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NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day

Mar 18, 2024

Comet Pons-Brooks' Swirling Coma

A bright comet will be visible during next month's total solar eclipse. This very unusual coincidence occurs because Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks's return to the inner Solar System places it by chance only 25 degrees away from the Sun during Earth's April 8 total solar eclipse. Currently the comet is just on the edge of visibility to the unaided eye, best visible with binoculars in the early evening sky toward the constellation of the Fish (Pisces). Comet Pons-Brooks, though, is putting on quite a show for deep camera images even now. The featured image is a composite of three very specific colors, showing the comet's ever-changing ion tail in light blue, its outer coma in green, and highlights some red-glowing gas around the coma in a spiral. The spiral is thought to be caused by gas being expelled by the slowly rotating nucleus of the giant iceberg comet. Although it is always difficult to predict the future brightness of comets, Comet Pons-Brook has been particularly prone to outbursts, making it even more difficult to predict how bright it will actually be as the Moon moves in front of the Sun on April 8.

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html?

Moon mining startup Interlune wants to start digging for helium-3 by 2030

Mar 16, 2024, 8:22 AM PDT

A budding startup called Interlune is trying to become the first private company to mine the moon’s natural resources and sell them back on Earth. Interlune will initially focus on helium-3 — a helium isotope created by the sun through the process of fusion — which is abundant on the moon. In an interview with Ars Technica, Rob Meyerson, one of Interlune’s founders and former Blue Origin president, said the company hopes to fly its harvester with one of the upcoming commercial moon missions backed by NASA. The plan is to have a pilot plant on the moon by 2028 and begin operations by 2030, Meyerson said.

Interlune announced this week that it’s raised $18 million in funding, including $15 million in its most recent round led by Seven Seven Six, the venture firm started by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. The resource it’s targeting, helium-3, could be used on Earth for applications like quantum computing, medical imaging and, perhaps some day down the line, as fuel for fusion reactors. ​​Helium-3 is carried to the moon by solar winds and is thought to remain on the surface trapped in the soil, whereas when it reaches Earth, it’s blocked by the magnetosphere.

Interlune aims to excavate huge amounts of the lunar soil (or regolith), process it and extract the helium-3 gas, which it would then ship back to Earth. Alongside its proprietary lunar harvester, Interlune is planning a robotic lander mission to assess the concentration of helium-3 at the selected location on the surface.

“For the first time in history,” Meyerson said in a statement, “harvesting natural resources from the Moon is technologically and economically feasible.” The founding team includes Meyerson and former Blue Origin Chief Architect Gary Lai, Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt, former Rocket Lab exec Indra Hornsby and James Antifaev, who worked for Alphabet’s high-altitude balloon project, Loon.

https://www.engadget.com/moon-mining-startup-interlune-wants-to-start-digging-for-helium-3-by-2030-152216803.html

Study Documents Headaches Experienced by Astronauts in Space

March 17, 2024

Research in the growing field of space medicine has identified many ways in which zero-gravity and other conditions can affect the human body. Now, a new study finds that astronauts are more likely to experience headaches in space than previously known.

The study involved 24 astronauts from the U.S., European and Japanese space agencies. They all traveled aboard the International Space Station for up to 26 weeks. All but two of them reported experiencing headaches in space.

Headaches struck a larger number of astronauts than the scientists had expected. The headaches continued even after the crew had been in space long enough for the body to adjust. The process takes place in the first two weeks in space.

The headaches during the early period often presented similarly to migraines. Those experienced later in space travel presented more like a tension headache, the study found.

Neurologist WPJ van Oosterhout of Zaans Medical Center and the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands was lead author of the study. He said the research suggests different processes “are involved for the early headache episodes - the first one to two weeks in space - versus later headache episodes.”

The study was published this week in the journal Neurology.

"In the first week, the body has to adapt to the lack of gravity, known as space adaptation syndrome. This phenomenon is similar to motion sickness, and can cause nausea, vomiting and dizziness, and headaches," Van Oosterhout said. "The later headaches could result from … more fluid accumulating in the upper part of the body and head….”

Migraines experienced on Earth are often throbbing, and last four to seven hours, along with symptoms like nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound, Van Oosterhout said. Tension headaches on Earth usually are a dull pain felt over the whole head, he said.

The astronauts, 23 men and one woman, had an average age of about 47. They visited the International Space Station for missions that took place from November 2011 to June 2018. A total of 378 headaches were reported by 22 of the 24 astronauts during a total of 3,596 days in orbit. None of the 24 reported headaches in the three months after returning to Earth. None had ever had migraines before their time in space and none had a history of usual headache attacks.

Documented effects of space travel include bone and muscle weakening, or atrophy, changes in the brain, cardiovascular system and immune system. Astronauts have also experienced effects on the inner ear and a condition involving the eyes. The risk of cancer from high radiation levels in space is another concern.

Experts are unsure how much of a barrier these effects might have on human space travel over long periods, like trips to Mars or beyond.

"The honest answer is that we don't know the effects of long-duration space travel - possibly years - on the human body," Van Oosterhout said, adding, this "is a clear task for the field of space medicine."

