Friends of NASA (FoN) is an independent non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to building international support for peaceful space exploration, commerce, scientific discovery, and STEM education.
Happy 34th Birthday, Hubble! Did you know that the Hubble Space Telescope has not only expanded our understanding of the universe, it has impacted innovations here on Earth? From enhancing illness detection imagery to tracking endangered species, Hubble has helped shape our lives and society.
The Hubble Space Telescope (often referred to as HST or Hubble) is a space telescope that was launched into low Earth orbit in 1990 and remains in operation. It was not the first space telescope, but it is one of the largest and most versatile, renowned as a vital research tool and as a public relations boon for astronomy. The Hubble telescope is named after astronomer Edwin Hubble and is one of NASA's Great Observatories. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) selects Hubble's targets and processes the resulting data, while the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) controls the spacecraft.
Video: Space Telescope Science Institute/Danielle Kirshenblat (STScI)
How did a star form this beautiful nebula? In the middle of emission nebula NGC 6164 is an unusually massive star. The central star has been compared to an oyster's pearl and an egg protected by the mythical sky dragons of Ara. The star, visible in the center of the featured image and catalogued as HD 148937, is so hot that the ultraviolet light it emits heats up gas that surrounds it. This gas was likely thrown off from the star previously, possibly the result of a gravitational interaction with a looping stellar companion. Expelled material might have been channeled by the magnetic field of the massive star, creating the symmetric shape of the bipolar nebula. NGC 6164 spans about four light years and is located about 3,600 light years away.
The Hubble Space Telescope: Highlights from its 34th Year in Orbit
The Hubble Space Telescope celebrated its 34th year in orbit by premiering a stunning new Hubble image of the Little Dumbbell Nebula. Located approximately 3,400 light-years away the Little Dumbbell Nebula is a planetary nebula, which is an expanding shell of gas around an aging or dying star.
Even after all these years, Hubble continues to uncover the mysteries of the universe. These are a few science achievements from Hubble’s latest year in orbit.
Astronauts of China's Shenzhou-18 Mission Meet the Press | China Space Station
Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu, the three Chinese astronauts for the upcoming Shenzhou-18 spaceflight mission to the China Space Station, met the press on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Their Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship is scheduled to lift off at 20:59 Thursday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced.
Shenzhou-18 Crew
Ye Guangfu (commander)
Li Cong
Li Guangsu
"As evaluated and decided by the mission headquarters, the Shenzhou-18 spaceship is scheduled to be launched at 20:59 on April 25 Beijing Time. Crew members are astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, with Ye Guangfu as the mission commander. Astronaut Ye Guangfu has participated in the Shenzhou-13 manned space flight mission, while Li Cong and Li Guangsu are among the country's third batch of astronauts and will carry out a space flight for the first time," said Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the CMSA.
After reaching the space station, the trio will be greeted by the Shenzhou-17 crew currently aboard the Tiangong space station. The Shenzhou-17 crew has been on the space station since Oct 26 last year and will return to Earth after completing in-orbit rotation.
The upcoming mission marks China's 13th manned spaceflight mission since the launch of the manned space program and represents the first manned mission to the space station this year.
China's Tiangong space station will continue its normal operation, with plans outlined for two cargo spacecraft missions and two manned spaceflight missions in 2024. The Tianzhou-7 cargo supply mission was successfully completed in January this year.
The Shenzhou-18 spaceship, sitting atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, was transferred to the launching area on April 17, with pre-launch function checks and joint tests conducted to ensure the spaceship's readiness.
Video Credit: China Global Television Network (CGTN)
China's Shenzhou-18 Crew Mission: Ready for Launch | China Space Station
The Shenzhou-18 crewed space mission completed its last joint practice on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, before launch, with all systems in good condition and ready for the mission.
Shenzhou-18 Crew
Ye Guangfu (commander)
Li Cong
Li Guangsu
With the unified dispatch of the Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center, Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, Xi'an Satellite Control Center and the mission's various sub control stations coordinated a comprehensive simulation of technical states and work processes during launch preparation, launch, and flight of the Shenzhou-18.
The final joint rehearsal is the one with all the necessary procedures in place, making it the most accurate simulation of the actual process before the launch.
"Currently, our spacecraft system is functioning normally with all performance indicators within expected parameters. The interface with the rocket and the data from various systems and equipment within the spacecraft are all normal, and the environmental control and health protection system are also operating as expected. We have completed all necessary preparations for the launch," said Luo Guqing, a researcher of the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
April is typically the windiest and sandiest month at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The meteorological staff at the launch site have analyzed April's wind speed data over the past 10 years and mapped out multiple contingency response plans.
The rocket system has also worked out protective measures.
"To address the windy and sandy conditions, we've mapped out specific measures. If the weather forecast predicts strong winds and sandstorms, we'll block and wrap the exposed parts before the launch pad opens. This ensures that the launch can proceed smoothly despite challenging weather conditions," said Gu Mingkun, a researcher of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under the CASC.
