Nasa Invests $600 Million in New Contracts to Advance Lunar Base Development

Posted on July 1, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

If NASA successfully executes its bold vision, the entire fleet of lunar landers and rovers will soon be on the moon’s surface within just a few years.

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NASA announced on Tuesday that it has entered yet another contract with a private space company for upcoming moon missions. This time, the lunar lander will transport scientific equipment to the moon’s surface by late 2028.

This announcement marks another step in NASA’s aggressive lunar flight program as it prepares to establish a permanent base on the moon. The various missions set to launch over the next two years aim to test technologies and explore key locations that will shape NASA’s moon construction initiative. Recently, NASA announced nearly $1 billion in funding for its initial unmanned missions aimed at building a moon base.

Recent updates indicate a clear commitment from NASA to establish a sustained presence on the moon, adhering to a tight timeline and heavily leveraging commercial partnerships.

Artist’s rendering of proposed lunar base development near the moon’s south pole.
NASA

“Our recent grants to commercial partners total nearly $600 million for additional lunar missions carrying scientific payloads, accelerating our efforts to build a sustainable presence on the moon, and enhancing our capabilities for future missions,” stated Rory Glaze, Associate Administrator for NASA’s Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate in a statement.

Isaacman mentioned on Tuesday that a test version of NASA’s Mars rover could potentially be repurposed for the moon’s surface.

“If you’re familiar with our Mars rovers Curiosity and Perseverance, there is another model,” he said, noting that the test unit is named Promise. “We are seriously considering sending Promise to the moon.”

The three companies newly contracted for lunar modules include Pennsylvania-based Astrobotic, already collaborating with NASA to develop a lander capable of transporting over 1,000 pounds of cargo and a lunar rover to the moon’s surface later this year, along with Texas-based Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines.

NASA reported that the winning bids were $144.2 million for Firefly and $148.3 million for Intuitive Machines.

Astrobotic has received a fresh contract valued at $297.9 million to construct two additional landers for the 2028 mission, meaning NASA has invested over $600 million in lunar hardware research over the last six years.

Firefly has also been awarded $75 million from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to create four drones to scout locations of interest at the moon’s south pole.

No company is creating a lander from scratch. Instead, NASA indicates that modifications are being made to a spacecraft already flown into space.

Conceptual illustration of astronauts, habitats, rovers, and power systems supporting sustained operations at a lunar base.
NASA

Regarding the Promise rover at California’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Isaacman indicated that discussions are underway to dispatch a probe aimed at exploring the resources available at the moon’s south pole.

“We’ve made several modifications and equipped it with different instruments, making it a very capable vehicle for the lunar south pole,” Isaacman explained. “This will enable us to rapidly develop new projects.”

Isaacman also updated reports on Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin’s expected involvement. NASA had selected Blue Origin and Astrobotic for an unmanned mission to the moon this year; however, an explosion occurred during a recent engine test, damaging the launch pad and raising concerns about meeting NASA’s schedule.

As a result of Blue Origin’s setback, the Moon mission may be postponed until next year.

Astrobotic’s lander is expected to launch as early as this year, according to Carlos García-Galan, NASA’s lunar base program manager.

Isaacman noted that NASA plans to provide monthly updates on lunar missions and will soon solicit proposals for scientific and technological payloads for upcoming lunar expeditions. Potential experiments might focus on the Moon’s energy infrastructure and improve communication systems between the Earth and the Moon.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Revolutionary Lunar Botanist Aims to Cultivate Vegetables on the Moon

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronaut Mark Watney’s journey to grow potatoes on Mars in the film Martian may be fiction, but real-world astrobotanists like Jessica Atkin are making strides in the field. As NASA gears up to establish a sustainable lunar base through the Artemis II mission, the need for skilled individuals who can cultivate crops off Earth is becoming paramount.

Establishing a self-sufficient moon base poses challenges, including the requirement for colonists to harvest water from lunar ice and contend with the inhospitable lunar regolith. Atkin’s groundbreaking research, undertaken at Texas A&M University, demonstrates that chickpeas can sprout when lunar regolith is treated with a blend of organic materials and particular fungi. Her work recently earned her a significant NASA grant to advance research on lunar agriculture.

Atkin discussed her aspirations for a lunar greenhouse, the importance of her work, and what future astronauts can expect to eat on the moon.

Robin George Andrews: What motivated your interest in astrobotany?

Jessica Atkin: My passion for plants began in my childhood, specifically in my grandmother’s strawberry fields. Growing up on a ranch, I spent evenings pondering the possibilities of cultivating plants in space. My belief is that microbes could help us in the process of colonizing not just Earth but the Moon as well.

How did your military service shape your academic career?

My time in the military was a stepping stone to obtaining my college education without financial dependence on my family. I served as a police officer and trained the Iraqi police, experiences that taught me resilience and adaptability—qualities I now bring to my research.

Why grow crops in lunar regolith instead of transporting soil from Earth?

Transporting 1 pound to the Moon can cost around $100,000, making it impractical for sustaining long-term food growth. Instead, we’ll focus on leveraging hydroponics and other innovative methods, much like the systems used on the International Space Station (ISS).

What challenges does lunar regolith present for agriculture?

The structure of lunar regolith is detrimental to plant growth; its sharp, small particles can harm both plants and astronauts alike. Moreover, the chemical composition, while containing necessary nutrients, poses risks due to potentially toxic elements that can inhibit plant health.

Chickpea roots growing in simulated lunar regolith

Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife

What progress has been made in lunar agriculture?

Research teams, such as those from the University of Florida, have shown that plants like thale watercress can grow in actual lunar regolith samples collected during the Apollo missions. My initial research overlooked the vital role of microbes in plant growth, and I felt compelled to explore their significance further.

Your work emphasizes the importance of fungi in lunar agriculture.

Understanding that fungi can aid plants in establishing themselves on land here on Earth, I wanted to investigate if a similar symbiotic relationship could help plants thrive in lunar regolith.

Why did you choose chickpeas as a candidate for lunar cultivation?

Chickpeas are often overlooked as crops, yet they are rich in protein and serve as a vital food source. Unlike typical crops like lettuce and tomatoes, chickpeas are resilient and capable of thriving in harsh conditions, making them ideal for lunar agriculture.

Before your NASA grant, you pioneered research in your home.

My living room transformed into a botanical lab, as I knew that exploring these experiments was crucial when few others were doing so.

Were you able to utilize real lunar regolith in your studies?

Full samples of lunar regolith are scarce and heavily guarded at NASA’s Johnson Space Center; thus, I utilized lunar simulants created from terrestrial volcanic rock to replicate the lunar environment effectively.

Jessica Atkin with chickpeas in simulated moon dust

Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife

What is the current state of your lunar agriculture research?

Atkin’s ongoing studies focus on combining fungi with compost to ascertain the optimal amount of organic material that will successfully nourish plants and microbes in lunar regolith. Remarkably, chickpeas have shown rapid germination, hinting at a potential agricultural revolution on the Moon.

What obstacles do you foresee for future lunar vegetable gardens?

The elevated radiation levels on the Moon and its gravitational differences can significantly alter plant growth, making effective lighting and optimal watering strategies crucial. This will necessitate specially designed, isolated greenhouses to protect both astronauts and plants from lunar dust.

What is your vision for the future of astronaut diets?

I believe the diet of astronauts will increasingly rely on shelf-stable and packaged foods, with legumes like chickpeas providing essential nutrients. The future could even see the introduction of lunar-grown foods like space hummus!

What culinary delights do you envision in a lunar greenhouse?

I have a soft spot for fruits, particularly strawberries, which are currently undergoing tests for growth in space. NASA is exploring various crops, including strawberries in space.

How do you feel about being dubbed the Botanist of the Moon?

While it’s a niche title, I embrace it as an opportunity in a burgeoning field, especially as NASA’s Artemis program progresses. There will be high demand for specialized roles in space agriculture.

If given the opportunity, would you establish a lunar greenhouse?

Absolutely; it’s the realization of a lifelong dream! Being part of lunar exploration and agricultural innovation is something I would cherish deeply.

Reflecting on your early inspirations, what would your grandmother think of your journey?

Even though she’s no longer with us, I know she’d be immensely proud of my achievements. Her support always motivated me, and I hope to honor her legacy through my work in astrobotany.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

NASA Unveils Astronaut Crew for Artemis III Mission to Test Innovative Lunar Lander

Posted on June 9, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

NASA has released the names of the four astronauts chosen for the Artemis III mission, marking a significant milestone in its ambitious plan to return humans to the moon.

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Astronauts Randy Bresnik, Luca Parmitano, Frank Rubio, and Andre Douglas are set for launch into Earth orbit next year as part of testing initiatives for commercially developed lunar landers that will transport NASA astronauts to the moon’s surface by 2028. Bresnik will co-lead the mission with Parmitano, an astronaut from the European Space Agency, while Douglas and Rubio will serve as mission specialists. NASA astronaut Bob Hines will also train with the crew as a backup.

The competition to build the lunar lander for the Artemis III mission includes Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. Both companies confirmed on Tuesday their timelines align for having the lander ready.

“This test flight will showcase our ability to conduct meticulously planned operations with partners in a high-stakes space environment, which includes hardware interfaces, software propulsion systems, and crew life support,” stated Jeremy Parsons, NASA’s Artemis program manager.

Parsons noted that the Artemis III mission is projected to last about two weeks—approximately four days longer than the recently completed Artemis II mission. This serves as the final test before NASA’s goal of landing a crew on the moon during Artemis IV.

“Every aspect of Artemis III provides insights to refine our plans for Artemis IV,” Parsons explained. “This mission is purposefully designed to take calculated risks, ensuring the safety and success of future lunar crews.”

The overarching goal of NASA’s Artemis program is to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon. This year, NASA revealed plans to allocate $20 billion to facilitate the construction of a lunar base.

Originally, NASA intended for Artemis III to land astronauts on the moon, but following an overhaul by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, the mission now focuses on testing docking operations with lunar landers.

The Artemis III crew will remain close to Earth, testing rendezvous and docking maneuvers with lunar landers from SpaceX and/or Blue Origin. These operations are vital for the program, as the chosen lander must rendezvous with the Orion spacecraft, which previously carried the Artemis II crew, while orbiting the moon.

If it all goes as planned, NASA could achieve its first moon landing in over 50 years, potentially ahead of China, which has announced its own plans to send astronauts to the moon by 2030.

Parsons confirmed that critical components of the Artemis III program are progressing as planned. For instance, a newly designed heat shield has been built and tested for NASA’s Orion spacecraft.

“Our upgraded heat shields have been thoroughly inspected and are prepared for installation,” Parsons said.

Nonetheless, Blue Origin’s readiness is a point of concern due to a recent setback where one of its rockets exploded during an engine test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, damaging facilities essential for launching its lunar module.

“Production of the Artemis III Mark February crew module and essential systems is advancing well. Our manufacturing facilities are operational around the clock,” stated Blue Origin’s John Couris. “The vehicle is scheduled for completion and anticipated readiness for launch in 2027.”

Days prior to the explosion, NASA had engaged Blue Origin for an unmanned lunar mission intended to deliver a payload later this year, marking the beginning of a series of robotic missions aimed at preparing for human landings and scouting lunar resources.

For the Artemis III launch, NASA will utilize the same framework as for Artemis II, sending the newly announced crew into space aboard the Orion spacecraft, which will be launched using a Space Launch System rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Blue Origin Rocket Explosion: A Significant Setback for NASA’s Lunar Mission

Posted on May 29, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The significant explosion of the Blue Origin rocket on Thursday night signifies a major setback for Jeff Bezos’s space venture and NASA, potentially delaying astronaut landings on the moon and hindering lunar base construction efforts.

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Blue Origin now faces the repercussions of losing one of its few operational New Glenn rockets, alongside the destruction of its sole functional launch pad. Prolonged investigations and repairs could delay its return to flight for months or even years.

NASA too is confronted with significant uncertainties. Blue Origin was slated to play a crucial role in NASA’s lunar return initiative, competing with SpaceX to develop a lunar lander designed to ferry astronauts from Earth orbit to the moon. Testing for these commercially developed landers was anticipated during the upcoming Artemis III mission.

Just three days prior, Blue Origin secured a substantial contract with NASA to deliver two robotic landers to the moon in a mission scheduled for later this year.

“This is a significant setback for Blue Origin,” stated Kathleen Curley, a research analyst at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technologies.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman expressed this sentiment in a post on X on Thursday, commenting that “Spaceflight is unforgiving, and developing new heavy-lift launch capabilities is extremely difficult.”

In response to media inquiries, the station directed NBC News to Isaacman’s statement.

The catastrophic event transpired around 9 p.m. ET during an engine test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. In a static fire test, the rocket is fueled and its engines ignited to verify onboard systems, with the booster remaining attached to the launch pad, preventing any lift-off. Officials confirmed that all personnel were accounted for, with no reported injuries.

The explosion generated a considerable fireball, engulfing Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket and devastating much of the launch pad.

The extensive damage caused to the pad was particularly shocking, stated Casey Dreier, director of space policy at the Planetary Society, a nonprofit advancing space exploration through research and advocacy.