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/study-documents-headaches-experienced-by-astronauts-in-space/7528271.html

https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000209224

Aerospace Corp. and Space Foundation announce partnership on workforce initiative

March 18, 2024

The Aerospace Corp. and the Space Foundation announced March 18 they are partnering to expand the Space Workforce 2030 program.

Aerospace started the Space Workforce 2030 initiative in 2022, forming a coalition of about 30 member companies with the goal of promoting a more diverse and inclusive workforce within the space industry, and to help inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Melanie Stricklan, co-founder and former CEO of Slingshot Aerospace, was tapped as the first executive director of Space Workforce 2030

Aerospace CEO Steve Isakowitz said Stricklan will lead several new initiatives such as increase outreach to underrepresented groups, provide educational opportunities like internships, and work with companies to promote inclusive hiring practices.

Aerospace is a nonprofit corporation that advises government agencies and operates a federally funded research and development center. The Space Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on education and outreach.

Space Workforce 2030 so far has relied on volunteers and administrative support from Aerospace. Given the demand for more activities, “we realized we needed to partner with an organization that could take us to the next level,” Isakowitz said. “Adding an executive director will allow us to raise money, raise our profile, and take on a lot of the great things that we haven’t been able to take on.”

The members of the group share workforce data to inform trend analysis about industry demographics and workforce diversity. “We will continue to collect data,” said Stricklan. “All the companies will continue to make sure that there is transparency and accountability.”

Industry faces talent shortages

The space industry is at a critical juncture, said Stricklan. Commercial space companies and government agencies face complex demands, and are confronting a shrinking talent pool and fierce competition for those with specialized skills and experience, she said.

Part of the challenge is a declining number of students pursuing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degrees that form the foundation for most space careers. There are also concerns that the industry is failing to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds who may be unaware of the exciting opportunities.

Space Workforce 2030 plans to work hand-in-hand with universities, community colleges and high schools to foster interest in space careers, Stricklan said.

One of its most successful initiatives is the National Space Intern Program to prepare students for space careers. About 332 interns participated in the first year and more than 4,100 undergraduate and graduate students registered for the 2024 program.

Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle said Space Workforce 2030 is partnering with the White House, NASA, industry and academia to host its first annual National Space Day, a nationwide event with in-person and streaming components designed to inspire the next generation.

https://spacenews.com/aerospace-corp-and-space-foundation-announce-partnership-on-workforce-initiative/

UFO sightings over Portugal “on increase”

18th March 2024

Incidents of UFO sightings have increased in recent years in Portugal – the district of Setúbal topping the list of most occurrences.

Say reports today, “Portugal has been the scene of a growing number of sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), arousing both curiosity and in-depth investigations.

“The Aerospace Phenomena Research Center (CIFA) reported a total of 33 occurrences last year, marking an increase compared to previous years, where 31 cases were recorded in 2022 and 19 in 2021.

“One of the most emblematic cases occurred on July 10, 2023, in Viana do Alentejo, when a motorist was surprised by a red reflection on the horizon, which persisted even after the vehicle had stopped.

“This incident, like the others, has been meticulously analysed by CIFA, but is still without a definitive explanation, and has been categorised as a probable “unknown aerospace phenomenon“.

CIFA president, Vítor Moreira, has mentioned the possibility that some of these sightings could be attributed to Portuguese Air Force drones, although absolute certainty is still out of reach. Investigation remains open, reflecting the complexity and challenge posed by the unidentified nature of these phenomena, explains Correio da Manhã.

In addition to the growing number of sightings, CIFA has also expressed interest in investigating second-degree encounters – such as the incident of burnt vegetation in Pedrógão Grande, which no one has been able to explain this far.

The district of Setúbal, with a total of seven cases last year, leads the number of sightings in Portugal, indicating possible geographical patterns and/ or specific conditions that favor such occurrences.

Most sightings have been attributed to drones, balloons and satellites, with one notable incident involving the sighting of a French M51.3 missile in November.

https://www.portugalresident.com/ufo-sightings-over-portugal-on-increase/

Inside the £160-a-ticket UFO conference where thousands of alien hunters flocked to French city to 'train humanity for the arrival of extraterrestrials' - as councillor slams 'eccentrics' peddling 'conspiracy theories'

UPDATED: 09:46 EDT, 18 March 2024

Thousands of UFO fanatics flocked to a small city in central France in the hopes of finally meeting extra-terrestrial life.

The event, organised by fringe group Alliances Célestes, reportedly drew around 2,200 people who each paid between €150 to €190 (£128 to £162) to attend the three day conference held in Zenith Limoges Metropole building in Limoges, a small city with a population of around 130,000.

Organisers said they wanted to prepare people for the arrival of aliens or 'new-style encounters.'

The event's website reads: 'The mission of this citizen delegation is to accompany humanity in this process, in order to properly inform and reduce the fear and stress that this type of encounter can generate.'

Though media was banned from the event, video of the conference was leaked to BFMTV, and showed thousands of people attentively listening to someone speaking on a set on the stage.

