Is there life on Venus? Astronomers have found new clues
Researchers have presented new evidence of the presence of two gases closely related to life on Earth in the atmosphere of Venus.
Asteroid the size of a cruise ship to approach Earth — ESA probe takes off to meet it
The European Space Agency (ESA) is planning to send the «Ramses» spacecraft to track the asteroid Apophis as it approaches our planet on April 13, 2029. The 375-meter diameter asteroid will fly at a distance of only 32,000 kilometers from Earth — closer than some satellites in orbit.
The first hip-hop in space: NASA sends a song by an American rapper to Venus
The US space agency has taken the first step in combining hip-hop and interplanetary travel. NASA’s Deep Space Network transmitted the lyrics of the song «The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)» Missy Elliott to Venus.
Martian hive: NASA plans to launch a swarm of robotic bees to the Red Planet
Exploration of other planets has always been a challenge, but NASA’s Advanced Concepts Institute (ACI) has come up with an interesting solution: a swarm of robotic bees.
Polar ice melting slows down the Earth's rotation: what does it mean?
A new study has revealed an unexpected consequence of global warming: the day on our planet is getting longer due to the melting of the polar ice. Scientists from NASA and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) published their findings in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
A 100-meter cave found on the Moon that could be a home for people
A group of researchers has for the first time recorded the presence of a huge cave on the Moon. With a depth of at least 100 meters, it could be an ideal place to create a permanent base for humanity on the Earth’s satellite.
From changing orbits to destroying planets: what will happen if a black hole appears in the solar system
Black holes — are not just «space vacuum cleaners», as some people think. In fact, their impact on the solar system depends on many factors. Carina Voggel, a researcher at the Strasbourg Astronomical Data Center, explains that black holes — are just highly compressed mass, not a destructive force.
Movie review «Fly Me to the Moon»
On July 10, the satirical comedy «Fly me to the moon» starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. The plot of the film refers to the Moon Conspiracy, which is the falsification of the US moon landing. In the review below, we explain how the «Apollo» program was turned into pure marketing and how harmonious the […]
Following the example of «Dunes»: astronauts will drink their own urine in outer space
Who would have thought that Frank Herbert’s science fiction would become NASA’s science fact? Disticombe conquers space.
It almost hit us: 150-meter asteroid flies between Earth and Moon
Recently, the asteroid 2024 MK, which passed by our planet at the end of June, has undergone significant changes in its orbit. New NASA images confirm that the close approach to Earth has significantly affected the trajectory of this space object.
Time passes faster on the Moon: scientists reveal the exact difference
In the new research scientists have accurately calculated how much faster time passes on the Moon compared to the Earth and the barycenter of the solar system. This information is important for future expeditions.
Second stage of Ariane 6 rocket «lights up» in Rostov — seems to be intended to be shot down by local air defense
An unusual phenomenon was spotted in the sky over Russia, which caused a strong reaction from local air defense. A video posted on Russian social media captured a round luminous object and the activity of air defense systems.
A new home for humanity? James Webb telescope detects potentially habitable planet
Researchers analyzing data from the James Webb Telescope have determined that exoplanet LHS 1140 b may be an icy water world. Interestingly, it is potentially capable of supporting an Earth-like atmosphere and even life.
«Astronomical Photographer of the Year» 2024 — 10 most interesting photos of the contest
The «Astronomy Photographer of the Year» contest has announced the stunning 2024 winners. From fascinating «mythical monsters to dizzying distant constellations, the shortlisted candidates showcase the magnificent beauty of the sky around us. Here are this year’s stunning nominees. The finalists include photos of the sun, the aurora…
Movie review «Space Cadet»
On July 4, the US Independence Day, the comedy film «Space Cadet» starring Emma Roberts was released on the Prime Video streaming platform. In the review below, we will tell you what this comedy has to offer the viewer and why it is better to avoid it. Even if you are a fan of comedies, […]
Scientists have figured out how to find dark matter — it can interact with the Earth's ionosphere
According to new theoretical research, the Earth may be floating through dark matter like an ocean. Scientists assume that the waves of this invisible ocean, which splash against the upper layers of the planet’s atmosphere, can generate radio waves. This would help to finally to find dark matter and confirm the findings of modern science.
China's «SpaceX» accidentally launches rocket during fire test
Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the missile landed in a mountainous area.
