For those who haven’t yet discovered it, may I recommend spending some time browsing through the Web site of NASA’s Earth Observatory? It offers a fascinating look from space at this earth of ours, including an Image Of The Day that can sometimes be quirky, sometimes, scientific, and sometimes spectacularly beautiful. They’ve got archives running… Continue reading NASA’s Earth Observatory
Tag: Space
What an amazing picture!
In its Astronomy Picture Of The Day for January 11th, NASA has given us a photograph of Saturn, taken from behind the planet by the Cassini probe. The planet is silhouetted against the Sun, which is in eclipse on its far side. To see the full picture, click here, then click on the picture to… Continue reading What an amazing picture!
To go where like no man has gone before?
The Pink Tentacle Blog (and no, I have no idea why it’s named that!) has an interesting report on a new-generation human waste disposal device for use in space. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has teamed up with engineers from the private sector to develop a next-generation space toilet, which they hope to complete… Continue reading To go where like no man has gone before?
36 years ago . . .
. . . on December 14th, 1972, the Apollo 17 mission left the Moon. It was the last manned space mission to our nearest celestial body. The mission was notable for its spectacular night launch (click to enlarge – it’s worth it!); and for the longest and most distant excursions from the lunar landing module… Continue reading 36 years ago . . .
A 10th birthday that’s (literally) out of this world
The International Space Station turned 10 a few days ago. The first module, the Russian Zarya FCB (for ‘Functional Cargo Block’), was launched on November 20th, 1998. (Click the pictures for a larger view.) The US space shuttle Endeavour launched mission STS-88 on December 4th, 1998, carrying the Unity ISS module. Between December 7th and… Continue reading A 10th birthday that’s (literally) out of this world
The best of Hubble, for Advent
Alan, of the Big Picture Web site, part of the Boston Globe, has started a fascinating Advent Calendar. He writes: As we head into the traditional western Holiday Season, I’d like to present this Hubble Space Telescope imagery Advent Calendar. Every day, for the next 25 days, a new photo will be revealed here from… Continue reading The best of Hubble, for Advent
An anniversary worth remembering
Tomorrow, Saturday, October 4th, 2008, is the 51st anniversary of the launch of Sputnik 1. This first orbital satellite only remained operational for three weeks, but began the Space Race in earnest, and has been followed by thousands of more and more sophisticated descendants. One of those descendants is also making headlines at present. ISEE-3… Continue reading An anniversary worth remembering