Spacecraft in Orbit

Spacecraft in orbit serve as our entryway into our solar system, galaxy and beyond. They carry instruments ranging from cameras and telescopes to radar and spectrometers – offering access to information in multiple dimensions. To achieve orbit, a rocket must travel high above most of Earth’s atmosphere in an elliptical path around our planet –…

Why is the Sky Blue?

Sunlight may appear colorless, but its makeup consists of different wavelengths which combine to form what we perceive as white light. White light contains all of the colors from the rainbow including red, orange, yellow, green blue indigo and violet hues. As sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere, it encounters gas molecules and is scattered all…

30 Fun Japan Facts

Japan is an intriguing land with a vibrant culture and beautiful geography, boasting many innovative ideas such as Kawaii (cute), Karaoke, Purikura and, of course, Pokemon! Children in Japan are taught early to respect both parents and bosses, as well as to work hard and set high goals for themselves. 1. Japan is the world’s…

New Horizons Explores Pluto and Its Moons

Pluto and its moons hold many secrets that New Horizons discovered through Alice – its sensitive ultraviolet imaging spectrometer. Instruments have detected an atmospheric haze which could contain methane. Pluto Underground team has created a unique spacecraft designed to investigate this mystery. The Mission As New Horizons will pass Pluto this Wednesday, astronomers will finally…

The Plural For Spacecraft

Spacecrafts or spaceships are vehicles designed for interstellar travel. Spacecraft is often the standard plural, while you could also say spaceships. Spacecraft from Earth may take years before returning to Mars, which now appears cold, dry and potentially lifeless. Memorizing the rules governing plurals of irregular nouns must become second nature; their rules differ significantly…