“While rocket companies often experience explosions, incidents involving launch pads are rare,” he remarked. “Such occurrences are detrimental as they result in the destruction of both the rocket and the associated infrastructure essential for launching.” This situation poses considerable challenges.

The affected launch pad serves as the sole launch facility for Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. Consequently, even if technical issues are promptly resolved, the absence of a functional launch pad poses further complications.

“Reconstructing the infrastructure is complex and will require substantial time,” Dreier added. “There are limitations to how quickly operations can be resumed.”

Blue Origin is currently preparing for a second launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, though this project remains in preliminary stages.

Dreier anticipates that the New Glenn rocket may not see a launch for “between six months to two years” as Blue Origin conducts a comprehensive investigation. NASA announced intentions to collaborate with Blue Origin to examine the anomaly and evaluate the impact on forthcoming missions.

On Thursday, Bezos commented on X “It is too early to determine the root cause, but we are actively working to identify it.”

“It’s a very challenging day, but we are committed to rebuilding everything necessary to return to flight,” he expressed. “It’s worth the effort.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

NASA Unveils Plans for Extensive Lunar Base Covering Hundreds of Square Kilometers

Posted on May 27, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman discusses plans for a lunar base during a press conference on May 26 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announcing plans for a permanent lunar presence at a press conference. — NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman discusses plans for a lunar base during a press conference on May 26 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

NASA has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a permanent base on the moon. The initiative kicks off with autonomous rovers and drones surveying the lunar landscape. Future astronauts will work on constructing a lunar habitat covering hundreds of square kilometers.

This lunar base project is integral to NASA’s Artemis program, which focuses on long-term human presence on the moon, following its last astronaut landing in the 1970s. The Artemis II mission successfully returned four astronauts from lunar orbit in April this year, yet specific timelines for the lunar base have remained sparse until now.

On May 26, NASA announced its first three lunar base missions slated for this year, with nine additional missions expected by 2027. The entire program will unfold in three phases, beginning with the first phase aimed at ensuring “reliable access” to the lunar surface through 2029. The second phase will include initial lunar base operations until 2032, while the final phase involves constructing the base near the moon’s south pole, projected to conclude by 2036.

Artist’s illustration of astronauts, rovers, and power systems at the planned lunar base

NASA

The missions this year will be unmanned, focusing on detailed studies of the lunar surface to mitigate risks for future missions. Lunar Base I will launch this year using a lander developed by Blue Origin, owned by Jeff Bezos, which has yet to perform a lunar landing.

Also scheduled for launch this year are Moonbase II and III, though their exact launch windows are still to be confirmed. Each will involve landers from different companies; Astrobotic’s Griffin lander and autonomous rover, along with Intuitive Machines, which has previously attempted moon landings with limited success.

In addition to the aforementioned missions, NASA has awarded over $200 million each to two firms, Astrolab and Lunar Outpost, for the development of lunar probes under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services Program. Astrolab will create a larger human-operated rover with a 1000-kilogram capacity capable of traveling at approximately 10 km/h. Conversely, Lunar Outpost’s agile design can autonomously navigate at over 14 km/h.

NASA is also preparing for its 2028 Moonfall mission, which will employ four unmanned vehicles for close-range lunar surveying, producing high-resolution imagery to identify potential landing zones for subsequent Artemis missions. These drones are set to be built at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, while Firefly Aerospace will construct the transport vehicle to ferry them to the moon.

However, key aspects of the future moon base, including its power sources, construction methods, and protection from space radiation, remain largely undisclosed. Former NASA administrator Sean Duffy mentioned plans for a nuclear fission reactor on the moon by 2030, but the latest updates from NASA, under Jared Isaacman’s leadership, have not clarified this point.

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NASA Unveils Three Unmanned Moon Exploration Missions in 2023 to Lay Groundwork for Lunar Base Construction

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

NASA has unveiled plans for three unmanned lunar missions set to launch later this year, marking a significant step towards its long-term objective of establishing a permanent lunar base.

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These robotic lunar missions will focus on scouting potential sites at the moon’s south pole, gathering scientific data, testing advanced technologies, and laying the groundwork for the return of astronauts to the lunar surface.

“We’re not going to jump into a glass dome moon base right away,” stated NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman during Tuesday’s press briefing. “Our approach will be iterative, signaling industry demand for an array of landers, rovers, technology demonstrations, and scientific payloads these missions can accommodate.”

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will speak in Washington on May 19th.
Kevin Dietch/Getty Images

The upcoming lunar missions have been designated Moonbase 1, Moonbase 2, and Moonbase 3, all expected to launch by year-end. Isaacman announced that the inaugural mission is slated for this fall.

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin will be instrumental in the first mission, having secured a NASA contract to transport two science and technology payloads to the moon using its Lunar Lander.

These three flights represent the initial phase of NASA’s comprehensive strategy to establish a moon base, which is projected to continue until 2029. Following this, between 2029 and 2032, NASA aims to develop semi-permanent infrastructure conducive to early lunar habitation.

The agency aspires to establish a sustained lunar presence by the third phase commencing in 2032. Carlos García Galán, NASA’s Moonbase program manager, remarked that the base could encompass “hundreds of square miles,” with crew rotations on the lunar surface planned for regular intervals and continuous operations.

NASA’s lunar base initiative is designed to parallel the Artemis return program. Recently, the Artemis II mission successfully sent four astronauts on a 10-day journey around Earth and the moon, the first U.S. mission to the moon in over 50 years.

Next on NASA’s agenda is the Artemis III mission, targeted for 2027, utilizing one or both lunar landers from Blue Origin and SpaceX to validate technologies in low Earth orbit. If all goes according to plan, NASA anticipates launching the Artemis IV mission to put astronauts on the lunar surface in 2028.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Stunning Photos from NASA’s First Lunar Mission in Over 50 Years

Posted on April 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronauts captured stunning images of the moon’s crater-filled Antarctic region during the Artemis mission. NASA is planning future lunar landings focusing on this area.

The moon’s south pole features numerous craters believed to contain water ice, presenting unique challenges for navigation compared to the Apollo landing sites near the equator. Insights gathered during the Artemis II mission will help identify potential landing sites for upcoming exploration.

Towards the conclusion of the lunar flight, astronauts had the incredible opportunity to observe a solar eclipse from space. They recorded detailed observations for roughly an hour as the sun disappeared behind the moon and emerged from the opposite side.

During the initial phases of the eclipse, astronauts utilized specialized glasses akin to those worn on Earth to safely view the event as the moon obscured the sun’s rays.

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NASA Artemis II Crew Suggests Naming Lunar Crater in Honor of Astronaut Reed Wiseman’s Late Wife

Posted on April 8, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The crew of NASA’s historic Artemis II mission honored the late Carol Wiseman, the wife of astronaut Reed Wiseman, by proposing to name a moon crater in her memory. This poignant moment was broadcast live on a NASA livestream.

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Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen informed mission control on Monday that his team aimed to “honor our mission by naming two craters on the moon.”

One of the craters is named after Carol Wiseman, the wife of Artemis II commander Reed Wiseman, who succumbed to cancer in 2020 at the age of 46.

“We lost a loved one. Her name was Carol, and she was the mother of Katie and Ellie, Reed’s daughters,” Hansen expressed.

He referred to the crater as a “bright spot on the moon.”

“We like to call it Carol,” Hansen noted.

NASA astronaut Reed Wiseman and his late wife Carol Taylor Wiseman. The moon’s craters as seen from the Orion spacecraft on Monday.
Wiseman family via NASA. NASA

Following Hansen’s heartfelt eulogy, the crew linked arms and floated in zero gravity, with both Wiseman and NASA astronaut Christina Koch visibly emotional.

Carol Wiseman “dedicated her life to helping others as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.” NASA reported.

“Despite his numerous professional accolades, Mr. Reed views his journey as a single parent as the greatest challenge and most rewarding period of his life,” according to Wiseman’s NASA biography.

Wiseman was named commander of the Artemis II mission in 2023. Prior to the launch, he voiced concerns about the time away from his family that the mission entailed.

“As a single father of two daughters,” he said, “it would be simpler to stay home and watch soccer on weekends, but we have four individuals capable of exploring unique opportunities in our civilization.”

The Artemis II crew also suggested naming the second crater “Integrity,” inspired by the name of their Orion spacecraft.

Following the mission, the naming proposal will be formally submitted to the International Astronomical Union, which will decide on the naming of the crater and its features.

The Artemis II team of four accomplished the mission’s lunar flight on Monday, reaching a record distance from Earth. At the mission’s peak, the astronauts were approximately 42,752 miles away, surpassing the record set by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970.

“By achieving the greatest distance ever traveled by humans from Earth, we pay tribute to the extraordinary efforts and achievements of our predecessors in space exploration,” Hansen communicated to mission control upon confirming the milestone.

“We will continue our journey further into space until Mother Earth brings us back to what we cherish most,” he stated. “But most importantly, we challenge this generation and the next to ensure this record does not last.”

Wiseman, Koch, Glover, and Hansen commenced their journey home, officially exiting the moon’s sphere of influence at 1:25 p.m. Tuesday, approximately 41,000 miles from the moon. NASA confirmed.

After 10 days in space, the crew is set to return to Earth on Friday, splashing down off the coast of San Diego.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Artemis II Astronauts Complete Historic Lunar Flyby: Journey Around the Moon

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The moon’s near side is visible to the right, marked by distinct dark patches, while the far side remains unseen from Earth.

NASA

Moon's Surface — The moon’s near side is visible to the right, marked by distinct dark patches, while the far side remains unseen from Earth.

NASA

In a historic event, humans have returned to the moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. On April 6, four astronauts from NASA’s Artemis II mission circled the far side of the moon, reaching unprecedented distances from Earth.

Mission Commander Reed Wiseman emphasized that this journey marks a significant beginning, surpassing Apollo 13’s record of 400,171 kilometers set in 1970. “Let’s inspire this generation and the next to ensure this distance record is challenged,” he stated during a NASA livestream. During the mission, the Artemis team proposed naming two newly discovered craters: “Integrity,” after the Orion capsule, and “Carol,” in honor of Wiseman’s late wife.

Throughout the flyby, the astronauts engaged in both window-side observations and cabin communications with mission control in Houston, Texas. The crew comprises NASA astronauts Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Victor Glover, alongside Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

As Orion orbited behind the moon, the sun appeared smaller in the sky, culminating in a rare solar eclipse not observable from Earth. The astronauts donned eclipse glasses to view the sun and witness its corona, potentially allowing them to capture unprecedented lunar details free from atmospheric interference.

Artemis astronauts experienced an extraordinary solar eclipse.

NASA

The astronauts captured stunning details of the lunar surface, showcasing its vibrant color diversity. While the moon appears gray from Earth, close-up observations reveal hues of green, brown, and even orange, attributed to chemical changes in the lunar soil. “The rapid transformations of the Earth as we orbit the moon are breathtaking,” Hansen noted.

As they orbited the Moon, the crew observed previously unseen regions. They took special interest in the Terminator—the boundary separating day from night—where deep shadows accentuate the landscape’s features. “The visual magic of the Terminator, with its bright islands and dark valleys, is captivating,” Glover remarked.

The astronauts expressed deep emotions witnessing the moon’s diverse terrain up close, imagining what it would be like to traverse its surface. “The moon is a real entity in the universe, not merely a distant poster in the sky,” Koch stated.

NASA astronaut Reed Wiseman took this breathtaking photo of Earth from the Orion spacecraft.

NASA/Reed Wiseman

The Orion capsule reached its closest point to the lunar surface, approximately 6,545 kilometers away. This milestone will stand until the Artemis IV mission, which plans a landing in 2028.

As Orion returns to Earth, expected on April 10, the astronauts will splash down in the Pacific Ocean off California’s coast. Following their return, the team will analyze notes, photos, and scientific findings in preparation for advancing the Artemis program.

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Unlocking Lunar Profits: How to Monetize the Moon Effectively

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

New Scientist: Your source for the latest science news and in-depth articles by expert journalists covering advancements in science, technology, health, and the environment.

Feedback is New Scientist A trusted source for the latest updates in science and technology. To provide feedback on topics of interest to our readers, please email us at feedback@newscientist.com.

Shooting Towards the Moon

It has been 54 years since humans last walked on the lunar surface. In that time, numerous robotic missions have explored the Moon, with some landing successfully while others have met disastrous ends. Currently, there are no humans residing on the Moon.

NASA’s Artemis program is projected to land astronauts on the Moon by early 2028. As more missions follow, the Moon’s human population may increase from zero to a small number.

Interestingly, accounting firm PwC released a report in January titled Monthly Market Rating, which declares, “The Moon is rapidly emerging as a potential center for future global economic activity in space.”

This statement raises questions: What opportunities exist for monetizing the Moon? PwC emphasizes that there are “ambitions centered around a sustainable human and commercial presence” on the lunar surface, exploring how expansive this new market could be.

The report adopts a scenario-driven approach to forecast market opportunities for lunar surface activities from 2026 to 2050, analyzing five vital areas: mobility, communications, housing, energy, and water. Each sector is assessed for investment requirements, technological advancements, and potential revenue streams.

