Science News
Solar Cycle Update: Twin Peaks?
March 1, 2013
Science@NASA Headline News — 2013
Something unexpected is happening on the sun. 2013 is supposed to be the year of Solar Max, but solar activity is much lower than expected. At least one leading forecaster expects the sun to rebound with a double-peaked maximum later this year.
Van Allen Probes Discover a New Radiation Belt
Feb. 28, 2013
Science@NASA Headline News — 2013
Earth's radiation belts were one of the first discoveries of the Space Age. A new finding published in today's issue of Science shows that we still have much to learn about them. NASA's twin Van Allen Probes, launched just last August, have revealed a previously unknown third radiation belt around Earth.
What Exploded over Russia?
Feb. 26, 2013
Science@NASA Headline News — 2013
Two weeks after an asteroid exploded over Russia's Ural mountains, scientists are making progress understanding the origin and make-up of the unexpected space rock. This week's ScienceCast presents their latest results.
Kepler Discovers a System of Tiny Planets
Feb. 20, 2013
Science@NASA Headline News — 2013
NASA's Kepler mission scientists have discovered a new planetary system that is home to the smallest planet yet found around a star similar to our sun.
Possible Seismic Activity on Asteroid 2012 DA14
Feb. 14, 2013
Science@NASA Headline News — 2013
Some researchers believe that near-Earth asteroid 2012 DA14 might experience seismic activity when it flies through Earth's gravitational field on Feb. 15th.
NASA to Broadcast Asteroid Flyby of Earth
Feb. 13, 2013
Science@NASA Headline News — 2013
Starting at 2 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 15, NASA Television will provide commentary and images of near-Earth asteroid 2012 DA14 as it flies safely past Earth closer than many artificial satellites.
The UN Braces for Stormy Space Weather
Feb. 13, 2013
Science@NASA Headline News — 2013
Forecasters say solar maximum is due in 2013. To prepare, the UN is organizing an international response to stormy space weather.
NASA Curiosity Rover Collects First Martian Bedrock Sample
Feb. 11, 2013
NASA's Curiosity rover has, for the first time, used a drill carried at the end of its robotic arm to bore into a flat, veiny rock on Mars and collect a sample from its interior. This is the first time any robot has drilled into a rock to collect a sample on Mars.
LDCM/Atlas V is Cleared for Flight
Feb. 11, 2013
The reconvening of the Launch Readiness Review is complete and the remaining items of work and those needing further review have been closed. NASA's Landsat Data Continuity Mission spacecraft aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is cleared for flight.
Curiosity Drills into Mars
Feb. 9, 2013
Science@NASA Headline News — 2013
In a milestone accomplishment, NASA's Curiosity rover has drilled into a rock on Mars and gathered material from its interior. This is the first time any robot has drilled into a rock to collect a sample on Mars.