments. With a diameter of over 39 meters, this will be the largest optical mirror on Earth.
Supporting the ELT's main mirror
This giant metal skeleton frame, currently under construction on Cerro Armazones in Chile’s Atacama Desert, will support the primary mirror of ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). It will be the largest segmented mirror ever built for a telescope, with a diameter of 39 metres. The mirror will consist of 798 hexagonal mirror segments that work together as one giant mirror. For that, the supporting cell structure has to be sturdy, but light enough to turn around its axis. The mirror cell has openings and walkable areas underneath its mirror supports.
"Biggest eye on the sky"—the ELT
In this aerial photo, the telescope looks like an eye, pointing at the sky. The image shows the ELT still in its construction phase. Through the open dome we see the honey-comb-like structure of the ELT's main mirror. With an astonoishing size of 39 meters in diameter, this will be the largest telescope mirror in the world.
Cerro Armazones, in Chile's Atacama Desert is home to the impressive Extremely Large Telescope of the European Southern Observatory (ESO's ELT). This image shows the giant rising, with three cranes building its colossal dome.
Almost as tall as London's Big Ben clock tower, larger than Rome's Colosseum . . . the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is truly a massive building. The construction materials used for the ELT include: 10,000 tonnes of steel, 30 million bolts or 500 km of cables. Even compared to other large telescopes, the ELT is a one-of-a-kind.
The ELT can be seen here under construction, including its dome, central structure and base of the M1 mirror. The ELT stands at Cerro Armazones in Chile's Atacama Desert and will be one of the main flagships of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) for the next two decades. Thanks to on-site webcams, drone footage, and the contribution from professional and amateur photographers, ESO is able to share the development of the ELT with the world step-by-step.
These images show the early constructions stages of the ELT's dome and main structure. Despite their massive size, these structures are able to rate and tilt the mirrors to the targeted observation with great precision.
Altitude: 3046 meters Planned year of technical first light: 2027
Vega-C Rocket Launch of Sentinel-1C Earth Satellite | European Space Agency
The third Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite, Sentinel-1C, has launched aboard a Vega-C rocket, flight VV25, from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The rocket lifted off on December 5, 2024, at 22:20 CET (18:20 local time).
Sentinel-1C extends the legacy of its predecessors, delivering high-resolution radar imagery to monitor Earth’s changing environment, supporting a diverse range of applications and advance scientific research. Additionally, Sentinel-1C introduces new capabilities for detecting and monitoring maritime traffic.
The launch also marks Vega-C’s ‘return to flight’, a key step in restoring Europe’s independent access to space. Vega-C is the evolution of the Vega family of rockets and delivers increased performance, greater payload volume and improved competitiveness.
Artemis II Moon Rocket Stacking Begins | NASA's Kennedy Space Center
Engineers and technicians with NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program have completed stacking of the first Moon rocket segments—the left and right aft assemblies for the agency’s Artemis II Space Launch System (SLS) solid rocket boosters—onto mobile launcher 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building.
The first two of 10 booster segments to be stacked, the boosters will help support the remaining rocket components and the Orion spacecraft during final assembly of the Artemis II Moon rocket. When assembled, each booster will be about half the length of a football field, and will generate more thrust than 14 four-engine jumbo commercial airliners—providing more than 75 percent of the total SLS thrust during liftoff from Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39B.
Artemis II will launch no earlier than April 2026.
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