Lunar entrepreneurs could see substantial financial returns, with cumulative projected revenues from lunar activities estimated between $93.9 billion and $127.3 billion by 2050—exceeding the GDP of many countries.

However, the future of the lunar economy hinges primarily on the intensity of exploration missions, both crewed and uncrewed, as noted by PwC.

While these projections may seem overly ambitious, particularly with the Artemis mission yet to launch, it’s compelling to consider that this is the second edition of PwC’s Monthly Market Review. The first edition, released in 2021, forecasted revenues totaling $170 billion by 2040.

We remain uncertain about changes over the past five years that might affect the lunar economy’s prospects, yet it’s disappointing to find our dreams of investing in lunar opportunities not yet realized.

Stranger Than Fiction

In February’s diary, the journal Pediatrics and Child Health issued two corrections, which is not unusual; journals frequently amend errors in scientific literature.

However, these corrections were noteworthy. One correction involved 15 papers, while another touched on 123 papers. The headlines indicated they were intended “to add a disclaimer.”

As readers delve through the extensive list of papers requiring disclaimers, they encounter this sentence: “All clinical vignettes featured within the CPSP Highlights section of the magazine are fictional scenarios created for educational purposes relating to Canadian Pediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) research.”

This phrasing may obscure its importance initially, but the insightful journalists at Retraction Watch clarified that “A medical journal admits that case reports published over 25 years were indeed fictitious.”

Since 2000, the journal has presented case studies that appeared to depict real patients, some of which informed clinical guidelines and urged further medical investigations. However, these studies were fabrications, with no indication given until now.

This feedback suggests that the disclaimer about the fictional nature of these case studies should have been included all along. But perhaps this highlights a broader issue: Science often struggles for media attention, yet devoid of objective truth, it might truly captivate audiences. Imagine headlines like, “Dark Matter is Actually the Flatulence of a Cosmic Whale”: such claims are sure to resonate.

Drink Time

Feedback often revisits the theme, “Well, they would say that, wouldn’t they?” This skepticism persists as spokespersons send press releases that masquerade as objective scientific insight but often slip in ulterior motives.

Recently, another email landed in our overflowing inboxes: “In anticipation of World Sleep Day (March 13, 2026), we’re sharing expert insights on an often-overlooked factor impacting sleep quality: hydration.” The message elucidated that “even mild dehydration can contribute to discomfort, including headaches, dry mouth, muscle cramps, and general restlessness,” suggesting that it can also lead to next-day fatigue.

This press release originated from a company that produces water-soluble electrolyte tablets.

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NASA Plans Lunar Orbit Mission to Launch Astronauts by March 6th

Posted on February 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

NASA is set to launch four astronauts on the highly anticipated Artemis II mission, scheduled for March 6. This groundbreaking flight will take astronauts around the moon, marking a historic return to lunar exploration.

The launch date was confirmed after NASA successfully filled the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with over 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant and completed a comprehensive refueling test. This test simulated nearly every countdown step and launch-day procedures.

A successful wet dress rehearsal indicates that astronauts could be just two weeks away from visiting the moon for the first time in over half a century.

The Artemis II mission will be historic, as it will be the first time NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule carry humans. The mission is set to last 10 days, during which astronauts will journey farther from Earth than any humans have ever traveled.

Thursday’s extensive refueling test signaled significant progress for NASA. This was the second attempt at a wet dress rehearsal; the first was halted on February 2 due to a hydrogen fuel leak detected in the rocket’s rear. This issue led mission managers to abandon all launch windows for February.

Lori Glaze, acting deputy administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, emphasized that the March 6 launch depends on completing necessary work on the launch pad and the thorough evaluation of the wet dress rehearsal results.

The mission team plans to hold a flight readiness review next week, where NASA managers and executives will officially certify the rocket and spacecraft for flight.

“Everything is set in front of us,” Glaze stated at a press conference on Friday. “If we can get through these final preparations, we are in a strong position to target March 6.”

In the interim between the first and second wet dress rehearsals, engineers addressed earlier leaks by replacing two seals in the fuel supply line and conducting repairs and tests on the launch pad. Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson reported that the seals are now “rock solid” after the recent repairs.

“Overcoming this wet dress rehearsal milestone was crucial for our progress,” she noted.

The Artemis II crew consists of NASA astronauts Reed Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. While they did not participate in the wet dress rehearsal, several crew members were present at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, during the test.

“I had the opportunity to speak with Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen,” Glaze shared. “They are extremely enthusiastic about the possibility of a March launch.”

To ensure their health ahead of the mission, the astronauts will undergo quarantine in Houston starting Friday afternoon. They will arrive in Florida about five days before the launch and continue their pre-flight quarantine at Kennedy Space Center.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Discover NASA’s Artemis II Moon Mission Astronauts: Meet the Team Leading Our Lunar Exploration

Posted on January 31, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Three highly skilled NASA astronauts are embarking on an exciting mission into space. Reed Wiseman, a former Navy officer who transitioned to astronaut status in 2009, brings significant experience, having spent six months aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in 2014.

Reed Wiseman and daughters.
Provided by Reid Wiseman

Since the passing of his wife in 2020, Wiseman has taken on the challenging role of raising two children as a single parent. He acknowledges the stress that comes with being an astronaut, noting that the thrill of the mission is often tempered by the sacrifices it demands from their families.

“I’m a dedicated single father to two daughters,” he shared with NBC’s “TODAY” during a candid interview with fellow crew members. “While it might be easier to relax on the couch with a football game, the reality is that we have four individuals ready to undertake extraordinary and groundbreaking explorations in our civilization.”

Wiseman expressed hope that the outcomes of this monumental mission will validate the sacrifices made by the families of the crew.

“We often look toward the moon and proudly state, ‘We’ve been there.’ However, for this generation—both current and future, known as the Artemis generation—they will look at the moon and proudly declare, ‘We are there,'” he emphasized.

A pendant featuring Jeremy Hansen’s family birthstones accompanied by the engraving “Moon and Back”.
Provided by Jeremy Hansen

Each astronaut will carry personal tokens on their historic flights around the moon. Wiseman and Koch will carry letters from their families, while Grover plans to bring a Bible, wedding ring, and a cherished heirloom for his daughters. Hansen will carry a moon pendant featuring his family’s birthstone and the phrase “Moon and Back.” These items serve as meaningful mementos and ways for the astronauts to connect their families to the journey.

Koch, a veteran of profound space missions, holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, having spent a remarkable 328 days on the ISS in 2019. Alongside fellow astronaut Jessica Meir, she made history with NASA’s first all-female spacewalk.

Christina Koch with her husband and dog.
Provided by: Christina Koch

Koch expressed her contentment about not participating in another significant milestone, stating her excitement for her colleagues who are set to leave footprints on the lunar surface.

“I’m genuinely thrilled to see familiar faces taking steps toward walking on the moon. However, if that is not my destiny, I am completely at peace with it,” Koch mentioned, noting NASA has yet to assign a crew for the Artemis III mission.

Victor Glover with his family.
Provided by: Victor Glover

In a similar vein, Grover previously participated in a historic flight, flying the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule to the ISS in 2020. Glover, a former U.S. Navy captain and test pilot, was transitioned from his position in the U.S. Senate when he was selected for NASA’s astronaut program in 2013. Grover and his wife are parents to four children.

Hansen, marking his spaceflight debut, is set to become the first Canadian to explore lunar terrain. A graduate of the Canadian Space Agency’s astronaut program in 2009, he previously served as a fighter pilot and colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces.

With three children, Hansen highlighted the camaraderie that has developed among the crew, remarking that they’ve formed a familial bond through years of intense training together.

Jeremy Hansen with his family.
Provided by Jeremy Hansen

The upcoming Artemis II launch will be only the second deployment of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket paired with the Orion capsule. The inaugural launch, Artemis I, conducted an unmanned mission that circled the moon over three years ago.

Wiseman, Koch, Grover, and Hansen view this mission as a crucial stepping stone towards the Artemis III ambition, which aims to land four astronauts near the moon’s polar regions in 2027. Throughout their mission, the crew will practice docking procedures in Earth orbit, conduct scientific experiments, and evaluate various systems inside the Orion capsule, serving as a trial run for a forthcoming lunar landing.

“To us, achieving success is synonymous with landing on the moon during Artemis III,” Koch stated. “Success is always Artemis 100. Everything we do is centered around that.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

New Analysis of Lunar Regolith: Challenging Meteorite and Water Formation Theories

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Planetary scientists examining oxygen isotopes in lunar soil from the Apollo missions have determined that 4 billion years of meteorite impacts may have contributed only a minimal amount of Earth’s water. This insight prompts a reevaluation of established theories regarding water’s origins on our planet.

Close-up of a relatively new crater to the southeast, captured during Apollo 15’s third lunar walk. Image credit: NASA.

Previous research suggested that meteorites significantly contributed to Earth’s water supply due to their impact during the solar system’s infancy.

In a groundbreaking study, Dr. Tony Gargano from NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the Lunar and Planetary Institute, along with colleagues, employed a novel technique to analyze the lunar surface debris known as regolith.

Findings indicated that even under optimistic conditions, meteorite collisions from approximately 4 billion years ago may have delivered only a small percentage of Earth’s water.

The Moon acts as a historical archive, documenting the tumultuous events that the Earth-Moon system has endured over eons.

While Earth’s dynamic geology and atmosphere erase these records, lunar samples have retained valuable information.

However, this preservation is not without its challenges.

Traditional regolith studies have focused on metal-preferring elements, which can be obscured by continuous impacts on the Moon, complicating efforts to reconstruct original meteorite compositions.

Oxygen triple isotopes offer highly precise “fingerprints” since oxygen, being the most abundant element in rocks, remains untouched by external forces.

These isotopes facilitate a deeper understanding of the meteorite compositions that impacted the Earth-Moon system.

Oxygen isotope analyses revealed that approximately 1% of the regolith’s mass consists of carbon-rich material from meteorites that partially vaporized upon impact.

With this knowledge, researchers calculated the potential water content carried by these meteorites.

“The lunar regolith uniquely allows us to interpret a time-integrated record of impacts in Earth’s vicinity over billions of years,” explained Dr. Gargano.

“By applying oxygen isotope fingerprints, we can extract impactor signals from materials that have undergone melting, evaporation, and reprocessing.”

This significant finding alters our understanding of water sources on both Earth and the Moon.

When adjusted to account for global impacts, the cumulative water indicated in the model equates to only a minor fraction of the Earth’s oceanic water volume.

This discrepancy challenges the theory that water-rich meteorites delivered the bulk of Earth’s water.

“Our results don’t rule out meteorites as a water source,” noted Dr. Justin Simon, a planetary scientist at NASA Johnson’s Celestial Materials Research and Exploration Sciences Division.

“However, the Moon’s long-term record indicates that the slow influx of meteorites cannot significantly account for Earth’s oceans.”

While the implied water contribution from around 4 billion years ago is minimal in the context of Earth’s oceans, it remains notable for the Moon.

The Moon’s available water is concentrated in small, permanently shadowed areas at the poles.

These regions, among the coldest in the solar system, present unique opportunities for scientific research and exploration resources as NASA prepares for crewed missions to the Moon with Artemis III and subsequent missions.

The samples analyzed in this study were collected from near the lunar equator, where all six Apollo missions landed.

Rocks and dust gathered over half a century ago continue to yield valuable insights, albeit from a limited lunar area.

Future samples collected through Artemis are expected to unlock a new wave of discoveries in the years ahead.

“I consider myself part of the next generation of Apollo scientists, trained in the questions and insights enabled by the Apollo missions,” said Dr. Gargano.

“The Moon provides tangible evidence that we can examine in the lab, serving as a benchmark for what we learn from orbital data and telescopes.”

“I eagerly anticipate the information that upcoming Artemis samples will reveal about our place in the solar system.”

The findings of this study will be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

_____

Anthony M. Gargano et al. 2026. Constraints on impactor flux from lunar regolith oxygen isotopes to the Earth-Moon system. PNAS 123 (4): e2531796123; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2531796123

Source: www.sci.news

2026: NASA Astronauts Poised for Historic Return to Lunar Orbit

Posted on December 27, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

According to NASA’s ambitious timeline, 2026 marks the exciting return of astronauts to the moon.

In just a few months, four astronauts will embark on a groundbreaking 10-day lunar mission. This will be the closest humans have ventured toward the moon in over half a century.

The historic flight, dubbed Artemis II, is slated to launch as early as February, signaling a much-anticipated revival of America’s lunar exploration efforts. This mission will serve as a critical test for NASA’s state-of-the-art Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, both of which have faced numerous delays and budget challenges over the past decade.

Reestablishing a presence on the moon has been a key objective during President Trump’s first term, and the current administration is intensifying its focus on the escalating space race with China, which aims to land its astronauts on the moon by 2030.

Beyond its geopolitical significance, Artemis II represents a pivotal step in space exploration. The mission aims to lay the groundwork for a sustainable lunar base before advancing human exploration to Mars.

“In the next three years, we’ll land American astronauts on the moon again, but this time we’ll build the necessary infrastructure for their extended stay,” stated new NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman in a recent NBC News interview.