Boeing says Starliner «mission is going well» — despite two astronauts stuck on ISS
Boeing’s first commercial spacecraft, the Starliner, remains on the International Space Station with no confirmed return date. Boeing is currently conducting damage control.
China's «Chanye-6» delivers first soil samples from the back of the Moon to Earth
The «Chanye-6» spacecraft successfully landed in Inner Mongolia, delivering the first-ever soil and rock samples from the back of the Moon to Earth.
Review of the cartoon «Mars Express»
On June 20, cinemas started showing the animated sci-fi detective story «Mars Express», which was nominated for the «César» award in the «Best Animated Film» category. In the review below, we analyze what makes this film by French animation director Jérémie Périn notable and what outstanding works that have become an integral part of…
«Perseverance» has found mysterious «popcorn rocks» on Mars, which indicate a powerful flow of water in the past
NASA’s Mars rover «Perseverance», which is currently operating in a new region called Bright Angel, has found further evidence of the potential presence of water in the Jezero crater in the past.
«We thought it was impossible». Astronomers discover frost near the equator of Mars
Previously, it was believed that there was no water ice in this region (equivalent to the tropics on Earth), so the latest discovery should radically change the modeling of future Mars exploration missions.
«Alien Oceans: The Search for Life in the Depths of Space» Kevin Peter Hand: a book about the difficulties of searching for extraterrestrial life
The ITC.ua Book Club welcomes readers and fans of literature once again. Today, we are not talking about «fiction» — we are going to talk about the popular science book «Alien Oceans: The Search for Life in the Depths of Space» by the famous American astrobiologist and planetary scientist Kevin Peter Hand. It was published […]
SpaceX launches the world's largest rocket, Starship, for the fourth time — both stages were able to be driven (but not without losses)
The fourth test flight of the SpaceX Starship super-heavy launch vehicle was much more successful than the previous ones — both stages completed their missions and successfully re-entered the atmosphere (although the second stage was damaged) The launch was broadcast live in the account SpaceX on X/Twitter.
The Boeing Starliner spacecraft launched for the first time with astronauts on board. But during the flight, a helium leak was discovered again
After almost 20 years of planning, development, testing and delays, the Boeing Starliner spacecraft made its first manned launch and sent astronauts to the ISS as part of the Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission. The launch of the Atlas V rocket with the Starliner capsule took place on June 5 at 17:52 Kyiv time.
Japan loses contact with «Akatsuki» — the only spacecraft connecting Earth and Venus
The $300 million spacecraft was launched in 2010, but the mission failed to enter Venus’ orbit on the first attempt due to a failure of the main engine — «Akatsuki» for five years, orbiting the Sun until it finally approached the planet.
China has landed» on the back of the Moon for the second time with the Chanye-6» spacecraft
China is currently the only country to land its spacecraft on the back of the Moon (the previous one «Chang’e-4» back in 2019).
Boeing postpones «damned» Starliner mission — valve repaired, but there was a «small helium leak»
Starliner launch a week ago stopped due to a faulty oxygen valveHowever, it turned out that the spacecraft had other problems.
Monster sunspot «produced» the most powerful X8.7 flare in 11 years
The giant sunspot on the Sun, designated as AR3664, left us a parting gift, but this time without the bonus of the Aurora Borealis.
Starliner did not take off: the first manned flight of the Boeing spacecraft was canceled due to problems with the oxygen valve
The next launch attempt may be scheduled for Friday, but delays have become typical for the mission due to ongoing problems with the spacecraft’s design.
China shows a project of a space base on the Moon — for some reason, the NASA shuttle, decommissioned in 2011, was there
The video by the Chinese National Space Administration details a large lunar outpost, but interestingly, it contains CGI of a NASA space shuttle taking off from the lunar surface.
Flash over Ukraine — probably a superbolid (very bright meteor)
On May 1, at 1 a.m., a meteor-like phenomenon was observed in the sky over some regions of Ukraine, with reports of a flash coming from Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipro.
The mysterious Inca city on Mars was attacked by «black spiders» — what did the satellite images really show?
Arachnophobes can rest easy — new ESA satellite images of flocks of black spiders on Mars actually show a seasonal phenomenon common to the planet.