Currently, facilities and equipment at the launch site are in good condition, and the site is set to proceed with the scheduled rocket propellant filling and launch. Meanwhile, the emergency response team for the rocket's ascent phase is fully prepared and making necessary arrangements.
The air detachment has conducted over 10 specialized flight training sessions involving flight, maintenance, and support personnel, and both personnel and equipment are currently in optimal conditions.
Video Credit: China Global Television Network (CGTN)
Success & Preparation | NASA's Artemis I Mission & Beyond
At 1:47 a.m. EST (6:47 UTC) on Nov. 16, 2022, NASA’s Orion spacecraft launched atop the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from historic Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on a path to the Moon, officially beginning the Artemis I mission.
Over the course of 25.5 days, Orion performed two lunar flybys, coming within 80 miles (129 kilometers) of the lunar surface. At its farthest distance during the mission, Orion traveled nearly 270,000 miles (435,000 kilometers) from our home planet. NASA’s Orion spacecraft successfully completed a parachute-assisted splashdown in the Pacific Ocean at 9:40 a.m. PST (12:40 p.m. EST) as the final major milestone of the Artemis I mission.
Artemis I set new records of performance, exceeded efficiency expectations, and established new safety baselines for humans in deep space. This is a prelude to what comes next—following the success of Artemis I, human beings will fly around the Moon on Artemis II.
European & Australian Astronaut Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony | ESA
The European Space Agency's astronaut class of 2022, including Sophie Adenot, Rosemary Coogan, Pablo Álvarez Fernández, Raphaël Liégeois, Marco Sieber, and Australian Space Agency's Katherine Bennell-Pegg during their graduation ceremony at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre on April 22, 2024. Receiving certification marks their transition from candidates to fully qualified astronauts eligible for space missions. Selected in November 2022, the group began their training in April 2023. Basic astronaut training covers spacecraft systems, spacewalks, flight engineering, robotics, life support systems, survival, and medical training, followed by pre-assignment and mission-specific training, setting the stage for future missions to the International Space Station and beyond.
Australian Space Agency astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg Biography
A Tour of The Little Dumbbell Nebula (M76) | Hubble
In celebration of the 34th anniversary of the launch of NASA's legendary Hubble Space Telescope on April 24, 1990, astronomers took a snapshot of the Little Dumbbell Nebula. Also known as Messier 76, M76, or NGC 650/651, it is composed of a ring, seen edge-on as the central bar structure, and two lobes on either opening of the ring. The entire nebula is expected to vanish in about 15,000 years.
The Little Dumbbell Nebula is located 3,400 light-years away in the northern circumpolar constellation Perseus. The photogenic nebula is a favorite target of amateur astronomers.
M76 is classified as a planetary nebula. This is a misnomer because it is unrelated to planets. However, its round shape suggested it was a planet to astronomers who first viewed it through low-power telescopes. In reality, a planetary nebula is an expanding shell of glowing gases that were ejected from a dying red giant star. The star eventually collapses to an ultra-dense, hot white dwarf.
Hubble's 34th Anniversary Image: The Little Dumbbell Nebula | NASA Goddard
On April 24, 2024, the Hubble Space Telescope celebrated its 34th year in orbit by premiering a never-before-seen view of the Little Dumbbell Nebula. The entire nebula is expected to vanish in about 15,000 years.
Hubble’s Senior Project Scientist Dr. Jennifer Wiseman takes us on a tour of this stunning new image, describes the telescope's current health, and summarizes some of Hubble's contributions to astronomy during its 34-year career.
The Little Dumbbell Nebula (also known as Messier 76, M76, or NGC 650/651) is located 3,400 light-years away in the northern circumpolar constellation Perseus. The photogenic nebula is a favorite target of amateur astronomers.
M76 is classified as a planetary nebula. This is a misnomer because it is unrelated to planets. But its round shape suggested it was a planet to astronomers who first viewed it through low-power telescopes. In reality, a planetary nebula is an expanding shell of glowing gases that were ejected from a dying red giant star. The star eventually collapses to an ultra-dense, hot white dwarf.
This video takes the viewer on a journey to the 34th anniversary image of the launch of the legendary NASA/European Space Agency Hubble Space Telescope: the Little Dumbbell Nebula (also known as Messier 76, M76, or NGC 650/651). The object is located 3,400 light-years away in the northern circumpolar constellation Perseus. This photogenic nebula is a favorite target of amateur astronomers.
Video Credit: NASA, ESA, STScI, A. Pagan (STScI)
Acknowledgment: D. Crowson, A. Fujii, Digitized Sky Survey.