For many scientists, the excitement surrounding the moon’s return lies in the chance to uncover long-standing mysteries related to its formation and evolution—topics that were the focus of the Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s.

“Moon scientists have had a plethora of questions over the decades,” says Brett Denebi, a planetary scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland.

Addressing these questions may provide crucial insights into the processes that shaped Earth, according to Dennevy.

“Earth is, in some ways, a poor record keeper,” she notes. “Plate tectonics and weather have erased much of its ancient history. In contrast, the moon has preserved landforms that date back approximately 4.5 billion years, waiting for us to explore.”

Although Artemis II will not involve a moon landing, it will assess essential technologies. Docking procedures and life support systems, initially tested in Earth orbit and later in lunar orbit, are crucial for future lunar missions.

In 2022, NASA launched the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule on a successful uncrewed test flight around the moon, known as the Artemis I mission.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Elon Musk Responds Rashly After NASA Reveals Plans to Source Lunar Lander from SpaceX Competitor

Posted on October 22, 2025 by

NASA’s Acting Administrator Sean Duffy seems to have drawn the ire of Elon Musk.

Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX, took to social media on Tuesday to criticize Mr. Duffy’s intelligence and recent actions as the leader of the space agency.

“Sean Dummy is trying to destroy NASA!” Musk stated on X, using a derogatory nickname for the acting administrator. In another post, he remarked: “There’s no way the leader of America’s space program can have a double-digit IQ.”

On Monday, Duffy announced that NASA is considering utilizing a lunar lander from a SpaceX competitor to help return astronauts to the moon before China establishes its presence there.

NASA initially planned to use SpaceX’s next-generation Starship rocket system for the lunar landing.

Musk conducted a poll on Tuesday asking his followers on X: “Should someone whose greatest achievement is climbing trees lead America’s space program?” One option was, “Yes, chimpanzees are good at it!” while the other suggested, “No, he needs More Brains!”

By Tuesday afternoon, the poll had garnered around 110,000 votes.

In 2021, SpaceX secured a $2.9 billion contract to use its Starship rocket to land two astronauts on the moon during NASA’s Artemis III mission, aimed for a 2027 launch.

However, Musk’s company has faced delays in the testing and development of Starship, which experienced several explosions this year.

Meanwhile, political pressure is mounting as the competition with China escalates; the nation is targeting a moon landing by 2030 and has already dispatched two robotic probes and tested a new rocket for manned lunar missions.

Duffy appeared on Fox News and CNBC on Monday, stating that NASA would expand the Artemis III contract, inviting proposals from rival space companies to maintain U.S. competitiveness against China.

“We are not going to wait for a single company,” Duffy reiterated in an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” on Monday. “We are focused on moving forward and winning the second space race against China.”

Duffy mentioned his and President Donald Trump’s goal to return astronauts to the moon during Trump’s second term.

He cited Blue Origin, the space launch company founded by Jeff Bezos, as a potential competitor capable of providing unique technology.

This statement appeared to antagonize Musk.

In a subsequent post, Musk questioned the ability of other commercial space firms to meet such stringent deadlines.

“In comparison to other space industries, SpaceX is advancing at remarkable speed,” he asserted. “Moreover, Starship will ultimately execute the full lunar mission. Mark my words.”

In reality, SpaceX is so ahead of its rivals that it is already conducting regular NASA missions to transport astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station.

Reacting to Musk’s remarks, Duffy replied on X: “Love the enthusiasm. The race to the moon is on. Great companies should welcome challenges. Competition among innovators benefits America!”

However, Musk’s tirade on Tuesday took a personal turn, questioning Duffy’s competence to lead NASA. Duffy is temporarily in charge of the agency; a Wall Street Journal report suggested he is positioning himself to continue in that role alongside his responsibilities as transportation secretary.

The report indicated that Duffy is contending against billionaire Jared Isaacman, who may reemerge as a candidate for the NASA leadership position. Trump had retracted Isaacman’s nomination in May, just ahead of an anticipated confirmation vote. This withdrawal followed what the president described as a “thorough review of prior connections.” (Trump did not elaborate, but some Republicans had expressed reservations that Isaacman previously donated to Democrats.)

Musk has shown support for Isaacman, who has made two orbital flights on commercial SpaceX missions.

NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens informed NBC News that President Trump has asked Duffy to consult with potential administrators, and that the interim administrator “will be glad to assist by evaluating candidates and providing honest feedback.”

“Sean is thankful to the president for this opportunity to lead NASA,” Stevens stated. “At the president’s direction, Sean is committed to ensuring America returns to the moon before China. He has indicated that NASA’s integration into the Cabinet, possibly even the Department of Transportation, might be beneficial, though he has never claimed he wishes to continue in this role.”

The White House did not respond to inquiries for comment.

The timing of Isaacman’s controversy in May coincided with a public feud between Trump and Musk, which escalated before the SpaceX CEO departed the White House on a special public service assignment. Musk’s departure was fraught with tension as he criticized President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” labeling it a “huge, outrageous, pig-filled Congressional spending plan” and a “distasteful, ugly bill” that would exacerbate the budget deficit.

playing cards We welcomed Duffy in July. Becomes interim administrator of NASA.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Moon Missions May Introduce Harmful Earth Microbes to the Lunar Surface

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Satellite images of the moon’s Antarctic region and Schrödinger Basin

NASA/Science Photo Library

The moon might endure far longer than previously thought, raising the concern of contaminating its surface before future lunar missions take place.

Space missions are required to follow the “Planetary Protection” policy, ensuring that microorganisms from Earth do not contaminate other celestial bodies.

Unlike Earth, where protective measures such as the atmosphere and magnetic fields exist, the moon’s surface faces intense high-energy particles from space, extreme temperatures, and harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun, making it a harsh habitat for surviving organisms.

As a result, many astronomers classify the moon’s surface as inherently barren. The Space Research Committee ranks it in the second lowest category of planetary protection, alongside Venus and comets, indicating that “spacecraft-mediated contamination could compromise investigations.”

Nonetheless, new findings from Stefano Bertone of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and colleagues indicate that in certain areas near the moon’s poles, which are set to be visited by NASA’s upcoming Artemis Mission, life might survive for several days, possibly over a week. This heightens the risk of contaminating these zones and generating misleading results in the search for extraterrestrial life.

“We’re returning to the moon, leaving traces behind. We need to study what kinds of traces we’re leaving and how to minimize them,” Bertone remarked at the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) in Helsinki, Finland, on September 12th.

Bertone and his team discovered five microbial species that show resilience to harsh environments, including black mold (Aspergillus niger) and bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. They assessed how much ultraviolet radiation these organisms could withstand in their laboratory. They compiled data concerning UV levels on the moon’s surface, sunlight exposure, and temperature fluctuations, which allowed them to create a map indicating where these five organisms could survive for at least one day.

All living organisms can endure well-lit areas outside the permanently shadowed regions where sunlight and ultraviolet rays are absent, making these bright zones prime candidates for lunar exploration. The black mold exhibited the highest resilience, surviving in extensive areas for up to seven days.

“This is a significant study that clearly shows if there’s a risk of contamination, then certain actions need to be taken. However, we must also recognize that these actions have economic implications,” stated Stas Barabash from the Swedish Institute of Astrophysics. For instance, space agencies might decide that equipment requires more thorough sterilization, which could increase mission costs.

Sotal Solar Eclipse 2027 Cruise: Spain and Morocco

Embark on an extraordinary journey aboard the state-of-the-art expedition ship Douglas Mawson, witnessing the longest solar eclipse of the century on August 2, 2027.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Interim NASA Chief Aims to Outpace China in Lunar Exploration

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

NASA is moving full steam ahead, at least according to Sean Duffy, the agency’s agent manager.

During an internal employee town hall on Thursday, Duffy cautioned that he could “make safety an adversary of progress” in the quest for a new space race, as reported in meeting notes acquired by NBC News.

“We must prioritize safety, collaborating with FAA and DOT, yet sometimes that same safety focus can obstruct our progress,” said Duffy, who is also the Secretary of Transport.

“We need to embrace some risks and encourage innovation to carry out this mission. There’s always a balance, but we cannot hold back due to fear of risk.”

A spokesperson from NASA stated the agency remains committed to safety.

Duffy’s remarks arise amidst ongoing turmoil at NASA, where questions about the agency’s budget and priorities have persisted for years. Since the Trump administration began, NASA and other agencies have experienced significant funding and personnel cuts in an effort to downsize the federal workforce.

At a Senate hearing this week, Duffy expressed his frustration about the “shadows cast on everything happening at NASA.”

Image of the moon, captured on February 15, 2025, by Lunar Lander, resilience of Ispace from an altitude of 14,439 km.
iSpace via business wire via AP file

“If that’s the narrative we crafted, I’ll be in trouble,” Duffy remarked. “We beat the Chinese to the moon. We’ll ensure it’s done safely, quickly, and accurately.”

Facing a Time Crunch

He emphasized that time is not in NASA’s favor.

“We are under pressure to perform effectively, rapidly, and safely,” Duffy stated.

NASA’s Artemis program plays a critical role in American efforts to return astronauts to the moon, aiming for regular lunar missions before eventually heading to Mars.

The U.S. previously dominated the Moonshot era during the Apollo program from the 1960s to 1970s, yet its long-standing advantages are now at risk. Competitors like China, Russia, India, and Japan are also aspiring for lunar missions, igniting a new space race.

China, in particular, is swiftly advancing its human spaceflight initiatives. Recently, they tested new lunar mission equipment and rockets, a key step towards realizing their ambitions.

China aims to land astronauts on the moon by 2030, and has announced plans to potentially build a nuclear power plant on the moon in collaboration with Russia to provide electricity.

In the U.S., President Trump’s budget proposal suggested cutting NASA’s funding by over $6 billion.

Despite a proposed budget reduction of about 24%, Duffy maintained that the Artemis program will proceed, although “cost-cutting is vital.”

Around 4,000 NASA employees have taken a voluntary retirement plan as part of the Trump administration’s initiative to decrease the federal workforce.

In July, Reuters reported that over 2,000 senior employees from NASA are expected to exit due to the recent cuts.

Currently, Duffy believes NASA possesses the necessary resources and talent to accomplish its missions in the near future.

“If we fall short, I assure the President 100% that I will approach OMB, the House, and Senate to request additional funding,” Duffy declared.

“More funding doesn’t guarantee success, but I will seek it if needed,” he added.

Duffy stated that he plans to lead initiatives in government space exploration “in the near future.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

A Compact Device Generates Water, Oxygen, and Fuel from Lunar Soil

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Image of the moon captured by Chang’e 5 Lander in China, which gathered samples in 2020

CNSA/Xinhua/Alamy

Solar energy systems can generate water, oxygen, and fuel from lunar regolith for future settlements of lunar explorers.

It has been established that significant amounts of water are bound in the minerals of the moon. However, methods proposed for extracting resources from lunar regolith typically involve complex and energy-heavy techniques that aren’t practical for long-lasting lunar colonies.

Recently, Lu Wang and his team at the Chinese University of Hong Kong discovered that a relatively straightforward solar-powered nuclear reactor could yield useful materials simply by exposing lunar regolith to sunlight and utilizing them through astronauts.

In their experiments, the researchers utilized lunar samples obtained from China’s Chang’e 5 mission, along with simulated samples made from Earth-based rocks.

During the operation of the reactor, sunlight first extracts water from the lunar soil, and then the soil facilitates a reaction between CO₂ and water to produce carbon monoxide, oxygen, and hydrogen, which can serve as fuel.

While lunar soil contains various minerals that can aid in these reactions, a compound known as ilmenite is highlighted as a key catalyst, according to Wang.

“The mechanisms of these chemical reactions are quite fascinating and could lead to the creation of essential lunar resources,” says Haihui Joy Jiang, who was not part of the research team at the University of Sydney in Australia.

“We still need to address several questions and direct future research to determine if this process is applicable in a practical, feasible, and scalable manner on the moon,” Jiang adds.

Wang acknowledges the challenges of expanding this process to produce sufficient water, oxygen, and fuel to support a lunar colony. “The moon’s extreme environment presents unique challenges, including severe temperature variations, a high vacuum, intense solar radiation, and low gravity,” he notes. “Moreover, the variability in lunar soil and scarcity of co-resources pose considerable hurdles to technical implementation.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient Moon Metstone, 23.5 Billion Years Old, Bridges 100 Million-Year Gap in Lunar History

Posted on July 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The examination of North West Africa (NWA) 16286 reveals a lunar metstone with a distinctive chemical profile, offering new perspectives on the evolution of the moon’s interior and emphasizing the enduring nature of its volcanic activity.

Backscattered electron images of NWA 16286 samples. Image credit: Joshu Asu Nape/University of Manchester.

Discovered in Africa in 2023, NWA 16286 is one of only 31 moon basalts officially identified on Earth.

The distinct composition of the 311-gram metstone, featuring melted glassy pockets and veins, indicates it was likely impacted by an asteroid or metstone on the lunar surface before being ejected and eventually landing on Earth.

A recent study by researchers at the University of Manchester supports the theory that the moon has maintained internal heat production processes responsible for lunar volcanic activity across various stages.