The stage was decorated with white furniture, including several seats and what appeared to be a high table on the right.

The background of the set was made up of 'futuristic' windows that portrayed stars rushing past the 'alien room' they were in.

The speaker can be heard telling conference attendees: 'We are in contact with civilizations. When I say in contact, it is with communication and a partnership, a collaboration.

'But they have a big problem, these civilizations, which is that they don't know how to communicate with the citizens of Earth.

'For what? Because the citizens of Earth are afraid.'

Two French reporters managed to sneak in, and said they saw Alliances Célestes' director Jean-Michel Raoux dressed in a blue and yellow outfit claiming he was a being from the planet 'Niam.'

Raoux reportedly claims he regularly meets with aliens and that he has the power to bring aliens to different parts of the Earth.

The crowd also heard from Anne Givaudan, a 'galactic reporter' who claimed she was from the land of 'Shambhala'. She told the conference's attendees that she has witnesses human-hybrid animals in Antarctica.

'That's why it's time to get up and say to ourselves, what are we doing? Do we trust beings who have always deceived us in all areas? A new world must emerge,' she told a crowd.

But while many in France dismissed the event as a harmless conference, political figures warned that these events draw in conspiracy theorists and extremists.

One person invited to the conference was QAnon sympathiser Antoine 'Q' Cuttitta.

The conspiracy theorist regularly posted conspiratorial videos to YouTube before the platform shut his channel down.

According to Conspiracy Watch, Cuttita helped set up the Human Health Alliance International, a group known for its embrace of 'alternative' medicine. It ran a platform that offered to connect patients with debilitating illnesses with 'aromatherapists', 'energeticians', 'magnetizers', 'massotherapists' or even 'naturopaths.'

'I was stunned that such an event took place in Limoges,' Thierry Miguel, vice-president of the Haute-Vienne department council tweeted.

'Who are these eccentrics who invite themselves to Limoges to put the ideas of charlatans and conspiracy theorists into people's heads?'

Miguel said he plans to organise a public meeting on the role of science and social progress.

'We cannot stand there with our arms crossed in the face of possible charlatans who will come and talk to us about theories from another time,' he told BFMTV.

'When a society is dysfunctional, it takes refuge in values like these. But we must strive to demonstrate the truth from the false by relying on science.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13209507/Inside-160-ticket-UFO-conference-thousands-alien-hunters-flocked-French-city-train-humanity-arrival-extraterrestrials-councillor-slams-eccentrics-peddling-conspiracy-theories.html

Hard MTN DEW Reveals Four New Flavors For Alien Abduction Day

18 Mar 2024 08:02:07

Mountain Dew has four new permanent flavors being added to the Hard MTN DEW line this week, as they're looking to get their supply abducted in the desert. The team has added the Baja Blast mix pack to their set moving forward; no longer a temporary item, and they have decided that they'd like to get it to some extraterrestrials. The team has set up a giant case of the drinks out in the middle of the Arizona desert as part of Alien Abduction Day happening on March 20, looking for any sign of life int he stars to pop by and snag some for the trip back to wherever they came from. Is it a stunt? Sure! But at least its a fun one. We have more info on the flavors, the event, and other promotional items for this week.

Hard MTN DEW – Baja Blast Flavors

In honor of the Hard MTN DEW Baja Blast Mix Pack rolling out now and the expected extraterrestrial return to Earth on Alien Abduction Day, Hard MTN DEW is celebrating big by luring UFOs to the custom-built, alien-friendly "Hard MTN DEW Baja Blast Beam Up" alien abduction site. Built in a remote area of the Arizona desert, the alien abduction site is near the home of one of the most witnessed and documented mass UFO sightings in modern history: The Phoenix Lights, and home to the state with some of the most reported sightings in the U.S., according to the National UFO Reporting Center. Specifically designed for easy UFO landing, the site features UFO landing lights, custom alien-inspired graphics, and an easy-to-follow bullseye pointing to our offering: 100 Hard MTN DEW Baja Blast Mix Packs atop a raised platform for spotting from space.

Alien Abduction Day

Beginning today through Alien Abduction Day on March 20, alien enthusiasts, fans, and the extraterrestrial-ly curious can tune in to (hopefully) witness Hard MTN DEW make first contact. Head to Hard MTN DEW's YouTube to catch the 24/7 livestream of the alien abduction zone. As fans tune in, the brand will also be surprising a few lucky drinkers with custom swag to commemorate the occasion: Hard MTN DEW-branded tinfoil-inspired bucket hats.

"We've captured the hearts and minds of HARD DEW Nation here on Earth, so it's only fitting we continue the wildly passionate fandom by setting our sights to the skies," said Erica Taylor, senior brand director for Hard MTN DEW. "Our fans will agree, the Hard MTN DEW Baja Blast Mix Pack is out of this world delicious, so to celebrate its new year-round availability, we wanted to launch in a big way – and there's nothing bigger than reintroducing it through an intergalactic exchange."

https://bleedingcool.com/pop-culture/hard-mtn-dew-reveals-four-new-flavors-for-alien-abduction-day/