In celebration of the 34th anniversary of the launch of the legendary NASA/European Space Agency Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers took a snapshot of the Little Dumbbell Nebula (also known as Messier 76, M76, or NGC 650/651) located 3,400 light-years away in the northern circumpolar constellation Perseus. The photogenic nebula is a favorite target of amateur astronomers.
M76 is classified as a planetary nebula. This is a misnomer because it is unrelated to planets. But its round shape suggested it was a planet to astronomers who first viewed it through low-power telescopes. In reality, a planetary nebula is an expanding shell of glowing gases that were ejected from a dying red giant star. The star eventually collapses to an ultra-dense, hot white dwarf.
M76 is composed of a ring, seen edge-on as the central bar structure, and two lobes on either opening of the ring. Before the star burned out, it ejected the ring of gas and dust. The ring was probably sculpted by the effects of the star that once had a binary companion star. This sloughed-off material created a thick disc of dust and gas along the plane of the companion’s orbit. The hypothetical companion star is not seen in the Hubble image, and so it could have been later swallowed by the central star. The disc would be forensic evidence for that stellar cannibalism.
The primary star is collapsing to form a white dwarf. It is one of the hottest stellar remnants known at a scorching 120,000 degrees Celsius, 24 times our Sun’s surface temperature. The sizzling white dwarf can be seen as a pinpoint in the center of the nebula. A star visible in projection beneath it is not part of the nebula.
Pinched off by the disc, two lobes of hot gas are escaping from the top and bottom of the ‘belt’ along the star’s rotation axis that is perpendicular to the disc. They are being propelled by the hurricane-like outflow of material from the dying star, tearing across space at two million miles per hour. This is fast enough to travel from Earth to the Moon in a little over seven minutes! This torrential ‘stellar wind’ is ploughing into cooler, slower-moving gas that was ejected at an earlier stage in the star’s life, when it was a red giant. Ferocious ultraviolet radiation from the super-hot star is causing the gases to glow. The red color is from nitrogen, and blue is from oxygen.
The entire nebula is a flash in the pan by cosmological timekeeping. It will vanish in about 15,000 years.
Image Description: A Hubble image of the Little Dumbbell Nebula. The name comes from its shape. It is a two-lobed structure of colorful, mottled glowing gases that resemble a balloon that has been pinched around a middle waist. Like an inflating balloon, the lobes are expanding into space from a dying star seen as a white dot in the center Blistering ultraviolet radiation from the super-hot star is causing the gases to glow. The red color is from nitrogen, and blue is from oxygen.
Earth & Space Views: Shenzhou-17 Crew | China Space Station
A set of high-resolution pictures taken by the Shenzhou-17 crew in orbit, was released recently by the China Manned Space Engineering Office.
The three Shenzhou-17 astronauts have nearly completed their six month long-duration mission on China's Tiangong Space Station. The Shenzhou-17 crew launched to the station on October 26, 2023. Shenzhou-17 is the sixth spaceflight to the station. The Shenzhou-18 replacement crew will launch soon.
Shenzhou-17 Crew:
Hongbo Tang (Commander)
Shengjie Tang (Mission Specialist)
Xinlin Jiang (Mission Specialist)
Video Credit : CCTV Video News Agency/China Manned Space Engineering Office
The ocean holds about 97 percent of Earth's water and covers 70 percent of our planet's surface. According to the United Nations, the ocean may be home to 50 to 80 percent of all life on Earth. Even if you live hundreds of miles from a coast, what happens in the ocean is fundamental to your life.
The 2024 NASA Earth Day poster is composited with real satellite imagery from NASA's Terra, Aqua, and Landsat missions. Download the poster and learn more about the imagery below.
The ocean holds about 97 percent of Earth's water and covers 70 percent of our planet's surface. According to the United Nations, the ocean may be home to 50 to 80 percent of all life on Earth. Even if you live hundreds of miles from a coast, what happens in the ocean is fundamental to your life.
The 2024 NASA Earth Day poster is composited with real satellite imagery from NASA's Terra, Aqua, and Landsat missions. Download the poster and learn more about the imagery below.
Image Credit: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Earth from Orbit: Celebrating Earth Day with U.S. Weather Satellites | NOAA
Happy Earth Day 2024! | America's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): "Throughout history, humans have wondered what Earth looked like from above. The advent of satellites changed our perspective dramatically, though early imagery was often blurry and lacked detail. Today, thanks to decades of technological advancements and innovation, the quality and resolution of satellite imagery has significantly improved. Satellites from NOAA and other organizations around the world capture vital information that help us stay safe, while also sharing the beauty of our planet from afar. For us, every day is Earth Day!"
"As we celebrate Earth Day, let us marvel at the wonders of our planet and reflect on our responsibility to cherish and protect it. Together, let’s ensure that the view from space remains a symbol of hope and inspiration for generations to come."
Credits: NOAA, NASA, Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA)
Additional imagery courtesy of Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS)
APoD.jpg)
.jpg)