Lead isotopic analyses suggest that these rock formations are the youngest basalt lunar metstones identified on Earth, dating back approximately 2.35 billion years, a time when lunar samples are scarce.

The sample’s unique geochemical profile distinguishes it from those brought back by previous lunar missions, indicating that its chemical characteristics likely result from lava flows that solidified after ascending from the moon’s depths.

“While the moon rocks returned from sample return missions provide valuable insights, they are limited to the immediate areas around those landing sites,” stated Dr. Joshua Snape from the University of Manchester.

“In contrast, this sample could originate from impact craters located anywhere on the moon’s surface.”

“Thus, there is a unique coincidence with this sample. It fortuitously landed on Earth, unveiling secrets about lunar geology without the need for an extensive space mission.”

The sample contains notably large crystals of olivine and is classified as olivine basalt, characterized by medium titanium levels and high potassium content.

Alongside the atypical age of the samples, researchers found that the lead isotopic composition of the rocks—geochemical signatures preserved when the rocks formed—originates from internal lunar sources with unusually high ratios of uranium and lead.

These chemical markers can assist in identifying the mechanisms behind the moon’s prolonged internal heat production.

“The sample’s age is particularly intriguing as it fills a billion-year gap in the history of lunar volcanism,” Dr. Snape noted.

“It is younger than the basalts collected during the Apollo, Luna, and Chang-E 6 missions, yet significantly older than the more recent rocks retrieved by the Chang-E 5 missions in China.”

“Its age and composition indicate that volcanic activity persisted throughout this entire timeframe, and our analysis suggests a potentially continuous process of heat generation from radioactive elements that generates heat over extended periods.

“Moon rocks are a rarity, making it always exciting to acquire samples that stand out from the norm.”

“This specific rock presents new constraints on the timing and nature of volcanic activity on the moon.”

“We still have much to learn about the lunar geological history. Further analyses to trace surface origins will inform where future sample return missions might be directed.”

The researchers presented their results today at the Goldschmidt Conference 2025 in Prague, Czech Republic.

____

Joshua F. Snape et al. Northwest Africa 16286: An investigation into the age and origin of new moon basalts. Goldschmidt Conference 2025

Source: www.sci.news

Japan’s Sturdy Lunar Lander Successfully Touches Down on the Moon

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The surface of the moon as captured from orbit prior to the crash

ISPACE SMBC X Hakuto-R Venture Moon

On June 5th at 7:13 PM, a Japanese space endeavor aiming to be the third private lunar landing failed as ISPACE’s Resilience lander succumbed on the moon’s surface.

The lander began its descent from around 20 km above the moon, but ISPACE’s mission control quickly lost communication after the probe activated its main engine for final descent, receiving no further signals.

The company announced that the laser tool used to gauge the distance to the surface seemed to malfunction, leading to inadequate slowing of the lander and likely resulting in a collision.

“Given the absence of a successful lunar landing at this time, our top priority is to analyze the telemetry data collected so far and diligently investigate the cause,” stated ISPACE CEO Mr. Takeshi.

Had it succeeded, Resilience would have marked the second private moon landing of the year and the third overall, making it the first non-U.S. company to land on the moon after ISPACE’s prior attempt, the Hakuto-R mission, failed in 2023.

The Resilience Lander embarked on its lunar journey aboard a SpaceX rocket on January 15th, alongside Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander. While the Blue Ghost successfully landed on March 2, Resilience took a more circuitous route, moving into deeper space before returning on May 6 to enter lunar orbit. This complex trajectory was essential for targeting the challenging northern plain called Male Frigolis, which had not been surveyed by previous lunar missions.

Equipped with six experiments, the lander included a device for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, a module for algae-based food production, and a radiation monitor for deep space. Additionally, it housed a five-kilogram rover named Tenesial, designed to explore and capture images of the moon during the two weeks that Resilience was set to operate.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Tonight, a total lunar eclipse will be visible across the United States.

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A total lunar eclipse will be visible across the United States on Thursday night or early Friday morning.

The lunar eclipse will begin around midnight ET – when the Earth’s shadow completely covers the moon – and will last for over an hour from 2:26 am to 3:32 am. According to Earth Sky. The complete process will continue until around 6 am ET.

The lunar eclipse will be visible in most of North and South America, as well as in Africa, Europe, eastern Australia, Russia, and half of Japan.

During a total lunar eclipse, the sun, earth, and moon align, creating shadows on the moon. As a result, the moon appears to have a reddish tint, earning it the nickname “Blood Moon.”

This reddish tint is caused by the way sunlight passes through the Earth’s atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths of blue light are easily scattered, while longer wavelengths of red light are more likely to pass through, giving the moon its distinctive color.

Unlike solar eclipses, all stages of a lunar eclipse can be safely viewed with the naked eye, although binoculars and telescopes can enhance the experience.

Unfortunately, cloudy conditions are predicted for many skywatchers tonight. Those who miss this event can look forward to the next lunar eclipse on September 7th, followed by another on March 3rd, 2026.

Overall, total lunar eclipses are less common than partial solar eclipses, which can occur up to three times a year. Neither of the two lunar eclipses in 2024 were total, with the last total lunar eclipse occurring in 2022.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Athena, the intuitive moon lander machine, poised for explosive mission on the lunar surface

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Artist's impression of the moon's Athena spaceship

NASA

This week, a private space mission was launched on the moon, aiming to reach the southernmost point we've ever visited on the moon. The Athena spacecraft, built by an intuitive US-based machine, will be released from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida at 12:17am on February 27th (7:17pm on February 26th). It will be installed on the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Also, several other missions hitch on the same rocket, including expeditions that mine asteroids.

The intuitive machine became the first private company to succeed on the moon last year when Odysseus' spacecraft landed near the moon's Antarctica. The spacecraft's instruments remained in operation, but Odysseus made a troublesome landing, flipped over, limiting the amount of data the equipment could collect, and shortening the mission.

The company hopes for a cleaner landing as Athena begins its descent towards the end of March. The planned landing site is near the highest mountain on the moon, the lunar mewton, about 60 kilometers from Antarctica, and Athena's attempts have become the most southern approach to date. If the ship is successful, it will start a moon night and operate for several weeks on par with the moon in a day before it loses power.

Athena carries over 10 musical instruments and missions from both NASA and other private companies. That's not all. The Falcon 9, the same one that fires Athena at the moon, also carries three unrelated spacecraft. These are asteroid-controlled spacecraft from space company Astroforge, and the first mission of this kind will investigate potential minable metal space rocks later this year. You can also map water to the moon along with NASA's lunar satellite aboard, looking for future landing sites. The third spacecraft, built by epic aerospace, is designed to help other satellites move between orbits.

Once Athena lands, NASA instruments will excavate up to 1 meter into the lunar soil to sample it, then look at water sediments and other chemicals. NASA would like to know if these will be present in sufficient quantities for future astronauts to be used as part of the Artemis Moon Landing, which is planned for the agency to be released in 2027. It's there.

Several small rovers will also be released near the landing site, including the plant pot-sized Yaokirovers of Japanese company Dimon. The heavier 10kg mobile autonomous exploration platform (MAPP), built by Space Company Lunar Outspost, explores and creates 3D maps of landing sites, testing how the 4G phone network built by Nokia works in a Lunar environment. Masu. Sitting on a mapp will be a much smaller, ant-sized robot built by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The intuitive machine deploys a suitcase-sized hopping robot called Grace. Grace runs a series of four hops, jumping into the air up to 100 meters, travelling a distance of about 200 meters until it lands in a deep, permanently shaded crater. Scientists have seen evidence that these areas do not get warmer than -170°C (-274°F), but have never been visited in person. Grace scans the bottom of this crater. This crater is scanned for about 45 minutes, about 20 meters below, before popping out again.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

SpaceX Plans to Send Two Lunar Landers to the Moon

Posted on January 15, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The commencement of the new year for lunar exploration is set to take place early Wednesday, as two robotic landers and a small rover are poised to embark on their journey to the moon.

A SpaceX rocket is scheduled for liftoff from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 1:11 a.m. ET, launching two separate unmanned missions to the lunar surface.

The first mission, developed by Texas-based company Firefly Aerospace, aims to land the Blue Ghost lander in an area of the moon known as Mare Crisium—a 340-mile-wide basin believed to be the result of an ancient asteroid impact.

The second mission, conducted by Japanese company ispace, consists of a lander named Resilience and a “micro probe” called Tenacious, targeting a landing site in an area called Mare Frigoris in the moon’s northern region.

This will be ispace’s second attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon, following a failed 2023 mission when the lander Hakuto crashed due to unexpected acceleration during descent.

A model of ispace Inc.’s lunar rover Tenacious at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Space Center in Tsukuba.
Toru Hanai/Bloomberg, from Getty Images files

The ispace lander and rover are expected to take a longer and less energy-intensive path to the moon compared to Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander, with a 45-day journey time and an estimated arrival in four to five months.

Blue Ghost will transport 10 NASA scientific instruments to the moon and spend approximately two weeks collecting data on the lunar surface.

The mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services Initiative, which involves NASA partnering with private companies to deliver scientific experiments, technology, and other cargo to the lunar surface.

These endeavors are within NASA’s broader Artemis program, which aims at the eventual return of humans to the moon.

Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, mentioned that the Blue Ghost lander mission will provide crucial insights for forthcoming Artemis expeditions involving astronaut crews.

For instance, details about the moon’s landscape and topography, including the conditions at the moon’s south pole—the designated landing spot for the manned Artemis mission—might be unveiled.

“This is a strategically significant and productive site, and we anticipate future astronaut explorers using their expertise to gather scientifically intriguing samples and bring them back to Earth,” Fox stated at a press conference on Tuesday.

The scientific equipment carried by Blue Ghost includes tools for precise measurement of the Earth-Moon distance, lunar dust study, and collection and analysis of lunar soil samples using a jet of compressed gas.

“Each accomplishment along the way will yield valuable data for upcoming missions, benefiting the United States and keeping our international collaborators at the forefront of space exploration,” Fox added.

SpaceX did not disclose the amount paid by the companies for the joint trip to orbit.

The plan involves the release of the Blue Ghost lander approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes post liftoff, followed by the ispace lander and rover about 30 minutes later, as per NASA’s NASA science mission director Juliana Shaiman.

a NASA broadcasts Falcon 9 rocket launch It commences at 12:30 a.m. ET.

Forecasts indicate a 90% likelihood of favorable weather for launch, with backup opportunities available until Jan. 20, according to SpaceX officials.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

NASA delays lunar exploration in order to prioritize landing astronauts before China

Posted on December 5, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

overview

NASA’s next Artemis mission, scheduled to send four astronauts to orbit the moon, has been postponed until 2026, the agency announced.
The delay also postpones the expected schedule for Artemis’ subsequent mission to land astronauts on the moon.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that under the new schedule, the United States would land astronauts on the moon before China.

NASA announced Thursday that the next Artemis mission that will send four astronauts around the moon will be delayed until 2026. A program already years behind schedule and billions of dollars over budget has been delayed further.

NASA announced in January that the Artemis II mission would launch in September 2025 instead of late 2024. Now, NASA says it is targeting an April 2026 launch to give it more time to address issues with its next-generation Orion space capsule. The problem was discovered during an unmanned Artemis test flight in 2022.

The delay will also postpone the Artemis III mission, which aims to land astronauts near the moon’s south pole. That mission is planned for mid-2027, rather than launching in September 2026.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said the adjusted schedule should still put the United States on track to return astronauts to the moon before China lands its own. .

Nelson said the mid-2027 goal is “much earlier than the Chinese government’s stated intention” to land Chinese astronauts on the moon by 2030.

China’s interest in moon exploration has sparked a new space race of sorts, with some U.S. experts and officials saying that if China reaches the moon’s surface before the United States, There are growing concerns that there may be competition for space resources, which are thought to be water ice. They will be trapped in a permanently shadowed crater at the moon’s south pole. It is believed that water on the moon could be used to make rocket fuel to power missions deep into space.

“Landing on the moon’s south pole is critical to avoid ceding part of the moon’s south pole to China,” Nelson said.

NASA officials attributed the need to delay the Artemis mission to a flaw in the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield that was discovered during the capsule’s uncrewed flight. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy said, for example, that the researchers noticed that the heat shield was worn in places, with some of the outer layers cracking and peeling off due to internal pressure buildup.

Orion’s heat shield covers the bottom of the capsule and plays a key role in protecting the spacecraft and its potential astronauts from extreme temperatures upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. .

Extensive testing has determined that the Orion capsule’s unique method of returning to Earth likely eroded its heat shield. The spacecraft is designed to perform what’s called a “skip entry,” in which it enters and exits the atmosphere, dissipating energy and slowing it down.

But Melroy said this reentry caused heat to build up inside the outer layer of the heat shield, eventually causing it to crack and wear out in parts.

The delays for Artemis’ next two flights will give engineers time to address these shielding issues and prepare for what Nelson called a “modified approach trajectory.”

“Astronaut safety is always paramount in our decisions. It is our North Star,” Nelson said. “We will not fly until we are confident that we have made the flight as safe as possible for our passengers.”

