Scientists can study recovered debris more closely as more and more enters Earth’s atmosphere for reentry. Reentry requires complex tracking and monitoring tools. The primary goal is to maintain equilibrium between dynamic pressure and velocity so that the spacecraft can gradually descend to Earth on an accurately calculated trajectory. To accomplish this task, thermal energy…
Most of us assume Saturn’s iconic rings will always remain, but new research demonstrates their eventual demise at an astoundingly rapid rate. Micrometeoroids often emit ultraviolet radiation that charges small particles in their rings electrically. When this happens, these charged particles become attracted along magnetic field lines into our planet’s upper atmosphere and slowly fall…
Mars, better known as “The Red Planet,” is a small rocky planet approximately 50% further away from the sun than Earth. Due to the iron content present on its surface and atmosphere, which rusts away quickly over time and turns it red in appearance. Mars features two moons named Phobos and Deimos. Additionally, Mars boasts…
Children often wonder why the sky is blue, which has perplexed adults, too. This question can be answered using three facts relating to physics, physiology and chemistry. As sunlight travels through Earth’s atmosphere, shorter wavelengths like violet and blue light scatter more effectively than longer ones (like red). This phenomenon gives sky its distinctive blue…
Mercury can have devastating effects on kidneys, nerves and the cardiovascular system. Additionally, mercury exposure is toxic for lung health; pneumonia and pulmonary edema can result from prolonged exposure. Traditional Chinese and Indian herbal remedies contain mercury; also, some thermometers and blood pressure machines may expose people to it. Fetuses and infants exposed to methylmercury…
Mission Control had just instructed Aldrin and Armstrong in the LM to “go long” on their return home from space, in order to move themselves away from the Command Module and allow their service module to reach Earth before them on its reentry path. By doing so, Aldrin and Armstrong could potentially gain more time…
NASA’s spacecraft recently conducted an elaborate dress rehearsal of an asteroid’s likely arrival to Earth by colliding with an innocent rock at 14,000 miles per hour – thrilling scientists at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland who ran this mission under contract from NASA. Mission controllers at Laurel rejoiced and celebrated after…
Spacecraft models help preserve the history of exploration. There are models available for all major US and Soviet missions as well as vehicles never completed such as DynaSoar and Manned Orbiting Laboratory. Paper modeling (also referred to as card modelling) utilizes stiff paper and glue to craft intricate models with stunningly lifelike detail. Free patterns…
Songs about the life cycle of butterflies can be an effective way for students to gain knowledge about metamorphosis and metamorphisis. Kids will learn new scientific vocabulary such as chrysalis, pupa and adult and be able to relate it directly to their lives. At this stage, cells begin rapidly proliferating. After an incubation period that…
