Infinity Cosmos

  This artist’s concept illustrates a potential volcanic moon orbiting the exoplanet WASP-49 b, as new evidence suggests that a massive sodium cloud observed near the planet may originate from an exomoon rather than the planet or its star. The existence of a moon outside our solar system remains unconfirmed, but a new NASA-led study may offer indirect evidence for one. Research conducted at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has revealed potential signs of a rocky, volcanic moon orbiting an exoplanet located 635 light-years from Earth. A significant clue is a sodium cloud that appears to be close to, yet slightly out of sync with, the exoplanet WASP-49 b, a Saturn-sized gas giant. However, further investigation is necessary to validate the cloud’s behavior. In our solar system, similar gas emissions from Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io create a comparable phenomenon. Although no exomoons (moons of planets outside our solar system) have been confirmed, several candidates have been identifi...

  NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, along with other telescopes, has discovered a supermassive black hole that has shredded a star and is now using the remnants to strike another star or smaller black hole. This finding bridges two cosmic enigmas and sheds light on the environments surrounding the largest black holes. An artist’s illustration depicts a disk of material, created when the supermassive black hole (on the right) tore apart a star with its intense tidal forces. Over several years, this disk expanded and intersected with another object—either a star or a small black hole—orbiting the giant black hole. Each collision generates bursts of X-rays, detected by Chandra. The inset includes Chandra's data (in purple) alongside an optical image from Pan-STARRS (in red, green, and blue). In 2019, an optical telescope in California observed a burst of light, later classified as a “tidal disruption event” (TDE), where a black hole tears apart a star that strays too close. This event...

  NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare on Oct. 9, 2024, showcasing the bright flash on the right in colorized gold, which highlights the extremely hot material in extreme ultraviolet light. On October 9, 2024, at 11:47 a.m. ET, the Sun emitted a significant solar flare classified as X1.4. Captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, this powerful burst of energy poses potential impacts on radio communications, electric power grids, and navigation signals, as well as risks to spacecraft and astronauts. Solar flares are categorized into classes, with X-class representing the most intense flares. The number indicates the strength of the flare, with higher numbers signifying more powerful events. For updates on how this solar activity may affect Earth, visit the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center at https://spaceweather.gov/ . NASA continues to monitor solar phenomena with a dedicated fleet of spacecraft that observe the Sun’s activity and the surr...

This structure, the Outer Barrel Assembly, will shield NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope from stray light that could disrupt its observations. Here, engineers are prepping it for testing.   HA key component of NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope recently underwent testing at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. The Outer Barrel Assembly, designed to maintain the telescope's temperature and shield it from stray light, was subjected to a two-part spin test in a large centrifuge. This setup features a massive steel arm, weighing 600,000 pounds, that rotates around a central bearing.  During the test, the assembly spun at 18.4 rotations per minute, generating forces over seven times Earth’s gravity and reaching speeds of 80 miles per hour. Due to its size—17 feet tall and 13.5 feet wide—the assembly had to be tested in two sections: the main structure, likened to a house on stilts, and the "stilts" themselves, known as the elephant stand. This stand sup...

  In an exciting collaboration, NASA has transformed its groundbreaking discoveries into an interactive Minecraft experience. Players can explore a vibrant world inspired by the James Webb Space Telescope, engaging with modules on star formation, planetary systems, and galaxies.  NASA is inviting gamers, educators, and students to embark on an exciting new adventure in collaboration with Minecraft, exploring a world inspired by the James Webb Space Telescope. This innovative partnership offers interactive modules focused on star formation, planetary science, and galaxy types, all modeled using real images from the Webb telescope. The James Webb Space Telescope Challenges aim to engage young minds in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Through gameplay, students can delve into the science behind Webb's discoveries, fostering a deeper understanding of NASA's mission and the real-world applications of their findings. "We’re thrilled to bring the wonders and sci...

  This artist's concept illustrates early Mars with liquid water (blue areas) on its surface, showcasing ancient features like valleys and deltas. Scientists believe Mars once had a denser, warmer atmosphere that allowed for rivers and lakes. However, as the planet cooled and lost its magnetic field, solar winds eroded much of its atmosphere, transforming it into the cold, arid desert we observe today. NASA's Curiosity rover is uncovering critical details about Mars' ancient climate, shedding light on its transformation from a potentially life-supporting environment to the inhospitable surface we see today. By analyzing carbon-rich minerals (carbonates) in Gale Crater, Curiosity's findings suggest that while ancient Mars may have had transient liquid water, it was not conducive to life as we understand it. Research led by David Burtt from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center indicates that the isotopic composition of these carbonates reveals extreme evaporation processes....

  NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare—visible as a bright flash in the lower right—on October 7, 2024. The image highlights extremely hot material in flares using colorized extreme ultraviolet light in teal. On October 7, 2024, at 3:13 p.m. ET, the Sun unleashed a powerful solar flare classified as an X2.1 flare, one of the most intense types. This significant event was captured by NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory, which continuously monitors solar activity. Solar flares are bursts of energy that can disrupt radio communications, electric power grids, and navigation signals, and they pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts in orbit. The X-class designation indicates the flare’s intensity, with the number providing further insight into its strength. To understand how this space weather may impact Earth, visit the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center at spaceweather.gov , the official source for forecasts, watches, warnings, and alerts related to s...