With the new administration of Donald Trump set to take over the White House in January, some space industry experts are speculating that parts of the Artemis program may be revisited or even scrapped. There is.

But Melroy said the decision to proceed with the Artemis program was “pretty clear” and should not be delayed during the transition period as the incoming administration establishes its goals and priorities.

“We would like to postpone any decisions about starting or ending the program for as long as possible,” Melroy said. “We had to postpone important decisions for our new team and we haven’t had a chance to explain them to anyone since we haven’t yet accepted a transition team.”

NASA has spent more than $42 billion over more than a decade developing the new Space Launch System mega-rocket and Orion spacecraft aimed at bringing astronauts back to the moon. As part of this effort, NASA envisions launching regular missions to set up base camps on the moon before eventually heading to Mars.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

A Step-by-Step Guide to Watching the Spectacular Lunar Finale of 2024

Posted on November 16, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

This year, we have been treated to various stunning celestial events by the moon, and now the grand finale is approaching with the last supermoon of 2024 known as the Beaver Moon.

But what exactly is a supermoon? How can you witness its beauty at its peak? And why is it called the Beaver Moon? Whether you plan to observe it from your backyard or venture to a remote location for clearer skies, here is everything you need to know to make the most of this year’s final significant lunar event.

When will the Beaver Moon be visible in 2024?

The UK, US, and the rest of the world will witness the full Beaver Supermoon on November 15, 2024. Following this date, the moon will appear full for several consecutive nights.

“A full moon occurs when the moon is directly opposite the sun in the sky at a precise moment down to the second,” explains Dr. Darren Baskill, an astronomer and astrophotographer from the University of Sussex.

“To the naked eye, the moon appears full or nearly full for two to three days from the exact moment of the full moon.”

In the UK, the moon will rise around 3:30 pm local time. In Los Angeles, it will rise at 3:30 PM local time, and in New York, it will be approximately 4:29 PM ET.

Fun fact: The moon is slowly moving away from Earth at a rate of 3.8 cm every year. – Photo credit: Getty

“For the most spectacular views, try capturing photographs just after sunset or just before sunrise. This is when the moon appears largest and most dramatic against the horizon,” said Shyam Balaji, a researcher in astronomical particle physics and cosmology from King’s College, London.

Why is it called the Beaver Moon?

The supermoon in November is named after the beaver as beavers are often observed during this period.

Leading up to winter, beavers prepare for the cold months and build food storage in case their ponds freeze over.

What causes a supermoon?

During a supermoon, the moon’s surface appears 7 percent larger (and 15 percent brighter) in the sky compared to an average full moon. This is because the moon is closer to Earth than usual (approximately 363,700 km or 226,000 miles away).

Due to the moon’s elliptical orbit around Earth, there is a point where the moon naturally approaches Earth (perigee). Conversely, there is a point (apogee) where the moon moves away from us. When a full moon coincides with perigee, a supermoon occurs. The timing of the full moon allows for multiple supermoons in a row.

This composite image shows the clear difference in size between supermoons and micromoons © Peter Lawrence

This discrepancy in cycles allows for repeated occurrences of supermoons. The moon’s elliptical orbit gradually changes alignments, resulting in multiple supermoons in succession.

“Gravitational forces from Earth, the sun, and other planets influence the moon’s orbit, leading to these fluctuations and the impressive phenomenon of supermoons,” explained Balaji.

Specifically, a supermoon requires the moon to complete a lunar cycle and be at its closest point to Earth in its orbit.

A supermoon occurs when the moon is closest to Earth, appearing larger and brighter in the sky. In contrast, a micromoon occurs when the moon is at its furthest away, making it appear smaller and darker. – Photo credit: Getty

Where is the best place to see the Beaver Supermoon?

To get the best views, escape the city lights and head to areas with minimal light pollution. For a truly remarkable experience, visit the coast and observe how the supermoon affects tides.

“When the moon is at its closest point to Earth (perigee) and is full, the gravitational pull on Earth’s oceans is stronger,” Balaji noted.

“Expect to witness more significant tidal fluctuations, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides than usual.”

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

State media reports show that Chinese scientists are using lunar soil to produce water

Posted on August 23, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Chinese scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in producing large amounts of water using lunar soil collected from the 2020 mission, as reported by state-run CCTV on Thursday.

The Chang’e-5 mission in 2020 marked a significant milestone in collecting lunar samples after a 44-year hiatus. Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences found high amounts of hydrogen in minerals present in the lunar soil. When heated to extreme temperatures, this hydrogen reacts with other elements to generate water vapor, according to China Central Television.

CCTV reported, “After extensive research and verification over three years, a new method has been identified for producing significant quantities of water from lunar soil. This discovery is anticipated to play a crucial role in designing future lunar research and space stations.”

This finding could have significant implications for China’s long-standing ambition to establish a permanent lunar base, amid the race between the United States and China to explore and exploit lunar resources.

On August 26, 2021, a small vial containing lunar soil brought back from the moon by China’s lunar probe Chang’e-5 was placed in Beijing.Ren Hui/VCG via Getty Images file

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has expressed concerns about China’s rapid progress in space exploration and the potential risk of Beijing controlling valuable lunar resources.

According to state media, the new technique can yield approximately 51-76 kilograms of water from one ton of lunar soil, enough to fill over 100 500ml bottles or sustain the daily water needs of 50 individuals.

China aims for its recent and upcoming lunar missions to establish a basis for constructing the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a collaborative project with Russia.

The Chinese space agency’s plan includes establishing a lunar “base station” at the moon’s south pole by 2035, followed by a lunar orbiting space station by 2045.

This discovery coincides with ongoing experiments by Chinese scientists on lunar samples obtained from the Chang’e-6 probe in June.

While the Chang’e-5 mission collected samples from the moon’s near side, Chang’e-6 gathered lunar soil from the far side, perpetually hidden from Earth.

The significance of lunar water surpasses sustaining human settlement; NASA’s Nelson mentioned to NPR in May that moon water could be utilized to produce hydrogen fuel for rockets, potentially fueling missions to Mars and beyond.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Researchers uncover natural graphene flakes in lunar soil samples

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Planetary scientists have identified layers of graphene formed alongside complex minerals in lunar regolith samples collected by China's Chang'e-5 probe, a discovery that provides new insight into the origins of the Moon and supports the hypothesis that it contains carbon.

Structural and compositional characteristics of few-layer graphene in lunar soil samples from Chang'e-5. Image courtesy of Zhang others., doi: 10.1093/nsr/nwae211.

“Graphene's novel physical phenomena and extraordinary properties have revolutionized research in condensed matter physics and materials science,” said Professor Zhang Wei of Jilin University and his colleagues.

“It plays an increasingly important role in a wide range of fields, including planetary and space sciences.”

“It is estimated that about 1.9% of all interstellar carbon exists in the form of graphene, and protosolar graphene has been identified in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites.”

The researchers analyzed an olive-shaped lunar soil sample measuring about 2.9 millimeters by 1.6 millimeters, collected by the Chang'e-5 mission in 2020.

Using a specialised spectrometer, they discovered iron compounds in the carbon-rich parts of the sample that are closely related to the formation of graphene.

The researchers then used advanced microscopy and mapping techniques to determine that the carbon content within their samples was made up of “flakes” of two to seven layers of graphene.

The scientists propose that few layers of graphene could have formed during volcanic activity in the Moon's early existence, catalysed by solar wind stirring up the lunar soil and iron-containing minerals, prompting a change in the structure of carbon atoms.

Meteorite impacts creating high temperature and pressure environments may also have led to the formation of graphene.

“The first study to confirm the presence of native few-layer graphene in lunar soil samples by examining its microstructure and composition,” the authors said.

“Our discovery provides new insight into the origin of the Moon and supports the hypothesis that the Moon contains carbon.”

“Moreover, graphene's unusual properties depend strongly on its structure and environment.”

“Further investigation of the properties of natural graphene could provide more information about the geological evolution of the Moon.”

“Consequently, the formation of natural graphene by mineral catalysis sheds light on the development of low-cost, scalable synthesis techniques for high-quality graphene.”

“This will therefore propel a new lunar exploration program forward, with some exciting breakthroughs in the future.”

of Investigation result Published in the journal National Science Review.

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Zhang Wei othersNatural few-layer graphene discovered on the moon. National Science ReviewPublished online June 17, 2024; doi: 10.1093/nsr/nwae211

Source: www.sci.news

Lunar samples shed light on the formation of the Moon’s largest crater

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Lunar samples collected by NASA's Apollo missions continue to enable new discoveries.

NASA/ESA

The Moon's largest crater is thought to have formed 4.338 billion years ago when a huge rock struck the lunar surface, leaving behind a swirling pool of magma, suggesting that Earth was experiencing extreme cosmic upheaval at the same time.

Chemical analysis of tiny zircon crystals found in lunar samples revealed that many of them solidified from magma about 4.3 billion years ago, but without measuring whether they all formed at precisely the same time, there was no way to know for sure whether many small impacts or one giant one melted the lunar crust into magma.

Melanie Balboni Balboni and her colleagues at Arizona State University solved this problem by measuring with extreme precision the ages of 10 zircon crystals that were brought back to Earth as part of NASA's Apollo missions. “To do this kind of dating, you have to melt the zircon,” Balboni says. “The lunar material is so precious, and there are so few reliable labs in the world that can do that, so no one has dared to do it. When I first did it, I was so scared.”

The researchers found that the crystals all formed at the same time, 4.338 billion years ago, which indicates that they likely formed in one giant impact. The same impact that created these crystals probably also formed the South Pole-Aitken Basin, the largest crater on the Moon, unless that impact crater was subsequently obscured by shifting sand or other impactors, Balboni says.

Not only is this a pivotal event in the history of the Moon, but it also tells us something about the space environment on Earth at that time. “The Moon is a very small object compared to Earth, so it was very likely that something very big struck Earth at that time,” Balboni said. “That big rock could have left behind cosmic gifts, like water, that might have helped the birth of life.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Cancellation of NASA’s VIPER lunar rover jeopardizes Artemis crewed landing in 2026

Posted on July 18, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

VIPER won’t go to the moon after all

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

NASA has announced that a completed rover scheduled for launch to the moon next year will be dismantled due to budgetary issues, leading researchers to question whether the space agency is really committed to landing a crewed spacecraft on the moon in 2026 as it currently claims.

The Volatile Investigation Polar Rover (VIPER) would be sent to the moon’s south pole in September 2025 to search for water ice. The rover, equipped with a drill, would search for subsurface ice in several locations on the moon, including in craters that are permanently in shadow.

But on July 17, NASA announced it was canceling the mission. “Decisions like these are never easy,” Nicola Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, said in a statement. “But in this case, VIPER’s remaining projected costs would have forced us to cancel or terminate many other missions, so we have made the decision to abandon this particular mission.”

NASA has already spent $450 million on the rover, and canceling it is expected to save only $84 million. NASA says it welcomes “expressions of interest from U.S. industry and international partners” to purchase VIPER, but if this does not occur by August 1, VIPER will be dismantled with the aim of reusing its parts for future missions.

Phil Metzger Metzger of the University of Central Florida said canceling the mission would be a “huge mistake” for NASA, especially since the space agency has ambitious goals of landing humans on the moon’s south pole in 2026 as part of its Artemis program. It could also jeopardize plans to use lunar ice as a source of rocket fuel. “The rover with the drill is an absolutely essential part of the mission,” Metzger said. “It would definitely have some impact on plans for a human mission.”

The cancellation of VIPER could also give China an advantage in lunar resource exploration: The unmanned probes Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8, scheduled for 2026 and 2028, respectively, are set to head to the lunar south pole to search for water ice.

Grant Tremblay Researchers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics said the cancellations highlight the budgetary challenges facing NASA and other U.S. government agencies, which have Funding is down 8.5% this year The funding came in just under $25 billion, less than the requested amount. “This is a perfect example of how tight the budget is across the board at NASA,” Tremblay said. “NASA can’t print money.”

Other NASA missions, including the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Mars Sample Return mission, which would bring rocks from Mars, are also facing cuts or cancellations due to shrinking budgets. “More bad news is sure to follow,” Tremblay said.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Possible Discovery of Lunar Cave Entrance Deep Hole on the Moon

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Proposed underground geometry of the Mare Tranquillitatis on the Moon

Wagner and Robinson

A network of caves may be hidden just beneath the Moon's surface, and researchers may have finally discovered an access point. These caves have long been predicted, but until now it has been difficult to prove their existence or find a way to directly explore them with future missions.

The Moon's surface is dotted with holes, or so-called skylights, which are openings in the ceilings of caves that are thought to have been formed by the collapse of ancient lava tubes – tunnels formed when lava flows beneath the solid crust. Leonardo Carrell Researchers from the University of Trento in Italy have discovered that the deepest part of these formations, the “The Pit of the Sea of TranquilityThese images were taken by NASA's Lunar Rover in 2010.

By comparing their simulations with lava tubes on Earth, the researchers found that the Mare Tranquillitatis hole appears to open into a large cavern buried at least 400 feet (130 meters) underground. The cave appears to be about 150 feet (45 meters) wide and at least 100 feet (30 meters) long, but could be much larger.

