February 2025 – OrbitHorizon

A glob and a star

Posted on February 26, 2025February 28, 2025 by albertzia87

Amidst the celestial tapestry, where stars twinkle like celestial jewels, lies a peculiar cosmic duo: “A Glob and a Star.” A celestial glob, a mesmerizing spherical cluster of countless stars, glows softly, its shimmering multitude akin to a celestial snowglobe. Alongside it, a solitary star, radiant and unwavering, casts its singular brilliance upon the surrounding void. Together, these celestial companions paint an ethereal scene, where the collective glow of the glob and the individual brilliance of the star create a captivating celestial tapestry.

Although it Lacks a Magnetic Field, Venus Can Still Protect With in its Atmosphere

Posted on February 26, 2025 by albertzia87

Venus, the enigmatic neighbor of Earth, defies expectations. Despite its lack of a protective magnetic field, it harbors a remarkable atmospheric sanctuary. Unlike our own planet, Venus’s atmosphere acts as a resilient shield, safeguarding its surface from the relentless bombardment of harmful space radiation. This unexpected feature highlights the diverse strategies employed by celestial bodies to ensure their survival in the unforgiving cosmic environment. It underscores the importance of atmospheric composition and dynamics in shaping the habitability of celestial worlds.

‘Half-Goldilocks’ world found going in and out of its habitable zone

Posted on February 26, 2025February 26, 2025 by albertzia87

Nestled among the vast ocean of stars, astronomers have discovered an intriguing world that dances in and out of its habitable zone like a cosmic tango. Nicknamed “Half-Goldilocks,” this planet teeters on the edge of conditions that could potentially support liquid water on its surface, the lifeblood of Earth’s biodiversity. Its elliptical orbit brings it close to its star, where temperatures soar, and then flings it back into the cold abyss, plunging it into a frigid slumber. This celestial seesaw has sparked fascination among scientists, offering tantalizing glimpses into the enigmatic dance of astrophysical phenomena and hinting at the potential for complex life beyond our solar system.

ESA and Red Cross partnership brings space technology to disaster management

Posted on February 26, 2025 by albertzia87

When satellites track typhoons and provide emergency communications, they are part of an ever-evolving ESA-Red Cross partnership that brings space technology to the realm of crisis management.

In 2001, ESA and the Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre launched the first Disaster Monitoring Constellation, a group of satellites dedicated to providing near-real-time data following natural disasters.

Since then, ESA and the Red Cross have collaborated on a wide range of projects, including using satellite imagery to monitor the spread of disease, developing tools to predict and manage natural disasters, and providing training on satellite technology for Red Cross staff and volunteers.

NASA JPL Scientists, Engineers Collaborate With Artists for Exhibition

Posted on February 26, 2025 by albertzia87

In an ethereal realm where science and art converge, NASA JPL scientists and engineers embark on an extraordinary collaboration with renowned artists. Together, they explore the intersection of technological innovation and artistic expression through a captivating exhibition. Embracing both the vastness of space and the complexities of human experience, this showcase fuses scientific data with artistic vision, inviting viewers on an awe-inspiring journey through the cosmos and within ourselves.

NASA Plan to Shoot and Ship Samples of the Red Planet on Hold

Posted on February 26, 2025February 26, 2025 by albertzia87

NASA’s ambitious plan to retrieve Mars samples and send them back to Earth is facing an unexpected setback. The space agency has announced that the launch of the Sample Retrieval Lander, originally scheduled for 2026, will be delayed indefinitely.

This delay is a major disappointment for the scientific community, which has been eager to get its hands on samples of Mars’ surface. Scientists believe that these samples could provide vital clues to the history of life on Mars, and even the potential for life to exist there today.

The Samples Retrieval Lander is a complex and ambitious mission. It would involve sending a lander to Mars to collect samples from the surface and then a rocket to launch those samples back to Earth. The mission is also facing technical challenges, including the development of a new type of rocket that can withstand the extreme heat of Mars’ atmosphere.

Blue Ghost moon lander lowers its orbit to fly closer to the lunar surface (video)

Posted on February 26, 2025 by albertzia87

The Blue Ghost moon lander, operated by the private company Intuitive Machines, has successfully lowered its orbit around the Moon, bringing it closer to the lunar surface. The lander is now orbiting at an altitude of approximately 100 kilometers, down from its previous orbit of 200 kilometers. This maneuver will allow the lander to conduct more detailed surveys of the Moon’s surface and gather data for future missions to the Moon.

The Sky This Week from February 21 to 28: Saturn and Mercury meet

Posted on February 26, 2025 by albertzia87

Through the interplay of celestial spheres, Saturn and Mercury orchestrate a cosmic rendezvous from February 21st to 28th. On the evening of the 21st, a thin crescent Moon gracefully joins the celestial dance. As darkness envelops, peer eastward to witness Saturn’s ethereal glow, adorned with its exquisite rings. Neighboring it, Mercury’s brilliance twinkles relentlessly, a celestial escort. The harmonious fusion of these celestial bodies paints an enchanting celestial tapestry, a testament to the celestial ballet unfolding above us.

Euclid Discovers Einstein Ring in Our Cosmic Backyard

Posted on February 26, 2025February 26, 2025 by albertzia87

In a cosmic coup, the Euclid space telescope has spotted a mind-boggling ring of light, an Einstein ring. As the light from a distant galaxy bends around a closer massive galaxy, it creates this celestial halo. This discovery, right in our cosmic backyard, marks a triumph for Euclid’s mission. The telescope’s keen eye captures the delicate curvature of spacetime, confirming Einstein’s theory of general relativity. This cosmic spectacle serves as a testament to the intricate interplay of gravity and light, opening new avenues for exploring the universe’s hidden treasures.

Paralympian John McFall could become 1st astronaut with a disability on ISS

Posted on February 26, 2025 by albertzia87

In a historic chapter for space exploration, John McFall, a Paralympian with a disability, is poised to journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere to become the first astronaut with a disability to board the International Space Station. McFall’s determination and resilience have inspired countless individuals, proving that the boundaries of human potential extend far beyond physical limitations. This extraordinary mission holds the promise of reshaping our understanding of what it means to be an astronaut, paving the way for a future where diversity and inclusion soar high in the cosmos.