Our Planet

NASA and Lockheed Martin unveil X-59: The Dawn of Supersonic Flight without Sonic Boom

NASA, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, has officially introduced the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft, a groundbreaking venture poised to redefine air travel. As the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission [see notes 1], the X-59 is designed to address one of the primary challenges to supersonic flight over land – making sonic booms quieter. This unique experimental airplane aims to gather crucial data that could lead to a new era of faster-than-sound commercial flights. This concept has intrigued and challenged aviation experts for decades.

10 Bizarre Places Where Life Thrives on Earth

Most extreme places life can be found on Earth: the world-famous Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park

The Earth is the only planet we know of that can support life in the cold, vast space. It seems we’re extremely lucky because our planet has a lot of unique characteristics that make life possible on it. But, interestingly, it also seems “where life can evolve, it will”. From the scorching heat of volcanic springs to the intense pressure of ocean depths, life adapts and thrives in settings once deemed uninhabitable. Explore the ten most extreme environments where nature defies limits, revealing the adaptability and tenacity of life in our planet’s harshest conditions. This journey unveils the incredible extremophiles, organisms that redefine our understanding of survival and resilience in Earth’s most challenging locales.

Solar System’s Planets from the Moon’s Distance

Picture this: observing the solar system’s planets from a vantage point 384,400 kilometers (238,855 miles) away – the same distance that separates the Earth and the Moon. At this unique distance, the planets transform into a fascinating celestial display. Jupiter’s grandeur is more pronounced, its bands and moons visibly distinct. Saturn’s majestic rings, while subtler, still catch the eye with their delicate glow. This perspective not only alters their appearance but also enhances our appreciation for the vast scale and beauty of our solar system.

What Makes Life on Earth Possible? [10 Crucial Factors]

Amidst the vast, frigid expanse of space, Earth shines as a unique cradle of life. This blue gem has harbored life for over 3.5 billion years and, barring unforeseen catastrophes, promises to continue for billions more. But, what makes life on earth possible? Explore the 10 key elements that make our planet a haven for life.

What causes the moon’s phases? [Explained]

The phases of the Moon are determined by the changing angles of the Sun, Moon, and Earth, not by the Earth’s shadow, which only causes lunar eclipses. Like the Earth, the moon is only half-lit by the Sun at any time. We see it from different angles at different times, that’s how moon phases occur.

Axiom Station’s First Module, HAB1 is Scheduled to Launch in 2026

Axiom Station will be the world's first commercial space station.

Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson announced that the first module of the Axiom Station, HAB1, is currently scheduled to launch in 2026. Axiom Station will be the world’s first commercial space station.

China’s Tiangong Space Station vs the ISS interiors [Side-by-Side Comparison]

Here’s an interesting side-by-side comparison of the interiors of China’s Tiangong space station vs the International Space Station (ISS). Tiangong looks way futuristic, that’s what actually future space stations look like in science-fiction movies. The good, old ISS clearly shows its age.

Voyager 1 is in serious trouble and sending indecipherable data

NASA’s Voyager 1 probe, a pivotal instrument in studying the outer Solar System, is currently facing communication difficulties. Launched in 1977, its main purpose has been to gather and send back information about the transition zone between the heliosphere (the Sun’s protective bubble, encompassing the Solar System, shielding it from interstellar radiation and cosmic rays) and the interstellar medium. This mission has been crucial in enhancing our understanding of the Solar System’s edge and its interaction with the vast interstellar space.

Lunar Rover Vehicle Speed Record was Broken on December 13, 1972

Lunar Rover Vehicle speed record: John Young

The Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), an engineering feat designed for lunar exploration, played a crucial role in the later Apollo missions. Given its delicate structure and the unique challenges of the Moon’s surface, astronauts were instructed to handle the LRV with utmost caution. The vehicle, powered by a modest 1 horsepower, initially had a speed limit of 8 mph (12.87 km/h) to ensure safety during lunar excursions, recognizing that mechanical or medical help was a quarter of a million miles away on Earth.

The Last Moonwalk was Performed on December 13, 1972

Apollo 17 EVA-3 [December 13, 1972] - the last moonwalk

On December 13, 1972, Apollo 17 astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt performed the third and last extravehicular activity (EVA) of the mission. This was the last moonwalk ever performed (as of 2023). Cernan and Schmitt were the last humans to set foot on the Moon.