Caves like these could offer a unique window into the evolution of the Moon, says Carell. “Analyzing rocks from lunar caves, which have not been altered by the harsh lunar environment, could provide important insights into key scientific questions, such as the timeline and duration of volcanic activity on the Moon and the actual composition of the Moon's mantle,” Carell says.

The same stone ceiling that protects the cave rocks from the intense radiation experienced on the surface could also provide valuable shielding for future human explorers on the Moon. “Unlike the surface of the Moon, where temperatures change dramatically between day and night, [the caves] “It has a stable internal temperature, and it's also a natural shield against radiation and impacts,” Carrell says.

The idea of using natural caves like these as lunar base camps has long been popular, and future astronauts may one day call the Sea of Tranquility home.

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Moon/
Space Exploration

Source: www.newscientist.com

Potential Lunar Conflict: The Moon World War looms on the horizon

Posted on June 25, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The Moon, Earth’s steadfast companion that remains in orbit, has been a popular subject of discussion since the early days of space exploration. Missions have been planned, rovers have explored its surface, and even a flag has been planted there.

But why all the interest? The Moon is over 400,000 km away from Earth, a considerable distance to travel, and it poses many challenges as a potential habitat for humans, such as exposure to solar radiation.

However, the Moon offers other advantages. Being largely untouched, it presents opportunities for planetary research, scientific experiments, and notably, mining for valuable resources.

There is a growing interest in lunar exploration, raising the important question of lunar ownership. Philosopher and author AC Grayling addresses this topic in his new book, “Who owns the moon?”

SF: Why are we interested in going to the moon, and will it ever happen?

ACG: The Moon holds vast resources, making it a lucrative target for mining operations. Coupled with the rapid pace of technological advancements, the obstacles to lunar exploration are likely to be overcome. Significant investments are being made in this endeavor, indicating the potential benefits that could be derived.

While some argue that lunar exploration is not feasible, the lure of valuable resources like Helium-3 for clean nuclear fusion makes the Moon an attractive destination for mining activities.

SF: So who actually owns the moon?

The 1967 Outer Space Treaty, agreed upon by the United Nations, asserts that the Moon cannot be militarized or claimed for sovereignty or ownership. It is considered a shared resource belonging to all of humanity.

With various nations eyeing lunar exploration and exploitation, concerns about potential conflicts arise, highlighting the need for clearer regulations and agreements.

What are the next steps? Will the law be strengthened?

Efforts are being made to establish binding regulations, but the presence of multiple space agencies and rivalries between nations complicate the process. Initiatives like the Artemis Accords aim to set guidelines for responsible behavior in space.

However, the prospect of a new space race between major powers like the US, China, and Russia raises concerns about the potential for conflict and competition in space.

Can history give us any indication of what might happen?

The Antarctic Treaty serves as a model for international cooperation in preserving shared resources. However, challenges to extend the treaty’s scope and conflicting claims in Antarctica hint at the complexities of managing common territories.

Similar issues could arise in lunar exploration, especially with the potential for valuable mineral resources like Helium-3. The absence of clear regulations and the lack of a universal agreement on space governance present significant hurdles.

Is there an argument to leave the moon alone?

Given the Moon’s vast and barren nature, concerns about environmental impacts are minimal compared to Earth. Utilizing lunar resources for space exploration and sustainable practices could be more beneficial in the long run.

What’s the next step after the moon?

The Moon’s potential as a refueling station for Mars missions opens up new possibilities for further space exploration. As colonies on celestial bodies evolve, questions of independence and governance will arise, shaping the future of human presence in space.

In conclusion, the direction of space activities will determine whether they align with values upheld on Earth or devolve into profit-driven ventures. Clear regulations and international cooperation are essential to ensure a sustainable and equitable future in space.

About our expert, A.C. Grayling

AC Grayling is a philosopher and author of the book “Whose Moon is It?” He is also the founder of the New College of the Humanities and a respected figure in literary criticism and intellectual discourse.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Impending Lunar Battle: Tensions rise as a possible moon war looms on the horizon

Posted on June 23, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The Moon, Earth’s loyal companion that remains steadfast in its orbit around our planet, has been a topic of fascination and exploration ever since the early days of space travel. Missions have been planned, rovers have traversed its surface, and even a flag has been planted on its barren landscape.

But what is the appeal of the Moon? Situated about 400,000 km away from Earth, it poses numerous challenges for human habitation, such as high levels of solar radiation. However, the Moon offers a unique opportunity for planetary research, scientific experiments, and potentially lucrative mining ventures due to its untapped resources.

With the allure of untapped resources comes a race to be the first to claim ownership of the Moon. This begs the question: Who does the Moon truly belong to? Philosopher and author AC Grayling explores this complex issue in his latest book, Who owns the moon?

SF: Why the interest in the Moon, and will we ever reach it?

ACG: The Moon holds vast potential for mining operations as it is rich in resources, presenting a more feasible option compared to Earth. Despite logistical challenges, rapid technological advancements and substantial investments indicate that lunar exploration is imminent.

Some argue that a robotic base alone may not suffice for the extraction of valuable resources like Helium-3, crucial for clean nuclear fusion. The lure of economic gains raises concerns about potential conflicts over lunar territory.

SF: So, who lays claim to the Moon?

The 1967 Outer Space Treaty, ratified by the United Nations, prohibits militarization and territorial ownership of the Moon, declaring it a common heritage of mankind. This ambiguity has spurred competition among nations to pioneer lunar technologies.

Efforts to establish guidelines were made in 1979, yet the absence of binding agreements leaves room for potential disputes over lunar resources, particularly valuable elements like Helium-3. The lack of a regulatory framework raises concerns about future conflicts, extending beyond Earth.

Credit: Gremlin

What’s next, and will legal frameworks evolve?

The need for stringent regulations is apparent, given the burgeoning interest in lunar exploration by various space agencies. Proposals for lunar space stations and the Artemis Accords, a collaborative effort among nations for responsible space conduct, hint at evolving norms to govern lunar activities.

Historically, the 1961 Antarctic Treaty provides a model for international cooperation in preserving a common resource. However, challenges arise as countries like China and Russia seek to assert territorial claims in Antarctica, signaling potential conflicts over resource exploitation.

The Moon’s status as a shared resource prompts calls for inclusive lunar laws and international treaties to ensure equitable benefits. Efforts to establish regulatory frameworks face obstacles, mirroring past struggles in maritime law and resource management.

Is there a case for leaving the Moon untouched?

The Moon’s vast expanse and desolate nature diminish concerns over environmental impact, distinguishing it from Earth. Despite existing space debris, the Moon’s remote location offers ample space for exploration and development.

What lies beyond the Moon?

Envisioning a future where lunar infrastructure facilitates Mars exploration through water extraction for fuel production, heralds a new era of space colonization. Echoing historical precedents, colonies in space may strive for autonomy, shaping interplanetary relations akin to terrestrial geopolitics.

As humanity embarks on extraterrestrial endeavors, adherence to ethical principles and equitable resource-sharing remains pivotal for a sustainable cosmic future.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

About our expert, A.C. Grayling

AC Grayling, a distinguished philosopher and author, sheds light on lunar ownership in his book “Whose Moon is It?” He is also the founder of the New College of the Humanities, recognized for his contributions to literary criticism and philosophical discourse.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Rare Lunar Phenomenon Could Finally Unravel Stonehenge Enigma

Posted on June 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Stonehenge, an ancient temple in southern England built around 5,000 years ago, remains a mysterious site with no written explanation of its purpose. Modern analysis has shown that the massive stones were transported from distant quarries to the site.

The structure is aligned with the sun during the summer and winter solstices, but the significance of this alignment remains unclear. There is speculation about whether it was also aligned with the moon, a remarkable achievement for a society that did not have advanced technology.

On June 21, 2024, a team of experts aims to investigate if the moon was an integral part of Stonehenge’s design during a rare lunar event.

Professor Michael Parker Pearson, an expert in British prehistory, believes that if Stonehenge is connected to this event, it would show a profound understanding of celestial movements by its builders.

The lunar major standstill, occurring every 18.6 years, involves the moon reaching extreme positions in the night sky, similar to the sun’s solstices. Stonehenge’s alignment with these lunar cycles is a topic of ongoing research by experts.

The study of Stonehenge’s connection to the lunar standstill involves academics from multiple universities and aims to shed light on the role of the moon in the construction of this ancient site.

About our experts

Mike Parker Pearson: A Professor of British Late Prehistory at UCL with extensive experience in archaeology and heritage preservation.

Clive Ruggles: An Emeritus Professor of Archaeoastronomy known for his work on astronomy and World Heritage sites.

Amanda Chadburn: An archaeologist and historic environment advisor contributing to research on Stonehenge and its lunar connections.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Japan’s lunar lander “Slim” miraculously persevered through three lunar nights

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The SLIM lander continues to take photos of the moon's surface.

JAXA

Somehow, Japan's Smart Lunar Survey Lander (SLIM) survived three lunar nights. This is an amazing feat. The moon's nights are so cold that the spacecraft's batteries and electronics fail, so a lunar lander can typically survive one day on the moon, or about two weeks on Earth.

The lunar lander is built to withstand the moon's nighttime temperatures, which can drop to -133°C (-208°F). SLIM is no exception. There are no heaters or special insulation designed to keep the spacecraft's electronics warm.

The original plan was for the lunar night to mark the end of the lander's mission, so no one expected to wake up again when night fell less than two weeks after SLIM's January 19 landing. I wasn't expecting it. But on February 25, the sun rose over SLIM's resting place near the moon's south pole, lighting it up again.

Alarmed, the SLIM operations crew on Earth began instructing the lander to image and measure its surroundings until the next lunar night, when the mission would truly end. In late March, the sun rose again and the lander powered on and began transmitting data to Earth.

By all standards, the mission was a shocking success, even after a difficult landing left the spacecraft tilted. But yet another surprise awaited – three nights later on April 23, SLIM was revived again.

X's SLIM official account Posted“SLIM maintained its primary functionality even after a three-night stay, which was not envisioned at the time of its design.” New photos of the lunar surface accompanying that post show that the lander once again understands the moon. It also shows that they are working hard to collect data that will not only help them do this, but also help them create a spacecraft that can withstand moonlit nights.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The mysteries of the Moon may remain unsolved as new lunar missions approach

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

There is a new space race underway, with missions to the moon increasing at a significant pace. Recently, a spacecraft built by Intuitive Machines became the first U.S. mission to land on the moon since 1972’s Apollo mission.

China is preparing to launch Chang’e 6, furthering their lunar exploration program with plans to bring back lunar rocks from the far side of the moon. A NASA study suggests that 22 international missions could reach the moon by the end of 2026, potentially leading to astronauts leaving footprints on the moon once again.

Despite the exciting progress, researchers like Dr. Alanna Krolikowski and martin elvis warn of dangers overlooked in the rush of exploration. They emphasize the need to protect Sites of Extremely Scientific Significance (SESI) on the moon, similar to protecting special sites on Earth.

Krolikowski stresses the urgency of implementing SESI protections to avoid irreversible harm to these important areas. Two key locations on the moon, its backside shielded from Earth’s radio noise and its poles with valuable volatiles like water ice, require preservation for scientific research and exploration.

“The problem is urgent,” says Krolikowski. “We are facing a rapidly closing window in which SESI protections can be implemented to avoid the worst possible irreversible harm.”

Special attention is drawn to the moon’s poles with areas of eternal darkness that trap important volatiles. These regions hold valuable information about the history of the solar system, particularly in studying the early universe.

Researchers advocate for careful management of activities on the moon to avoid contaminating these special areas and preserving their natural state for exploration.

Proposals for protecting lunar SESIs include identifying and characterizing these areas, establishing rules in national and international space policies, and initiating negotiations under the United Nations for effective international cooperation.

Despite the challenges, experts like Krolikowski, Elvis, and Crawford stress the importance of getting it right to preserve the moon’s unique habitats and secrets. With increasing lunar activities, taking action now is crucial.

About our experts

Dr. Alanna Krolikowski is an assistant professor of political science at the Missouri Institute of Technology, specializing in space policy research published in academic journals like space policy and global policy.

martin elvis is an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics focusing on space economics, law, and ethics, with research published in Nature and other journals.

Professor Ian Crawford is a planetary scientist at Birkbeck University, known for his lunar science and exploration research published in various scientific journals.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

SLIM, Japan’s Lunar Lander, Astonishingly Survives Second Night on the Moon

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

View of the lunar surface taken from the tilted position of the SLIM lander

JAXA

Most landers we send to the Moon will operate for one lunar day, or about two weeks on Earth, until they die from the extreme cold of the lunar night. But Japan’s Smart Lunar Lander (SLIM) has now survived two nights on the moon and continues to send images back to Earth, an amazing feat.

SLIM is Japan’s first lunar lander and becomes the fifth country to land a spacecraft on the lunar surface. When the plane landed on January 19, it was tilted and the solar panels could not provide enough power to continue operating for more than a few hours. After nine days, the sun began to move again, moving across the sky.

But just three Earth days later, the lunar night began. Nighttime temperatures on the moon can drop as low as -133°C (-208°F), potentially damaging the spacecraft’s batteries and electronics. Normally, the lunar lander shuts down on a lunar night and never wakes up again, but it started up again on February 25 as the sun rose above Slim.

