New Horizons spacecraft became the first to visit one of the Kuiper belt objects, an area in the outer Solar System where frozen objects reside, and thus revolutionized our understanding of Pluto and its satellites, among many others. The spacecraft comprises a central thrust tube and triangular structures on either side. It contains seven instruments …
New Horizons Spacecraft Explores the Kuiper Belt Read More »
NASA’s Pioneer 10, 11 and Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft have captured amazing flyby footage of Jupiter. Previous encounters showed its intense magnetism, volatile weather patterns and impressive collection of moons. Juno will come closer than any of those missions to Jupiter than any previous spacecraft; its orbit will allow it to observe both its …
Both Voyager spacecraft are outfitted with 10 science instruments, including two cameras capable of taking detailed images of planets and their rings, magnetic fields and the interaction between light as a wave and particles. Voyager 1 returned a haunting portrait of Earth in 1990 that Carl Sagan called “Pale Blue Dot.” Since then, its data …
The Voyager Spacecraft Gives Scientists New Insights Read More »
Mars is home to an exciting new breed of spacecraft designed to facilitate scientific study and discovery, and one day send humans there. These spacecraft offer unprecedented access for scientific analysis. The Lander is designed in the shape of a tetrahedron with sides that open like petals, housing cameras, weather stations and a six-wheeled rover …
A New Generation of Spacecraft on Mars is Opening a World of Exploration and Discovery Read More »
Layers play an essential part in shaping planet’s history and future development, including their melting effects on mantle material and volcanic eruptions that alter climate, foster life or destroy it. Scientists are now using the InSight lander to record marsquakes to examine these layers that lie below Mars, hoping that by doing so they will …
The Moon changes shape each night as it moves through its 29.5 day orbit around Earth. These changes are called phases, and they can be confusing for some people to figure out. Here’s a handy mnemonic that can help you remember the order of the phases. Try it out on your next Moon Phases quiz! …