Who will pay? Florida resident appeals to NASA for compensation — his house was damaged by debris thrown from the ISS
In March, a kilogram piece of metal pierced the roof and floor in the two-story house of Florida resident Alejandro Otero. Later it turned out that it was space debris — viz, support for the cargo pallet for batteries with a total weight of 2630 kg, which was ejected from the ISS in 2021.
Failed stars appear to be able to generate their own aurora — thanks to a hidden exomoon
By studying data sent by the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have detected methane emissions coming from a brown dwarf, or «loser star» — previously thought to be not warm enough for this phenomenon.
The Ferrari designer was there — Halo Space showed the interior of the capsule, which will take «to the stratosphere for $150 thousand.
Halo Space, founded in 2021, offers space tourism services and uses balloons instead of rockets or jets. The ticket price is still unaffordable for most people and reaches $150 thousand, although the use of balloons is much cheaper (and more environmentally friendly) — for example, Virgin Galactic offers commercial flights for $450 thousand,…
«Devil's Comet» brightest on April 21 — it happens once every 71 years
On Sunday, April 21, comet 12P/Pons-Brooks (Ponce-Brooks), known as «Devil’s Comet», «Horned Comet», or «Millennium Falcon», has become the most visible in the sky. The celestial body, which visits the solar system once every 71 years, has reached perihelion — the point in its elliptical orbit when it is closest to the Sun.
Parisian startup creates a jet-powered «boxing glove» that will push space debris out of orbit
The spacecraft, called the Interceptor, will be launched, similar to Virgin Galactic systems, by a rocket from a specially equipped aircraft.
NASA confirms that a support for a cargo pallet that was dropped from the ISS back in 2021 fell on a house in Florida
The space debris was simply ejected from the station — most of it was supposed to burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere, but one of the fragments «survived» and pierced the roof and floor in the two-story house of a Florida resident.
20 times is not the limit. SpaceX updates Falcon 9 reusability record
Do you still remember the famous SpaceX skeptic meme «then we’ll talk»?
Astronomers see rainbow for the first time outside the solar system — near distant «hellish planet»
We are talking about the exoplanet WASP-76 b, which delighted researchers with a bright light show, better known as «gloria» — until now it has been observed only within the Solar System.
The Moon «turned» inside out billions of years ago — and planetary scientists have evidence
What was on the surface of the young moon went deeper into the satellite, and what was inside — came to light.
NASA has selected three companies to build a «lunar vehicle» for astronauts of Artemis missions
Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost and Venturi Astrolab will participate in the NASA competition for the development of a vehicle which will be able to travel on the Moon — an order with a potential value of $4.6 billion for the next 13 years.
The White House has instructed NASA to create a «new time zone» for the Moon by 2026
Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) will establish an official time to help guide future lunar missions.
Space debris lands on Florida home — likely from the International Space Station
A few weeks ago, a 1 kg piece of debris broke through the roof of Alejandro Otero’s two-story house in Florida. The Nest camera recorded the noise at 14:34 local time — this is important because at 14:29, debris from the ISS re-entered the atmosphere. At that time, the object was moving over the Gulf of Mexico, heading to southwest Florida.
Review of the series «Constellation»
On March 27, the Apple TV+ service finished showing the sci-fi thriller «Constellation», starring popular Swedish actress Noomi Rapace. In the review below, we will tell you what prevented this project from becoming a prominent representative of the declared genre. «Constellation» Genre science fiction thriller Directors Michelle McLaren,…
The EHT has recorded for the first time the magnetic fields surrounding Sagittarius A — a supermassive black hole at the center of our Galaxy
Since 1980, physicists have been claiming that a supermassive black hole is located in the center of the Milky Way, but the first «photo» was obtained only two years ago (and another one is currently available) — thanks to the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT).
Catapult on steroids. Chinese railgun will launch ships with crew into space
To get astronauts into space, an incredible amount of fuel is needed (for example, the Saturn V rocket that launched the Apollo mission carried 770,000 liters of kerosene, as well as liquid oxygen as an oxidizer), So researchers have long been exploring alternatives to rockets — such as space elevators, kinetic launch systems (which spin a rocket…
This year, the rare «Blaze Star» will be visible in the night sky. How and when can you see it?
The expected light show in the sky — is the result of an «explosive interaction» between two neighboring stars that occurs every 80 years.
Space startup Interlune plans to produce helium-3 on the Moon by 2030
Among the founders of the company are former employees of Blue Origin and an astronaut of the Apollo 17 mission.
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