This in itself was a surprise. The lander was not specifically designed to withstand lunar nights, and its original mission was scheduled to end at night. So, as night approached again, this seemed to be the end of SLIM.

However, on March 27th, the SLIM official account I posted an image above X has the following caption: “Last night, we received a response from SLIM confirming that SLIM achieved its second success during the night. Last night, the sun was still high and the equipment was hot, so I quickly turned on my navigation camera. It looks like the lander will be able to resume analyzing its surroundings within the next few days.

Its survival is especially surprising because while some spacecraft use radioactive elements to stay warm, SLIM does not. “This is a significant achievement considering we are not using radioisotope heaters,” he says. Haim Benaroya at Rutgers University in New Jersey. “This result is important and impressive, given that this is a major design consideration for electronics (and people) to survive moonlit nights.” SLIM has failed while many other spacecraft have failed. Analyzing how they survived may help us understand how they stay warm on the moon.

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moon/
space exploration

Source: www.newscientist.com

When to Watch the Full Moon during the 2024 Lunar Eclipse Tonight

Posted on March 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Let’s prepare for an amazing event. A stunning lunar eclipse is set to occur on Monday, March 25, 2024, when the Earth aligns between the Sun and the Moon. This alignment causes the Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon, resulting in a dimmer appearance.

This event coincides with the Festival of Colors, a traditional Hindu celebration marking the arrival of spring and new beginnings. For locations more than 6 hours behind GMT (west of Chicago), the eclipse will start on the night of March 24, 2024.

Curious about where to witness a lunar eclipse, the difference between penumbral and umbral solar eclipses, the possibility of the moon turning red, or the astrological sign the moon will be in during a solar eclipse? Find answers to these questions below.

If you’re excited about clear nights this year, consider planning ahead with our UK full moon calendar and beginner’s guide to astronomy.

When does a lunar eclipse occur?

A penumbral lunar eclipse is scheduled for March 24th to 25th, 2024.

For viewers in the UK, the eclipse will take place a few hours before sunrise, with the moon setting as it reaches its maximum phase. In Bristol, the sunrise will be at 6am GMT on March 25th, placing the eclipse in the early morning sky just before the moon sets.

At 6:03 a.m. GMT, the eclipse will peak while the moon is still above the horizon. The true maximum at 7:12 a.m. won’t be visible as the moon will have set by then.

The moon will start to set at 6:11 a.m. GMT, but its proximity to the horizon and the eclipse phase may dim it before its descent, possibly making it almost invisible.

During a lunar eclipse, the moon will be above the horizon, providing better visibility for observers in the United States.

For Bristol, UK:

A penumbral solar eclipse begins: March 25th, 4:53 a.m. GMT (Moon visible on the horizon)
Maximum eclipse: March 25, 7:12 a.m. GMT (moon below the horizon)
Penumbral eclipse ends: March 25, 9:32 a.m. GMT (moon below the horizon)

For New York City, USA:

A penumbral solar eclipse begins: March 25th 12:53am ET (Moon visible above the horizon)
Maximum eclipse: March 25th, 3:12 a.m. ET (Moon visible on the horizon)
Penumbral eclipse ends: March 25th, 5:32am ET (moon visible on the horizon)

For San Francisco, USA:

A penumbral solar eclipse begins: March 24th, 9:53 PM PST* (Moon visible on the horizon)
Maximum eclipse: March 25th, 12:12am PST (Moon visible on the horizon)
Penumbral eclipse ends: March 25th, 2:32 a.m. PST (Moon visible on the horizon)

* In the United States, clocks changed to daylight saving time on March 10th. In the UK, clocks change to BST on March 31st.

Where can I see the lunar eclipse?

The lunar eclipse on March 25, 2024, will be visible across the United States, South America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, Asia, Western Australia, and the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

For locations west of Chicago, Illinois, the eclipse will begin on March 24 and last until sunrise.

What exactly is a penumbral eclipse?

All objects cast two shadows when in front of a light source: the dark umbra and the bright penumbra. This remains true when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon.

During a lunar eclipse, when the moon enters Earth’s penumbra, a partial shadow is formed. Penumbral eclipses are subtle and may be challenging to observe. On Earth, this translates to a gradual dimming of the Moon’s brightness.

During a lunar eclipse, the Earth casts a shadow on the moon. – Photo credit: Getty

During a total lunar eclipse, as the Moon enters Earth’s umbra, it takes on a reddish hue for a more dramatic effect. The intensity of the red color depends on the Moon’s position in Earth’s shadow, appearing blood red in the deepest shadow and pale red in partial shadow.

For future lunar residents, standing on the Moon during a lunar eclipse would reveal Earth blocking the Sun, a scenario where a solar eclipse is witnessed.

What causes a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves in front of the Sun, casting its shadow on the Moon. Since the Moon reflects sunlight back to us, its visibility during a lunar eclipse is affected when this sunlight is obstructed.

There are different stages to a lunar eclipse: transition through Earth’s penumbra, entry into the dark umbra, return to the penumbra, and finally exit from the shadow completely.

During the upcoming lunar eclipse on March 24-25, 2024, the Moon will stay within the penumbra without entering the central umbra.

What constellation is the moon in?

The penumbral eclipse on March 24-25, 2024, will take place while the Moon is in Virgo, mirroring the placement of Spica, the brightest object in the constellation but slightly to the west.

Will the moon turn red?

Unfortunately, the lunar eclipse on March 24-25, 2024, will not be total, meaning the Moon will not turn red. At most, observant viewers may notice a slight darkening, far less dramatic than during a total lunar eclipse.

Under most circumstances, the lunar eclipse will go unnoticed: “Regrettably, this full moon will only pass through Earth’s darker outer shadow. The lunar eclipse will not be observable at all!” Dr. Darren Baskill, University of Sussex, remarks.

To visualize the distinction, Dr. Baskill suggests placing your hand between a bright light and a surface at night, observing the fainter penumbra surrounding the dark umbra of your hand.

Why do solar eclipses come in pairs?

Observant viewers will notice solar and lunar eclipses occurring successively. After the lunar eclipse on March 24-25, 2024, a solar eclipse will follow on April 8, 2024, promising an even more impressive celestial event.

This phenomenon arises from the alignment of the Sun, Earth, Moon, and their orbital planes.

The Moon’s orbit is slightly inclined compared to Earth’s orbit around the Sun, leading it to pass slightly above or below Earth’s orbital path. Despite this, specific points where the Moon’s orbit intersects Earth’s orbital path—termed “nodes”—exist.

During a solar eclipse season, recurring approximately every six months, alignments near these nodes permit both solar and lunar eclipses to occur. The full moon’s passage through Earth’s shadow creates a lunar eclipse, which is followed by a solar eclipse two weeks later, during the new moon phase, with the Sun, Earth, and Moon aligning perfectly.

When is the next lunar eclipse?

Following March 25, 2024, a partial lunar eclipse is slated for September 18, 2024, preceding a total lunar eclipse about a year later, on March 14, 2025.

Subsequent total lunar eclipses will occur in three consecutive instances, on September 7, 2025, and March 3, 2026.

Here is a list of upcoming lunar eclipses:

March 25, 2024: penumbra
September 18, 2024: Partial
March 14, 2025: total
September 7, 2025: total
March 3, 2026: total
August 28, 2026: Partial
February 20, 2027: penumbra
July 18, 2027: penumbra
August 17, 2027: penumbra
January 12, 2028: Partial
July 6, 2028: Partial
December 31, 2028: total
June 26, 2029: total
December 20, 2029: total

Tips for viewing the lunar eclipse

No special equipment is needed to observe a lunar eclipse, as it is entirely safe to view the moon even during the event. The moon reflects sunlight and lacks dangerous radiation. Therefore, it poses no threat to human eyes.

On a clear night, simply use your eyes to witness the eclipse. A reclining chair may enhance comfort during outdoor viewing. For UK spectators, the eclipse will transpire before dawn, with the moon low on the horizon, possibly visible from indoors if not obstructed by foliage.

To maximize visibility, avoiding areas with high light pollution remains crucial.

Where is the comet located relative to the moon?

About our expert Dr. Darren Baskill

Dr. Darren Baskill is an Outreach Officer and Lecturer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Sussex. He previously instructed at the Royal Observatory Greenwich and managed the annual Astronomical Photographer of the Year competition.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

First images from civilian lunar lander capture historic moon landing

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A privately built spacecraft on the moon has sent back new photos from the lunar surface. The images captured the spacecraft’s much-lauded descent and the moment it rolled over shortly after landing.

The Odysseus lander, built by Houston-based Intuitive Machines, touched down on the moon on February 22, making it the first commercial ship to reach the moon’s surface and the first U.S. ship to reach the moon in more than 50 years. It made history as a spaceship.

The Odysseus Lunar Module took this image about 35 seconds after it rolled over on its approach to the landing site.
Intuitive machine via AP

The next day, Intuitive Machines announced that Odysseus had rolled over as it landed near a crater called Malapart A near the moon’s south pole. Company officials said the 14-foot-tall lander was operational, but part of the rover’s antenna was pointing toward the ground, limiting its ability to communicate with flight controllers on Earth. Ta.

with update MondayIntuitive Machines said it was continuing to communicate with the spacecraft, adding that flight controllers “will collect data until the lander’s solar panels are no longer exposed to light.”

Company officials said they expect to be able to communicate with Odysseus until Tuesday morning, based on the positions of the Earth and the moon. The lander was originally expected to spend about a week collecting data on the lunar surface before the lunar night begins and the spacecraft powers down.

In its latest update, the company announced that Odysseus’ instruments detected nine safe landing sites within the target zone near the moon’s south pole. The moon’s south pole region has long intrigued scientists because water ice is thought to be relatively abundant in permanently shadowed craters.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Lunar lander leans to the side on the moon’s surface but remains operational

Posted on February 24, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The lunar lander, known as Odysseus, is in good condition but resting on its side a day after making history as the first civilian spacecraft to touch down on the moon’s surface and the first U.S. lunar landing since 1972, a company official confirmed on Friday.

The landing craft caught one of its six landing legs on a rock near the end of its final descent, causing it to tip over on its side, according to a data analysis by aeronautical engineers at Houston-based Intuitive Machines.

Despite the unexpected landing, Odysseus is believed to be stable and near its planned landing site near a crater called Malapart A in the moon’s south polar region, said Stephen Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines.

“We are in contact with the lander and are actively sending commands to it in order to capture the first images of the lunar surface from the landing site,” Altemus added.

An update on the mission’s status posted on the company’s website early Friday confirmed that Odysseus was still operational.

Although initial reports indicated that the lander had landed upright, company officials clarified that it had actually landed on its side due to telemetry errors, but most of the payloads onboard were still functional, allowing for communication.

While there are some challenges, such as certain antennas pointing towards the surface and solar panels facing in the wrong direction, the spacecraft’s battery is fully charged and the mission director remains optimistic about fulfilling all payload requirements.

Odysseus utilized liquid methane and liquid oxygen propellants and performed well during its flight to the moon, making it the first of its kind in space exploration.

After overcoming navigation system issues during the final approach and descent to the moon, engineers successfully landed the spacecraft, reestablished communication, and are now monitoring its operation as it begins its mission on the lunar surface.

Following the news of the lander tipping over, Intuitive Machines’ stock experienced a 30% decline in extended trading on Friday, offsetting gains made earlier in the day.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Odysseus’ quest to become the first privately funded lunar lander delayed

Posted on February 15, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A Houston-based company’s planned launch of a spacecraft to the moon, aimed at becoming the first commercially built spacecraft to land on the moon, has been postponed.

The Intuitive Machines spacecraft, nicknamed Odysseus, was scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 12:57 a.m. ET on Wednesday. However, the launch was postponed because “the methane temperature before entering the methane load was outside nominal values,” according to NASA. Announced just before release.

The new launch date is scheduled for Thursday at 1:05 a.m. ET.

The lander will ride into orbit atop SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

Odysseus was originally scheduled to spend eight days in space before landing on the moon on February 22nd. This event marks the first U.S. moon landing in more than 50 years.

Another company attempted to accomplish the same feat a month ago, but ultimately failed. The lander, built by Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic Technology, suffered a catastrophic fuel leak shortly after liftoff, forcing operators to abort the entire mission.

Astrobotic Technology and Intuitive Machines are part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Lander Services Program, which is designed to accelerate the development of lunar landers by private companies and ultimately help NASA deliver cargo to the lunar surface. The lander could also be used to transport scientific equipment.

On its next flight, the lander will carry a combination of commercial cargo and NASA scientific equipment.

Odysseus is expected to land near the moon’s south pole, an area that has long intrigued scientists because water ice is thought to be relatively abundant in craters. .

NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services Program is part of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon in the next few years. NASA recently announced delays for two upcoming Artemis missions, pushing back a lunar circumnavigation flight that was scheduled to launch later this year to 2025 and pushing back Artemis’ first landing attempt to next year.

NASA eventually hopes to begin regular missions to the moon and build a base camp there.

Source: www.nbcnews.com